Cotten (DD 669) - Naval Cruise Book

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We commenced nine days A. S. W. training on july 27 and concluded with a two day stay in Sasebo, mainly for fuel and supplies, though liberty was granted. August 8th through the 21st saw us operating with TF 77 prior to a fourteen day period for upkeep in the now well known port of Sasebo. They called it a rest period but very few got much rest. The main feature of this time besides the amount of Asahi beer consumed was an overnight trip to Unzen National Park. The men who took this trip rode horseback, played golf, went swimming, took pictures or just relaxed and enjoyed the many sulphur baths. On the whole, the trip was very educational as well as extremely relaxing for those who participated. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all. At the end of this wonderful stay in the fascinating city of bright lights, we proceeded to the west coast of Korea and anchorediin Inchon Harbor. On each of the three days in that port from September 5-8, 1070 of the crew was granted liberty. Although not a liberty port, this gave the crew a chance to go over and see the ravages of war. The town, though fairly well rebuilt still showed much of the damage inflicted during the U. N. recapture of this well known Korean seaport. The main reason everyone took liberty was that we had thirty days at sea staring us in the face. We left Inchon on September 8 and commenced a very long month of combined operations on both the west and east coasts of Korea. Although we had seen land many times, as our operations brought us close to several islands, it was a pleasure to see terra firma on October 4th as we knew that liberty was only a short time away. This day found us entering the harbor of Beppu, a resort town in southern japan. Here we would stay for ten days of liberty and recreation. Beppo was found to be one of the cleanest and best liberty towns yet visited on this cruise. The sights were many, the beer plentiful and steak dinners could be had on the Army Base for about 31.00. Ah, what other desires could possess a sea weary sailor? The companionship of a beautiful girl you say! Yes, they were there too. Among the most visited sights was the largest stone Buddha in japan. It measured 80 feet in height and was 55 feet in diameter. Also, many of the sightseeing sailors took the train up Lookout Mountain. Here they were afforded a wonderful view for miles of the surrounding countryside. Our stay in Beppu was extremely enjoyable and all were sorry to leave. But leave we did, and by October 15 Des Div. 502 was back with TF 77 for the last time. , Our twenty-one days of continuous operating was broken only by a brief day in Sasebo for repairs on the water intake for the starboard engine. Liberty was granted fgf the one night in with no spectacular events taking place. We returned to 77 to finish off our duties there and October 5th found us back in Sasebo. This being our last fling in japan everyone made it good, We Wined dined and danced in the many cozy cabarets in Sasebo. For those in the duty sections on the ,shi s things were not so pleasant. There was fuel and supplies to be taken aboard and all hanlils turned out to complete the task. On one particular day all hauds turned to until 2000 Upon final tabulation it was determined that we had stocke ' ' . Cl th b ft ll of stores in less than 10 hours. up W1 C er t an Sixty tons On November 10th, after f1ve days of combined merry making and hard work the ?gi1En371P1l3gIii.DCS Div. 502 bid Sasebo and japan its last farewell and commenced the long Finis

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empefz afzaiid With the termination of the war in Korea all forces both land and sea automatically went into what is known as a state of combat readiness. We were not under wartime con- ditions but ready for combat at any said moment as the truce, at least for the present, was not final. This meant that our enemies' intentions were not known and we had to be ready for the worst. We were and always will be. Our group of eight destroyers, two subs and one escort carrier, at the time lying at anchor in Hakodate Harbor, was no exception. To -continue our training in Anti-Submarine Warfare, the Cotten along with DD's Smalley, Bronson, Daly, Summer, Ingraham, Purdy and Moole, the SS's Tiru and Queen- fish, and the C. V. E. Point Cruz put to sea on 26 july for nine days of A. S. W. operations. Resembling a pack of dogs chasing a fox, we tracked the two subs for nine days. Oh yes, we always found them! After a two day break spent in Sasebo for fuel and supplies we proceeded to rejoin the now more relaxed but by far not idle Task Force 77. I There was no action to keep them busy but the pilots of the various squadrons were now used to fly the necessary patrol missions over the cease fire line. As a result of continued operations the destroyers were still a necessity for baby-sitting and we were doing just that. Also, we were obtaining vital training and were not going to be caught with our hands down. Our present operations with 77 lasted for fifteen days before we dropped back into Sasebo for a fourteen day rest on 22 August. At the end of our stay in Sasebo, the Cotten and Smalley had orders to proceed to Inchon while the Daly and Bronson were to continue patrolling duties with TF 95. Three days were spent at anchor in Inchon Harbor while awaiting the carriers U. S. S. Point Cruz and HMS Ocean. Upon their arrival on 8 September the Cotten joined the Ocean for operations and the Smalley went her way with the Point Cruz. The ten days that followed were found to be very enjoyable as far as operating is con- cerned. Often the Cotten and Ocean swapped. several personnel for a day's visit aboard each other's ship. This brought about a better understanding between the two ships and our education in British accent and idiom increased greatly. During these swaps the British sailors received our usual noon dessert, Ice Cream. Our sailors received the customary British rum ration. Which navy would you rather ship over in ? ? P P ? As we closed out our duties on the west coast of Korea the two ships proceeded to rejoin TF 77. Soon after our arrival with that group the Cotten received word that she had received the DesLant Battle Efficiency placque for fiscal year 1953. On 25 September Admiral Hickey then commander of TF 77 was transferred to the Cotten by high line. Upon arrival Admiral Hickey presented the to the Captain in behalf of the proud crew who had worked long and hard to achieve the success now being awarded them. It was indeed a distinct honor to have the Admiral on board. It was a visit that will long be remembered by the men of the Cotten. Our 30 days at sea came to an end on 4 October when we arrived at Beppu for a well deserved and awaited 10 days of liberty and recreation.