Donner (LSD 20) - Naval Cruise Book

Text from Pages 1 - 80 of the 1964 volume:

4 ' (3(XJ . p OAA jg ] .2 ■« Hha tJHH jgffi; iffit B . ' jgii- g -j gg ij g££ ■T ■ -« I iiii ii nil II 111 ' IIIIIBIII - 5 0 jSWi X ■ z  •  • t i i A i i 3 V v i v Va a Va a 3Rv A ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦++ s - r. f- itMmiiiMuumtiiiMiiYtViYiV JIlJ III iM.i. ,. ;: I: 4 11411 .a - r ' - « •— StaiiZii - •f-TZ 2D i: THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED TO THE MEN OF THE USS DONNER (LSD-20). IT WAS THEY WHO MADE THAT CRUISE IN THE SUMMER OF 1964... IT IS INDEED THEIR STORY... her landing force... During amphibious assaults, the helicopters are sometimes used to sneak in combat troops and equipment at strategic positions behind enemy lines. This technique, called vertial envelopment , prevents the enemy from con- centrating heavily on troops debarking from different landing craft on the beach. her proud name. Now lets pause briefly and find out where the ship ' s name came from. ..and what it means. To the American people, the name Donner stands as a symbol of courage, love and unselfish devotion. In the summer of 1846, George Don- ner, a husky man of about 50, led a string of covered wagons from Illinois to California. With him was his family; his wife Tamsen and their five small daughters. This was the first attempt by pioneers to steer covered wagons across the Rocky Mountains— a short cut to the west. A series of delays found the Donner party still at the Rocky Mountains at the start of winter. Food supplies had run out. Some members abandoned the group in frantic search of refuge from the coming snow and hunger, hlowever, the Donner party went on. ..George Donner ' s wagon moving last because of its heavy weight. About 8 miles from Truckee Lake, Nevada (which was later to bear Donner ' s name) his wagon broke down. The others had reached the safety of abandoned cabins by Donner lake before they discovered George Donner and his family were missing. But the first snow storm arrived— forcing the party to move on westward at once or face the consequences of starva- tion and terrible winter. Meanwhile George Donner was unable to repair his wagon and became ill from exposure. For more than a month his family lived on little or no food and survived on the warmth of each other ' s body. When the first relief party showed up mid-December, it could only take two of the Donner ' s children safely to California. Tamsen Donner was faced with a cruel decision: Which of her beloved daughters should she send? Her own. ..or her two step-daughters Elitha and Leanna. She loved them all. Take Elitha and Leanna...they ' re the eldest and strongest ones. My small ones don ' t eat much and they might forget what they ' ve seen here, and her voice trailed to a whis- per. . you ' ll come back forthem(herownchildren) won ' t you? The remaining Donners miraculously lived through another month of winter without food. But before the second relief team arrived at the end of January 1847, George Donner had dropped into a coma. The relief party leader urged Tamsen to come with them with her children before the snow storm would bury them alive. With tears in her eyes, she shook her head and murmured her husband was still alive and she must remain with him. With ttiat she kissed her daughters goodbye and turned around fearing her courage might foil her should she witness the departure of her children. Out of 87 pioneering people of the Donner party that headed west, 39 perished along the Rocky Moun- tains during the winter of 1846. The lost one to die was the widow of George Donner— the captain of the party: courageous, loving, unselfish and devoted Tamsen Donner. The Navy has chosen to name a ship after the Donner Lake. We, as USS Donner navymen, strive to be as courageous and devoted to duty just as Tamsen was to Pioneer George Donner. Camp at Donner Lake. ..November 1846 • her mission... The USS DONNER is a landing ship dock designed to load combat troops and equipment, small amphibious craft and vehicles; transport them across oceans; and launch them ashore. The ship is also so designed that it can render docking and repair services at sea or in port to small ships and craft. In accomplishing her mission, the DONNER can easily fit into her roomy well deck 3 landing craft utility (LCD) or eighteen landing craft mechanized (LCM) vessels. In .an entirely different mission, the ship can carry and operate as many as 15 helicopters. However, on routine maneuvers, she carries only eight copters. When more than two helicopters are on board, the forward end of the well deck becomes a hanger for storage and maintence for these aircraft. The deck above the after end is designed for launching and recovery of the birds . To accomplish our mission efficiently we have a crew of 260 officers and men. They make, up the ship ' s 5 departments. ..each of which has a specific job to do. «r rf« Commander Wick R. Harlan, Jr. Commander Wick R. HARLAN, Jr., was born in Tompkinsonville, Kentucky, and attended Tompkin- sonville High School, University of Kentucky, and the U. S. Naval Academy. Commissioned Ensign in 1945, he served his first tour of sea duty in the Pacific on board the USS TICONDEROGA (CV-14). Other tours at sea hove been in the USS TERCEL (MSF-386); command of the USS FUCKER (MCS(0)-9); operations oHicer in the USS MASSEY (DD-778); and executive officer of the USS DONNER (LSD-20) and USS FRANCIS MARION (APA-249). Commander Harlan ' s shore duty has included the U. S. Naval Postgraduate School (Aerology), Monterey, California; Fleet Weather Central, Kodiak, Alaska; Naval Air Station, Columbus, Ohio; and command of the Naval Reserve Training Center at Huntington, West Virginia. His next tour of duty will be at the U.S. Naval War College at Newport, Rhode Islbnd to be instructed in the Warfare Course. He is married to the former Miss Irene Dalrymple of Portland, Oregon. - THE DAY BEFORE ..FINAL GOOD BVES FROM DEPENDENTS 1 Piclcett will have another girl when he returns Nabers brings the mob i Watch your stepi It ' s a long way up. jSf Smith comes aboard... ! ♦ And before you know it, sea detail ' s manned. To lead final church services in port... EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT The responsibility of the Executive Department is all-encompassing. They must handle the moral, health, education, and welfare of the entire crew. The ship ' s office, medical department, post office and Master-at-arms forceollcontributeto this end and are under the leadership of the Executive Officer. ■ • LIEUTENANT COMMANDER GERALD SAUCIER Executive Officer Lieutenant Commander Gerald SAUCIER, the Executive Officer, graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, has seen duty in Japan, London, Eng- land, California, Boston and has served on the USS DONNER for three years. His next duty assignment will be Fleet Weather Facility in Norfolk, Virginia. X H DIVISION ENS CAMPBELL Personnel Officer ENS VAUGHN Legal Officer WYAn, HMC Medical Department Head fh n VANDERSTEIN, YNl HAFNER, PN3 COOPER, PN3 BRED, PC3 HOULE, HM ROBERTS, SN KUHLMAN, RNSN PINKLEY, HM2 FORNOFF, HM2 BRITTON, HM3 . But Doc, it ' s my foot that hurts iV w A ' f a n -J L___ V) LTJG RICHARDS Ship ' s Bos ' n CALLAWAY, SN GAADER, SN WHEELER, SN IDLE, SN SHORT, SN SMITH, BM3 . k:5 SSS5Q S LTJG PAIMER First Division OHicer The Deck Department aboard the DONNER is made up of First, Second, and Third Divisions. The First and Second Divisions are manned by Boatswain Mates and their eager followers, the Deck Seaman . Third Division, on the other hand is comprised entirely of Fire Controlmen and Gunner ' s Mates. The sweethearts of the First Lieutenant, these boys make sure our viscious 40mm guns are working in top- notch order. The Deck Department is responsible for the cleanliness of the ship ' s sides, various rigging throughout the ship, ground tackle and mooring lines. COOPER, SN BACHI, SA STEPHEN, SA ENS MICKLER Second and Third Div. Officer McCANN, BM2 Assistant First Div. Petty Officer McCLISH, SA HERDEN, SA KOSTELNICK, SA BERRY, SN UNRAU, SA DAVIS, SA OVERBY, BM2 Second Division Petty Officer COLLINS, SA JOHNSON, BM2 BLANTON, SA MAY, SN PAZCOWSKI, SA GREEN, BM3 U MOONEY, SA SECOND Then what did she say JACKEL, SA THIRD DIV. It ' s a gun Mr. Mickler BLOCKBURGER, SA SAWYER, GMG3 PICKEn, FTG2 Third Div. Petty Officer PARKER, SN STEPHENSON, SA PELTIER, SA i y STEELE, SA UHRIN, SN SUPPLY DAWSON, SK2 LTJG CAVANAUGH Supply Officer HACKER, CS1 Supply Div. Petty Officer DICKENS, SK2 Knock three times— then once. ..tell her I sent you., the booze is right over the sink... What do you mean you ' re $5.00 short ? ' $ WOODS, SK3 CLARK, SKSN WYMAN, DK2 LEONE, DKSN KUDLA, SN WOODS, SN O ' CONNER, SN BRUCE, SH3 SCHOENMEYER, CS3 KUHN. CS3 DEPARTMENT Ka ro Of . W Thank God I had a Shoney ' s Big Boy for lunch RUSSEL, SD3 MONSALE, TA NARANDAN, TA MENDOZA, TN HUDGENS, SN i k DULLANO, TN WEARTlNBACH, CS2 WHITE, SN ESPANOL, 5D2 MARTIN, TN % ' SANDERS, CS3 HOWARD, CSS McROY, SDl OPERATIONS LT SMITH Operations Officer LTJG MEANY Navigator A M£ RECEIVER AMP LTJG BARKER O Division Officer The Operations Department is made up of radiomen, signalmen, radarmen and electronics technicians. The Communications Center, manned on a 24 hour basis by our radiomen, provides a link with other ships, shore bases, and civilian activities through the world. The signalmen have the arduous task of sending and receiving signals visually. Whether it be be semaphore, flashing light, flag- hoist, and sometimes mental telephahy , our signal bridge is one of the finest in the fleet. Winner of the Navy ' E ' four consecutive times, our combat in- formation center has no peers. CIC must inform the Commanding Officer, the OOD of all changes in the tactical status of the ship, any shipping within ten miles, and any other information pertain- ing to the safety of the ship. NABERS, SMI WHITE, SM2 NELSON, SM3 MAULDING, SN PATTERSON, QM2 ATWOOD, QM2 Nabers flag gang ■-, LEWIS, SN MENICHINI, RMS RADCLIFFE, RM3 BUTTENBAUM, RMSN DEPARTMENT LTJG ELLIS ENS. ALLEN it The Comm center ARMSTRONG, RDSN BELL, RMSN GEORGE, RD3 STIRTON, RD3 DAILY, RD3 FANTZ, RDSN VINCENT, SN LUTZ, ET3 LOSEE, ETSN BURNETTE, RMSN ry JOHNSON, RMC O Div. Petty Officer rv ENGINEERING 6if _. ; r MR. HANNEMAN Engineering Officer MR. HUTCHISON DCA She vibrates at 700 RPM ' s Chief The members of this department have the job of keeping a 20 year old ship afloat and running. For some this task would seem near to impossible, but not so for the DONNER snipes. They go about their duties with unchallenged enthu- siasm. They offer blood, sweat, and somet imes tears. ..and it pays off! Whether it be in propulsion, damage control, or electricity, DONNER ' S engineers are the finest. CHIEF MILEY, MMC COONEY, MMl M DIVISION MAIN PROPULSION MR. MALLOY MPA MILLER, MM LUNDY, MMl COOPER, MMl REYNOLDS, MM2 DOCTERMAN, MM? GODSOE, MM3 SCHROCK, MM3 PERKISON, MM3 BARETT, MM3 BRATULICH, MM3 STANFIELD, FN GIDLEY, FN TRIMELONI, FN £jOr ll : ( i ' :v PT GILLHAM, MMFN AVERY, FN NOWAKOSKI, FN BROKATE, FN BAXLEY, FN . wt HANKS, FN HOPPES, SN SHIPLEY, FA DESOLA, MMFA MOONEY, FA CHIEF CROSSNO, ENC J- A DIVISION MclVOR, ENl According to my calculations everyone else drowned two hours ago! PENNASOTO, EN2 BISHOP, EN2 BEATHAM, WV 3 HARTWIG, EN3 POOLE, FA AVERY, ENFN ROWELL, MRFN DUNKLE, FN LUMPKIN, EN3 DOTY, MRS EASTON, EMS a E DIVISION V: ENS HOWE Electrical Officer ENGLAND, EMl KILULA, EMC E DIv. Petty Officer It makes cigars Nicks MOUNT, EMl YANEZ, EM3 DROBNICK, FN GREEN, EMFN VANCE, FN •9 CHIEF ALFRED, BTC ' I can do anything v DUKES, BTl UTGARD, BT2 PRANGER, BT2 HOLT, BT3 MAZZELLA, BT3 MIZELLE, BT3 .■3i WHITE, BT3 MOLINA, BT3 SMITH, BT3 PITT, BT3 GOSSMAN, FN DUNLOP, FN LOPP, FN KEYES, FN FREEMAN, FN COSTA, FA MARTINEZ, FA POWELL, FA CHIEF CARDWELL, SFC DESACK, DC2 LITMAN, SFP2 R DIVISION a MAHER, SF2 CORMANY, FN KEMPER, FN ir HILL, SF1 ROBERTS, SFM3 MITCHELL, DC3 RUSSELL, FN SHANE, SFM3 yau StKtd ihe. Sereu BURCHFIELD, DC2 9Pmi ' What do you expect Mr. Richards? I jost made third! Why certainly I can explain my new Eldorado convertible. No Kostelnick, you chip it, THEN put the paint on!!! Mr. Cavonaugh and Chief Scruggs try to find a $15,000 error, while Keeter and Dickens discuss travel plans for South America. You ' d be bored too if this was the 7,859,061th time you ' d opened this valve. REPLENISHMENT -T « McCann explains how it is done Setting up the rig J. W. Smith is all ears while the ship ' s boatswain instructs THE LINE UP AT SEA -- t . | :,4 ,W j I ■• ■■■iijiiit- - - CORSICA VeHICE 26 SEP-3C 5 J 1 t 01-13 UN gibialtar ?klHA ALXCAJfTiC f 6-8 JUW M OCT-1 UOV y 10-12 OCT CAKfAGENA 22-28 OCT 1 20 OCT AaANC BAY 25 AU SARD] PO)RTD SCU U-20 AUG J6 VI 10 5 USS PONNER (LSI 20) K: YUGOSLAVIA X BULGARIA albania ' V- A£G£AN PXLOS V-gO SL4 $-14 SEP lEOl ' TEaRANEAfl 5£A O 2-10 7UI. 2l7 CrPRM5 CJIETE 15 200 )nCRRAN£AN D2FL0YNENT, MAY- NOV i96i 35 ' The mighty Rock is unmistakable Our first oKicial visitor while in the Med would of course have to be COMSIXTHFLT, Vice Admiral William E. Ellis boarded DONNER to view the first stage of a marine landing by helicopters. The ad- miral was well pleased with what he saw, and after lunching with the Captain, he departed aboard his flag ship, the USS SPRINGFIELD. Vice Admiral Ellis is one of the most decorated men in the Navy. In addition to the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, the Commendation Ribbon, and the Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, Rear Admiral Ellis has the American Defense Ser- vice Medal, Fleet Clasp; the American Campoign Medal; the European-African-Middle Eastern Cam- paign Medal with one engagement star; the Asiatic- Pacific Campaign Medal with one silver star and two bronze stars (seven engagements); the World War Two Victory Medal; the Navy Occupation Ser- vice Medal, Asia Clasp; the China Service Medal; the National Defense Service Medal; and the Phil- ippine Liberation Ribbon with two stars. i -. rS • •., Bgr- Rhodes, located far south among the Greek Isles, provided quite a liberty port for us. It was a trip into the past and we learned at least a small amount about Greek history and mythology. Of course, Rhodes had a few other interesting sights... The ancient ruins of Lindos The COLLOSUS of RHODES stood here. ' -««is Si siidiSim iitiS ' : ' Lunching. At the valley of the butterflies Relaxing poolside A potter shows his skill Then on to the catacombs -■?fe .; ' Tekagac, Turkey This small town in Turkey was used as a training area. The marines went ashore, and we started preparing the ship for the change of command cere- mony to take place there. Not many went ashore here, but a lucky few rode helicopters to Izmir, 90 miles inland. The ASIA MINOR coast. CHANGE OF Commander Wick R. Harlan was relieved as C. O. in July, atTeliagac, Turkey. The crew and the officers turned out in their best whites to bid Commander Harlan ' BON VOY- AGE and a successful future. Final homage from the Honor Guard COMMAND Commander Lyons officially HAS IT. The Commissioning Pennant Commander R. T. Lyons Commander Lyons takes control of the Roaring Twenty. I A few words of greeting to the crewand the squadron commanders... The feel of the bridge... And we ' re underway for. SPAIN V i. ■ ' ■J-. ' ! ' r- -- ' ' v  - ■ - ■ • rv - ,;--i ,a.- ' jB ' -i.l v3« J.v ' «« Although Barcelona, Spain was noted by us for a fantastic night life, the glory of Spain is best shown in a bull ring on Sunday afternoon. ' iSfr ' S ' tTS? mmmm m ■ ■ ' 4%sae%iy ' 3amx9mt The Mediterranean itself has a reputation of having the most precious shade of blue. her ports glisten like jewels in the southern european sun and glow like fire- FLIES AT NIGHT. Words alone are inadequate to describe THE PLACES TO BE SEEN AND EVEN THE FOLLOWING COLOR SHOTS FALL SHORT TO TELL THE FULL STORY. ■: No Comment! BEAUTIFUL BEACHES Cannes Harbor is Full of Sleeping Yachts Beaches are Sometimes Empty Statue on Grounds of the royal Palace of Monaco French Fishermen Cast Their Nets i Church of St. Peter in Rome Entrance to Catacombs in Rome Ancient Site of the Roman Senate FOUNTAIN OF TREVI The Colloseum in Rome Monument to King Emmanuel II One of Many Memorials Museum at Entrance TO ANCIENT Pompeii A Garden Courtyard in Pompeii Ancient Columns in Pompeii S ; Bread Ovens in Pompeii The Famous Erectheum on the acropolis EVZONE Guard at the Royal Palace Boy with Donkey friend Detail of Sculpture The Santa Maria Familiar Sight to Sixth Fleet Sailors Shopping FOR Flowers MIDSHIPMEN Midshipmen board DONNER for welcome to Amphibious Squadron 12 Midshipmen of the United States Naval Academy are required to make cruises each summer aboard var- ious ships of the fleet. Eight such future naval officers were fortunate in being chosen to fulfill this assignment aboard the DONNER. They came aboard in Palma, Mal- lorca, and for the next six weeks learned more about amphibious warfare than they ever dreamed existed. We were happy to hove them, and wish them luck in their careers. VENICE Of all our ports of call, Venice was the most beautiful. We were the first American Navy ship to stop there in about three years. The food and drink was marvelous, the atmosphere superb, and the people just couldn ' t do enough for the American sailor. ..i - - •V ' A ' r ' cL:--. ' iy- ' 1i ' Iff ¥ ipnMi ' RIVIERA •V --4 The Casino at Monte Carlo No one., FASHION SHOW CANNES, FRANCE ...could believe his... They came; We saw; They conquered. ..This was the story at the fashion show held aboard the DONNER while in Cannes, France. Several Parisian models played a one a fternoon stand under the drenching sun of the French Riviera to almost 200 goggle-eyed officers and men. Who could ask for more? Before... ...and after MARINE AIRWING HMM 262 Major Corliss, Commanding Officer DONNER was embarked with a detachment of 8 helicopters and some 160 marine officers and men. These men hod as their primary duties to fly helos, and keep them flyln ' g. We carried them in our well- deck. We lifted them to our flight deck. We kept them in fuel. And flight quarters nearly drove us out of our minds. But this was our mission, and there ' s none that con soy we ' re not the best at it in the fleet. ..-J 9 ' i The helicopter is a very versatile piece of equip- ment. Not only was it used for vertical replenish- ment and transferring gear to the beach, but also many reconnaissance missions were flown over foreign lands. 1 m ' f a - r ' - ' it W k.,: f t ' i ■■ a ii.i IN THE FIELD % s LCU 1609 To assist us in performing our mission while deployed, LCU 1609 was assigned to the DON- NER. This landing craft proved invaluable in pro- viding logistic support for the troops on the beach. No mission was too great - no task went unaccom- plished. Well Done! Think he ' ll stumble over that vent? INSPECTIONS During our cruise, it was our good fortune to have the opportunity to show off our clean, white uniforms. We all knew how pleased we mode the inspecting officer when we looked our best, so naturally, we were always eager to suit up for person- nel inspections. And Kostelnick swears he doesn ' t have a double chin 36 men assigned, 5 men present, sirl You mean she actually stole your dress jumper! ; .M . . If , ;- 7 Yes, I think he is pigeon-toed! «r Even the Marines found time for inspections. COMMANDER AMPHIBIOUS FORCE UNITED STATES ATLANTIC FLEET FLEET POST OFFICE NEW YORK, NEW YORK In reply refer to: FF4-14 as 3500 Ser N333 3167 f H From: To: Via: Commander Amphibious Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Commanding Officer, USS DONNER (LSD-20) (1) Commander Amphibious Group FOUR (2) Conrimander Amphibious Squadron TEN Subj: Battle Efficiency Award, Fiscal Year 1964 1. USS DONNER (L.SD-20), nominated by Commander Amphibious Squadron TEN, and Commander Amphibious Group FOUR, has been selected to receive the Battle Efficiency Award in Amphibious Squadron TEN for the Fiscal Year ending 30 June 1964. 2, Commander Amphibious Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, takes great pleasure in awarding the Battle Efficiency Award to DONNER in recognition of the OUTSTANDING performance of the ship during Fiscal Year 1964. 3, Commander Amphibious Force, U, S, Atlantic Fleet, commends the officers and enlisted personnel of DONNER for their efforts in attaining this award. This achievement reflects a devotion to duty and an attain- ment of standards which are most creditable to themselves and to the Naval Service, 4. Commanding Officer, USS DONNER (LSD-20), is directed to make suitable notation and to place a copy of this letter in the official records of such officers and enlisted personnel of DONNER as are considered deserving in having contributed to the winning of the Battle Efficiency Award. Forward appropriate papers in accordance with established pro- cedures in the case of such personnel who may have been detached. Ui ' K S. McCAiiv, ,?K, In many of the ports visited, afternoon tea par- ties were given for orphans in that area. The children were brought aboard for a tour of the ship, lunch, and movies. Most of them did not understand the language so interpreters were provided b y the ship ' s company. As apparent by the photos, every- one had a good time. My wife will love this souvenier. It ' s a helicopter LITTLE VISITORS Look out sailor. On Halloween we were visited by some Ameri- can tourists. These kids demanded the ship, but after much persuasion settled (or some ice cream and cookies. . Everybody got into the act. f f And the Papa bear said. 4 VISITORS . 9 lafii ' !, t A ' Aife- I don ' t know Captain, where do you think we are? Just you try it!!! CANDIDS Good old mountain brew Atwood... ! beHer not (chuckle) tell the boss he has the lens cap on. Mr. Meany... l hope Atwood keeps quiet... I wonder what ' s wrong... I refuse to ask? Mr. Richards. .. Captain soys if I drop this one too he won ' t let me try again. .and then this broad says something in Spanish... ' Are them things loaded? , All I know is this guy says bring ' em to the ship. Who ' s taking whose picture? Jt JS sAi . -. i «A It ' s more effective than RAID. 5P . Flight quarters - so much fun... Don ' t laugh or I ' ll quitll They told me I was going to ride a helo to Rota. Commodore Bill comes aboard. Now, today ' s liberty party report to the (light deck. ' And we came home - 3S  ,. -f , I B P ' ' w - ■ ' f ' : .. ' ■ ' S - PS,;- : s. ' toBY lISffiY, litU v; ' . .-,«r ,, -JfiPORATION S,- fcORFOLK,,VIRGINIA 1 ■ ' • .n i . t ' «4a - 1 , n Wr '  • • ' « ' I « . I J 5 I. •% - -V MU;;- t ' t l-W ' ■ ' ..i j « if)ij ;iijrr i J «.-«5«. ' ■ % — Ojj|2b ... I ♦ ' ■  t 1 1 I J r t -I « . , « v :