Charles S Sperry (DD 697) - Naval Cruise Book

Text from Pages 1 - 64 of the 1953 volume:

I i 1 4 ' JEUROPE A PICTORIAL RECORD OF THE 1953 CRUISE OF THE U.S.S. Charles S. Sperry DD 697 Compiled by . . . ENSIGN R. B. MELTON, USN DOUGLAS BROWN, S03, USN ll l iiM I U II ia  jy |H| | min i | |||||| iiiriii— mii]i_Mii]]iMi iLJHii nin aBTTiTin iiiiii T B BnTTTfr B mffm ' : «mSk 1..._A To the Crew of the U.S.S. CHARLES S. SPERRY; And so we hove come to the end of o Med Cruise. We ' ve hod our shore of hard work and fun, fleet problems and sightseeing throughout Europe. This is the record of where we went and what we saw. More than that it is a record of six months of successful diplomacy on the port of the men of the CHARLES S. SPERRY. You can all be proud of your port in keeping the Sixth Fleet the Friendly Fleet! Good Luck and good cruising to you all. S. H. MacGregor, Jr., Commander, U, S, Navy United States Ship CHARLES S. SPERRY has a proud and varied record since she was built and commissioned in 1944. She was named for Rear Admiral Charles S. Sperry, who commanded the Great White Fleet when it sailed around the world in 1908. She joined Admiral Halsey ' s Third Fleet, soon after commissioning and participated in battles at I wo Jimo, Okinawa, Luzon and Formosa. Credited with two enemy planes and many rescue jobs she has been called one of the Navy ' s Fightingest Destroyers . Returning from the war zone, as all veterans, she didn ' t go into retirement but stayed on the job to train reserves at New Orleans. But she could not stay behind when there was action, in July, 1950, soon after the Korean action started she was ordered to Nor- folk, Virginia to join Squadron 16. With a short training period and getting a full fighting force she left Norfolk with the rest of the squadron on September 6 for a high-speed run to Korea. From October till March the SPERRY took part in every operation against the North Koreans. During the seige of Song ' jin she suffered her first major casualty, three three-inch shell hits. But this was not to put- her out of action for long. Credited with en ammunition dump, three enemy batteries and three probables, two towns and numerous enemy troops she proved she was still a fighting ship. After eight months of action she left for home to receive a short but well earned rest. In June 1952 she again became a training ship but this time for the Midshipmen from the Naval Academy. For this cruise, they stopped at several European ports before return- ing to Norfolk. In August she was to become rescue destroyer for the training carrier at Pensocolo, Flo., for two months. The SPERRY has a proud record and will continue to uphold the traditions of her name — The Fightingest Ship ' . STEPHEN HARRISON MACGREGOR, JR. Commander STEPHEN H. MacGREGOR, JR., 1940 graduate of the Naval Academy, has served as Captain of the SPERRY since August 1952. A Navy pilot, Capt. MocGregor, served on the USS PORTLAND, USS LEX- INGTON, USS COPAHEE, USS WHITLEY and also has had duty with ComDeslant and the Bureau of Naval Personnel. He sow combat duty in the Pacific and participated in the Third Fleet operations against Japan near the end of the war. Captain MocGregor was awarded the Air Medal, and a gold star in lieu of a second Air Medal for action in the Pacific. ■ i ORAN. ALGERIA It was a bright but slightly chilly morning on April 24, 1953, when the bosun ' s pipe shrilled and the words echoed throughout the ship, Set the Special Sea Detail. This was the morning we had been preparing for, lost minute touch-ups, provisioning and departure inspections. We were underway for the Med and hopefully wishing we would draw the Northern European assignment for the later part of our cruise. As the lost line was over and we were gracefully backing away from the pier we took our last look of the nearly deserted CE piers which we wouldn ' t see for nearly six months. For two doys we went through com- b ined operations with the ships we were to operate with for the next six months. With two carriers and approximately twenty destroyers we made quite formidable looking task force. It wasn ' t to be all work nor all play, we had our share of both in the next few days to come. Underway fueling, sometimes in the daytime, sometimes in the middle of the night, but we took it in our stride. All part of the job we had to do. Misfortune was soon to strike our happy convoy, during one of the exercises on on extremely rough doy about half way across the big drink we were to lose one of our shipmates from our sister destroyer, the USS HUNTINGTON. Two weeks after leaving Norfolk, we were to see our first glimpse of land. The shore of Africa, then we entered the Straits of Gibraltar and welcome to the Mediterranean. The land of enchantment, intrigue, azure blue water and sky, warm winds and our European neighbors. We were port of the SIXTH FLEET, goodwill ambassadors for the United States. Proud to be able to carry our port of the Navy ' s mission and uphold her traditions. Our first port — after leoving the states — was not the most desirable one but after our journey across was a welcome re- lief. Oron, chief port of western Algeria, and the neorby port of Mers-el- Kebir were important during the African cam- paign of World Wor II, serving as advanced bases Chiefly French and Aro- bion, the French are in the majority although there is strong Arobian influence throughout the section. Not far from Oron is Sidlbel-Abbes, famed home of the French For- eign Legion. A tour by port of the ship ' s com- pony was thoroughly en- joyed and something t o be remembered. Street urchins were plentiful and losing one ' s watch, wal- let or pen was not un- common, taking place in the daytime as well as at night. aK ' CAGLIARI. SARDINIA Pizza-pie, spaghetti, red wine — These awaited us as we anchored in the bay of Cagliari. A main port on the southwestern shore of the island of Sordino, it is a typical small Italian town. Our visit preceded the notional elections and political posters were to be seen everywhere, whole sides of buildings, telegraph poles, even painted on the sidewalks. Recreational facili- ties in town were very limited, but a ball park was provided and ball games seemed the order of the day. Fishing seemed to be the main occupation of the populace. Everywhere one found beau- tiful cathedrals and ruins of the Roman Empire. Also located there was one of the Italian Naval bases. . JJ A l uJ CANNES FRANCE Cannes, largest city on the French Ri iera, offers both rest and relaxation. Swimming, yachting, tours and night- clubbing it was our first really enjoy- able port. Being internationally popu- lated, there was no speech problem for the men and so they enjoyed the sights and pleasure usually only avail- able to the millionaires of America and the continent. From our anchorage on the French Riviera, we were able to visit the many varied points of interest in the Maritime Alps section of Southern France. Nice, Golfe Juan, Monte Carlo and the famous Casino where millions have been exchanged in the space of a few minutes. Also there was the oldest village in France, Eze, which is still inhabited. From there to Grasse, center of the perfume indus- try of Southern France . . . here everyone got his Christmas presents in the later part of May. Paris, the international city and one which everyone coming to Europe mode a must on his list of places to see ... of course time and money keep some of us from it. The artists, nightclubs of fame — Moulin Rouge, Lido, Follies Bergere, and Pigalle. The Eiffel tower, prior to the completion of the Empire State Building, one of the wonders and engi- neering feats of the world. Notre Dome, world famous cathedral on the bank of the Seine, was a pilgrimage for most while in Paris. Then the left bank, home of the students and artists of the old Poree. Touring the sights by day and the night clubs by night left the Paris tourists a very tired group when they returned. TARANTO ITALY Toronto, the Norfolk of Italy. Here we sow the southern holf of Italy In the ruins and building left by the last war. Arriving here en the last day of the Italian elections, liberty wos conceited till the results were announced to ovoid any trouble if the vote should not be in our favor. There was not much beauty here, together with the many politicol posters left plastered on the walls everywhere. Mainly there wos only swimming and the Italian Navy Clubs OS means of recreation. - ■■ifitl TRIESTE In Trieste, occupied by the British and Ameri- can forces since the close of World War II, there was much to do. American service clubs, giving the men a taste of home life they hadn ' t seen for sometime. Being the only American naval vessel there at the time gave the men an unlimited run of the town. Although called a free territory, Italian lira is still the currency used. Yugoslavia controls a section of the territory and allowed no one to visit it. VENICE ITALY Venice, the fairy tale city. City of canals and singing gondoliers, a par- adise of nights to spend. We anchored in the Grand Canal and used gondolas to run the liberty parties, affording everyone the chance to ride in them. Of course, it was not necessary to ride any of the water taxis as you could walk almost en- tirely from one part of the city to another. On Sun- day morning, church par- ties were taken ashore to attend service in St. Mark ' s Cathedral. That evening and every eve- ning concerts were given in the square. It was a shame to leave this port. r- ■ rs •- A TOUR TO Vtmn- AUSTRIA ' ff SXS-y ' ■••■ ' ■fr:.; ' -; ' 3 !i: ' - ' - ! ' i SiJa3 ' i! ijc . ' Vj: ! - ■ From Venice and Trieste, two tour parties journeyed across the border for a couple of days relaxation at the resort of Velden, Austria. Here bask- ing in the sun, water skiing, swim- ming and any other form of rest you might choose. Again living the style of which the average American often does not see. Here we were able to see the old Austrian woodcarvings and villages. GIBRALTAR Gibraltar, the rock of the British Empire. Our last stop in the blue waters of the Med. From here we nosed the SPERRY through the straits and headed north to the better half of our cruise in Europe. The small town located at the foot of the unusual rock offered little in the way of interesting places to see, since the fortress is closed to most visitors. So good bye, Sixth Fleet, we ' ll see you when we return. PLYMOUTH ENGLAND England, our first stop since leaving the Sixth Fleet, was a welcome sight. The green hillsides as compared to the sun baked plains of southern Europe were pleas- ing. Plymouth, the point of embarkation of many of our ancestors who made the journey on board the May- flower in the middle 1600 ' s, is an historic old city. Base of operations for Sir Francis Drake during the early days of America, his island home is still here although only partially standing. Our main gripe was the closing hours of the pubs and other quaint English customs. BORDEAUX FRANCE Jl ■ J k .if H • '  mK ■kL AJ ■ . r M - J. i.- .. Bordeaux, famous as the center of the Bordeaux wine district. It is located on a bend of the River Ga- ronne, 60 miles up the river from the entrance to the Bay of Biscay. Here are produced some of the finest wines in the world. During the second World War, Bordeaux was the seat of the last free government of France and shortly thereafter was occupied by the Germans as a base for Italian and German submarines, the pens of which are still standing and being used as dry docks. The SPERRY Sportsman, playing for the service club, received a great ovation and letter of praise for their generosity here. COWES ■■■ ISLE OF WIGHT T Cowes, yachting center of the British Isles and international center for yearly races. Here the personnel of the SPERRY met ond rubbed elbows with some of the royolty from the continent and the British Isles. Also at Cowes for the week ' s activities was His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edin- burgh. Located here is Osborne House, former summer home of the lote Queen Victoria. The SPERRY served as the United States representative for the in- ternational yachting event. ■I r (1 ' l r ITv ' ' ' S9 — T _— j HSjiSHi Trji PB 0S k, - X ;u ,Ji --L:.. ■-- •«. ' -- « I ;•,  saa --.-aO - itSal ' ' P v ' BREMERHAVEN GERMANY Bremerhoven, port of embarkotion for the many thousands of Doggies stationed in Germany, is located on the Weser River. Mainly a fishing town before the war, it is now overrun with supply depots and head- quorters for the processing and distribution of newly arrived occupation forces. Here we gathered together our supplies for our stay in Northern Europe. Toys, toys, and more toys come on board as the ship took on the aspect of Christmas eve. Here again, we were able to enjoy bits of American life due to the many service orgonizotions located here. Andalsnes NORWAY Andalsnes, located on one of the many fjords in Norway, presented a picturesque view as we steamed in during the early morn. Lofty moun- tains with their green bottoms and white tops looked just like the perfect picture, Little did we realize that soon we would be attempting to scale them. The first American Naval ves- sel there since some time before World War two, we felt at home with the many friends who were at dock side to greet us and there again when we left. Many a crew member regretted having to leave this mecca of rest and hospitality. ---- . 7%m ' BP HHbHC| P_ K • iS lHi E5BJ0RG DEMMAKK Denmark, rain, rain and more rain together with the beer made this liberty port a very wet one. However, every cloud has a silver lining, and here we found friends who made up the happy side of life. As everywhere in Europe, the bicycle is the primary mode of traffic, but here they seem to use them more than anything else. INVERGORDEN SCOTLAND Kilts, bagpipes and the sprig of white heather awaited us as we entered Cromarty Firth to visit Invergorden, Scotland. A very small village in the northern part of Scot- land, here we enjoyed fine weather and sports was the order of the day. Using the fields provided for the Royal Navy, we en- gaged in cricket, football, and baseball. The villagers provided several dances for our visit and Scottish and American rela- tions were well cemented. LONDONDERRY N. IRELAND Londonderry, our paradise and yet one that seemed to leave a bad taste in our mouths. In Ireland for train- ing purposes with the Royal Navy, of the seventeen days there we got ashore very little. But this is attrib- uted to the Luck of the Irish, too bad we weren ' t Irish. Linen was the main item collected by the crew for their wide collection of national souvenirs gathered throughout the cruise. Dances every night and no trouble finding a partner, with the overflow of Irish colleens about. ' V ji ..■ Iflli AMSTERDAM HOLLAND Amsterdam, inland sea port of the Netherlands, had the allure of Venice with its canals yet af- forded the vehicular mode of trovel if preferred. From here one could visit the Hague, seat of the world court; Haarlem, art center of the Nether- lands and the site of the old Zyder Zee. Milk, cheese, wooden shoes, windmills, bicycles and tulips were to be found as in the days of old. Once again, we collected together gifts for the ones who were still at home and unable to visit this country below the sea. THE SPERRY PERSONNEL Among the crew could be found men who acted as interpreters whenever and wherever one hit port. Never were we at a loss for conveying our wishes to the many friends we met. Relatives of the men were visited, some of whom they had never seen. Ail in all it was a cruise we never regretted but were glad to set sail for our berth at the CE Piers in Norfolk, hoping our friends would be there, and in many instances, waiting for that first weekend when we would again see our Wives, Mothers and Dad, And them waiting with anxious ears for our tales of travel. rP 0Nt f The Wardroom • Gunnery Departmenf Engineering Department Operations Department Supply Department p. t erSonai Editor ' s Note; Throughout this bool we have attempted to present the many ports and the scenes we thought would portray some of the many things we saw and did. In the years to come as you sit at home by the fireside we hope you con remember the many things you did from the selection we hove included. Of course, we realize that we didn ' t and couldn ' t include everything we would hove liked, but of this shortcoming we hope you will forgive us. It was a pleasure to be able to give this small contribution to your storehouse of memories. STAFF Editor Ens. R. B. Melton Art Editor Douglas P. Brown, S03 Photography by members of the staff and contributions by the crew. U.S.S. CHARLES S. SPERRY {DD-697) ip6 . utoaruphs . utoarapns ym ' ' I . ' ' , ,