Manatee (AO 58) - Naval Cruise Book

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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.

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BORNEO TO TAIWAN INCLUDING THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS • - -.- :-fft - — - - { -r, ... ■

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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