Arthur W Radford (DD 968) - Naval Cruise Book

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II ■4 ad ltd Operations in the Gulf of Arabia were various and always on the dangerous side; from the many underway replenish- ments to Anti-Mine Warfare. When our lookout noticed a mine-like object floating close aboard, the ship was taken to a safe distance and the Demolition Team was flown in. We all stood topside, watch- ing with admiration as the SEALS dove in, attached explo- sives and got out of the area before destroying the threat in a plume of smoke and sea water. Gulf Operations 17

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Med Suez Transit The Atlantic crossing passed quickly as we conducted the man) drills and tactical exercises that keep us at peak perform- ance. The deployment began like any other cruise until we transited the Sue Canal. Doing the Ditch had a profound effect on us; the mosques, war ruins, language and customs made us realize that we had entered a whole new world that called upon our sense of adventure ... and our sense of caution. I The Suez Canal laid before us a world we had only heard and read about. We were suddenly faced with the reality thai Radford had arrived. I SS hiseuhowei dwarfs the us! ol die Battle (.mpii|i .is we transit single-file through the Sue . 16

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USS Arthur W. Radford (DD-968)! PROPULSION Rated at 20, 000 shaft horsepower each, RADFORD ' s four main engines are similar to those found in modern jet aircraft and allow the ship to reach speeds in excess of 30 knots. The main engines are computer controlled from the Pilot House or Central Control Station. With two engines per shaft, RADFORD has two shafts each driven by locked train, double reduction, double helical reduction gears which turn controllable, reversible-pitch propellers. COMBAT SYSTEMS USS ARTHUR W. RADFORD ' s upgraded, highly integrated combat systems are the most versatile and capable in the fleet. Able to simultaneously conduct Air, Surface, Subsurface and Strike Warfare, RADFORD is truly a multi-mission destroyer. Through the Command and Decision System, or CDS, RADFORD ' s well-trained and dedicated Combat Systems Team is able to detect, evaluate, and engage threats in all watfare areas. Anti-Submarine Warfare: With the world ' s most advanced underwater sonar system, RADFORD is able to detect and target even the most modern submarines. The SQQ-89 tactical sonar suite is composed of a hull-mounted sonar (SQS-53B) and Tactical Towed Array Sonar (TACT AS), and is fully integrated with the ship ' s Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS Mk III) Helicopter. Strike Warfare: Able to carry 61 Tomahawk Missiles in her vertical launcher on the foc ' sle, RADFORD can attack a wide variety of land targets. Her capability to deliver stand-off, highly accurate surgical strikes makes ARTHUR W. RADFORD truly a national asset. Anti-Air Warfare: RADFORD ' s upgraded NATO Seasparrow system, along with two live-inch guns and two Close-In Weapons Systems (CIWS) provide her with the ability to defend herself from planes and anti-ship missiles. 1H