Decatur (DDG 31) - Naval Cruise Book

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The frrst of a class of converted gu1ded m1ss1le destroyers DECATUR 1S the f1fth sh1p of the fleet to 9 bear th1s name She was 1ebu1lt by Boston Naval Sh1pyard after a freak co111s1on W1th the a1rcraft carrier LAKE CHAMPLAIN 1n May of 1964 Comm1ss1oned on Apr11 27 1967 DECATUR was transferred to the Pac1f1o Fleet and homeported 1n Long Beach where she Jomed Destroyer D1v1s1on 132 a part of Destroyer Squadron 13 and Cru1ser Destroyer Flot1lla 7 She completed her frrst WESTPAC dep1OyII1GHt OH Febfuafy 26 1969 under the command of Cdrs Lee Baggett and John B Allen . . . . . . . 9 ' I 9 9 1 x L . . . 1 ' - -

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X Uss DECATUR func 315 COM ANDING OFFICER T0 DECATUR SAILORS Another important chapter in the life of our Decatur is closed. This cruise book, Four Horizons, marks that closing. In this chapter are logged the details of a demanding, arduous, and rewarding deployment in the waters of Korea, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Some started the cruise having never before left native America. Now, we have set our course toward the horizons of each of the four hemispheres--the Eastern, Southern, Western, and the Northern. Far-away places like the Gulf of Siam, the Solomon Sea, and Pago Pago have become familiar. Some among us were landlubbersg now we are a company of seasoned mariners who know the chill of a winter gale and who have learned to respect a tropical cyclone. But most important of all, we can take real satisfaction in reflecting on our significant opportunity to be of service to God, to Country, and to the cause of freedom. This cruise book will help Decatur sailors to relive those days on the line, to remember their shipmates, and to bring to their families some of the story in the chapter now ended. A . Well done, Decatur Sailors, God bless you all. S. A. SWARZTRAUBER Commander, U. S. Navy

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jgfw The primary mission of DECATUR is to operate offensively with fast carrier strike forces providing anti-air and anti-submarine defense and to provide shore bombardment in support of amphibious assault operations. Associated tasks include the protection and screening of support forces and convoys against submarines, air and surface threats. DECATUR is equipped with a rapid fire 5 !54 gun forward, in addition to the single arm TARTAR missile launcher aft. Both systems can be used against air and surface targets. The ship has a three-di- mensional height finding radar, a long range air search radar, and a surface search radar. The Anti-Submarine Rocket CASROCJ and the conventional torpedo tubes, coupled with the long range modern sonar can meet any submarine threat. DECATUR is 420 feet long and has a maximum beam of 45 feet. Fully loaded she displaces 4000 tons with a navigational draft of 23 feet. She is designed to travel for extended periods at speeds up to 34 knots. Her main propulsion plant consists of four high pressure boilers C1200 lbs.j and two main engines driving twin four bladed propellers. Maximum power developed by the plant is 70,000 shaft horsepower. This ship's main generators are capable of producing 3000 kilowatts of power, while her evaporators will produce 24,000 gallons of fresh water daily. She accelerates and maneuvers in the best destroyer tradition while possessing superior riding characteristics. Modern air conditioned working spaces and living accomodations are provided for a crew of 350 officers and men. The DECATUR is flagship for Commander, Destroyer Division 132 and his staff.