Deuel (APA 160) - Naval Cruise Book

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SHIP ' S HISTORY THE USS DEUEL (APA-160) was built for the United States Maritime Commission by the Oregon Shipbuilding Com- pany in Portland, Oregon. The keel was laid on June 17, 1944; and on September 4, she was christened in hontfr of Deuel counties in South Dakota and Nebraska. On October 13, 1944; the ship ' was placed in full conunission at the naval station, Astoria, Oregon. After commissioning she re- ported to Transport Division 46, as a unit of the Amphibious Forces, Pacific Fleet. The DEUEL served in the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th Fleets and engaged in two combat operations. The Assault and Occupation of Iwo Jima and the Assault and Occupa- tion of Okinawa. She also engaged in three peacetime occu- pation and evacuation operations. As a result the ship has earned the Asiatic-Pacific Area Ribbon w ith two stars, the American Area Ribbon, Navy Occupation Service Medal and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon. On the 22nd of January 1946, the DEUEL received orders to proceed to the East Coast for inactivation. The DEUEL commenced inactivation process in a York River Anchorage on 8 February 1946, completed inactivation and was placed Out of Commission in Reserve at Yorktown, Virginia, on 17 May 1946, at which time she was accepted as a unit of the Norfolk Group, SIXTEENTH Fleet. The DEUEL w as placed back in conunission on 23 October 1950, in Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, Virginia. The ship w as placed in fighting readiness during the yard over- haul period foUoTv ed by an intensive shakedow n and train- ing period under Chesapeake Bay Training. Upon completion the DEUEL joined the Amphibious Force, U. S. Atlantic Fleet and has been engaged in various fleets exercises to keep her in peak performance for her primary mission — carrying assault troops for amphibious assaults. During the summer of 1951 the DEUEL served as a supply ship for the forces engaged in building the secret air base at Thule, Greenland, remaining above the Artie Circle for more than two months. In August of 1952 the ship left Norfolk to engage in Operation Mainbrace and to become part of the Sixth Fleet for a four months tour of duty.

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FIRST DIVISION AS IS THE custom on all large ships of the Navy, the First Division has its spaces in the forward part of the ship. It is their task to keep the massive ground tackle consisting of two 60-ton anchors, the wildcats, windlasses, and associated gear in top shape in order that the ship may be safely and securely anchored. That they have done their job well is immediately evident when the word is passed let go and amid a cacophony of sound and flying sparks the anchor plummets to the bottom in a truly smart manner. The First Division prides itself on the seamanlike appearance of the forecasde. This pride is not mis- placed, as an inspection of these spaces will disclose It is not without much labor and team work that this is accomplished but the men of the First Division are aware that their fine work is known and appre- ciated throughout the ship. Maintenance of the boatswain ' s locker is another function of the First Division and one that is vital to the ship as a whole, for it is here that the various divisions draw the cleaning supplies necessary to keep the Deuel the clean ship that she is. All agree that the men of the First Division can be proud of their work and that they are to be com- plimented on their fine team spirit. Firll row, left to right : S. J. Kobus, R. A. Barcena, N. J. Pardo, G. E. Biser, C. D . Heck, E. L. McDonald, J. T. Bright, J. R. Abshire. . . . Second n ow. tefl to rigbit H. C. Gray, K. M. Bi Ecker, C. Morton, J. P. Morgai n, A. J. Witt, A. J. Sauctei r, E. H. Miller, R. A. Boone, J. J. Denicola, W. P. Nelson . . . . Third row. left to right: F. A. Shaffer, B. J. Dui J. E. Kalli, T. L. Lyne, C. h! Hamili ton, D. E. Clement . J- E. Vest, H. Schnellbacher, W. D. Moncr ief, W. R. Yetmai 1, M in- itig: M. J. Birnstiel, M. L. Mel- Mac mans the winches. Away the fire and rescue party ! I Now hear this .