Fort Fisher (LSD 40) - Naval Cruise Book

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WESTPAC 1977-78 For the majority of our 1977-1978 WEST- PAC deployment FORT FISHER was assigned to the U.S. Seventh Fleet-a major element of American foreign policy and deterrence in peace time and the first line of defense and primary striking force in the Pacific in the event of hostilities . The Seventh Fleet ' s area of operations en- compasses millions of square miles of ocean and coastline-the Pacific Ocean west of Ha- waii and a large portion of the Indian Ocean. In this area, the Seventh Fleet conducts op- erations to maintain a high state of combat readiness. This includes training, combined exercises such as Twin Dragons and Team Spirit, surveillance operations -Taiwan Straits Patrol, search and rescue operations - Brillig, and other exercises and missions as directed by high authority. As an amphibious warfare ship, FORT FISHER is a part of task force 76, a sub unit in the Seventh Fleet organization. Along with this assignment we have a more specific mission that we must be capable of accom- plishing. For our part in an Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) we must be prepared to transport and land combat ready troops from a Marine Assault Unit (MAU) or Battalion Landing Team (BLT). Inherent in our role as an LSD is the responsibility of being a pri- mary control ship (PCS) in an amphibious op- eration. Amphibious Ready Groups are the only amphibious resources always immedi- ately available for employment . As a fleet operating unit, FORT FISHER must maintain the highest possible state of combat readiness and training to en- able her to carry out all peacetime missions and be prepared to discharge her assigned responsibilities. Some of the requirements that may be levied upon FORT FISHER are: to provide a forward -deployed amphibious presence to add stability and to provide reas- surance to an ally in an area of importance to the United States; to provide a cover force for evacuation of U.S. and allied citizens or to conduct or assist in an evacuation; to pro- vide initial security of a logistic entry point (seaport or airport) required for the support of a friendly government; to conduct an as- sault landing to restore or support a friendly nations request for assistance; to conduct amphibious assaults in support of alliances and to project U.S. presence ashore. In order to be prepared to accomplish these tasks joint operations and training on the FORT FISHER ' S WESTPAC deployment in- cluded two joint U.S. and Korean major am- phibious assaults (Twin Dragons Team Spirit) , LVT and wet net training for Korean Marines and underway formation maneuver- ing and refueling operations with the Royal Australian Navy on RIMPAC 78. FORT FISHER ' S final mission area is to develop and test amphibious warfare proce- dures and tactics to increase the ability of the U.S. and allied forces to successfully conduct amphibious operations . As an element of the Seventh Fleet, FORT FISHER contributed significantly to the fur- thering of U.S. foreign policy afloat and ashore. As an ambassador of good-will and as a strong force to be reckoned with, our presence was noted with admiration and re- spect by friends and foe alike.

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uur cruisebook is dedicated to Lieutenant Commander Beverly Daly and operations specialist David Franks, two former shipmates who distinguished themselves by their superb professionalism, friendship and overall contribution to FORT FISHER. Their sudden and uiexpected departure was a great loss to our ranks and saddened us all. LCdr Daly ' s illness required his emergency medevac from Numazu, Japan on the early morning of 6 December 1977 just as we were departing for amphibious exercises Sang Yong VII BLTEX 1-78 with the Republic of Korea. Seaman Franks passed away on our first night in Singapore, 23 December 1977. Both men contributed in many ways to the successful accomplishment of our mission, particularly in the ardous months of FORT FISHER overhaul and refresher training prior to deployment. We remember them with affection and recall with pleasure the days spent together on the FORT.

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W,; . ■::■■ ;■■ . FORT FISHER Recognition should be given to Colonel William Lamb of Norfolk, Virginia, for his tireless efforts in the planning and construction of Fort Fisher, the protector of blockade-runners and Wilmington, which was the last important southern port to fall. Fort Fisher was the largest earthwork fortification in the Confederacy and was the scene of the two largest land-naval battles of the Civil War. Primarily, Fort Fisher deserves its important position in Civil War history for its protection of the port of Wilmington by means of its control over one of the two Cape Fear River approaches. The Confederate steamers preferred New Inlet as their entrance into Cape Fear River because it was protected by Fort Fisher. By the end of 1864 the fort extended from the Cape Fear River all the way across the Peninsula, half a mile, and then south down the beach one mile. It mounted 47 heavy guns and was called the Malakoff Tower of the South. •sJ