Buchanan (DDG 14) - Naval Cruise Book

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11 I L ' Ct Li , ff SHIPS H STORY Fwd? sf3'P VN?-J The USS BUCHANAN QDDG-141 is the third destroyer named for Captain Franklin Buchanan, United States Navy, and Ranking Officer of the Confederate Navy. Captain Buchanan had a long and distinguished career, serving as the first Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, and taking part in the negotiations, together with Commodore Matthew C. Perry, in japan, which eventually led to a treaty with Japan. Serving in the Confederate Navy during the Civil War, he reached the rank of Admiral and took part in the action at Mobile Bay. He died in 1874 and is buried in the family cemetery in Talbot County, Maryland. With her TARTAR and ASROC Weapon systems, along with the rapid-fire 5 54 cal. guns, BUCHANAN has outstanding capabilities in both Anti-Submarine and Anti-Air Warfare, Shore bombardment is another capability which cannot be overlooked. The latest in command facilities, including a modular CIC, provide for a rapid reaction time in handling threats to the safety of the ship. The modern propulsion plant, which includes automatic combustion controls, can achieve speeds in excess of 30 knots, This is a feat in itself, when one considers that BUCHANAN is 437 feet long, 47 feet in beam and has a displacement of 4500 tons, The allowance of 20 officers and 340 enlisted men live in modern accomodations, with all living spaces being air- conditioned . BUCHANAN's keel was laid on 23 April 1959 at Todd Shipyards Corporation, Seattle Division, Seattle, Washington. She was launched on 11 May 1960 sponsored by Mrs. Charles Fisher, Great-grandaughter of Captain Buchanan. BUCHANAN was commissioned on 7 February 1962 at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington by Rear Admiral George C. Towner, United States Navy, Commandant Thirteenth Naval District. Commander David A. Webster, United States Navy, assumed command of BUCHANAN at that time. The ship then commenced an outfitting period at PSNS prior to proceeding to San Diego, California, its home port, and reporting to Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Force, Pacific Fleet for duty with the United States Pacific Fleet. Upon BUCHANAN's arrival in San Diego, she commenced a period of Shakedown training which included a Shakedown cruise to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Upon her arrival at Pearl Harbor on 31 May 1962, BUCHANAN took part in the dedication ceremony of the USS ARIZONA Memorial, a memorial to the valiant men who gave their lives for their country on 7 December 1941 , BUCHANAN returned to San Diego in june and continued her Shakedown training under the direction of the Fleet Training Group. In September 1962, BUCHANAN returned to PSNS, Bremerton, Washington, for her Post Shakedown availability. During this availability, many improve- ments were incorporated in all departments which served to increase the ship's capabilities. In November 1962, BUCHANAN returned to San Diego and reported to Commander, First Fleet for unrestricted service, ready to meet all requirements placed upon her. In April 1963, BUCHANAN departed on her first WESTPAC deployment. During the eight month absence from the United States, BUCHANAN received many compliments, especially in Melbourne, Australia where she participated in the Coral Sea Festival's Twentieth Anniversary. In August 1963, Captain Webster was relieved by Commander Wilton A. Atkinson, United States Navy while the ship was in WESTPAC. Under the command of Captain Atkinson, BUCHANAN returned to San Diego, began to participate in fleet exercises, completed her first full regular overhaul, refresher training and deployed to WESTPAC for the second time in january 1965. In March 1965, Captain Atkinson was relieved by Commander Harrison C. Murray, United States Navy. BUCHANAN was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service in the South China Sea in support of strike operations over hostile territory during this second deployment. In August 1965, BUCHANAN returned to San Diego from WESTPAC. BUCHANAN spent from September through November 1965 in the Long Beach Naval Shipyard for a restricted availability. For the remainder of 1965, BUCHANAN participated in a missile testing project for the Navy and routine First Fleet. operations. january to May 1966, BUCHANAN underwent type training including the First Fleet exercise Gray Ghost. On june 1 1, 1966, BUCHANAN began her third deployment in WESTPAC. In July, BUCHANAN was honored with the privilege of serving as the flag ship for Commander, SEVENTH Fleet during his official visit to Bangkok, Thailand, In the same month, BUCHANAN fired its 5 54 cal guns against hostile forces for the first time. BUCHANAN conducted Shore Bombardment against concentrations of hostile troops in South VietNam. On 14 October 1966, Captain Murray was relieved by Commander William A. Spencer, United States Navy. On December 21, 1966, BUCHANAN returned to San Diego after a six month absence. BUCHANAN spent the remainder of 1966 in a leave and upkeep period in San Diego. March 15, 1967 saw BUCHANAN depart its home port for a five-month regular overhaul period in Long Beach California. Coming out of the shipyard early in August, BUCHANAN began what was to be a demanding and rewarding period of training which included Ship's Qualification Trial and refresher training, After a brief return to the shipyards in Hunters Point for shipboard alterations in November 1967, BUCHANAN entered its homeport for the Christmas Holidays just prior to the fourth scheduled deployment to WESTPAC. Relieving Captain Spencer as Commanding Officer was Commander Robert N. Congdon, United States Navy, who assumed command on November 10, 1967 and is the present Commanding Officer. January 27, 1968 saw BUCHANAN depart for WESTPAC and what was to be an intensivesix -and-one half month tour of Combat Operations, including Sea Dragon Operation, gunfire support of friendly forces in the south, and escort support of carrier operation in the Gulf of Tonlim. 3

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COMMANDI G OFFICER 1 Commander Robert N. Congdon BIOGRAPHY OF COMMANDER ROBERT N. CONGDON, U.S . NAVY Commander Robert N. CONGDON, United States Navy, received his commission in june 1949 at the United States Naval Academy . Commander CONGDON first served aboard the U .S .S . Richard B . ANDERSON CDD-7861. This was followed by tours on the Staff of Commander Amphibious Group THREE and as Flag Lieutenant and Aide to Commander Training Command, Pacific . In 1956, Commander CONGDON attended the General Line School in Monterey, California. Commander CONGDON then served as a member of the recommissioning crew of the U.S .S . NEWE LL QDER-3221 and later served as NEWELL's Executive Officer until 1959. He then served as Executive Officer of the U.S .S . SPROSTON CDDE-5775 until 1960 . Commander CONGDON attended the Command and Staff Course at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. After completing this course, Commander CONGDON served on the Staff at the Naval War College in the War Gaming Department through 1963 . After leaving the War College, he served as Operations Officer aboard the U.S.S. SPRINGFIELD CC LG-71 which was then Flagship of the U.S . SIXTH Fleet. Following this, Commander CONGDON served on the Staff of the Commander-in-Chief, Pacific until receiving orders as Commanding Officer, U.S .S . BUCHANAN CDDG-145. Commander CONGDON is married to the former Colleen P. Mitchell of Los Angeles, California. With their two sons, the CONGDON's currently make their home in San Diego, California.