Camden (AOE 2) - Naval Cruise Book

Text from Pages 1 - 172 of the 1975 volume:

; J m-i- : i -: ' ' . i r This book is a chronicle of CAMDEN and her men and of the surprises they found— in places familiar and foreign; in the ship; and in themselves. CAMDEN a 795-foot steel package of men and machinery, and supplies to keep both going. Also: new feelings, new experiences — surprises. The ship itself is a surprise. How big was it when you first came aboard? Spacious, huge. After weeks at sea: how big is it now? pretty small. Life at sea is almost ascetic. A man ' s isolated from the distractions of the normal world. If he looks around him, he ' ll discover new things in his surroun- dings, in his friends, in himself. Off the ship for liberty or leave, a man can find new depth in just living. Everything he sees, feels, does ashore is amplified by its rarity, and by the nearness of recent or impending times at sea. The surprises were everywhere during the cruise, ashore and afloat. They still are. Just look around. They ' re free. (I THE CAMDEN INSIGNIA The insignia of CAMDEN (AOE-2) is derived from the city seal of Camden, New Jersey, the city where the ship was built and for which she is named. The Coat of Arms in the center is a facsimile of the shield of the city seal of Camden, New Jersey. The right half contains a sailing ship, representing the city as a port of entry, and its shipbuilding in- dustries. The left half is a replica from the Coat of Arms of Lord Camden, after whom the city was named. Flexibility, Readiness, Endurance: CAMDEN ' s motto embodies the three characteristics the ship and her crew must possess to meet the logistic support challenge the ship is designed to fulfill. The crossed sword and anchor in the background represents her crew, both officers and men. The line border circumscribing all facets of CAMDEN ' s emblem emphasizes the unity required for CAMDEN to function as an effective unit of the fleet. ' ' 5 ' - -• The mission of the AOE (Auxiliary-Oiler- Explosives) is logistic support of combat forces of the U.S. Navy anytime, anywhere in the world. To ac- complish this task, the AOE is equipped with the most modern cargo handling and transfer equipment. To demonstrate her capabilities, and to illustrate the fact that she is the largest type of auxiliary ship afloat con- sider these interesting statistics. • CAMDEN will carry enough food and stores in her massive cargo holds to completely stock 65 super- markets for one month. • CAMDEN will carry enough fuel (of all types) to fill 966 huge highway tanker trucks or, were this all con- verted to regular gasoline, CAMDEN carries enough to supply 644 gas stations for one month. • In addition, CAMDEN will carry as much am- munition as the largest ammunition ship afloat (over three and a half million pounds). • CAMDEN will also carry passengers to and from combat zones, many tons of mail and on regular deployments she will transfer enough movies to furnish your local TV station with late-late shows for six years. The mission of CAMDEN is vital and her capabilities impressive. Her gigantic loads are handled and transferred only by her crew. To keep the crew functioning CAMDEN carries enough food for four months, or to prepare almost 100,000 meals. During their deployments, CAMDEN ' s crew will consume as many Cokes and soft drinks in a month as the average drugstore dispenses in 22 months. They will use enough ice cream in a month to supply 10 drugstores. CAMDEN does as much laundry in a day as the average housewife does in a year. With great pride the crew of USS CAMDEN (AOE- 2) realize that the U.S. Navy is capable of patrolling 70% of the earth ' s surface primarily because of the job they do in support and supply. CAMDEN is Ready, Flexible, and she will Endure. BUILDER: KEEL LAID: LAUNCHED: COMMISSIONED: COST: LENGTH: BEAM: HEIGHT: DRAFT: DISPLACEMENT: SPEED: LOAD CAPACITY: ARMAMENT: OTHER: CREW: New York Shipbuilding Corporation Camden, New Jersey 17 February 1964 2 May 1965 1 April 1967 (Approximate) $70,000,000.00 795 ' 107 ' 179 ' 38.5 ' (Full load) 53,600 tons. Carries 2 anchors, 25,000 pounds apiece. Anchor chain links, 130-160 pounds apiece. 26 knots (30 miles per hour). Range: 10,000 miles. Twin propellers, 23 ' in diameter. Generates 6 million watts of electricity. Fuel (aviation gas, jet fuel, ships fuel oil): 30,000 tons. Ammunition: 1,700 tons. Food and Stores: 1,300 tons. 4 twin 3 50 caliber mounts. 1,200 telephones 2 UH-46A (Sea Knight) helicopters (Current allowance) 23 officers, 488 enlisted men. y r. soo WELCOMES YOU ABOARD DSS Umi AOE 2 MOONBEAMS INI tl NATIOJ AL AIRPOin CAMDEN DEPLOYMENT - 1974-75 LENGTH OF DEPLOYMENT - 16 SEPTEMBER 1974 to 16 MARCH 1975 CHRONOLOGICAL LISTING OF PORTS VISITED: SUBIC BAY, REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES SINGAPORE, MALAY PENINSULA KARACHI, PAKISTAN SUBIC BAY, REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS SUBIC BAY, REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA BREMERTON, WASHINGTON MAJOR OPERATIONS: INDIAN OCEAN 18-29 OCTOBER 1974 4-8 NOVEMBER 1974 19-21 NOVEMBER 1974 8 DECEMBER 1974 to 6 JANUARY 1975 8-11 FEBRUARY 1975 21-23 FEBRUARY 1975 8-12 MARCH 1975 16 MARCH 1975 1. EXERCISE ' MIDLINK ' INDIAN OCEAN- EIGH U. S. SHIPS INVOLVED IN ARABIAN SEA EXERCISE SPON- SORED BY THE CENTRAL TREATY ORGANIZATION, 19-30 NOVEMBER 1974. (KARACH, PAKISTAN). 2. U. S. TASK GROUP HEADED BY CARRIER ENTERPRISE IN THE INDIAN OCEAN. CONDUCTED TRAINING EXERCISES AND DEMONSTRATED THE ABILITY OF UNITED STATES SHIPS TO OPERATE IN THE INDIAN OCEAN. MAURITIUS RAKED BY TROPICAL CYCLONE GERVAISE. MAURITIUS DISASTER RELIEF BY USS CAMDEN (AOE 2), TO THE GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE OF MAURITIUS. THE CAN-DO SPIRIT WAS EXEMPLARY OF OUR CREW - WE DO INDEED TRY HARDER! CROSSED THE EQUATOR LINE ON 15 JANUARY 1975, OVER 200 SLIMY POLLYWOGS INITIATED INTO TRUSTY SHELLBACKS AT LONGITUDE 84 30 ' EAST. CHANGE OF COMMAND of UNITED STATES SHIP CAMDEN AOE-2 MAN-OF-WAR ANCHORAGE SINGAPORE 4 NOVEMBER 1974 THE CEREMONY The Change of Command Ceremony is a time honored tradition which formally restates to the officers and men of the command, the con- tinuity of command. It is a formal ritual conducted before the assembled com- pany of the command. The Change of Command of a naval ship is unique in the world today; it is the transfer of total responsibility, authority and accoun- tability from one individual to another individual. PROGRAM Band Concert National Anthem Invocation LCDR THOMAS A. SCHULTZ Chaplain Corps, U.S. Navy Farewell Remarks and Reading of Orders CAPTAIN RICHARD T. THOMAS U.S. Navy Reading of Orders and Remarks CAPTAIN DONAI D L. FELT U.S. Navy Presentation of Commission Pennant Benediction Ceremony Concluded c IVI A N D I N G F F I C E R CAPT. DONALD L. FELT, USN Captain FELT was commissioned upon graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1953, and sub- sequently served in the Pacific Fleet Attack Transport, GEORGE CLYMER (APA-27). Upon completion of flight training in 1956, Cap- tain FELT served in Attack Squadron Thirty-Four for four years. During this period the squadron com- pleted two deployments to the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean in SARATOGA (CVA-60), participating in the U.S. response to the Lebanon crisis in 1958. From 1960 to 1963, Captain FELT studied at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School at Monterey, graduating with the Degree of Aeronautical Engineer. He then again served in Attack Squadron Thirty-Four as Operations Officer. Captain FELT sailed in Vietnam waters during 1966-1967 as Strike Operations Officer in INTREPID (CVS-II) flying combat missions in the A4 Skyhawk over South Vietnam with the embarked squadrons. Later he assumed the duties of Executive Officer of Attack Squadron Twenty-Seven, a newly forming A7 Corsair II squadron. After a 1968 WESTPAC deploy- ment, Captain FELT assumed command of the squadron for a second tour off Vietnam in CONSTELLATION (CVA-64) in 1969-1970. During this tour he flew over 225 combat missions in the Corsair. A succession of staff jobs followed: CINCPACFLT as Air Operations Officer; OPNAV (OP-60) as Aviation Plans, then FHead, Pacific Area Plans Section; and to date, as Chief, LANT SOUTH AL-REDCOM Division, J-3, Organization of the joint Chiefs of Staff. Captain FELT has been awarded the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Air Medal (22 Strike Flight Awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards with Combat V), and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. Captain FELT is married to the former Marguerite Synon. They have five children: Kitty (16), Mimi (14), Liz (12), George (9), and Sara (6). EXECUTIVE OFFICER LCDR EDWARD T. WALKER, JR. USN Lieutenant Commander Edward Thomas WALKER, Jr. is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Class of 1960. Following graduation, he attended Submarine School in New London, Connec- ticut from July to December 1960. From January 1961 to November 1962, Lieutenant Commander WALKER served on board USS TIRANTE {SS-420) as Assistant Engineer and Communicator. Following his tour on board this ship he reported to the commissioning crew of USS DANIEL WEBSTER (SSBN-626) (Blue), which was then under construction at Croton, Connecticut. Enroute to DANIEL WEBSTER, he attended the SSBN Navigator Course at the Naval Guided Missile School, Dam Neck, Virginia. During his five Polaris deterrent patrols on board DANIEL WEBSTER, he served in a variety of billets including Communicator, Operations Officer, and Navigator. Detached in October 1965, Lieutenant Commander WALKER reported to the Staff of Commander Sub- marine Flotilla SIX to serve as Aide and Flag Lieute- nant. Lieutenant Commander WALKER ' s next assign- ment was Third Officer and Engineer on board USS VOLADOR (SS-490), home-ported in San Diego. Reporting on board in September 1968, he was detached in May 1970 to report to USS CAIMAN (SS- 323) as Executive Officer. He remained in that position until CAIMAN was decommissioned in June 1972. For his service as Executive Officer of CAIMAN, he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal. Prior to reporting to USS CAMDEN (AOE-2) as Ex- ecutive Officer in August 1973, Lieutenant Com- mander WALKER attended the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, graduating in June 1973. He also earned a Master ' s degree in Business Administration from Auburn University while at Maxwell. Lieutenant Commander WALKER is a native of San Diego, California, but was raised in Kerrville, Tex- as. He is married to the former Elaine K. Pichler of Newburgh, New York. The WALKER ' s have two daughters, Kathryn and Audrey, and one son, David. They currently reside in Bremerton, Washington. 10 11 UNDERWAY FOR WESTPAC 13 THE CAMDEN WAY WE ' RE NUMBER TWO HARDER! TRY HISTORY AND NAME AOE-2 is named for the city of Camden, New Jersey, located on the east side of the Delaware River opposite Philadelphia. The site, first settled in 1681, and known as Cooper ' s Ferry, was renamed in 1773 in honor of the opponent of the Stamp Act of 1765, and a firm friend of the American Colonies during the revolution. The AOE-2 is the second ship of the United States Navy to bear the name CAMDEN. The first was built in 1900 in Germany as the KIEL. She was seized by the United States upon our entrance into World War I. First fitted out as a cargo ship and commissioned in August 1917, her active career ended in May 1931, although the veteran was called back from retirement in 1940 and served until the end of World War II. Constructed in Camden, she moved to the Pacific Fleet in September 1967 and made her maiden overseas deployment with the SEVENTH Fleet May 1968 - March 1969. For operations of that deployment, CAMDEN was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation. On 21 August 1969, she left her home port of Long Beach, California for a second deployment with the SEVENTH Fleet. For her third deployment, covering the period from 14 August 1970 to April 1971, CAMDEN was again awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation. The CAMDEN departed Long Beach on 4 February 1972, commen- cing her fourth Vietnam War deployment, arriving home again on 15 September. She departed Long Beach 9 March 1973 on her fifth deployment retur- ning there on 22 December 1973. CAMDEN ' s home port was changed to Bremerton, Washington in February 1974. She departed there on 16 September 1974 for her sixth deployment. The USS CAMDEN (AOE-2) is equipped with all the modern devices for handling heavy loads as a huge warehouse of the most modern type. She has heavyduty elevators, high-speed conveyors, mechanical pallet transporters, and powerful fork-lift trucks. Hundreds of feet of bridge cranes, and the world ' s newest system of high-speed at-sea transfer, make CAMDEN one of the most efficient supply ships on the seas. Her high lines and hoses are com- plemented by the lifting power of two helicopters. Her length is 795 feet, longer than IVi football fields, and the 179 feet height would be equal to an 18 story building. 14 ' m 1 3 BHEffs KStt « 1 - y ii Jj It ' ' .Vj - l 4 Wf ' H fl .,.rt i ' GENERAL QUARTERS JUST ANOTHER DAY 17 FIRST MAIL CALL! 18 CAMDEN ' S RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES y j ji(xp - '  t BURIAL AT SEA 20 % DECK DECK LCDR W. J. LOUNSBERRY CW03 R. PEREZ FIRST DIVISION First Division is that part of the Deck Department that is responsible for the care and maintenance of the forecastle, anchoring mechanism and, in general, the starboard side of the ship. It also mans the fuel and transfer rigs on the starboard side, replenishes. Destroyers, and receives fuel during CONSOLS from other fleet oilers. The division supplies side cleaners to keep the ship in good trim, and combined with Second Divi- sion, provides helmsmen, bridge phone talkers, and lookouts. ENS H. E. THOMAS BMCM C. R. DEZUTTER BM1 R. C. MILLIGAN 22 top: BM2B. D. WAGAMAN BM2 R. W. BOHN BM2 R. W. MINKS middle: BM3T. L. GORALSKl bottom: BM3J.B. PILLSWORTH BM3 T. N. MOSLEY 23 top row: SAJ. D.COLEMAN SN D. T. PATRICK SA A. VALLEJOS middle row: SAP. R. LUEHMANN SN J. OWENS SA S. HAGGARD bottom row: SAJ. W. BARKLEY SA M. R. COONROD 24 i top row: SAD. W. PHAUP SN R. K. TURNER SA W. SMITH middle row: SN D.G. ESTIPONA SN S. L. RUTLEDGE SA G. GUIDI 25 ill J 1 il top row: SA J. WALKER SN T. B. STRUB SA P. D. HUGHES middle row: SN C.JORDAN SA R. C. PENN SA M. E. HOWARD 26 top row: SNC. A. MAUNE SA L. WILSON SA D. D. TREAT middle row: SA R. L. BROOKS SA G. K. GRINER SA G. L. BRAYTON SA S. V. MANLEY 27 iri top row: SAC. M. SANDIDGE SA P. D. HUGHES SA D. R. QUINN middle row: SAC. S.HAMPTON SA D. HARGROVE bottom row: SAS. GADSEN SA G. Q. WILLIAMS 28 X rtcij kT you fifftiti 29 k i ni9T ' .ry -.■■■■, ' . i D E C K i.- . OUR 100th CUSTOMER USS KIRK (DE 1087) 30 SECOND DIVISION Second Division is that part of the Deck Department that is responsible for the care of the fantail and, in general, the port side of the ship. It mans fueling and transfer figs on the starboard side, replenishes aircraft carriers and cruisers, and receives ammunition during CONSOLS from ammunition ships. The Division supplies side cleaners to keep the ship in good trim and, combined with the Second Division, provides helmsmen, bridge phone talkers, and lookouts. w f top row: LTJG D. R, BURNETT BM1 T. T. MILLER middle row: BM1 R. GARZA bottom row: BM3K. P. KENNEDY BM3 P. A. HENSEL 31 pl%f«l ■■. v ' ' ' ' ' ' 4W ii| I I ' liiii I middle row: BM3 D.J. ANDERSON BM3 R. DIAZ BM3 R. V. WILCOX bottom row: BM3T. V.SHELLENBARGER BM3 R. R. SALAZAR SNTR. COPELAND 32 il V ' - i 9 Y 3) i lH v 3jBI V i|r top row: SN G.J.BROWN SN J. V. HANNIGAN SN J. W. HUGHES middle row: SND. M. SUMMERSELL SN J. W. ARMSTEAD SA M.W. BALLARD 33 top row: YNSAD. R. PARSONS LCDR W. J. LOUNSBERRY middle row: SAC. A. BREDVIG SA L. W. COBB SA T. H. FEAGINS bottom row: SAD. J. GRAMS SN W. A. HAYES 34 Could I hove vour attention plcosc- we ' re coming in for a landing. top row: SAT. D. HOOPER SA L. C. SHAW middle row: SAF.W. POLLOCK bottom row: SAL. KIMMONS SA V. L. LIVINGSTON 35 top row: SA F.MANN SA P. O. SCHUELER SA A. D. SPARKS middle row: SAJ.D. TILLOTSON SA M. A. WALLACE SA A. BROWN bottom row: SA A. N.CARDENAS SA D. CERVANTES 36 middle row: SAP. B.CLARKE SA H. EDWARDS SA L. C. THOMPSON bottom row: SAM. E.WEAKLAND SA G. CANTRELL 37 top row: SA D. E. HAYES SA W. JONES SA R. K. HALEY middle row: SA S.H.PATTERSON SA J. HATCH bottom row: SRM. E.CAIN SN J. L. BARRERA 38 lop row: CWOM. M.GREENE GMCS T. L. SHADRICK middle row: GMG1 L.N.LEE GMG1 T. PRESSLEY bottom row: GMG1 H. D. WHITACRE h ' L WEAPONS Weapons Division is the custo- dian of all cargo ammunition and is charged with the responsibility of maintaining good safety practices in the handling of all ammunition aboard CAMDEN. It operates the elevators that move ammo to and from CAMDEN ' S vast cargo am- munition storerooms. The men of Weapons Division also operate and perform maintenance on CAMDEN ' s four three-inch gun mounts. 39 f top row: GMC2M. CHARM middle row: FTC2R.M. BEGUN GMG2 C. J. LAMERE GMG3 W. ASHLEY bottom row; GMG3 J. G. LUMPKIN GMG3 G. D. McFARLEN 1 ' - - a r 40 NOW THIS LITTLE NUMBER t top row: GMG3D. W. BUTLER SN J. C. EUTSEY middle row: SNM.A. SALZBRUN SN A. TYLER SN L. R. TAYLOR bottom row: SN D. B. LOCKE SN D. L. GABAREE 41 •i J iil top row: SAD. M.KENNY SA C. WHITE middle row: GMGSAL. T.COOPER SA A. PADILLA FTGSA C. L. SHROPE bottom row: SNE. ENRIQUEZ m — — — — 1 l p? I nil  ■ ' B .am W H B|M :  i|j v V w 42 SN R. A. LONCORIA ' ' 4P , « H ! i7 ' ; yim f!jsy «fag«?m;,gsRr ' ?; ' ; ' - T-g -■■••p. .. j;___ 43 THIRD DIVISION Third Division is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the ship ' s boats, so important to a ship like CAMDEN that must anchor out in several major liberty ports because of its deep draft. The division is also charged with maintenance and operation of the Flight Deck and stages materials to be transferred to customer ships by helicopter. fop row; ENS H.M.KIRCH BMC G. W. BLACK BM1 V. D. SCHMIDT bottom row: BM2 D. A. SCHWAKE BM3 T. A. JORDAN 44 top row: BM3C. F. PENZA BM3 A. P. SORENSEN middle row: SN W. R.SEIGLE SN E. DIAZ bottom row: SNR. E. BANKSTON SN J. C. YOUNG SN M. D. WITFOTH 45 middle row: SNP. L.HAWKINS SN W. L. WOLOFORD SA L. G. HIGGS bottom row: SA J. R.MERCER SA C. C. MILNES SA J. E. SPENCER 46 top row: SAP. RUSH SA J. R. MORRIS SA R. B. GUYER middle row: SAM. R. DWYER SA S. KING SA R. McKINLEY bottom row: BM2 D. A. SCHWAKE •■aXit-rfS 1 47 1 1 ■ .-: • WMj . i ii ' 9 i w w ' K 7 1 H top row: SA N. BETTS SA G. M. GOHANNA SA B. J. PLATT middle row: SAM. KING bottom row: SA A. DAVIS SR. R. A. BACICH 48 B ' ' ' - JKfiiM 1 1 HELICOPTER SUPPORT COMBAT SQUADRON TWO— DET-102 V Division is a detachment of Helicopter Support Squadron TWO, home-ported in NAS North Island, California. It officers and men main- tain and fly two helicopters that lift vast amounts of provisions and stores to ships who come alongside to shop at CAMDEN ' S floating super- market. The division flies us in on early liberty to Subic, transfers our mail and provides emergency medical evacuation services when needed. In short: V Division is a part of CAMDEN ' S life blood! top row: LCDR W. L. ARMSTRONG LT. W. R. SOPER LT. P. M. LANCE bottom row: LTJGH.O. FRANKENFIELD LTJG M. L. WILLOUGHBY 49 top row: LTJGB. Y. WINSTEAD middle row; ADJCG. K.JENKINS AMS1 D. R. BOLER AE1 H. G. ROUGH bottom row; AT2M.M. COOMBS AMS2 M. ). BENNINGTON i 50 top row: ADJ2H.D. BRIANS AD]2 E. ]. LeBLANC middle row: AMH2M. D. LEFTWICH bottom row: AT3M.L. BARKER AMS3 W. ROBERTS AMS3 A. D. SMITH ' 4 3 gt |li  — ' -if — 51 « top row: AZ3S. C.WEBB middle row: ADJ3 J. R.DENNY AMS3 A. G. DUENAS AK3 V. S. RODOLFO bottom row: ADJAN J. F. LUSARDI ADJAN C. E. BRANTLEY 52 lop row: ADJAN R. P. LANGFORD AMEAA F. B. HYDE 53 CAMDEN ' S THERE miTivs NEWSWEEK STORY ON CYCLONE GERUAISE Following is verbatim text of report on cyclone Gervaise filed February 13 by Newsweek Stringer in Mauritius, Philippe Lenoir (please protect) owner of major local daily, Le Cerneen, to Andrew Jaffe, Newsweek Office, Nairobi, Kenya: QTE: Mauritius raked by tropical cyclone Gervaise and gusts reaching 174 miles per hour on sixth and seventh February. Thousands of huts and houses destroyed ten dead and hundreds of wounded, third sugar crop estimated lost some two hundred thou- sand tons out of expected seven hundred thousand tons or more. Insurance fund insufficient to meet total loss. New commitments of five hundred thousand tons to Cee hard to reach and subject to future penalties if not met for coming year. Island now needs lot of rain without cyclone during coming months to soften dramatic situation for sugar which represents eighty five perkent mauritian economy. Cyclone Gervaise however greatly improved US image in Mauritius who was concerned about US military installations in Diego Garcia sold to Britain and subsequently leased by latter to US. In general Mauritius was against militarization of Indian Ocean and Russo-American rivalry and eventual nuclear war. After con- sulting Mauritian government US Ambassador Manhard requested arrival navy supply ship CAMDEN who promptly provided in- valuable helicopter help for lifting big pylones and pipes to difficult sites for restoring water and electricity facilities which were wrecked to ninety percent. Supplied also vaccines and serums and food. Now CAMDEN replaced by Seventh Fleet Carrier Enterprise who rushed in from Mombasa in fifty hours providing still more help and arranging also helicopter survey and journalist flight and visit of big E with Admiral Harris on board. Government and pop- ulation most impressed by American help and efficiency and US prestige boosted up tremendously. 54 •. . -• _il - 55 j s MAURITIUS DISASTER RELIEF BY USS CAMDEN AOE-2 « L ' fc- Hflii ' ' ' - KARACHI, PAKISTAN 58 lisjlj ..- i _i «; ' ! j ' . ■JfM ' 9- f N?i top row: LTJG S.N.ROBINSON FTM1 L. TAYLOR A01 T. F. HARRELL bottom row: PN2B. J.McMAIN 60 ENGINEERING top row: LCDR A. C.JOHNS CW02 R. W. LAINE middle row: LTJGS.J.RUSCHMEIR MMC E. L. BAKER MM1 D. R. HENSON A DIVISION The men of A Division fall into two ratings: Machinist Mates and Enginemen. They maintain auxiliary equipment throughout the ship and their duties vary widely. A Division is responsible for the maintenance of our cargo elevators, winches, ship ' s air-conditioning and numerous pieces of auxiliary machinery located outside the main machinery spaces. In Winter climates, A Division insures adequate heat throughout the ship, the proper performance of hot water heaters, and even the ship ' s whistle. 62 lop row: EN2R. D. GENTERT MM2 D. D. RUSH middle row: MM2D. S.OLSON hottom row: MM3J. F.QUINN MM3 W. MUEHE MM3 R. VanECMOND 63 middle row: MM2M. A. EVITTS EN3 M. C. BORRIES EN3 R. D. BAYLIFF bottom row: EN3C. D.LOFTON EN3 J. V. D ' AMICO EN3 R. L. SIPPLE 64 I top row: FN D. A. DOSTER EN3 C. E. SCHENK FN W. E. WILCOXSON middle row: FN I.E. BROWN bottom row: EN3R. C.VIADO FA R. A. ALLIGOOD 65 66 b -p top row: FA C.WILSON FA B. FIELDS MMFA D. P. BALLEW middle row: MM3R. A. HEWITT bottom row: FNW. MILEHA M FA C. T. SHIBOSKI 67 E DIVISION E Division keeps the electrons flowing! In our shipboard com- munity, E Division is our telephone company, power and light company, electrician ' s union and motion pic- ture syndicate. Its men also maintain the ship ' s entertainment system, provide amplifying equipment for shipboard assemblies, obtain and show the movies, and furnish our light bulbs. top row: ENSD. J.STRAKA EMCS W. E. OLSON middle row: ICCM. F.ARNOLD EMI C. MASCARINA EMI M. BERNALES bottom row: EMI J. R. GUNN EMI V. PANILAGAO 68 top row: EMI J.B.LEONARD EM2 R. C. JONES bottom row; EM2C. E. CORPUZ EM2 D. HULTMAN IC2 G. YOCK 69 top row: EM3J. P. WOOD EM3 L. R. MORTON IC3 D. S. COATES middle row: IC3G. R.DAVIES IC E. R. ADAMS IC3 W. L. STEWART 70 top row: EM3N.BALACTES middle row: ICFNG. WARHURST EMFN A. JUAREZ ICFN J. D. BARRIE bottom row: ICFN N. B. WOLCOTT EMFA M. CALCAGNO 71 top row: EMFAG. P. WHITTLE middle row: FNT. M. BURDICK EMFA W. R. VOS bottom row: EMFAM.J.OKULEY FA M. R. BARR FN S. A. STRUB 72 t i f    ■ if. STREAM DIVISION Steam Division maintains and repairs winches, ram-tensioners, hydrolic power units and sliding blocks. S-Standard T-Tension R-Repienishment E-Evolution A-Along Side M-Method fl !« ■• top row: EMCR. A. CLARK middle row: MM1 K.ELLIOTT bottom row: MM3G. A. STENSRUD MM2 W. G. WILLIAMS EM3 M. A. SULLIVAN 73 top row: EM3E. P. BOURGEOIS BM3 S. A. MOFFIT middle row: SN J. GARCIA SN J. R. ANDERSON FN D. HERNANDEZ bottom row: SNE. LISTER OFFICE OF THE CHAPLIN USS CAMDEN (AOE-2) FPO San Francisco, 96601 The record of CAMDEN in the Indian ocean is one of complete and professional accomplishment, despite a rigorous at-sea period, you looked good in all respects from external appearance to the smart manner in which you rigged and passed Burtons and fuel rigs. You demonstrated to our allies the outstanding capabilities of our service ships. As we go our separate ways we acknowledge that you do try harder, but you are number one in our books. RADM D. C. DAVIS, United States Navy 74 top row: LT J. THOMAS HTC C. V. KROMER middle row: HT1 R. T. PIGG HT2 C. S. NIEMANN l R DIVISION The job of R Division is hull and structural repair. The Shipfitter Shop, Damage Control Central, Machine Shop, and the Carpenter Shop are all a part of R Division. The Shipfitter Shop performs the greatest variety of jobs ranging from structural repair to installing the CAMDEN gymnasium on the fan tail. Damage Control Central co- ordinates all damage control efforts as the emergency nerve center of the ship. The Carpenter Shop turns out everything from ship ' s plaques to we try harder signs. 75 top row: MR2 R. C. KOEHLER HFS R. M. HANSEN HT3 D. L. HODGES bottom row: HT3G.S.)OSEFlK HT3 D. J. SCHILLING MR3 R. T. SWOPE 76 I M t m AtSHi f H. J rn W ?. rT| top row: FNF.J.JOSEFIK FN C. M. OSWALD FN M. J. PARSONS middle row: FN D. A. STANDS FN S. C. TIBURCIO FN R. L. WALL bottom row: FN). B. DUNN FN D. L. CHARLTON 77 1 lop row: HTFN A. R. McFARLANE FA R. A. MERLINO FA J. D. O ' BRYAN middle row: FAC.J.PAYANT FA B. W. VOYLES FA S. M. LATTA 78 iHI top row: FA M. FLORES FA R. K. ALEXANDER middle row: FAR. K. BRYANT HTFN R. VINCENT FA C. ADAMS i ■ n 1 WHERE WE WERE IHDIAII OCEON 79 top row: MMCM W.R.STEVENS MMC V. G. ARNOLD bottom row: MMC N. A. REESER MM1 L. M. MESCH MM2 W. D. AUSTIN M DIVISION M Division operates and main- tains CAMDEN ' S main engines which produce 100,000 shaft horse-power and turn two propellers, 23 feet in diameter. Along with the main propulsion machinery, M Division cares for all generators and associated equipment which provide enough electrical power to light a small city. 80 top row: MM2D. G. LUKACS middle row: MM2R. E. ALBERTSON MM3 T. G. SEMLINGER MMFA S. L. TANNER bottom row: MM3 W.F.TERRY MM3 C. R. GARSKI MM3 R. P. VILLA ' Jt ■ Jrt a Ti . Im w.. ! ' il T ' ' - H m L ..M B i 1 81 top row: MM3 Moondog Taddicken middle row: MM3 A. R.SANTOS YN3 D. J. CARPITCHER MMFN J. F. BASS bottom row: MMFNG.J.HAUSLER MMFN M. S. UMPHENOUR 82 top row: MMFN L.N.BRANCH MMFN J. D. LOVE FN M. J. BENNETT middle row: MMFAD. R.TREFERY MMFA O. C. BENSON bottom row: MMFA C. NINALTOWSKI 83 BPmrjKPi top row: MMFAD. L.WHITE FA D. D. ALBERTSON middle row; FAJ.S. VILLANUEVA FA M. L. DODD bottom row: FAL. J. KNIGHT FA D. K. MERIMON 84 top row: FAM. D.TRIMBLE FA S. L. KRING middle row: FA E. TELA MMFR ]. M. HARRIS MMFR G. S. MAYS bottom row: MM3 R.PARKER 85 ( Hfr BUBDIB. ' ' Jf LOSr K Can rou r£LL mb WW TO 0£r gjctc to J - : - -: ' ' m. . ' 1 V J A. 1 r MM3 R. L. MORIARITY FA BRUDER 86 B DIVISION B Division furnishes the go power for CAMDEN — steam. They operate and maintain the ship ' s boilers, evaporators and related gear. They are responsible for boiler watches, the cleaning of firesides and watersides and converting sea water into fresh water. They also provide job opportunities and employment security for the Deck Department by furnishing a daily deposit of black soot on CAMDEN ' s two acres of deck space! top row: BTCSR. W. MALONEY middle row: BTCM. E.FORD BT1 K. DENNIS BT1 S. I. SUTTON bottom row: BT1 M. L. HOWE BTC R. G. GOINES 87 Wl p i i mr top row: BT2 A. G.SIMPSON BT2 R. L. COLE BT3 W. C. ROHLK middle row: BT3 B. W. BLACK BT3 G. C. LEE BT3 K. D. WILSON 88 top row: BT3W. E. WEAVER BT3 R. S. STROH middle row: BT3C. R. KROOK BT3 M. SCHULE BT3 J. SHIFLETT bottom row: BT3 D. B. WALLER BTFN R. R. MOVERS 89 coo e w p PU _ MP ' jSB m BgMf ' Pf E U j X % jfi top row: BTFNM. D. SHINDAK middle row: BTFN L. R. PUTMAN BTFN S. CIEPLECHOWICZ BTFN R. SPROUSE bottom row: BTFN J.KIMBAII BTFN G. GOODROW 90 HI |r= All HI K -- B ■ ■ l!r Ki - mll ' Jb 1 top row: BTFN J. N.KOGER BTFN M. A. MYERS BTFA J. E. HILGART middle row: BTFA R.L.WARD BTFA A. D. FOSTER BTFA A. K. ANDERSON bottom row: BTFAR. KILLINGSWORTH BTFA G. COOPER 91 top row: FAR. BLENDHEIM FA J. B. WRIGHT BTFR A. THOMPSON middle row: FRJ. V. ESPARAR FR J. J. DOWNEY FR A. BELO bottom row: FA A. J. WALKER BT3 R. MILTON fe a 3 I V ir.. 4 92 top row: FA L.PETERSON FA L. SMITH FN W. WALKER middle row: BTFN W. A. URBAN bottom row: BTFRS. G. SKRIPICK BTFR M. L. MISNER BTFR R. L. HINCKLEY 93 FROM: CTC Seven Seven PT SIX 08 Dec. 74 TO: USS CAMDEN PERFORMANCE CAMDEN is to be commended for her outstanding performance during the entire Indian ocean excur- sion. Though plagued with an extremely troublesome engineering problem subsequent to departure Subic, CAMDEN displayed her true can do attitude by correcting the casualty and meeting all commitments. The unstinting efforts of the crew, who gave up shore liberty time, in accomplishing repairs is deeply appreciated here. 94 LCDR Schultz, U.S.N. Chaplain USS CAMDEN AOE - 2 FPO San Francisco, CA. 96601 Dearest Chaplain Schultz, We opened the boxes of boo were able to stay with us longer, upon seeing the nice books you you that we will make good use tionaries in building their voc thanking you and Operation By the way, our District you in person, but just the s they are very grateful to yo We hope that the ALMldAlYjvill he| us a visit the next time you dro nch have adopted our school and K f to- Oh, we almost forgot to th1mk ' ' wp| fo ' ALL! Arenas Elementary School Arenas, Arayat, Pampanga Philippines November 6, 1974 stopped that afternoon you left us. If you rjjrised were the teachers and children and the dictionaries. We all assure trCemlediate pupils already use the dic- oTonlyttlp tjEBching force of this school who is ork but owl community as well. at she was sorry for not being able to meet the books to other schools and an work, and how about paying the CAMDEN; so maybe you u very much. GOD BLESS YOU Ernesto T. Reyes OFFICE OF THE CHAPLIN USS CAMDEN (AOE-2) The USS CAMDEN (AOE-2) Project Handclasp delivered seven pallets of books to Arenas Elementary School, Arayat, Pampanaga, Philippines. ■■ ■T i a  r ?si.$; ; - - ' .-. ■■ -i. w ' ij owi- ' ' • ' tt;r, svs v ,! THE USS CAMDEN AOE-2 Project Handclasp paused during a CENTO Exercise in the Indian Ocean to deliver 30,000 pounds of books to Karachi, Pakistan. 98 EIGHT U. S. SHIPS INVOLVED IN ARABIAN SEA EXERCISE ANKARA, TURKEY — Eight ships from the United States joined ships from the United Kingdom, Iran, Pakistan and Turkey in what was described as the largest naval exercise ever held in the Indian Ocean. The exercise, called Midlink 74, was spon- sored by the Central Treaty Organization and was held November 19-30 in the Arabian Sea arm of the Indian Ocean, between India and the Arabian peninsula. Heading the U.S. squadron was carrier Constellation. She was joined by command ship La Salle, guided missile destroyers Lawrence, Cochran and Berkeley, destroyer escorts Stein and Montgomery and fast combat support ship CAMDEN. In addition to the U.S. ships, the alliance force included a British nuclear-powered sub- marine, destroyers and frigates of the Iranian Navy and destroyers of Pakistan and Turkey. Midlink 74 reportedly was held to demonstrate the alliance ' s naval strength in the approaches to the Persian Gulf. Soviet air and sea activity has increased recently in that area. The exercise, hosted by the Pakistan Navy, was described by CENTO as part of its annual training program. It consisted of simulated war- time conditions and anti-submarine, air defense, anti surface and mine warfare operations. During the exercise, the Constellation became the first U.S. Carrier to enter the Persian Gulf in 26 years. Destroyers Berkeley and Cochrane accompanied her. Defense officials explained that the excursion was part of the United States ' announced policy of increasing naval activity in the area of the In- dian Ocean and the oil-rich Mideast. Russia ' and India have protested strongly against this policy, although the Soviets also are increasing their naval presence in the area. Colonel Hassan Vasseghi Iran Army and Ensign Connolly, USN. ' 1% MEDICAL MEDICAL Medical Division cures all of our little aches and pains. They also give us the shots that we look forward to so eagerly, and cure several kinds of, ah, social diseases, along with setting broken bones. The department is now equipped with everything a dentist or doctor could ever ask for. if f 4 I B m. ' ' 1 ' K i . 1 W ? 4 1 1 i , k top row: LTO. B.EVANS LCDR F. KRUEGER middle row: HMCR. R. ENRIQUEZ bottom row: DTI E. TORRES-SOTO HM R. M. SALAZAR k lOI top row: HM3R. G. DRAHOTA HM3 J. L. OLIPHANT HN S. L. COOK middle row: HNM.SWENSON SN R. R. SLAGER bottom row: DAG. D. ROJAS I 102 CAMDEN SPORTS AND GAMES ? ' 103 104 SUPPLY X w sPI | :- 1 top row: LCDRP.E. BISHOP CW02 J. DALY middle row: LTP. A. PETERSON bottom row: SKCS B.WILLIAMS SKC R. R. GRAFF r V n - ' ' i ddJii ! iLykw k J. i I S-1 DIVISION S-1, or the Stores Division, is responsible for the handling of all stores, both for CAMDEN and all her customers. This includes the re- quisitioning and financial accounting for both the ship ' s operating expenses and the fleet issue or cargo stores. Customers may order fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen and dry provisions, lube oil, bottled gases, and general stores such as rags and swabs. Without S-1, CAMDEN would be more like the corner grocery store than the Supermarket of the Indian Ocean. 106 top row: SKI E.MOORE SKI C. D. AQUINO SK2 G. B. GONZALES middle row: AK2I.G. OCAMPO SK2 R. E. WILSON bottom row: SK3A. C.GOMEZ SK3 L. D. KNIGHT SK3 G. E. MONTOYA 107 top row: SK3 L.GREEN SKSA E. MALCOM SKSN ]. H. KROGMAN middle row: SKSN J. C.MILLER bottom row: SKSAR. j.DEMARS SKSA L. S. WELLS 108 top row: SKSAS. C. HUXOLL SN W. R. WILDER SN S. A. MICHAELSON middle row: SNJ. H.WAGNER SN j. E. FLETCHER bottom row: SN W. R.ANDERSON SN C. L. SMITH J-t HP u 109 top row: LTJGL. A. BRINDLEY CSC J. ESKRIDGE middle row: CS1 O. SAMPLES CS1 H. S. VANDECAR CS1 S. SNODGRASS S-2 DIVISION S-2, or the Food Services Divi- sion, prepares and serves our food. They also are responsible for our many Fantaii Cook-outs. Although Dinner for the crew! is music to a sailor ' s ears, the highlight of the messman ' s day is when the IMC comes alive again to pass: Secure the mess line. The other segment of S-2 is made up of the Wardroom Stewards. They insure that the Wardroom living spaces and galley are neat and clean, and just one sampling of their well- prepared food will convince the most chronic doubter that they are the best cooks in Southeast Asia. 4-w t1 ys no top row: CS2V. ELDRIGE CS2 G. JEFFERS CS3 T. KOSOBUD middle row: CS3R. WIDENER CS3 D. VOLKMAN CSSN R. SMITH bottom row: CSSN J. MATTHEWS CSSN W. LACZKOWSKI 111 top row: CSSNR. SHACKLETT CSSN G. RIDDLE SDSN L. HORSFALL middle row: SNR. SMALLDRIDGE CSSA J. NELLIS SA A. BANFIELD 112 Umm! Good Chow top row: MSSNG. W.ALLEN middle row: SD1 B. OCHOSA SD2 F. NAVAL bottom row: SD2J. PULANCO SD2 P. ORPILLA SD3 L. ENCINAS 113 top row: SD3S. RAMOS SD3 B. CORPUS SDSN J. REED bottom row: SDSN A. ARELLANO SDSA J. JAMORA 114 top row: SNB. BENNISON SA H. GARCIA SDSN J. DENNY 115 top row: ENSS. L. BLINDHEIM SHI B. W. ELLIOTT bottom row: DK1 D. F.STUBENRAUCH SH2 S. PEARSON S-3 DIVISION S-3 Division operates the Ship ' s Stores, Clothing and Small Stores, Ship ' s Soda Fountain, Barber Shop, the Laundry and Dry Cleaning plants, and the Disbursing Office. Without S-3, CAMDEN would go without clothing, haircuts, toiletries, laundry service, between meal snacks, and pay! With S-3 CAMDEN sailors rate quite high on the standard of liv- ing index! 116 top row: SH2 E.JOHNSON middle row: SH2R. LOVEALL SH3 D. BELBER SH3 D. WARD bottom row: SH3J.DASHIELL SH3 R. SORENSEN 117 i top row: SH3J. ROSAL SH3 R.E.B. ALLEN DK3 A. TIBAY middle row: DK3 E. EUGENIO bottom row: DK3 S.BROWN DK3 E. JUACHOW 118 il J i 1 (• H V J M top row: SHSNN.GUEVARRA SN A. MARAVILLA SN D. CANN middle row: SNG. BEHM SN F. KING bottom row: SNE. MALIN M? Mf4 F r z s. n£ Soda fOUNTA hl W ll M r OPEN TOPAY DUE TO NVSA TORY. 3 CSOOA tOUMTAjfj 119 Ji i . ' f - ¥ top row: SNG. JACOBS middle row: SHSN L.GREEN SHSN J, STEPHENS SH2 A. MILMINE J 120 CAMDEN HAS IT ' S VERY OWN CPO Drill Team TALENT SHOW .- • 121 OPERATIONS •?r OC DIVISION OC Division is made up of Signalmen and Radiomen which made up the communications leg of CAMDEN. They send and receive messages by radio, morse code, teletype, flashing red and white lights, semaphore, and flags. top row: LTW. L. WOLPERT middle row: ENSJ.B. BARLOW MC G. E. JOHNSON RM1 J. E. TAYLOR bottom row: RM2 G. A. NAU LT QM2 M. D. STEELE 123 J top row: RM3J. A. DUTTERER SMS E. DEL RIO SM3 B. M. BRAUN middle row: SM3 J. W. THOMAS RM3 J. D. HENRY bottom row: RM3R. L.THOMAS r f - i. s 124 r m k top row: RM3D. S.HUGHES RM3 M. A. BEALE RMSN L. T. McMULLIN middle row: RMSND. H.FREDERICHI SMSN J. J. SANTO i RMSN R. A. BOND p 125 Nofhinc, l o On. an J ncii., Ocec nGj s e top row: RMSNC. A. STANLEY SMSN C. H. DAVIS middle row: RMSA L. M. MACKEY t 126 s« NAVIGATION Navigation is the division which mans the helm during UNREPs, plots our course, finds out w here we are, and helps us meet our rigid schedules by be- ing in the right place at the right time. HV -I top row: LTJG C.FISHER QMC J. L. DECKER bottom row: QM1 K. G. HERBSTER 127 top row: QM2 Y. G. NOQUEZ QM3 A. W. PAGE ZM3 R. CANDELERO middle row: QMAN W. E. ROLLINS SN P. CONROY SA J. CONRAD 128 Ol DIVISION The hours are long and tension filled. At times the strain becomes practically un- bearable but, nevertheless, CIC always manages to pull through with the information necessary to complete another vital phase in CAMDEN ' S role. There are numerous jobs done by a mere handful of dedicated and loyal men, such as maintaining an air picture of all hostile aircraft within 200 miles; a surface picture in which all surface contacts are identified and tracked; and ESM picture used in conjunction with the air and surface pictures for identification of all possible threats. In addition the Radarmen of the CAMDEN use and must be proficient with numerous radio circuits used in relaying vital information to other units of the fleet. It ' s a thankless job, a never ending job, but it is a job that is always completed by the ever vigilant Radarmen of the CAMDEN. middle row: ENSG. L.TRAVERS ENS R. K. MARONEY OSC D. A. BERNER bottom row: EWLR. E. DOUCETTE ET1 R. T. MclNTIRE y 129 top row: OS1 L.G.KINGSBURY 051 J. R. MEREDITH 052 G. R. SANDERS middle row: ETN2R.G. STILES ETN2 G. E. TIENHAARA OS2 J. C. STONEKING bottom row: ETR2D. E.BENJAMIN ETR3 G. S. HEGLAND K 1 B B n 130 top row: ETR3M.G. HELTZEL OS3 M. S. KLINE OS3 D. L. NICKERSON bottom row: ETN3 S. L. SATOR ETN3 R. MICHAELSON OS3 D. J. WOLF 131 top row: OSSNS. P. DIPPLE OSSN K. B. ELLIS OSSN S. L. PETTIGREW middle row: EWSNR. A. CURTIS SN S. R. FARLEY bottom row: OSSA K. W. BRYANT ETR3 M. A. PRICE ADMINISTRATION X Division is the administration divi- sion of CAMDEN. Its men handle the clerical and administrative work in offices throughout the ship. They maintain of- ficer and enlisted personnel records, training and education, legal matters and Chaplain ' s activities. The Dup Shop, the Captain ' s Of- fice, the Post Office, the Personnel Office, the Career Counsellor ' s Office, the Master-at-Arms force and Radio Station KAOE are all under X Division. Along with all these duties, men from the division serve as phone talkers on UNREP stati ons and on the Bridge. TS5 T PLvvoiv ! o a bun Ou ' V  •  COUr MI o  Ht ADMINISTRATION middle row: ENS R.M.CONNOLLY PNC R. S. SAITO YNC H. KILBURN bottom row: MMC D. KENNEDY YN1 C. E. GRAF PCI B. 1. MOORE i 134 top row: MAI P. DOLLARHIDE MM2 G. C. SPAULDING PN2 S. A. HESS bottom row: YN2M. A. KENNALLY YN2 D. SODEN PN3 V. E. HEWITT ■y g --I 135 TOW TURN TO ' 74 tc L top row: PN3J. R. HAGAR middle row: PN3R. W. BECK YN3 K. Y. OISHI YN3 R. FELDER bottom row: PC3 D.JAIME PC3 S. MARKOVICH 136 N top row: J03R. HOLLIE BM3 W. CLARK PNSN P. M. LUKEVICH middle row: SNH.MOSS SN J. D. SCARBOROUGH SN D. L. ISTRE bottom row: QMSNR. W. BIR SA J. A. BELINSKY 137 KCAM ROGER AND PETE SHOW 138 THE CAMDEN WAY 139 ROYAL CAKE - CHAPLAIN CAPTAIN DOCTOR ALMOST A SHELLBACK 140  y M v.. 1 1 141 KING ' S COURT ROYAL SHERIFF EGGHEAD ROYAL BATH GARBAGE SHUTE 142 CROSSING THE LINE Crossing the line ceremonies . . . Over 200 poiiywogs initiated into trusty Slielibaclcs On 15 January 1975, tlie USS CAIVIDEN (AOE-2) appeared at tiie Equator at Longitude 84° 30 ' East. It was called to the court ' s attention by some shellbacks that certain poiiywogs had committed very heinous crimes against the realm, and therefore should be made special cases. Special case or not, the scummy poiiywogs were caused to pay homage and tribute to the king by kissing his foot, kissing the Royal Baby, visiting the Royal Doctors for treatment of scurvy, and visiting the Royal Barber for a shampoo. Upon having completed paying homage to the King and Court, the poiiywogs were given the rare opportunit y of participating in a ceremony they won ' t soon forget— that of crawling through a tunnel or chute containing all sorts of sweet smelling foods and other delicacies concocted for the purpose of whetting the appetites of the participants. Upon having reached the end of the chute, the poiiywogs were then ready for their wetting down party, the climax of the ceremonies. Though they emerged from the chute with smiles on their faces, veteran shellbacks reported very few requests from poiiywogs to go through again. Upon having been wet down in the same manner as all who have gone before him, each man emerged as a trusty shellback, worthy of being a loyal subject of King Neptunus Rex. SPECIAL MESSAGES FM NEPTUNUS REX ' S ROYAL DOMAIN TO USS CAMDEN 1. Riotous indignation among my loyal subjects of the deep continues. You are surrounded by my mermaids and denizens. Info received your command burdened with extraordinary cargo of landlubbers and lowly poiiywogs. They labor under false illusions that the steel sides of your ship and their ponderous numbers will save them from the terrible doom which awaits them. This error must be corrected. Acknowledge. FM NEPTUNUS REX ' S ROYAL DOMAIN TO USS CAMDEN 1. To my faithful and illustrious subjects, and all loyal shellbacks, greeting and salutations. I wish to express my appreciation to you for bringing into my royal do- main the USS CAMDEN. My joy is great at the prospect of making loyal subjects out of your cargo of landlubbers, drug store cowboys and all such scum of the earth called poiiywogs. Rest assured that our methods of torture have improved with modern methods of warfare. My illustrious emissary Davey Jones accompanied by the royal staff will board your ship at such time as his schedule will permit. He may be expected to board sometime after eighteen hun- dred hours on Jan. 14 and I expect him to be accorded a fitting and proper reception. He will serve the Royal Subpoenas and extend my best wishes. 143 ft ' - Xf. ' - « « : ' ii ' HAWAII 144 PHILIPPINES Ti rvri 1 ' m r. Manila - Luneta Park Grande Island picnic ICI DELIVERY 146 — W« WN SUBIC 147 SUBIC tf 1311 ' . ' TT ' lf f 148 ■inl? ■  A ■ Stfc: .,,, - ' ;i:xLM3Sasi 3 4. SINGAPORE LIBERTY 149 SINGAPORE 111 ' — ai ' ■ ■• l ««l 150 KARACHI PAKISTAN 151 KARACHI LIBERTY 152 BIGGEST LIAR AWARD THE FIRST CUSS DO IT AGAINII 153 mt. ' HOME AGAIN 154 BREMERTON HOMECOMING 1 155 U. S. TASK GROUP HEADED BY CARRIER ENTERPRISE IS 6TH NAVAL FORCE IN INDIAN OCEAN SINCE 1973 The USS CAMDEN (AOE-2) entered the Indian Ocean on Jan. 13, 1975, accompanied by four other U. S. Navy ships. The ships accompanying CAMDEN include the nuclear-powered cruiser USS LONG BEACH {CGN-9), the destroyer USS BENJAMIN STODDERT (DDG-22), ocean escort USS RATHBURNE (DE-1057), and the nucleared powered USS ENTERPRISE (CVAN-65). Some of the purposes of this cruise to the Indian Ocean are to conduct training exercises and to demonstrate the ability of United States ships to operate in any of the world ' s oceans. The presence of a U. S. aircraft carrier task group in the Indian Ocean helps illustrate the ability of this country to respond quickly and decisively to any crisis. One of the five great oceans of the world, the Indian Ocean lies between Asia, Africa, and Australia, and occupies an area of 27.5 million square miles. It has a maximum depth of about 25,344 feet, and an average depth of about 12,000 feet. 1 MAURITIUS DISASTER RELIEF BY THE USS. CAMDEN (AOE-2) 16 February 1975 From: Chief of Naval Operations NAVY AIDS STORM-TORN MAURITIUS: The fast combat support ship USS CAMDEN (AOE-2) initiated U. S. disaster relief operations last week for the Indian Ocean nation of Mauritius, devastated by cyclone Gervaise. The cyclone left at least seven persons dead, thousands more homeless and severely damaged power, water and communications lines. USS CAMDEN, enroute to the Mauritian captail of Port Louis when the cyclone hit, arrived 8 February, in time to assist in restoring electrical power and communications. CAMDEN ' s crew helped repair the main hospital at Port Louis, donated blood, provided emergency food supplies and conducted an extensive helicopter survey of the island ' s power lines and roads. Philip Manhard, U. S. ambassador to Mauritius, called it the worst cyclone disaster there in 15 years, and requested aid from units of a U. S. task group in the area. USS CAMDEN was relieved at Port Louis by the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS ENTER- PRISE (CVAN-65) on 11 February. Other units of the task group in the area included USS LONG BEACH (CGN- 9), USS BENJAMIN STODDART (DDG-22), USS RATHBURNE (DE-1057), USS MARS (AFS-1) and USNS PASSUMPSIC, a military sealift command oiler. 1 wish to commend ail who actively participated in the outstanding disaster relief assistance rendered to the government and people of Mauritius. The can-do spirit and exemplary effort of the officers and men of task group 771 helped a people devastated by cyclone and are deserving of the highest praise. Please extend to all concerned my personal congratulations for a job well done. S George S. BROWN GENERAL, USAF, CHAIRMAN, JOINT CHIEFS OF ST AFF The Governor-General of Mauritius recently sent the following message to the President of the United States: (25 February 1975) Mr. President: On behalf of the government and people of Mauritius and on my own behalf, I thank you for your very kind message of sympathy on the damage caused by cyclone Gervaise. We are most grateful, Mr. President, to your Ambassador, Mr. Manhard, and his staff, and to the officers and men of the USS CAMDEN for their valuable and timely practical assistance. R. OSMAN, Governor-General. 157 The following message was received from CinPac Fit; 20 February 1975 The accomplishments of all personnel involved in the Mauritius disaster relief operation are noted with pleasure. The outstanding success achieved reflects the kind of professionalism that can be counted upon from the top-notch personnel in ENTERPRISE, CAMDEN, MARS, and CTF 111 staff. All concerned can be justly proud of their effort. Well done. M. F. WEISNER, Commander in Chief U. S. Pacific Fleet. As many of you know, on 28 February, we were passed from the Operational Control of COM SEVENTH FLT and CTF SEVEN THREE to that of COM THIRD FIT and COM SERV GRU ONE: Following is a message received following the termination of our operations in the Western Pacific. As you depart the Western Pacific after a five month tour with the Seventh Fleet Mobile Logistic Support Force, I take this final opportunity to commend the crew of CAMDEN for a job superbly done. During this busy deployment, you made two Indian Ocean excursions, transferred over 14 Million gallons of fuel and 104 short tons of munitions, issued over 451 short tons of subsistence and 44 line items of hull. CAMDEN ' s continuous efforts and hard work in the area of corrective maintenance resulted in a significantly improved material readiness conditi on. Particularly commendable was the vital assistance rendered by CAMDEN while par- ticipating in the Mauritius disaster relief operations after cyclone Gervaise. As you journey home, take with you my sincere best wishes for smooth sailing and a well deserved happy reunion with friends and loved ones. S RADM J. D. JOHNSON 3 March 1975 The following message was recently received from ComServPac: CAMDEN is homeward bound upon completion of a highly successful deployment in support of the Seventh Fleet. 1 would like to express my sincere appreciation to Captain Felt, the officers and enlisted men of the CAMDEN for a job well done. The professionalism, expertise, and dedication to duty as evidenced are commendable. Each of you can take pride in the accomplishment of CAMDEN. Your ship has again proved herself most valuable of the ServPac team. Please accept my best wishes for a smooth voyage home and a well deserved reunion with family and friends. RADM John M. BARRET USN The American Ambassador in Mauritius received the following letter dated 12 FEB and asked that it be relayed to Captian Felt: Dear Mr. Manhard, I wish to express herein the thanks and gratitude of the government and the people of Mauritius to Captain D. L. Felt of USS CAMDEN and all his men for their spontaneous and very much appreciated assistance to Mauritius following the extensive damages caused by cyclone Gervaise. Please transmit these thanks to Captain Felt and his men. With my warmest regards, Yours sincerely s D. Burrenchobay Permanent Secretary Prime Ministers Office Mauritius 158 1 The following message was received from ComSeventh Fleet 19 February 1975: The report of the performance of CAMDEN by Ambassador Manhard is noted with pleasure and pride. The relief of human suffering and the restoration of normal life in Mauritius got a notable start due to the hard work and compassion of so many of CAMDEN ' s crew. The commanding officer, officers, and men of CAMDEN are commended for the conduct of disaster relief at Port Louis in a manner which has brought credit upon the United States Navy and strengthened U. S. Mauri- tian relations. VADM George P. Steele, USN The following message was received from ComCarGru Seven, our task group commander, 16 February 1975 The results of the tremendous effort put forth by the men of CAMDEN to aid a people whose land was ravaged by nature was noted with great pride and pleasure. The work accomplished was completely out of proportion to the size of the crew. Only a performance characterized by irrepressible spirit and a can-do at- titude could produce such impressive results in a few short days. The ambassador and prime minister several times commented admiringly to me regarding CAMDEN ' s work. You can be sure you made the work of those who followed easier. Well Done. May your return to your loved ones be a speedy one. Bon Voyage. RADM HARRIS. The following message was recently received from the Chief of Naval Operations: 1 March 1975 American Embassy Port Louis Mauritius message is noted with pride. CAMDEN ' s response to the Mauritius disaster significantly enhanced U.S. - Mauritian relations and the image of the U.S. Navy. Captain Felt, the ship ' s officers, crew, and embarked helo det are commended for the professionalism exhibited in initiating the relief operations with efficiency and diplomacy. Bravo Zulu. James L. Fiolloway III, Admiral, U.S.N. The following message was received from ComServGru THREE 18 February 1975: As you wind up your second stint in the Indian Ocean, I commend you for a top notch performance, in particular, your handling of the Mauritius disaster relief was completely outstanding and thoroughly professional. You set the pace in this most challenging operation and showed what a hard working Navy crew can do. You may be number two but you do try harder. Most importantly you get it done, and I am most proud of you. Well done. RADM J. D. JOHNSON, USN. The following message was received from COMDESRON FIVE embarked in Benjamin STODDART just prior to their departure from our group in Singapore: I would certainly be proud to paint number ONE on your side. The support by the WE TRY HARDER crew demonstrated throughout the deployment commencing in September certainly merits distinction. Best wishes for continued smooth sailing and a safe voyage homeward. The following message was received from RADM Barrett, ComServPac, 16 February 1975. 1 wish to extend my appreciation and congratulations to your excellent assistance in connection with dis- aster relief at Port Louis, Mauritius. It was gratifying to see that CAMDEN was ready, willing, and able to provide assistance at a time of great need. Please pass my heartfelt well done to the officers and the men of CAMDEN and HC-3 Det 102. 159 CRUISE BOOK STAFF MM2 SPAULDING li CAMDEN PHOTO LAB CHAPLAIN SCHULTZ SN SCARBOROUGH OSSN ELLIS BM2 SCHWAKE 160 Cruise Book Advisor .Chaplain Thomas Schultz Photographers Cruise Book Layout Illustrations SN James Scarborough BM2 Alan Schwake, MM2 Galen Spaulding BM2 Alan Schwake MM2 Galen Spaulding OSSN Keith Ellis Contributing Photographers BM3 Ramon Diaz LT Skip Soper, MM3 Tom Seinlinger, CSSN Rex Shacklett, GNCS Thomas Shadrick, MM2 Dennis Washington, MM3 Chuck Garski, FTGSA Sam Shrope, LT Sky Krebbs, MM3 Greg Stensrud, J03 Robert Holley, OS3 Don Wolf, JOC Grass WALS VORTH www Cruiac Book Sales Offices ' ' company LU ' ' ' InRraham Street-Suite 206 MAncwt.m, .nouu u San DleKo. California 92109 m % ' I tf M