Bronstein (FF 1037) - Naval Cruise Book

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THE BEST IN THE WEST USS BRONSTEIN (FF-1037) USS BRONSTEIN (FF-1037) is the first of the modern classes of submarine hunting frigates. Buih by Avondale Shipyards in Westwego, Louisiana, as was her sister ship USS McCLOY (FF-1038). BRONSTEIN ' S Keel was laid lo May 1961 and the ship was placed into Commission 15 June l o3. She is the second ship to bear the name of Lieutenant (junior grade) Ben Richard Bronstein, Medical Corps, US Naval Reserve who lost his life in action aboard USS JACOB JONES (DD-130) in a submarine engagement off the East Coast of the United States in World War II. BRONSTEIN has an overall length of 371-2 and displaces 2650 tons. Equipped with the SQS-2t? Sonar, the ship ' s primary mission is to search, classify and destroy all enemy submarines in war time situation. Working in close coordination with the other advanced ASW forces of the Pacific Fleet, BRONSTEIN is a leader in the development oi modern coordinated anti-submarine tactics. Crewed by 200 enli sted men and 15 officers the ship has gained a reputation as a highly ready, CAN-DO team who, styling themselvet. as The Best in the West always seek, to produce quality in everything they do. BRONSTEIN is a member of the Blackcat Squadron-Destroyer Squadron Thirteen. mmmvai

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FORWARD ,57 72 71 The 4th of October 1983 marked the beginning of a seven month Western-Southern Deployment for the crew of U5S BRONSTEIN. Little did the crew know what new and strange places they would see in the coming adventure. Many surprises were encountered along each new track that the Navigator put on his charts. The crew visited many ports that most had never seen or only dreamed of seeing. BRONSTEIN was well prepared for her sojorn. BRONSTEIN spent a major portion of 1983 undergoing predeployment workup. These preparations included preparation for her first-ever Operational Propulsion Plant Examination, a series of nuclear weap- ons inspections, INSURV, and Interim Refresher Training. BRONSTEIN also partici- pated in Readiex 83-5 and 83-6. BRONSTEIN was not lacking in awards during 1983. In September, the Gunners Mates, Electronic Warfare Specialists, and Damage Control personnel were awarded their respective Departmental Efficiency E s. The Operations Specialists received their sixth consecutive award for excellence. There were feelings of sadness as we departed San Diego, leaving behind our families and friends, but we were confident we would be able to count on them for support during our long seven month separation from our homes. The crew of BRONSTEIN met every challenging moment during the seven months with professionalism and pride, carrying on in the tradi- tion that made the reputation of THE BEST-IN-THE WEST possible for BRONSTEIN. Friendships were formed during the cruise that will be special for years to come. At sea working for seven months with your shipmates, allows you to time to grow friendships that will be remembered for years to come. This book is meant to help you recall some of your friendships, and friends. The teamwork, team spirit and friendships that were formed during this Western-Southern Deployment will remain as a special memory to each of us. To the crew of BRONSTEIN and the families and friends who support- ed us through the seven months. WELL DONE!!!

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V THE FIRST BRONSTEIN USS BRONSTEIN (DD-189) The first USS BRONSTEIN (DD-189) was commissioned 13 December 1943, LT. S.H. Kinney, Commanding, and after reporting to Norfolk, Virginia, was assigned to TASK GROUP 21.16, a Hunter Killer Group. From February to May 1944, HUK was in continuous action against the German U-Boats. Dur- ing this period, BRONSTEIN, with the HUK Group engaged and sank U-709, U-603, and U-801, and severely damaged U-441, causing its withdrawal from action for repairs. In addition to its HUK assignments during this period, BRONSTEIN performed Convoy escort work and on 25 March 1944 with the BREEMAN, transported fifteen tons of gold from Dakar to New York. On 10 June 1944, after an upkeep period, BRONSTEIN joined TG 21.10 and on July 5, 1944, the group attacked and sank U-233 south of Newfoundland. Between July 1944 and the end of the war, BRONSTEIN operated with TG 21.10 in the Carribean keeping vital shipping lanes open. She was placed out of commission on 5 November 1945 and on 3 May 1952 was transferred to the Uruguagan Navy and renamed ROU ARTIGUS where she is still in active duty. For her services and achievements, the Presidential Citation was awarded to the BRONSTEIN. e: [TX ma