Manatee (AO 58) - Naval Cruise Book

Text from Pages 1 - 104 of the 1969 volume:

ME STPAQI y 1970 % Since her commissioning in April, 1944, USS MANATEE (AO-58) has been in con- tinuous service to the nation as an import- ant element in the Navy ' s Pacific Fleet. Although technological advances during this twenty-six year period have brought about revolutionary changes, the ships ' of her class remaining in commission con- tinue to fulfill an important role in the Navy ' s goal of World Peace Through Sea Power. Preparedness is an extremely import- ant concept in the Navy. It means being ready and able to perform an assigned task effectively, efficiently, punctually and safely. Preparedness for a ship of the fleet demands ability, planning, hard work and intelligent coordination. Even as the needs of the fleet change the standards of readiness require the suppliers of food, fuel, spare parts, ammunition, mail and all other necessary items be prepared to provide support anytime anywhere. It is the goal of preparedness for which the men remembered in this Cruise Book strived. HISTORY MANATEE was commissioned on April 6, 1944 at Bethlehem Shipyard, Baltimore, Maryland. She was the tenth of the Cimarron Class Fleet Oilers to be built. Intended as a commercial tanker, she was modified to fit the requirements of underway replen- ishment. On June 16, 1944 MANATEE entered World War II as a part of the Logistic Support in the invasion of Saipan, Tinian, and Guam. Throughout these campaigns MANATEE shuttled from Eniwetok to the fueling areas, servicing ships of various types as often as necessary. After these islands were secured, MANATEE moved to Manus Island and continued servicing what was then the Third Fleet throughout the first phase of the Battle of the Philippines. In October of 1944, MANATEE proceeded north to join the forces of Admiral HALSEY, then covering the landings on Leyte. By this time, the oiler had become a floating supply base, supplying mail, aircraft wing tanks, depth charges, freight, motion pictures, transportation service, and a large number of personnel replacements, enabling the Fleet Commander to maintain indefinitely his strikes against the enemy. Late in February 1945, MANATEE was ordered to Leyte Gulf where she was to help support the invasion of Okinawa. Following the Okinawa Campaign, MANATEE became a part of the Logistics Force, lending support to the Carrier Task Groups participating in the Third Fleet Op- erations against the home islands of Japan. These operations often took MANATEE close to the Japa- nese Coast and she continued these operations until the end of the war. Following the war MANATEE was assigned the Formosa Straits Patrol. In carrying out these oper- ations, she was sent to Keelung, Formosa, Hong Kong, China and the Pescadores Islands. When not assigned to the straits patrol, she was sent to combat areas for re- plenishment operations. Since the close of the Korean conflict MANATEE has served with the U.S. Pacific Fleet, having made eight WESTPAC deployments in the last eleven years. MANATEE has played a key role in supporting ships off the coast of Vietnam since the escala- tion of the Vietnam conflict. She deployed on 26 July 1969 on her fifth Vietnam support mission. After arriving in Sasebo, Japan and briefly servicing the Task Force operation south of Korea, MANATEE arrived in Subic Bay, her WESTPAC Homeport for seven months of arduous service. 155 ships were replenished by MANATEE during 10 line trips. She earned praise from the ships she serviced and plaudits from her Operational Commander for her consistently excellent performance. MANATEE has proven herself re- liable and efficient in spite of over 25 years of continuous service. y?ar Each fiscal one of the mostco for efficiency, that represents t tiveness, smartness reviewing records operational profi MANATEE compe ed as the winner proudly displays black Battle E patches on MANATEE is a proul attitudes, excell The display of th It . BATTLE E FOR MANATEE the Command ir Service Force Pacific Fleet bestowsr ted awards a l ' aval ship can recieve, the Battle E ?his commendation recognizes one ship out of each class le highest standardly uf Proficiency, readiness, effec- ts and reliabality in th i previous years schedule By of committments, amount ;ency, the ship with the Eff i :iiency of services rendered, and highest rating is determined. ies against ten other AO -22 class oilers and was select- or the fiscal year ending 30 June, 1969. She now he white lette r E on 1 ler bridge and the red and Pennant I from her main truck. Her sailors wear thfcir uniforms. These E ' s serve notice to all that ship manned w th a crew who demonstrate positive nt leadership An d MtaapiLaBff nnrf wpma nce of duty. ; E reinforces the ship ' s motto, MANATEE Can Hack CHANGE OF COMMAND On August 23, 1969 Captain C. E. FAAS relieved Cap- tain J. F. GILLOOLY as Commanding Officer of MANATEE. The ceremony took place while MANATEE was in Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, shortly after her arrival from Japan. Present for the change of command was Rear Ad- miral R.L.J. LONG Commander Service Group Three, who delivered the keynote address. Since the change of com- mand, Captain GILLOOLY has taken command of the aircraft carrier, WASP. Captain FAAS reported from the staff of Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Force Pacific. He assumed command as MANATEE prepared for her first line trip of the 1969 deploy- ment. He had previously commanded the destroyer USS INGRAHAM. Captain GILLOOLY commanded MANATEE from April 1968 through a WESTPAC deployment and major overhaul. Prior to assuming command of MANATEE he served as direc- tor of the Policy Division, Bureau of Personnel. Designated as Naval Aviator in 1948, he served with ASW Patrol Squadron 21, Electronic Countermeasures Squad- ron One and the Staff of Commander Naval Air Force, Pacific Fleet and the Commandant, Naval War College. He served as Operations Officer, Executive Officer, and Commanding Officer of Air Anti-Submarine Squadron 36 on the USS RANDOLPH (CVS-11). For his service during MANATEE ' s 1968 deployment he was awarded the Bronze Star. The change of command ceremony was concluded with music from the Naval Base Band. FROM THE CAPTAIN When took command of the good ship MANATEE back in August 1969 I promised all hands that we would go to sea, do a good job and have fun doing it. Looking back now on our arduous deployment I can honestly say that we have done just that. We steamed 47,300 nautical miles, replenished 155 ships of all shapes and sizes, made every commitment in fair weather and foul, evaded those infamous ladies, ty- phoons Co ra, Doris, Elsie, and Flossie, delivered 473,459 bbls. of black oil, 8,828,358 gallons of jet fuel, 97,313 ga ons of fresh water, 790 bags of fleet mail, and thou- sands of tons of fleet freight and provisions. We corrected all of our own ills while at sea so that the old gal could keep up with the fast pace. We did without upkeep periods when the operational schedule wouldn ' t permit such a luxury. We accepted additional time at sea when other ships suf- fered misfortunes. And, when the chips were down and disaster threatened, her performance was even more im- pressive. All in all, we did a good job! I think every person in ship ' s company will agree that we had fun. Who can forget the memorable visits to Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, Singapore or Sasebo — the four best lib- erty ports in the Orient? Who can forget the Equator Cross- ing ceremony? The plush hotels? The swim calls? Fishing? Tours? Most of all, who will fail to remember the wonderful homecoming? All in all, we had fun! This has been a most rewarding and satisfying deploy- ment for me. You officers and men made each day a pleas- ure. Your hard work, dedication, willingness to devote long and arduous hours of each day to get the job done have made MANATEE the fine ship she is. Her fine reputation is a direct result of your commendable efforts. You hove made me, her Captain, a very grateful and proud man. Thank you for a difficult job, Well Done. To the relatives and friends I send special thanks for your cooperation and thoughtfulness, your prayers, your letters. With such support from those at home our job was made easier. MANATEE is a good ship because her people are good. Her people are the officers, the men and the loved ones back home. They are all part of our team, all parts of the MANATEE family. As the Captain, I wish to thank each and every member of the MANATEE family for a truly splendid performance. Gratefully, £- CAPTAIN C. E FAAS COMMANDING OFFICER Captain FAAS assumed command of the USS MANATEE (AO-58) on 23 August 1969 at Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines. Captain FAAS enlisted in the Navy in October 1942 as an Apprentice Seaman. Following graduation from Torpedoman ' s Mate School, Newport, Rhode Island, he served aboard the USS NOA (DD-343) and USS BOOTH (DE-170) as TM3 and TM2, respectively. He received his commission via the V-12 program at Berea Col- lege, Berea, Kentucky and Midshipman School, Notre Dame Univer- sity, South Bend, Indiana. Following his commissioning in 1945, Captain FAAS served in the USS WARRINGTON (DD-843) as Tor- pedo Officer and Assistant Gunnery Officer. Subsequent tours at sea included: Gunnery Officer in the USS BISPEE (PF-46), First Lieutenant in USS LEYTE (CV-32), Executive Officer in the USS BROWNSON (DD-808) and Commanding Officer USS INGRAHM (DD-694). The MANATEE is his eighth assignment at sea. Ashore Captain FAAS has served as Instructor in Seamanship at Officers Candidate School, Newport, R.I.; Commanding Officer U.S. Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Training Center, Pueblo, Colo- rado; a similar billet at South Charleston, West Virginia; Anti-Sub- marine Warfare Program Officer on the staff of the Commandant, Fifth Naval District, Norfolk, Virginia; and, prior to reporting to the MANATEE, served on the staff of Commander-Destroyer Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. For his World War II Combat service, Captain FAAS wears the African European Service Medal with three bronze stars, American Theatre, Asiatic Pacific, American Defense and the Victory Medals. For his part during the Korean War he received the Korean Service Medal with seven stars, the China Service Medal, United Nations Medal, Occupation Medal and the Sigmund Rhee Presiden- tial Commendation Medal. For participation in the Vietnam War Captain FAAS wears the Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star and the Vietnam Cam- paign Medal with device. In addition, he was awarded the Mer- itorious Service ' Medal while serving on the staff of Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet in support of the war effort. While Captain FAAS was originally from West Orange, New Jersey, he presently makes his home in San Diego, California. He is married to the former Obera Powers Huddleston of Benham, Kentucky. They have three daughters: Ann, Mary and Susan, ages 21, 19, and 14, respectively. JULY 1968 - DECEMBER 1969 EXECUTIVE OFFICER LCDR ROBERT E. MUMFORD JR. Lieutenant Commander Robert E. Mumford Jr. received his commission fol lowing his graduation from the University of Rochester in 1957. He served aboard the USS VALLEY FORGE (CVS-45) from 1957 to 1959 first as Signals Officer, then as A Division Officer. From 1959 to 1961 he served on the staff of the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps unit at the University of Colo- rado. While there he completed course work for an M.A. in Political Science which he subsequently received in 1968. In 1961 LCDR Mumford reported aboard the USS RUSH- MORE (LSD-14) where he served as First Lieutenant and later as Operations Officer during two Mediterranean cruises. 10 After serving as an analyst with the Defense Intelligence Agency from 1963-1966 he was assigned to the staff of Commander Amphibious Squadron One. He was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal and Navy Achievement Medal, both with Combat Distinguishing Device for mer- itorious service on the staff in Vietnamese operations. Lieutenant Commander Mumford reported to USS MAN- ATEE (AO-58) in July 1968. He is married to the former Sandra Zacher of Rochester, New York, and has a son, James and a daughter, Monica. The family resides in San Diego. He departed MANATEE in December for assignment with the Chief of Naval Operations. DECEMBER 1969 Lieutenant Commander Kenneth Fisher relieved Lieutenant Commander Mumford as Executive Offi- cer in January while the ship was in Singapore. LCDR Fisher received his commission in 1958 in a direct appointment following his graduation from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. He served aboard the USS HISSEN (DER-400) from 1958 to 1960 as ASW Officer, Weapons Officer, and First Lieutenant. He followed this with a tour as instruc- tor of Naval Science at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. In 1963, after receiving a masters degree in Education from Bridgewater St ate College, LCDR LCDR KENNETH A. FISHER Fisher returned to sea aboard the USS MAGOLFIN (APA-199). From December 1965 to May 1966 he attended Defense Intelligence School in Washing- ton, D.C. and continued on to Singapore where he was Naval Attache at the United States Embassy. He was then ordered to the USS SUFFOLK COUNTY (LST-1 173) as Executive Officer and served there until ordered to the MANATEE in November, 1969. LCDR Fisher is married to the former Lorna R. Boardman of Attleboro, Massachusetts and they have two children, Keith, 9 and Karl, 3. The Fishers live in Huntington Beach, California. OUR MISSION UNDERWAY REPLENISHMENT 12 DEPARTURE On July 26, 1969, after three weeks of training and a major shipyard overhaul the MANATEE de- parted for WESTPAC. The CRUDESPAC Band arrived as the brow was being raised and with the fading sounds of Anchors Aweigh the ship cleared the fuel pier and headed into the stream. The transit was relatively uneventful as the major overhaul completed in June at Long Beach Naval Shipyard had left the ship in excellent condition. The new crew had a chance to work together and get the feel of the ship at sea. Because of the generally fair weather during the summer, the MANATEE proceeded well North of the Hawaiian Islands. Few ships were encountered. Landfall was made on Tori Shima Island, in the outermost archipelego of the Japanese Islands on the 9th of August as a small ' blip ' on the ship ' s radar. At dusk, on August 10, the lookouts spotted the entrance to Van Diemen Strait at the southern extreme of Japan. 13 SASEBO MANATE E pulled into Sasebo for post-transit re- pairs. Although the transit weather had been generally fair, the constant exposure had necessitated mainte- nance for all outside areas. The crew took advantage of the warm Japanese summer to sightsee in Sasebo and Nagasaki. The beaches and downtown shopping drew many of the crewmen. SSK, the largest shipbuilding firm in Japan is located in Sasebo and provided expert engineering assistance. Fifty bags of mail poured aboard when the ship berthed at India Basin, and though liberty call went shortly after arrival, few people left until the letters were out. MANATEE appears dwarfed by a supertanker being built by SSK in Sasebo. FIRST UNREP After four days in Sasebo, MANATEE headed for her WESTPAC homeport, Subic Bay, in the Philippines. Enroute the ship was diverted to Okinawa and un- repped the attack carrier TICONDEROGA and her destroyer escorts. Meanwhile, thousands of miles South, a storm was building and before MANATEE completed servicing the carrier group, Typhoon CORA was on an intercept course with the ship off Okinawa. For two days MAN- ATEE steamed to avoid the oncoming storm. Finally, anticipating CORA would hold her direction, the ship slipped down the East side of Taiwan and into Subic. TICONDEROGA takes a full load during the August unrep. 14 The main gate into Olongapo, the city outside the Subic Base was often the start of ning ' s liberty. SUBIC BAY With only one day to prepare for her first line trip, the crew rapidly loaded fresh provisions, mail, and fleet freight. Cargo freight was topped off and preliminary contact was made with the port services personnel. On August 23, Captain FAAS relieved Captain GIL- LOOLY as Commanding Officer of the MANATEE. The fol- lowing morning the ship departed Subic for the first of ten line trips. Fuel rigs hang ready for loading al the Subic POL Pier Alava Wharf was the usual take off point for MANATEE in Subic. 15 BORNEO TO TAIWAN INCLUDING THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS • - -.- :-fft - — - - { -r, ... ■ ENROUTE: THE ORDERS COME IN During the first day of transit, the ships along the line began sending service requests listing their require- ments and proposing rendezvous points. The communica- tions traffic increased requiring sharp, accurate reaction by the ship ' s Radiomen in evaluating all radio traffic, and insuring that necessary messages were rapidly routed. Replenishment hoses and fittings were given a final check and all gear stowed in anticipation of the arduous work ahead. At the extreme end of Vietnam, MANATEE rendezvoused with two Coast Guard cutters on patrol from the Cambodian border. After servicing them, the ship continued up the coast picking up minesweepers, Coast Guard cutters, and destroyers engaged in support and surveillance operations off the coast. UNREPING: CONTINUED The job of underway replenishment is a neces- sary, difficult task, but training and coordination make it a smooth, rapid operation. Because of the inherent danger in the close operation between ships, only the best qualified helmsmen and throttlemen are at the ship ' s control stations. As the customer ship approaches, last minute communications and preparations are com- pleted. The Signalmen, utilizing flag and signal light, maintain close contact. In cargo central, the Shipfitters and Damage Controlmen in charge of the ship ' s cargo system complete the lineup of valves and lines. Since MAN- ATEE has 17 cargo tanks with three different prod- ucts, it requires a thoroughly knowledgeable crew to insure not only rapid delivery of quality fuel, but maintenance of ship stability and trim as the fuel is pumped off. SN GARCIA exchanges calls by light with an approaching ship. OM3 VOSS is backed-up on the helm by LTJG GABRIEL safety precaution stands alertly in formation as the customer makes her final approach. STANDBY TO RECEIVE On deck, the Bosun ' s Mates and Deck Seamen layout necessary lines and give all rigs a final check to insure that no twists or breaks can foul the oper- ation. The Supply Storekeepers break out freight and provisions for transfer. Many of the ships served are at sea for twenty days continuously and must restore all provisions from ships like the MANATEE. The oiler has become an all purpose support unit: a combination post office, supermarket, and gas station. As the customer begins her approach from astern, the crew stands ready to take any neces- sary action. On the bridge, the Captain watches the approach, utilizing phone talkers to keep him in constant communication with all parts of the ship, while the Executive Officer oversees the final co- ordination of all preparations. The customer ship takes station about one hundred feet away and after a greeting from MANATEE, prepares to receive the fuel rigs. The rig captain signals to hold the winches by his upraised fist 19 The rigs hang from a span wire which the customer attaches above the fueling out- let and on which the MANATEE must maintain constant tension. On a signal, Gunner ' s Mates sling lead bolos with messenger lines at- tached. With these messengers the customer draws over the span wire and the rig. Led by GMG2 Andy Horton, MANATEE ' S Gunners built an impressive record of pre- cision throws. MANATEE even challenged all service force ships to a bolo contest; no takers appeared. On signol, the volve is opened and fuel flows through the rig. The hose rides over on a span wir Two men ready o cargo load for transfer. 20 When the rigs are over, the valves are opened and fuel is transferred at the rate of one thousand gallons a minute. Freight and mail are transferred by highline apparatus. To transfer personnel, extreme safety precautions are used. A hand tended line is employed requiring fifty persons. Even for the most experienced sailor, the transfer over that short breadth of water is an experience not soon forgotten. A phone talker stands by mail to be transfe The open hand signal tells the winch man to run the load over. 21 1 1 m % • i LAY BACK ON THAT LINE! MANATEE receives mail, personnel and expended am- munition from the customer ship. After all transfers are completed, the rigs are returned, the customer ship pulls away, and the MANATEE heads for her next rendezvous. For the men in the engineroom and fireroom, ship ' s operation requires special alertness. Steam not only drives the ship, it runs the winches, powers and pumps, and drives the generators that provide electrical power. With all equip- ment operating at near full load, any loss of steam pressure could cause a major disaster. 22 VERTREP Vertreps are the helo drop of food or supplies. MANATEE doesn ' t have a helo deck, but often re- ceives necessary supplies on the fanrail. k ARMSTRONG, LYNCH RE-ENLIST In the appropriate setting of an underway re- plenishment, pictured above, Master Chief Boat- swain ' s Mate ARMSTRONG and Engineman Second Class LYNCH re-enlisted in the U.S. Navy onboard MANATEE for two and six years respectively. Pre- siding over the ceremony was Captain FAAS, MAN- ATEE ' S skipper. The re-enlistment ceremony pictured here was taken during a six hour replenishment at the end of one of MANATEE ' S numerous line swings up the coast of Vietnam. 23 FAIR WEATHER ON THE LINE BUT With the prevailing Southwest monsoon the weather was fair and warm for the three line trips which lasted from August until the end of September. Ground action had been moderately heavy and MAN- ATEE returned to Subic with heavy loads of ammuni- tion retrograde. HEAVY WEATHER HERE COMES TYPHOON ELSIE! Fall is typhoon season in the Pacific and each trip had at least one storm to add to the planning. After MANATEE ' S third line trip, a liberty stop in Kaohsiung, Taiwan was sched- uled but Typhoon ELSIE forced a diversion as she swept over the North end of Taiwan. Even though the storm passed a thousand miles North of the ship, storm seas and gale winds were encountered. In the Bashi Channel between Taiwan and the Northern Philippine island of Luzon, MANATEE un- repped two ships both low on fuel from trying to avoid the same storm. The supply ship WHITE PLAINS and destroyer GEORGE B. MACKENZIE braved heavy seas to come along- side for servicing. STANDBY TO RECEIVE THE USS GEORGE MacKENZIE The MACKENZIE begins her op proa ch into the ten foot seas picking up speed to come alongside. The waves get choppier as siie closes the gap. ALONGSIDE STARBOARD ' ' The narrow harbor entrance to Kaohsiung requires expert navigation. KAOHSIUNG TAIWAN After a two day delay, the ship pulled into Kaohsiung for a three day stop. Kaohsiung is the major Nationalist Chinese harbor and homeport for the Nationalist Navy. The narrow muddy harbor teemed with cargo and fishing craft. After contact with Subic and briefly with Sasebo, Kaohsiung was the first place with the look (and smell) of an Oriental port. It is a favorite R R port for US Ships, since besides the exotic entertainment, Kaohsiung is the center of a well developed furniture and woodcraft industry. With the ab- sence of copyright agreements, the streets are lined with bookstores and record shops selling pirated editions at a fraction of their US cost. Unfortunately, purchase of these items was illegal for US crews. Many crew members took at least one ride in a pedicab, a combination bicycle-taxi that is one of the major means of transportation in the city. The fare is open to debate and, of course, the drivers are extremely proficient at bargaining with the US servicemen. 26 Fun ride, isn ' t it POGENESSE? MANATEE HELPS A HOSPITAL During the 1968-69 cruise, the MANATEE ' S crew helped paint and rebuild a small hospital for crip- pled children in the city. As a Christmas gesture, the crew sent over $200 to buy supplies. Those who had worked during the last cruise found is very rewarding and many offered to help again, sacri- ficing part of their liberty. Signalman First Joe HESSEN and Chaplain HEDWIG organized twenty men to build a sun porch and to work on the garden and grounds. The children and the crew managed to communicate despite the language barrier. After leaving Kaohsiung, the MANATEE received an embroidered pennant with the inscrip- tion, Thank You MANATEE, Friend of the Sick. Kaohsiung was the scene of the first real chal- lenge to MANATEE ' S softball squad. The team had played a few warmup games in Subic and efforts by coach Ernie FINKBEINER arranged a contest with a local team. Despite heroic efforts of SHL3 LOPEZ and others, MANATEE lost to the home team. It was a game enjoyed by all and added to the MANATEE ' S goodwill efforts toward our Southeast Asian allies. SN OCONNER makes a friend. LTJG GABRIEL receiving the traditional shake after scoring. SOFTBALL Sparked by cooler weather in Subic Bay during Novem- ber and December, MANATEES softball team came alive, in spirit if not in victories. MANATEE ' S schedule made it difficult to arrange games in advance. However, team coach and manager Radarman First FINKBEINER, put together a total of thirteen contests, pitting the MANATEE Nine against tough customers like the various Subic Bay shore duty clubs. As it was a rebuilding year, th e team concentrated on giving the rookies experience, which accounted in part for the 2-1 1 record of our stick-ball crew. Lengthy periods at sea resulting in little practice time, didn ' t help our record, but some of the Vets from previous years made several of the losses extremely close. With a few more breaks, said team sparkplug and premier centerfielder George The Ensign GABRIEL, This bunch of rookies could have been real contenders. Long ball specialist Gunner ' s Mate Second Andy HORTON, who surprisingly played shortstop, was a good reason for optimism. SN ROMERO takes a cut MANATEES team stonds ready. 28 Night inrep of USS CARRONADE. AN THOI INREP After three days of liberty, the crew was relieved to get underway again, to rest and replenish depleted funds. Avoiding another typhoon, MANATEE returned to Subic to load for her fourth line trip. For this trip, MANATEE went into the Gulf of Siam to inrep the ships in the small harbor of An Thoi on the Cambodian bor- der. This harbor is one of the main support areas for the river and coastal forces operating off Vietnam. The area was secured only two years ago and the heavy infiltration near the Cambodian border requires the maintenance of a large patrol group. Every two weeks, an oiler makes the trip to An Thoi. A nest of swift boats alongside the mother ship USS KRISHNA. 29 VIETNAMIZATION REACHES MANATEE In concert with the gradual Vietnamization of the war, Vietnamese Naval Officers were attached to US Ships for training and orientation. Two trainees, Ensign Tran Quang HUNG and Ensign Nguyen Due HOA were attached to MANATEE from October 3 to November 20. They were trained in deck seamanship, bridge watch standing, navigation, gunnery and shipboard administration. They will be able to apply this experience to their own ships and in joint operations with Americans in Vietnam. Both had an expected degree of difficulty with the lan- guage barrier, as did the men trying to train them, but by the time they left they had a good understanding of navi- gation and general ship procedure. The two Ensigns had served in An Thoi during their Vietnamese training. Both returned for assignment in Viet- nam after the ship ' s visit to Hong Kong. MANATEE was the first oiler to anchor in the harbor. The services for the mother ship were completed early in the day but gunfire commitments had delayed a second ship so fish call was held during the afternoon. GMG3 WHEELER took the day ' s honors with a twelve pound something. After completing an evening inrep, the ship made a difficult turn inside the harbor and headed toward its normal line swing. SUNSET AT AN THOI 30 SWIM CALL It ' s not all work and no play for MANATEE. Leaping into the water (Above) MANATEE sailors enjoyed a cool (84°) dip in the Tonkin Gulf during lull off coast of Vietnam. Swim and fish call were held after unreps, providing a welcome break in the routine. To ensure the safety of the crew the motor whaleboat patrolled the swimming area and Gunner ' s Mates stood by with rifles. USS MISPILLION refuels ollack CONSTELLATION as MANATEE approaches for her console AFTER FIVE TRIPS The remaining schedule was less demanding than usual since a number of ships had been withdrawn from the line. After completing each line swing, MANATEE consolidated its remaining cargo with a jumbo oiler in the Gulf of Tonkin. ANOTHER CONSOLE These consols lasted four to six hours leaving all hands exhausted but finally, loaded with retrograde and mail, the ship headed for Subic. CONSOLE, AND HOME THE RIG 3 CREW It takes the work of a lot of men to make a smooth replenishment. Here is one of MANATEE ' S five rig crews gathered at the end of a long line trip. (L-R) Front Row: SN LANDON, SN DAVIS, BM3 ROSS, SN EFFLER, SN BLOCKER, SN FITZGERALD. Second Row: RM3 BRODINE, FN HILTY, SA MACKLIN, SN ENDE, SN FERRIER, SN KLIMCZAK, SA BOBEL, LTJG NA- BERS, BMC JAY. 1 id 1 is 1 1 d 1 1 iHi i 09 1 i All - i v 32 spy ship THAT ' S A TRAWLER? Often, after months of separation from home and num- erous repetitious line trips, the operations of a fleet oiler can become somewhat monotonous. This however, was not the case on November 6, 1969. MANATEE was at the end of a line swing up the coast of Vietnam, in an operating area of the Tonkin Gulf where aircraft carriers and search and rescue destroyer groups were stationed. It was also where MANATEE was to consolidate her remaining fuel i. he jumbo oiler USS ASHTABULA before continuing to Subic Bay, R.P. On the morning of the sixth, MANATEE was on course to rendezvous with ASHTABULA. When she came in sight the crew noticed that an aircraft carrier, USS CORAL SEA, was alongside being refueled. In addition to the carrier there were other ships in the area. Two of them were U.S. de- stroyers which were the carrier ' s escorts. The other ship was a small trawler poking around the edges of the replenish- ment operation. As MANATEE closed the range to the ASH- TABULA the trawler was identified as the GIDROFON, a Soviet electronic surveillance ship. The GIDROFON acted as expected. She changed course numerous times, attempting to harass the Navy ships, but was not successful in doing more than being a nuisance. Her closest approach to MANATEE was approximately 400 yards. The pictures show the GIDROFON coming down the starboard side. Her crew were dressed as fishermen, but the substantial electronic equipment gave here away as being no ordinary fishing vessel. The incident brought to life many of the stories and rumors that MANATEE men had heard concerning Russian Spy ships, and added a dramatic international touch to the routine of replenishment duty in the South China Sea. UUK « AG ALONGSIDE CUSTOMS WELCOME ALONGSIDE! SERVICE TO THE FLEET In the marshy mangrove areas about the coast of South Vietnam the major fire support is provided by shallow draft river rocket ships like the USS ST FRANCIS RIVER (Above). These ships are stationed for 30 days at a time moving about the area, and MANATEE and her sister oilers are often the only contact with the outside for the river patrol craft. Coast Guard Cutters provide coastal support in the area about the peninsula, while cruisers, like the USS OKLAHOMA CITY (Opposite Page) provide heavy gunfire support around the Northern area of the DMZ. Jumbo oilers maintain continuing logistic support in the Tonkin Gulf. The USS CAMDEN (Below) often stayed on station 20 days or more. rf l Uf ' I • J | M - I t ft • I I ' I I Ihe CAPT cite FN DEVOUNO and MMCS ROSS for their outstanding effort. ENGINEERS CITED During the cruise, the constant steaming resulted in an expected number of mechanical breakdowns, but only one major casualty threatened the successful completion of all commitments. A shaft in the main engine pump broke, halving MAN- ATEE ' S power capabilities. No spare was available on board, and no ship carried such a spare. It appeared the ship would have to return to Subic, throwing the burden of line commitments on another ship, since replacement is generally a shipyard job. But Senior Chief Machinist Mate Jim ROSS and Fireman Thomas DEVUONO worked for three days using the ship ' s limited shop capability to repair the shaft. CAPT FAAS congratulates FN DEVOUNO In a letter of appreciation to both men. Captain FAAS cited: Although many competent and willing hands were involved in the various facets of repairing the feed pump, your work was the most crucial, exacting, and tedious. With the limited facilities and materials available at sea, you improved where necessary . . . your work made possible our New Year ' s trip to Singapore. So on behalf of the entire crew . . . ' Thank you ' for your dedicated and professional services. UPKEEP IN SUBIC During mid - October MANATEE spent two weeks in-port Subic for mid-cruise repairs. The continual steaming had taken its toll and long hours were required to bring the ship back into top condition. This proved essential as MANATEE was required to be underway constantly from November until February meeting her own com- mitments and filling in for ships experiencing difficulties. After a line trip in November MANATEE headed for Hong Kong for eight days of R R. The quarterdeck inpoit The fifth line trip in late November was hindered by the developing Northeast monsoon which brought rain, gale winds and heavy seas to the coast of Viet- nam from Saigon to the Tonkin Gulf. The months of service paid off in the expert handling of each unrep by the now highly trained crew in all weather. Some accidents occurred, but no serious damage or injury was sustained. Working in the pump roon Two major engineering casualties to fellow oilers resulted in the postponement of a scheduled stop in Singapore and required an additional line trip. 37 HONG KONG MANATEE was temporarily relieved from her underway replenishment commitments along the coast of Vietnam and entered the British Crown Colony on November 13. Being a duty free port, Hong Kong ' s reputation has been spread throughout the Navy as a shoppers ' utopia. With this in mind, MANATEE men had been economizing for some time in preparation. It was not long after liberty call the first afternoon that the famous shopping districts of that bay side city were stormed by eager sailors. Liberty call was held early each day to allow maximum rest and relaxation to MANATEE ' S hardworking crew. At about ten every morning the crew began to disperse for a multitude of destinations and activities. The pastimes varied from spending a morning in a custom tailor shop being treated to millionaire service and merchandise at service- man ' s prices, to tours of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, or the New Territories by pretty Chinese girls, visiting foreign exchange display rooms, or sampling gourmet lunches in large international hotels. 38 During the evening hours MANATEE crewmem- bers again had a variety of activities from which to choose. Among these were night tours of Hong Kong, movies, floor shows at the hotels, dining at the glamorous Hong Kong Hilton or at world famous Jimmie ' s Kitchen, and of course, more shopping. Of all the activities offered, shopping was prob- ably the most popular. Some of the better buys included stereo equipment, custom made clothing, jewelry, brass and sweaters. Tours also rated high on the activity list. Members of the crew who had visited Hong Kong previously did not favor tours, being attracted instead to indivdiual sightseeing. For the novice at foreign travel, how- ever, tours offered a broad panorama of Hong Kong from the tram ride to the top of Victoria Peak affording a spectacular view of the famous harbor, to the sight into Red China across the border of glimmering rice fields of the New Territory. In retrospect, every crewmember came away with different memories, gifts, tales and experiences. But one thought was uppermost in everyone ' s mind, and readily agreed upon by all: MANATEE would like to return to Hong Kong again. 39 DAILY ROUTINE Chaplain SNYDER riding the ship for a line trip, leads the Sunday service. The bridge wolch on a roullne day (I R) SN AHSOAK. BM3 ROSS, SN DAVIS. 40 A ship is a floating community even if it only has 275 citizens, and all the services necessary for a community must be available. MANATEE is no exception. A galley provides three meals a day, and during long unreps, snacks and special rations. It requires careful plan- ning by the Commissarymen to anticipate the needs of an entire crew. The cooks ' day begins at 0530 and ends late at night. No matter what the tempo of operations, the cooks had the meals ready. A ship ' s barbershop, laundry, and store provide daily services just as their counterparts at home. Getting out the dc CALANTONI busy. nail keeps (L-R) SN BLOCKER, 5N KLEEH and PC2 After serving the evening meal the Stewards relax over cards. (L-R) TN QUITILEr TN CAPISTRANO, SD2 ORDAS and TN VARGAS. Underway, the ship settles into a routine of watch, work and sleep. Twenty-four hours a day people have to be oper- ating the ship and a system of alternating watches insures that personnel can sleep, work, and still maintain an alert watch. Maintenance is a continuing job. Whenever there is a break from replenishment operations, the chipping, painting, cleaning, greasing and repairing goes on. MANATEE is a twenty-five year old ship and her constant service requires repair and close checks on all mechanical gear. Buying cigarettes at the ship ' s store, the best place for general items. 41 DRILLS BM3 ROSS sounds general quarter GENERAL QUARTERS As a naval vessel, MANATEE has to be ready for any emergency. The possibility of attack or fire requires a quick reacting team capable of manning the ship ' s battery, repairing damage, and aiding the wounded. To train for this possibility, the ship constantly conducts drills. At first indication of trouble, the crew is ordered to general quarters. These are the battle stations, and when the manned and ready report is received on the bridge the ship is fully prepared to take care of any situation. No one walks to their station, since seconds can count in an emergency. The gun crews stand ready to open fire on order from the bridge. Repair teams, trained to combat fires, explosions or the products of nuclear and chemical warfare, are spread throughout the ship, with open communica- tions to damage control central, where repair is coordinated. Main engine control has the best trained men standing by the throttles, boilers, and generators to provide the ship the power and mobility to meet the emergency. At each of the drills a simulated situation is created (fire, man overboard, or attack) and the crew tests its ability to react effectively. After each drill, the crew evaluates the action taken, and corrects any discovered problems. 42 w MM3 MASDON answers a speed change in Main Control. ALL HANDS MAN YOUR BATTLE STATIONS RDSN TALBOTT plols dummy air targets in CIC. Ready to load! Ramming a shell home, the gun crew stands by to fii ship and candy. CS3 WILSON probably of MANATEES The Logroom decorated for the season by FN INKS. Ship ' s Office shows Its spirit. (L-R) SN ANDERSON, YN1 GEIGER, SN CORSON, PN2 NULL, SN REBOKUS. SN DOUGLAS, PN3 GOMBERG. DECEMBER, LINE TRIPS... Christmas was approaching but there was no break in the schedule. Decorations began appearing and a heavy increase in mail signaled the approaching holidays. MAN- ATEE pulled into Subic Bay December 24 for a one day turn-around. Early Christmas morning the ship departed for Singapore and line trip, loaded with presents and mail. On Christmas Day the ship held its own services culminating in a caroling party by some of the crew. 44 CHRISTMAS CAPERS SFP2 JAY reads a Christmas prayer to the cr A closing carol for the AND CHRISTMAS CAROLS As MANATEE pulled out of Subic Christmas Day, the Galley crew once again, added a special Holiday treat with a meal Fit for a King! Everything from Cranberries to Pumpkin Pie was excellent. After movie call on the mess decks, the biggest change took place as the crew assembled to take an active part in the CANDLELIGHT CAROLING CAPERS. Everyone joined in singing the OLD TIME CAROLS that seemed to bring the true meaning of Christmas. After closing with a Christmas Prayer, a large group of Carolers went throughout the ship to those standing watches, singing carols, bringing a little joy into their Christmas. HRI5T if r I 1 J t . The wolerlronl in Singapore — always leeming with shipping. Ml ' V SINGAPORE Singapore is a port rarely visited by US Ships. MAN- ATEE had not stopped in ten years, and with an added promise of a chance to cross the equator, the crew eagerly anticipated the visit. Sighting Horsburgh Light at the en- trance to Singapore Strait, MANATEE proceeded to the open harbor outside the city. Leaving port on January 2, the ship crossed the equator and began the ninth line trip. Tiger Balm Garden ' s strange creatures moke the gardens a fc stop. Situated at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, about 85 miles north of the equator, the evergreen undulat- ing island of Singapore with its coastal reefs and sandy beaches lies midway between India and China. Such is the description of MANATEE ' S latest exotic liberty port pre- sented in the Traveller ' s Guide to Cosmopolitan Singapore. 43 SHL3 LOPEZ does hi- Arrangements for many special services, including the rooms, a hunting trip for two of the officers and a discount on purchases was arranged by Captain FAAS through his friend in the American Embassy, Mr. COFFEE. In short, MAN- ATEE received special treatment due to the efforts of Mr. COFFEE and our Captain FAAS to ensure that everyone enjoyed his holiday away from home as much as possible. MANATEE provided special arrangements for her busy crew over the holiday vacation. Almost an entire floor of the new Equatorial Hotel was put on reserve for any sailors wanting to have a home base in town. These rooms pro- vided resting grounds, storage spaces for purchases and areas for gathering for the entire crew, and on New Year ' s Eve was the site of an exciting celebration. ■ itors from Singapore try out the gu 49 HAIL NEPTUNIS ABCJUJ 1HE SHKLLEnCI SHIP USS MANATEE ( C-5 FFO Sun Fmnclsc. J SATURDAY v 197C OF THE DAT BAl IS • nevep NEPTUNES REX PLAN ' LIEP USUAL COMMANDING OFFIC DUTY SECTION A C. E. FAAS, C A NTI!a US I ' JTY CAPT, USNP OFFICER (CDO) UNDERWAY WATCH EILL 08-12 LTJG :lack OIL 3B0VNING 12-16 ENS SHORTY FINLEY 16-18 LTJG HICK NADER 18-20 LT SOCKET ' .. ' KTSCN 20-24 LTJG .- ' • . • WEYL - ENS SHORT HITTER MILLER 00-04 LTJG BLACK OIL 3PCSNING 04-08 ENS SHORTY PDJLEY NO CHARGES WILL TE MADE TO THIS TYPE? ' . ' ATCH ILL WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF NEFTUNTS REX, HIS COURT, OS ANY ROYAL SHELLOACK. seipt r.oirriNE C600 REVEILLE FOR ALL SLIMY POLLI GS ALL POLLIWCGS I I! UN I FOE ' OF TBI OFFICERS ANT CPC ' S WASH KAKI UNIFORM ON 3ACKHARDS, H .T ' . ' SIDEWAYS: SHOBS ON WRONG FEET, STAR30ARD PANT LEG RCLLE:: I ' , POr.T PANT LEG TIED !XWH, CO FASHION. ENLISTED : DUNGAREES ON BACKWARD, W.ITE HAT TIT NET rOHN, WHITE BELT, PCFT PANT LEG TIED OT GO. FASHION, STAP ' CAPX PANT LEG ROLLED UP. 0630 SLIMY PCLLIWOGS STAND-CLEAR OF THF AREA FORWARD OF THE SUPERSTRUCTURE. (PASS THE ATOVE WORD) . 0635 BREAKFAST PR ALL TRUSTY SHELL ' AC:S 0645 LTJG, FOOL SEOVICE TECHNICIAN, GABRIEL ANT CHIEF FATRACK CARNEY, REFORT TO THE SCULLErY 0700 RREAKFAST FOR ALL SLIMY POLLIWDGS 0705 SECURE THE MESSDECK - SLIMY PCLLIWCGS DEAF A BANS AND CLEAN THE MESS CECK BY 0745. 0745 HAVICUESSET STASH ' ' CALKINS MDSTES EIGHT (T) POLL HOGS (SLIMIEST) ON THE QUARTERDECK. TWO WITH SHADS, TWO WITH ROOMS, TWO WITH PLUM3ERS HELPE: ITH FOXTAILS FCT, SIDEOOUYS 08CO POST POLLIWG LOOKOUTS IN ACCORDANCE WIT PATCH LIST POSTED ' ar HELCOME ADOARD KING NEPTUNE ANT THE ROYAL C URT 0815 II ' STER ALL LO ' XY POLLIWOGS FOP PERSONNEL INSPECTION. INSPECTING OFFICERS: HONORAOLE SHELL: ACK • LT KOEL L ' . ' cMl ' RTRY TC TBUSTT SHELLBACK SPFINGES EMC ALL POLLIWOCS FAILING INSPECT; ' N W ILL NOT H A E LTOERTY TODAY EVERT HOUR ON THE BCD ' PCLLIWOGS TILL KNEEL AND FACE THE EQUATOR, AND SOUND OFF, ALOUD; I AM A I V UNWORTHY, SLIMY POLLOT3G ' : l 1 1 1 1 ! I ! 1 1 1 0930 ALL POLLIWOCS STAND3Y TO TARE ' RDERS FRDM TRL ' STT SHELLDACKS , DETAILS WILL OE ASSIGNED BT ALL TRUSTY SHELL OACKS, i.e., SHINE SHOES, ETC. V CONTEST ENTRIES EST PARADE I [T CCNTES1 ■ ' - 1 JUDGE 1130 MUSTER ALL POLLIHOG PECK TEC3JICIA8S FOR HOTAL rAINTINC CONTEST DECK TECH OKMNDCS, LT ' EfCKET TBOWSON, LTJG SMILFY WEYL, AND LTJG HIGH KA2SB WILL CHIT. 1105 ALL POLLItrRGS PREPARE FOR I ' INCH 123 r ALL 1 LLIWOCS F LR IN ON THE FOEEHABt TANK DECK. ' N IS SOUNDED, ALL SLIfY PCLLIWDGS WTLL KNEEL 5H THE DECK F. ' .C:-; it: HANDS 1 ■ ' .: I SET, BOH THEIR BEADS THrEE TIMEi KBIR VOICES MUST ?K HEART THROUGHOUT THE ship, tee arm sheriff will take a r .npEets muster, the royal scrise WILL PROVIDE THE MISTER LfST. AFTER ISITIATTJN ALL HAN ' 0. WILL - AND CLEAN SHir. SINCE ALL ARE SBELLDACKS, NO 3NE WXL] I 160C DAE3BQ0E ' N i: NOTE: THIS PLAN OF TOE AY ' - ' ILL SUTFPCEEE ANY THEB tLAN of THE DAY PUBLISHED F ' R 3 JANUARY 197 ' . On the evening of January second at 7:15 and at loca- tion Latitude 00-00. Longitude 105 16 ' MANATEE crossed the equatorial line, and in so doing, entered into the realm of King Neptunis Rex and his Royal Shellbacks. As dictated by Maritime tradition the world over, when- ever a person crosses the line for the first time, he must be initiated into the Royal Order of Shellbacks, those per- sons who have previously transversed this zone. Before the initiation, the neophyte is known as pollywog and during the formal ceremony must display the utmost humility and reverence for all Royal Shellbacks and, of course, the King himself. U SHALL C ' .A I SCRIOE VQja RULE! r f THF :-U ' .ING 1IAIN 50 s.  • Ti •w i .■J? The Coplain meels King Neplune afler being piped aboard. In times past, the initiation ceremony required for en- trance into the Royal Order was often barbaric and demand- ing, requiring the pollywog to subject himself to numerous trials and ordeals to prove his good intentions to the King and his subjects. However, time and the Navy have brought moderation to this solemnity. The crossing is now an event looked forward to by all hands, even though the old timers enjoy spooking the younger members of the crew with tales of times past. As MANATEE ' S schedule has precluded commitments or liberty ports near the equator for many years, all of the crew save 15 Trusty Shellbacks came under the doomed cate- gory of slimy pollywogs including all but one of the officer contingent. (That was not MANATEE ' S own Captain FAAS either!) It was for this reason that MANATEE was allowed to take an extra day enroute to services off the coast of Vietnam and swing south long enough to dip over the equa- tor and initiate a shipload of anxious neophytes into the realm of Neptunis Rex. ; ' « Some Pollywogs head for the mess decks for a special treat. 52 Ik : i N Pollywog Inspection. Woe to those who fail. SKSBfci K ,   . Since the crossing of 00-00 Latitude occurred in the evening hours, the official inaugural exercises were not launched until the following morning. And it was early morning when the sleepless pollywogs were rudely rousted out of their racks. The night had been filled with gloomy warnings, predicting great wrath from Neptune and warning: Pollywogs beware. Prepare to make yourself humble in the presence of King Neptunis Rex. It was soon evident that while the pollywogs tossed in bed, the Shellbacks had been cooking up elaborate schemes. Group supplication and meditation seemed to help. 53 Headed by Royal Shellback Lieutenant KOELBL and Royal Shellback BTC Barber KELLY, the Shellbacks dis- played cunning and initiative in planning the morning ' s activities. Also participating and aiding in the preparations were Royal Shellbacks HMC BICE, MMC LUNDY, MMC ROSS, EMC SPRINGER, BTC McMURTRY, BT1 YOUNG, MM1 DAHL- ENBURG, SD2 ORDAS, MM2 CALFY, MM3 MASDON, FN MANNING, BMS AULDS and TN CAPISTRANO. At approxi- mately 8:00 King Neptunis Rex himself appeared (royally depicted by MM1 William DAHLENBURG) with his bride (BT1 Trellis YOUNG) to begin the celebration. After making his way through throngs of prostrate polly- wogs, the King made himself ready to receive the humble Senior Pollywog, Captain FAAS. The Captain pleaded for mercy for his crew, saying they were of the top quality and character and could be trusted to the highest degree, there- by declaring them fit for entrance into Neptune ' s bounding domain. Mm f w Assembled on the forward tank deck, the Pollywogs face the equator asking pardon. After the arrival of Neptune, a formal inspection of all pollywogs was held on the cargo deck where mustache wax (packing grease) was liberally distributed to those slimy neophytes with face hair. Summonses were also issued calling for offending pollywogs to appear at the specified time and offer defense to King Neptune. The charges ran from minor offenses such as failure to enter the domain of King Neptune (4000 lashes) to more felonious acts such as MANATEE ' S navigator was charged with: Willfully navi- gating MANATEE away from the equator. As expected these crimes were indefensible, and the guilty pollywog was punished to the limits of the Deep Sea Scrolls. No mercy! says newly initialed Shellback DOYLE to his less fortunate compatriot. A group of well dressed Pollywog Officers. W VtfiU F Ar0 -d X _ i ■« 4jlk Wr ' i 4m +J0S J 55 The initiation ceremony itself began with all polly- wogs assembling on the forward tank deck, whilst the Shellbacks went aft to prepare their surprises. Each pollywog seeking membership was led before King Neptune where his charges were read. After his feeble defense failed utterly, the pollywog was led on hands and knees to kiss the Royal Baby. This particular tra- dition has been time tested to be one of the most substantial tests of a pollywog ' s True Grit. Royal Shellback MMC LUNDY provided the belly which was liberally spread with packing grease (the highest priced spread) into which each pollywog had to place a fer- vent kiss. Borber KELLY takes o little off the top. Moving through the finot test. Once blessed with that sticky momento the pollywog was encarcerated in a pilgrim vintage stock, rendering him helpless. Here Royal Shellback BTC Barber KELLY took over. Although his trims were not of substantial volume, they did seem to cut into the middle of things. As the Royal Bar- ber was freeing the captive from his growth of hair, Royal Shellback HMC Doc BICE, provided gourmet-type snacks, guaranteed to bring water to the mouth, or at least the eyes. 56 Once released from the stock, the excited pollywog, now almost a Shellback, plunged headlong into his next task ... a ten foot tunnel of garbage, especially saved by our fine cooks. To urge on the man between layers of refuse, paddlers lined the trench and pounded out encourage- ment. Finally, weary and dirty, but now a Shellback, the once slimy pollywog turned Prince of the Sea bathed in his glory ... a fire hose. These accounts may seem harsh and frightening. How- ever, the ceremony itself was conducted with the greatest concern for safety and orderliness that allowed each man to enjoy the experience. Each of those participating will receive a large color certificate to verify his accomplish- ment in the future. The general comments were that: IT WASN ' T ALL THAT BAD . . . The initiate washdown, and it ' s all over! 57 1 mat ■flf m ■■ ■ Wm i 7 rilD  t 1 14jfb t if fl riTrcwtr- : After a two-day stop in Subic, MANATEE steamed out toward her tenth line trip of the cruise. The final swing was marred by a collision with a destroyer which lost power to her gyro compass during the crucial approach and ran into the side of the ship. Only minor damage and injuries re- sulted from the accident, and after repairs the fueling was completed. The whaleboaf costs off enroufe to Vung Tau landing. INREPS Landing ship VERNON COUNTY comes alongside for ENS FINLEY passes instructions to the helmsman, while standing wa ' ch as Officer of the Deck. For the ship ' s officers, the wardroom offered a place to relax, a dining room, a place to hash out administrative problems. The ship had a rapid turnover in officers during the cruise. LT Harve SCHUTTE was relieved as Supply Officer by LTJG Rick KLAUBER when the ship arrived in Sasebo. In Subic CAPT GILLOOLY was relieved by CAPT FAAS. As a result of the early release program initiated in September by the Navy, the ship ' s Communicator LTJG George RIPPEL was relieved by ENS Jeff FINLEY, and LT Jim LAWIN was relieved by LTJG Wally NABERS as First Lieu- tenant. Both ENS FINLEY and LTJG NABERS were already serving aboard and Fleeted up to their new positions. By January LCDR Ken FISHER, LT Ron THOMPSON, Chief Warrant Bosun Joe HEENEY, Ensigns Dave MILLER and Mike ANDREWS had joined the Wardroom. LCDR Bob MUMFORD, LTJG Wally NABERS, and LTJG Al WEYL were transferred to new duty stations. With the rapid turnover there were constant hail and farewell parties at the Kalayaan Officers Club in Subic. OFFICERS Taking a break in the LTJG CALKINS. rdroom: (L-R) LTJG GABRIEL, LTJG WEYL, 59 Even though the ship was only in Subic for a few days at a time, some of the Officers made the monthly Subic Bulletin (Above). In Singapore and Hong Kong, some of the Officers shared rooms and made shopping and sightseeing tours together. Some spectacular shop- ping by LTJG Rick KLAUBER, CAPT FAAS, LTJG Dave BROWNING and LT Gary KOELBL produced a memorable collection. Between the long hours of work and watch- standing at sea the Wardroom enjoyed the fine cooking of the ship ' s stewards. Bridge, reading, and movies filled out the lei- sure hours at sea. In the nightly bridge games LT Loren KRIENKE established himself as the authority. 60 «, tu- 1f t. Sasebo lies in the distance from MANATEE ' S anchorage. It as a long boat ride for the liberty party. The ship was scheduled for a five day upkeep period to prepare for Northern operations and the transit home, but a casualty to another oiler required an immediate departure from Subic for services to a carrier group off Okinawa. The carrier CORAL SEA and her escorts were replenished on January 27 but during the unrep part of the span wire wrapped around MANATEE ' s screw. The ship limped into Sasebo and divers began to investigate the extent of the damage. It was considerably colder in Sasebo during this time than it had been in late August when MANATEE had passed through the Japanese port. With the prospect of up to a month delay in departing for home, most of the crew were feeling as miserable as the weather. But the divers from the repair ship AJAX were able to remove the cable using small explosives. The idea of sitting on a potential Molotov cock- tail while men used explosives underneath was less than comforting, but the success more than compensated for the discomfort. The crew took advantage of the outstanding shopping opportunities to buy cameras, pottery, and optical gear; pur- chases that had been postponed for the cruise. One of MANATEE ' S screws was damaged during the Jan. 27 Unrep. (Above) workmen hoist a screw into position during the yard period. 61 HOMEWARD BOUND ENS FINLEY ond RM1 DOYLE confer on work requirements for the upcoming yard period On February 3, the ship departed for home. Hoping to avoid the winter storms in the North Pacific, MANATEE headed on a longer, Southerly route passing 500 miles North of the Hawaiian Islands. Channel Fever — the anticipation of homecoming — made the transit seem even longer, but it looked as though the favorable seas and wind of the Southern route would pay off and the ship would arrive a day early. Accurate navigation was crucial to the ship ' s transit. (Above) IT KRIENKE. ship ' s Navigator takes a noon sun sight. RD3 RUSH- TON (Right) gives a lecture on proper phone talking technique during one of the daily training sessions. 62 On a quiet morning watch February 1 1 , Electrician Third FERGUSON saw a thin stream of lubricating oil spray out on the generator flat. The stream burst into flame and be- fore the fire extinguisher could be activated, half the flat was on fire. On the bridge, at the first word of fire, the Officer of the Deck, Ensign Jeff FINLEY ordered General Quarters sounded and the engines stopped. Five men con- tinued to brave the flames and twenty minutes after it be- gan, the fire was out. No serious injury was sustained but one generator was seriously damaged. Fire damage to much of the engineroom had occurred. Captain FAAS conferred with the Commander, Service Force Pacific, via radio and decided to continue to Long Beach rather than steam to Pearl Harbor. The blackened and dence of the fire ' s The fire started when lube oil sprayed from the control mechanisn of number two generator. EM3 FERGUSON on watch when the fire started stands beside a burnt out electrical controller. 63 What was this deployment like? After sev- en months in foreign waters, steaming six out of every seven days, working 16-18 hours a: day; time spent in Hong Kong, Singapore, what do you remember? Only a glimpse — a few images pf the time — can be readily re- covered. In the following pages a few of the images have been captured. We supported a fleet engaged in the longest, most demanding war in America ' s history. We moved back and forth from a home base to a combat line hundreds of miles away providing a link with a home even far- ther away. We remember the sense of being a unit, of combining the talent and skills of men from all backgrounds to do a job and do it well. And the images of sunset over the border i of Red China, of moonlight on an endless sea, and of a ship alongside help re-create the experience. 64 x; 5 - m K . ' ■ ' ■. ' • ' i ' ' S . 7 « 5? ifI WIK£. L - R 5i55 65 LTJG CALKINS presents Operations Department at Personnel Inspection. INSPECTIONS Good morning Captain, division standing by for your inspection. With these words the Division Of- ficers introduce their divisions for each inspection. Hours of preparaton — shining shoes, pressing clothes, and insuring that each man will be at his sharpest — precede the inspection. A last minute haircut, a final shave add that final touch. Inspections were held prior to each R R port, and awards and special recognition given at that time. Besides the personnel inspection, weekly space inspec- tions were held by the department hads. B Division stands ready to remove their hats os CAPT FAAS 66 LCDR MUMFORD scrutinizes BT2 VINE during Captains personnel inspection AND AWARDS CAPT GILLOOLY cites BM3 FOUST and SK2 HORNSBY for outstanding pe formance and selection as Sailor of the Quarter. 67 ■ ■■■■■■■■n T q7- • — m ' Wang IAMONHS KITCHEN 69 ¥ 7K SHIP ' S COMPANY The operation of a ship requires a number of men, each skilled in a specialized task. For administration, the men are divided among the four departments in accordance with their special skill. Engineering includes all the mechanical rates: Engine- men, Machinist ' s Mate, Boilerman, Electricians, Shipfitters, and Damage Controlmen. The Boatswain ' s Mates, Seamen, Gunner ' s Mates and Fire Control Technicians of Deck Department take care of the guns, fueling rigs and exterior surface of the ship. Supply Department ' s Storekeepers, Ship ' s Servicemen, Commissarymen, Stewards, and Disbursing Clerks provide general services to the ship. The overall operation of the ship ' s navigation and com- munications is performed by the Quartermasters, Radarmen, Signalmen, Radiomen and Electronics Technicians of Opera- tions Department. The Yeomen and Personnelmen of X Division take care of correspondence and administration of the ship. As an integrated unit, the four departments make the ship a functioning entity, capable of providing extended logistic service anywhere in the world. ENGINEERING Approximately one-third of MANATEE ' S crew is attached to the Engineering Department in one of the numerous, specialized rates required for the operation and mainte- nance of the main plant. A ship must have its Engineering Plant to meet any part of its mission and in the course of MANATEE ' s deployment, she was ordered several times to pick up the commitments of other oilers. Generally due to engineering casualties MANATEE suffered mechanical breakdowns but the skill and dedication of her Black Gang made it possible to meet every commitment. On watch in Main Control, three men keep a close check on the ship ' s engineering status. 71 ■ . -rr: MACHINERY DIVISION The Machinist Mates of ' M ' Division operate and care for the main propulsion and associated equipment. The Engine room (Main Control) always has a watch underway to answer any speed changes ordered by the bridge. The constant time underway, with only limited upkeep time required repairs and maintenance under unusual, and very difficult conditions. Chief Warrant Machinist Jess GAT- DULA was assisted by MMCS James ROSS and MMC Robert LUNDY in maintaining a constant operating status. Back in After Engineering, MM2 Steve BUCKNER and MM2 David MAWHIRTER kept a close watch on the associ- Fir l Row L-li CWO 2 J. GATDULA, MMC IUNDY. Second Row L-R: FN KATARIS, MM2 G GABBERT, MM3 VOIK, FN J. HANCOX Third Row l-R: MM3 MASDON, MM2 D LUNSFORD, MM3 C. HALL, MM2 CALFY. FN J ANDERSON. FN McCURDY. ated pumps and lines. In Main Control MM2 Steve SHRIVER, MM3 Harold MASDON and MM2 Dalton LUNSFORD played a major role in insuring the smooth operation of the main plant. 74 BOILER DIVISION A ship can ' t operate without steam, and without the Boiler Tenders the fires would die and the equipment soon be unusable. Even though MANATEE had a highly successful overhaul involving major work on the boilers, the 25-year-old boilers showed the effects of the constant steaming. Leaks appeared without any specific cause and required long hours of hard, hot work to repair. Under the direction of Chief Petty Officer David KELLY and Robert McMURTRY the BT ' s kept the MANATEE steaming. At sea, working in a 100 degree plus temperature, BT1 Trellis YOUNG, BT2 Eddie HARRIS, BT2 Gene VINE worked First Row, L-R: CWO-2 J. GATDULA, BTC R. McMURTRY. Second Row, L-R : FA J. BAEHLER, BT3 W. JONES, BTFN P. RUMBAUGH. Third Row L-R: FN P. MANN, BT2 H. HARRIS, BT3 J. JACKSON, FN SHIREY. with their men port and starboard (12 hours on, 12 hours off) to maintain the boilers. Fireside cleaning, requiring men to crawl in the casing and clean off the accumulated soot, was accomplished under the most difficult circumstances. And when the ship pulled into port for a few days, there was maintenance and preser- vation of the fireroom to accomplish. Much of the work was accomplished due to the indi- vidual effort of BTFN ' s Reginald SHIRD, James BAEHLER and Robert RUMBAUGH. 75 • • • V 76 77 ELECTRICAL DIVISION MANATEE has a completely self contained electrical plant in two steam turbine generators. From this unit, elec- tricity runs the majority of non-propulsion equipment on the ship. The Electricians under the supervision of Chief Petty Officer Thomas SPRINGER ensured power was available at all times. No major problems were encountered during the deployment, but general repair was constantly required. EMI John KAPPES, EM2 Bill SHEDD, EM3 Mike SCHWEBACH and EM3 Craig FERGUSON made the repairs required. Dur- ing the fire enroute to Long Beach, EM3 FERGUSON was on watch and took the first action to stop it. For the Inter ior Communications Electricians, each UN- REP brought a rash of problems with the sound powered Firil Row L-R: EMC SPRINGER, ENS P. WARREN. Second Row L-Ri EM3 CULLEN, FN FLOCK, FN BENAVIDES. EM2 SHEDD, IC2 SKRAM Third Row l-R: EM3 FERGUSON, EM3 HASCHKE, EM3 SWEBACH, FN WINDELL, EM3 McBRIDE. phones connecting the ships and the bridge. Keeping these phones and the other shipboard systems operating was a full time occupation for IC2 Bill SKRAM, IC3 Mickey JAY and ICFN Randy BENAVIDES. 78 REPAIR DIVISION Each time the ship pulled into Subic for loading prior to a line trip, one division always stayed behind when liberty call went down. Repair Division was charged with loading and handling all cargo fuel, and the Shipfitters and Damage Controlmen had men on station at each tank to prevent any overflow and switch tanks as each fills. The ship ' s Damage Control Assistant LTJG Dave BROWN- ING, Master Chief Petty Officer Benjamin SMITH and Chief Petty Officer James McCALIB supervised the coordination of shipboard repair work and cargo handling. Welding, metalwork and general shipfitting fell to R Division and the expert welders like Shipfitter First James RAEBURN, SFP2 Larry GUNNER and SFM2 Kenneth MAIER prepared new brackets, doors and structural parts for the other departments. The Damage Controlmen ensured the watertight integrity of the ship and the capability to deal with any damage. First Row L-R: DCC J. McCALIB, LTJG D. BROWNING, DCCS B. SMITH. Second Row L-R: SN J. ZAITZ, DC3 A. BOSCHEN, SFFN C. BRAND, SF1 J. RAEBURN, SFP3 G. NERBONNE, DCFN D. BUNDY. Third Row L-R: SFP2 R. JAY, SFM3 L. GUNNER, DC3 E. HOBBS, FA W. CHAPPEL, FA MAXSON, DC2 D. BREAUX. HaHZ VT.L ' ENS • WARREN ' MM ' W - DAHLENBURG - S «° « «ow L-R: MM3 WADDEL, FN R. AYON. Third Row L-R: EN, W. HAMILTON, FN N. PADREVITA, EN2 C. SADDLER, MM2 J. SHELLENBERGER. AUXILIARIES DIVISION The ship ' s auxiliaries include winches, refrigeration, showers, heating; in short something in every phase of the ship ' s operations comes under the care of A Division. During the seven months in hot tropics, there was a con- tinual demand for work on air conditioners. MM2 John SHELLENBERGER and MM1 Bill DAHLENBURG were con- stantly on call. During the northern operations it was the steam heating that drew the work. Chief Petty Officer Herman CARNEY, and Division Offi- cer Phil WARREN coordinated the checks and repairs of the steam winches, which are critical to unrep operations. Enginemen First William HAMILTON and EN2 Gerald LYNCH spent long hours trying to make the Captain ' s Gig run without problems. Even their best efforts failed as the engine and the boat developed new problems for every one fixed. 81 DECK Down one, down two . . . Although the sounds of the JFK ' s initiated by First Lieutenant Ron THOMPSON indicated a new level of exercise had reached Deck Department, there is little doubt that all the Deck Apes had been get- ting their share of work during the deployment. Deck Department maintains most of the topside surface of the ship. Under the continual exposure it becomes a never ending task. The seamen fill roles as watchstanders, part of the repair parties, and rig crews. The Gunner ' s Mates and Fire Control Technicians make sure the ship ' s guns are ready for any action. (Above) 5N HALL carries air hoses down the deck for use with the air driven tools. (Below) Twenty-five men lay into a highline. FOX Gunnery Officer LTJG Wally NABERS said that Fox Division had the strongest bolo throwing arms in the Service Fleet and on his recommendation Captain FAAS challenged all comers to a contest in Subic. Unfortunately there was no way to prove that the expertise of gunners mates Andy HORTON, Terry PAYNE, and Dick WHEELER was unmatched. Bolo throwing isn ' t a listed part of the gunner ' s mate rate, but during replenishment operations, the task was accomplished by MANATEE ' S Fox Division. GMG2 Mike TEAGUE and FTG2 Tom GLENZ assisted the Master at Arms as well as taking care of the guns. First Row L-R: GMG3 R. WHEELER, FTGSN W. JOHNSON, SN R. CLARK, SN R. SCHNEIDER, GMG2 M. TEAGUE. Third Row L-R: GMG2 D. GORDON, FTGSN P. KUNCL, FTGSN W. THOMPSON, GM3 T. PAYNE. The Fire Control Technicians of Fox spent the majority of their effort insuring the fire control mechanism worked smoothly and properly. FTG2 JACKSON and SN George PASSERI kept the electronic gear in top operating shape. 83 FIRST DIVISION Boatswain ' s Mate First Jimmie ESTES and Chief Petty Of- ficer Max JAY coordinated the efforts of First Division. Rig Captains BM3 Paul FRENCH, BM3 Gerald ROSS, BM3 Carmen DECRESENTE and SN Ken FERRIER organized the seamen into effective unrep teams on rigs three, four and six A. F.fil Row: BMC JAY. Second Row l-R ; BM3 C. DECRESENTE, SN W. ANDERSON, SN J. LANDON, SA NIBLO, SA W. WILLIAMS Third Row L R BM2 C WATTS, SN R. DAVIS, SA R. HUTCHINSON, SN A. BROWN, SA T WHEELER, SN V. HALL, SN J. ASHOAK. BM3 G. ROSS. Fourth Row L-li SA F BOBEl. BMt J. ESTES, SN A. LLOYD, SA C. HUMMEL, SN J KUHR, SA J. GALLAGHER BM3 P. BENTSEN. BM3 Rick FOUST kept the deck supplies in the Bosun Locker stocked and in top shape. SN Thomas EFFLER and SN Donald MORTER were valuable assistants in keeping the tools, paints and canvas ready. Individual efforts by Sea- man Willy ANDERSON, Vic HALL and Tim OCONNER con- tributed to the smart appearance of MANATEE ' s forward spaces. cU Rigs seven, eight, and the highline were manned by Second Division. Under Master Chief Petty Officer Russell ARMSTRONG the Second Division, maintained the tank deck, maindeck and fantail. Rig Captains BM3 Bill KNOWLES, SN Chuck OVERBY and BM3 Tex BENTSEN saw that the rigs were ready for Firsl Row L-R: BMCM ARMSTRONG, LTJG A. WEYL. Second Row L-R: SN X. VASQUEZ, SN R. OVER, SN H. LASCONIA, SA L, TANGHERLINI, SA B. MARQUEZ. Third Row L-R: YNSN C. GLENN, SA D. LOPEZ, SA J. CLARK, SN J. BROSSIA, SA M. LYNCH, SN N. MACRI. Fourth Row L-R: SA FIELDS, SA L. SMITH, SN C. OVERBY, SN R. KALILKANE, SN R. KOCHSIEK, SA J. BROHMAN, BM3 KNOWLES. each unrep. Even after a collision severed the hose on sta- tion 7, the rig was ready 10 hours later. Seamen Ken FOLLOWELL, Mike LYNCH, Robert EVER- DING, James AHSOAK and Dan GRANT were instrumental in completing the demanding work of replenishment, and insuring the spaces were properly maintained. SECOND DIVISION 85 OM3 VOSS keeps a close walch on the ship ' s head. (Above) SM3 THOMAS guides a signol flag during a drill OPERATIONS The ship ' s operations are largely imple- mented and organized by the Operations Department. Communications, Navigation, Combat Information and Administration are accomplished by the rates in this depart- ment. The total effort of these men is di- rected to providing the command with the information necessary for planning action, and the means of communicating and di- recting such action. (Below) RD3 ODETT adjusts the radar in CIC. 86 (Left) ETR2 KOMINIAK checks voltage on o radar repeate NAVIGATION ON Division is made up of the Quartermasters, Radar- men, and Department Yeoman. The division provides the Navigation assistance for the Officer of the Deck underway in a Quartermaster of the Watch and Combat Information Center Watch. The Quartermasters under Chief Petty Officer Carl BEHLE kept a close check on the ship ' s position providing invaluable assistance to the ship ' s Navigator Chris CALKINS. Veterans of four cruises, QM2 Fred EIHL, QM3 Danny VOSS, and QM3 Danny CARLYLE were joined by QM3 Dennis BEHLE, QMSN Dennis COLLEY and SN Mike ROBERTS during the cruise. The experience of the senior men not only insured highly competent helmsmanship during the UNREPS and maneuvering in restricted waters, but contributed to the successful training of the new men. First Row L-R: LTJG C. CALKINS, RD3 S. SCHWARTZ, RD3 K. ODETT, SN M. ROBERTS, SN R. WOLTJER, RD1 E. FINKBEINER, QMC C. BEHLE. Second Row L-R: QM2 F. EIHL, RD3 J. RUSHTON, RDSN D. POGGENSEE, QM3, D. BEHLE, RDSN R. HUFFMAN, QM3 D. VOSS. The Radarmen under Radarman First Ernie FINKBEINER maintained a watch on all approaching traffic as monitored on the radar, as well as assisting in guarding the com- munications circuits. RD3 Dayle JOHNSON, RD3 Steve SCHWARTZ, RD3 Ken ODETT, and RD3 Jim RUSHTON used their cruise experience to provide assistance to the OOD. YNSN Robert WOLTJER handled department administra- tion for department head, LT Loren KRIENKE. 87 COMMUNICATIONS Communications are vital to the operation of any ship, and the job was accomplished by the men of OC Division under Ship ' s Communicator ENS Jeff FINLEY. Working with the ship ' s communication network, the Radiomen closely monitored all traffic insuring that the broadcasts were coming in clearly and were disseminated as necessary. The heavy load on the equipment required constant maintenance. Chief Petty Officer Robert MOORE, Radioman First Mike DOYLE and Radiomen Second George KNOPF and Dennis STICKLER provided the leadership. Cruise veterans RM3 Charles SCHLEIGH and RM3 Fred RANSOM provided strong support. The Electronics Technicians were responsible for the electronic repair of the heavily worked gear. ETN2 Les CAMPBELL and ETR2 Dave KOMINAK worked to keep the gear operating. Firjl Row L-R: RM3 C. SCHLEIGH, SMSN A. GARCIA. Second Row L-R: LTJG J. FINLEY, SN J. KLEEH, SN L. BLOCKER, SMSN G. PECK, RM2 D. STICKLER, SM3 C. MORELAND, RMSN J. BANT2, RMC R. MOORE. Third Row L-Ri RMSN M. OVERY. SMSA G. BERUBE, SM2 J. HUNT, ETR2 0. KOMINIAK, ETR2 I. CAMP- BELL, SN M. SCOTT, RM1 M. DOYLE, ETR3 T. VIETS. For close communications between ships, the signalmen using flashing light, flag hoists or semaphore rapidly trans- mitted information. Under the strong leadership of Signalmen First Joe HESSEN and Signalman Second Jack HUNT, the Signal Gang kept a constant flow of information with as many as four ships in the vicinity. Since MANATEE carried the mail for the ships on the line, the job of Postal Clerk Second Mario CALANTONI, Sea- man John KLEEH and Seaman Les BLOCKER was more de- manding than during routine operations. n The ship ' s administrative functions are accomplished by X Division under the direct supervision of the Executive Officer. Without the work of the Personnelmen and Yeomen, MANATEE could well have been buried under the deluge of paper work required to operate the ship in deployment. Yeoman First Howard GEIGER, in his position as Captain ' s Writer, Leading Petty Officer and administrative aide to the Executive Officer was constantly on the move coordinating the multitude of reports and letters. His relatively new group was aided by the presence of PN2 David NULL, PN3 Maury GOMBERG, YN2 Charles LEWIS and YN3 Thomas POPE. Seaman Richard REBOKUS, Jeff CORSON, Mike ANDERSON and Richard BOLOGNA quickly picked up the job. ADMINISTRATION Front Row L-R: HM2 G. PALMA, YN1 H. GEIGER. Second Row L-R: HMC R. BICE, PN2 D. NULL, HM3 W. RHODES, SN R. DAVIS, PNSN R. BOLOGNA, BTC D. KELLY. Third Row L-R: SN J. CORSON, YN2 C. LEWIS, YNSN R. REBOKUS, YN3 T. POPE. The Corpsman, also a part of X Division are MANA- TEE ' S Medical Department. Chief Corpsman Robert BICE, HM2 George PALMA, HM3 William RHODES and HM3 Rob- ert ROLLINS treated everything from strange tropical dis- eases to headaches and splinters. Discipline and military conduct is maintained by the Master-At-Arms Force, headed by Chief Boilerman David KELLY. 89 SUPPLY MANATEE not only has to support the logistic require- ments of other ships, she must maintain an independent support capability. The brunt of ensuring the ship has the supplies and services necessary for carrying out her mission falls on the Supply Department. 90 COMMISSARYMEN STOREKEEPERS The general stores and supplies required for operating are maintained by the storekeepers. SK2 Thomas TAYLOR and SK3 Don HORNSBY along with SK3 James WADE were responsible for strong support of the ship during deployment under the direction of LTJG Rick KLAUBER, Supply Officer. Until his transfer in November Chief Commissaryman Jim KUENZINGER planned and supervised the crew ' s meals. Expert baking by CS2 Robert FISHER, and cooking under CS2 Clearnard MELANCON by the mess cooks made for excellent meals throughout the deployment. First Row L-R: CS2 L. BERNAL, SK3 J. WADE. Second Row L-R: SK2 D. HORNSBY, SKSN D. MacLENNAN, SN J. MORDAN, SN R. HIGGS. Third Row L-R: CSSA RHODE, DK3 C. GOODRICH, SK3 K. HILL, SN A. SAMPICA, LTJG R. KLAUBER. STEWARDS SHIP ' S SERVICEMEN Steward First Samuel SARMIENTO and SD2 Joseph ORDAS supervised the fine service and meals in the Ward- room. SD2 Jose ARQUELADA and TN Geriacio PALAD took care of the Captain. TN ' s Tony VARGAS, Francisco CAPIS- TRANO and Nonato ABRAJANO added 2nd year experience to the division. Outside of mail and meals one of the biggest factors in any crew ' s morale is pay. Disbursing Officer LTJG George GABRIEL and Disbursing Clerks Carl CAMPBELL and Charles GOODRICH made sure the pay was accurate and in time for each liberty port. The Barber Shop, Ship ' s Store and Laundry are run by the Ship ' s Servicemen. Supersalesmen SHL3 Jose LOPEZ, James BOOCK and SHL2 Raymond FREEMAN made the t i 9 tti Fir.l Row I R. SH63 R THRASHER, SN M. ROMERO, SD3 W. ABRAJANO, TN A. VARGAS, SD2 J. ARQUELADA, TN J. OUITILEN. Second Row L-li SN J. WILIS, SHL2 J. BOOCK, SN I. SIEIINSKI, TN N. ABRAJANO, SD2 J. ORDAS. LTJG G. GABRIEL Ship ' s Store a profitable addition, and provided a constant stock of sodas, candy and other operating necessities. The Laundry often required 24 hour work days for SN Monico ROMERO and SN Gordon NIELSEN, but the crew was kept in clean clothes most of the time. SHB3 Ronald THRASHER, a barber in civilian life added a bit of professionalism to the Ship ' s Barber Shop. 92 SN SAMPICA and CS2 FISHER pause in the midst of preparing a day meal during the homeward transit. TRANSIT FN E. EMORY receives congratulations and $25 from CAPT FAAS after h girlfriend Lottie SPIVEY was elected Miss MANATEE. Everyone was looking forward to homecoming. 93 On the morning of February 20, the word was passed, All hands to quarters for entering port . Decked out in freshly pressed blues the crew manned the rail. The lost and best house flag Idling our fellow ships know our next stop. Those last few days of transit seemed to last forever. Anticipating the period of R R final work was pushed. Work anticipated for the upcoming yard period had to be scheduled and training accomplished. With the generally fair weather, the crew turned to and painted and preserv- ed the topside spaces which had taken the brunt of the seven month deployment. The crew at quarters for entering port. QMSN ROBERTS lakes a bear visible in the background haze long Beach. The city is ne at last! Friends and relatives gathered on pier seven in Long Be the MANATEE pull HOMECOMING The ship turned the corner on the mole, and there on pier 7 were the families and friends of the crew. The brow went over and the families came aboard. MANATEE completed a seven month deployment so suc- cessful that she completed 155 replenishments without miss- ing a commitment, 10 line trips, and repaired several major casualties without outside assistance. On departure from WESTPAC the operational com- manders sent the following messages: We will miss MANATEE, as will all her market time cus- tomers. While with us you compiled an outstanding record of service, meeting all commitments, reacting rapidly to sudden schedule changes, and always performing in an enthusiastic and professional manner. Best of luck on the remainder of your deployment and best wishes for a happy homecoming. Commodore B. R. DOOGE. As you complete your deployment with the Seventh Fleet, I note with pleasure the significant contribution you made in support of our operations in Southeast Asia. Throughout your stay, your dedication and can-do spirit was evident by the many can do ' s you received from gratified customers. Well done. RADM. A. BERGENER. Upon MANATEE ' S departure from WESTPAC, I want to thank her officers and men for the fine job they have done while opera ting with the Seventh Fleet. During many long and trying days at sea, MANATEE pursued her mission of pro- viding logistic support to Seventh Fleet units on Market Time, Yankee Station, and Task Force Seventy-One operations in a reliable and thoroughly professional manner. All hands are to be congratulated on a job well done and for the significant contributions they have made to the U. S. Mission in WESTPAC. Best wishes for a pleasant voyage home and for a happy homecoming with friends and loved ones. VADM W. F. BRINGLE, USN. For MANATEE WESTPAC 1970 had ended. 95 STAFF NOT PICTURED ENS PHIL WARREN SN AL GARCIA ITJG Chris CALKINS — Edilor Seaman Roy UNDEREINER— Photographer QMSN Dennis COUEY— Copy Seaman Robert WOLTJER— Copy % I