Helena (CA 75) - Naval Cruise Book

Text from Pages 1 - 68 of the 1952 volume:

1 1 . f i ' I 5 . 9 r NEWS 5 cf THE WEE HELENA CRE BOOK U.S.S.HELENA lCA 75J 95 .. - GD November 28, 1952 At Sea ' Dear Folks, ' There is some really good news to write today-we're heading for home! It seems like a long time since May 20th, when we left Long Beach. In fact, it will be seven months by the time we dock in our home port. One way or another, we have managed to keep busy the whole time. Most of the seven months were spent at sea, of course, operating off the east coast of Korea, but we also made some good liberties in Japan. We usually spent thirty days at sea followed by about ten days in port. h Even though the operating schedule was strenuous one, I did ind some spare time for myself. I was able to keep my camera busy snapping shots here and there, and I made up a photo album with pictures taken throughout the cruise. My idea was to keep a record of our activities at sea, the thingswe saw and did in port, and life on board the Helena. A I think you could say we had a three-fold job at sea. Our Hrst job was to keep enemy supply lines cut. Since we control the seas, the only way the enemy can get supplies and re-inforcements to the front lines is over land. We spent a lot of time cutting his railways, roads and bridges in such strange sounding places as Wonsan, Songjin, Tanchon, Kojo, Chongjin, and Hungnam. The second ,task was supporting our own troops on the front lines. We steamedback and forth on the ubombline firing at bunkers, gun positions, trenches, supply dumps, and troop concentrations. The idea was to keep the enemy off balance and give our troops a hand. I The third assignment, which gave us the most excitement, was acting as a search and rescue team for any of our pilots who were forced down. We carried a helicopter which made quite a name foriitself by dashing as much as thirty miles inland, through thick anti-aircraft fire, to pick up a pilot. Believe me, nobody can grin as wide as a pilot who has just been rescued from behind enemy lines. p Sometimes we got an unusual assignment. One of these was acting as flagship for the bombardment group during the amphibious demonstration near Kojo. Our side made a feint at the beaches there to make the enemy shuffle his troops around and to show them what we could do if we really wanted to. It wasn't all work all the time, lowever. We stopped at three different ports, Yokosuka, Nagoya, and Kobe, where we had a chance to see some of the best sights in Japan, as well as to rest up and enjoy ourselves. I'm sending the photo album along with this letter, hoping that you will like it, and that it will give you an idea of what the Helena has been up to during the last seven months. This is my ship, the U. S. S. HELENA. This picture was snapped as she was coming into firing position on the bombline. I think she's a fins looking ship, and I'm proud of her and her record. 1 1 Y.. My ship has inherited a tradition of outstanding service and gallant fighting handed down through the years by her forerunners a gunboat and a light cruiser The first Helena a 1 400 ton gunboat was built in 1894 in Newport News Virginia so you see our history started over 55 years ago Her participation in the Spanish American War and the Philippine Campaign highlighted th1rty years of distinguished retired in 1932 The se ond Helena a light cruiser wasn t built until 1939 and was damaged at Pearl Harbor on December 7 1941 After several months in dry dock she returned to trade blows with the Japanese Fle t in the South Pacific where she earned the title the iightin est ship The Japanese really claimed a pr17e when a submarine sank her in the Battle of Kula Culf in 1943 As a result of her brilliant action against the enemy the Secretary of the Navy posthumously awarded her the Navy Unit Commendation You can probably remember when the citizens of Helena Montana conducted a bond 9 K I 1, .I A l o ' i , , ' H ' ' , 4 . a , , , ' 9 A 4 N . A o u '. . 5- x ' 0 0 0 Q , v Q ' u K Q . ga ' service with 'the Navy. Her career was ended as an active fighting ship when-she was rs V O lx , D I , . V 9 2 Q I , y a . , V g 4 . S . . , . V V A . U Q . , . ,, ' ' 4 . . Y V 4 . . V T ' o 0 g ' . G s ' Q Q ' ., ' - b A . . , V I , , , V selling campaign throughout the State, They were so successful that the Navy Department decided a heavy cruiser under construction in the Quincy Ship Yard should once again carry the name of their capital city. ' The new heavy cruiser, of the Baltimore class, was commissioned in 1945 and almost immediately began preparing for a round-the-world cruise. The Helena visited all the important ports 'of Europe and the Mediterranean, the Suez Canal, and then sailed for various portsin Asia, principally China and Japan, where she operated with other ships of the 'Pacific Fleet for several months. Uponibeing relieved, the ship steered a true course east for Long Beach, California, and a welcome yard overhaul. She operated between the Orient and the 'United States fornseveral years on training and reserve cruises. When war broke out on the Korean peninsula in 1950, the Helena headed for her first taste of battle. Since then she has made three trips to the Combat Zone, totaling nineteen months, and fired over 25,000 rounds of major calibre ammunition at enemy targets. We all feel our ship has done a darn good job. Now we are on our way home and the morale is at an all time high -as each day brings us nearer to the U. S. and the ones we love. MQ 'uw Y 1 Q This is mywskipper Captain Walter L Dyer keeping h1S eye on things from the bridge He took command of the Helena last January and through a period of intensive training Dyer commanded the Cole the Niblack the Sigourney Destroyer Division 44 Destroyer Squadrons 15and 22 West Coast Sonar Training Squadron and the Fleet Sonar School at San Diego He really knows his business and our record of damage to the enemy shows it All of us are proud of our skipper . . . , . 0 , . . , U , . prepared us for a successful tour of Korean service. Before coming to the Helena, Captain , . , . , I I U , , . . . This is the Executive Officer of the U. S. S. Helena, Commander George L. Conkey. He is second in command and carries out the commanding oHicer's poli- cies. The Exec servedon the U. S. S. Ma- S ryland, U. S. S. Tracy, and U-S.'iS. Trenton before taking command of the U. s. s. E15- more. . ' y Q ' T He was later assigned to the Naval Academy as an instructor of Navigation for two years and then attended the Armed Forces Staff College. 4 Called back to sea duty, he commanded the destroyer U. S-S. Rogers for over two years. A Upon being' relieved of that command he proceeded to the University of Southern California as the Executive Officer of the Naval Reserve Training Corps for two years. These are the two Admirals that have raised their ilags on my ship during the third tour of duty in Korean Waters. Rear Admiral Herbert G. Hopwood led the Helena through the first part of this tour of duty, until he received orders to take command of Cruiser- Destroyer Forces, Pacific Fleet in San Diego. After We returned to Yokosuka, having jspent thirty days on the bombline, Rear Admiral Walter G. Schindler reported on board the Helena to relieve Admiral Hopwood as Commander Cruiser Division Three. As ComCruDivThree, Admiral Schindler commands the battleship U. S. S. Iowa, and the heavy cruisers U. S. S. Helena and U. S. S. Toledo. D r' th l d u ing e an ing exercise at Kojo, he also commanded the pre- D- day bombardment forces. A Captain Allan A. Ovrum relie Jed Captain John W. Ailes, Ill, as Admiral Sch1ndler's chief aide and assistant. ww wg fgggr' fa 34. , Q- 5 N, mi M425 M f .WV wmf. X' vi T -K Q ffgz , pg ,wi up M3 1 9 XXX . ix , wi . .X ' XE 4 MQ ,QL 5 1. iw, . .M gigsf - ' ?iggK5f :-gvlf ii ' 5 , V ,s?.zfg2,. 1 5 14zsx N3 NK? 1 , -a wif. 4:97 -8, Q QW' fe f ag 1 . w 4 Q... ar' ye. nt? 0 W 1. 252 ,N , -ze ws- X.A,.,., ? A , I sb C4 l:?i1'1 '1' '- 'l , 1 ,Mi ,,,,fQ,,q, Q ax LS S x, , 2' X' ' zifipii-Q4 W , M sbwsfax . M A ff., f, A W 5 gag' 4 f f , 1 W A Lv' M f 01 We make use of every type of communications in our operations. . . A. . .signal flags and flashing light are used for visual communication. . . . . . signalmen keep sharp lookout for signals from other ships. . . . . .and radiomen guard long- distance circuits. ff I Aircraft are tracked on the vertical plotting board. The thousand and one pieces of gear used by CIC are repaired and maintained by the Electronics Workshop. -Y W --- f - Y -I, , 63 Flag Plot and the Combat Information Cen- ter collect, evaluate and disseminate all kinds of information needed for our Operations, You get the effect of the real McCoy during our Air Defense drills. The drone and catapult are set in place. The drone crew gives the robot controlled bird a final check, then.. .ZOOM... it's launched. Our anti- aircraft gunners get a sharp Work out as the drone flashes back and forth across the horizon. rv V , , if I-C. ,Q 9.1-2:-,.,5.vM,f,7 ...:, .fix We did a lot of training. . . , . .including drills for gun crews . . . and films and lectures. . . . . .With the result: congratulations from the skipper Cand a raise in payb. Railroading really suffers north of the 38th parallel. These tracks andboxcars once carried war supplies to Red troops along the front. They're only serap iron now. This North Korean railroad just went out of business. This one too. ,fqaffzv , .,- -4'57'f '1 ' 1zw::a-fi ?W?'i'i:gig:2, 1Q?4-1 ,,,,,,,, is My 4 V ,.fi,f.,,, ,.m fss?:,QEq,,..N- X , 17 , 3R,5,.A..i :gag ,age ' Qi:::gsg555 . -g',:, , 'swear-wazwe-,rfgcffmc-f.,.wf' -f--.eff amfiwwff ,, . ' 4 .wW,-f.f-maWY:ef,f-Q,-frm, -+- W aafwfs-.m,, ,. . -' - V -P P A- '7 'iW'f65f5?2Z5f 'h Wiki 1 f ingf -- ' L if i '-: ff 1-iiliiif... 'f-51 is .f ess'-Y-1 we-, ,,,.-,., ..-::f::ff1i:-Qyaxfgg f af f - ' f 'A ' --1 '15.' -- . 'Q if -64:ff:Z:if 4:a'iIix2?f W? +11 X .1' And this factory has closed shop. M R The heavy guns of our ship provided close fire support for UN troops right on the front lines. These spotters directed the ship's fire on enemy troop concentrations, supply depots, transportation facilities, machine gun nests, and bunkers by radio while We patrolled up and down the coast throughout the day and night. Our helicopter is aptly named Last Chance Taxin. During our missions along tlie enemy coast line its crewghas pulled many a downed pilot out of a ticklish spot. It's a happy and grateful pilot that finds himself safe on the decks of the Helena after being shot down behind enemy lines. Flight quarters - gunfire spotting mission. History makers- the first night landing on a cruiser. Pilot safe - mission accomplishedg .-ff 4 Celebrating 100 landings aboard in one month. No job is too tough for the helicopter crew and errands of mercy are their specialty. It often happens that a sick or Wounded sailor depends on the Uwhirly bird to get him back to the safety of the ship- d ' d QD We helped pull off a big amphibious assault feint at Kojo, North Korea. Every- thing except the actual landing of troops was involved, the idea being to give the enemy a big scare that he wouldn't soon forget. -We showed what We could do if We wanted to. My ship and others were busy for three days before HMHour softening up the beach defenses, and by the time the fleet left the Kojo area the enemy troops and gun emplacements had taken an awful beating. ff V i hw E G it 1 IA a ff. g .t ll 9 i 'Q When We Weren't on the firing line this kind of Work kept us plenty buSy. On rearming days itfs anassembly line affair.. .bringing new bullets on board and sending the powder empties back. It takes alot of sweat and muscle to supply sheHs for our 21 nuuor cahbre guns,and there's no let up until the last shell comes on board. Rain or shine, smooth or rough seas, the tankers come through with the fuel. It's no easy job to refuel in weather like this, but the boys on the tanker get wetter than We do. E We get everything on replenishing days-shells, fuel, new men, food sup- plies, mail-anything and everything it takes to keep a ship of this size going. f The sight-seers lined the rail. . . . . .as We steamed through Shimonoseki Straits. . . . . .and docked in Kobe Where. . . We were welcomed by t1'e Clty L1berty call ' oiiicials. . 4 k I call this page Signs of the Times The friendly people of Nagoya threw their city open to us and We visited the castle, the park, Pearl Island, and Futami, just to name a few places. We held open house in Nagoya and Kobe for the citizens of Japan as part of the Navy's good will program. At Nagoya, over 42,000 people streamed up our gangways to get a first hand glimpse of the ship. l 4 We visited the birthplace of cultured saw the famous diving girls- - - lg A pearls. . . 4 Q j the creation of a necklace. . . and Wedded Rocks, Japan's Niagara QL. We saw many types of Japanese temples and shrines during the tours throughout the Islands, including the big Buddha in Kamakura, one of the largest bronze castings in the World The fine recreational facilities at the Japanese ports We visited provided us with almost every kind of sports activity. All of us were frequent visitors at the swimming pools. Some of the crew have taken Judo seriously since being in the Far East, and have advanced to senior students of this of this ancient J apanese sport. Q The softball diamonds always got a good work out When the Helena hit port in Japan. Almost every division had a team and games were scheduled every day We were in port. The final play-offs showed that we had some real champs aboard. Many of us on board attended parties in the va- rious liberty ports and sometimes followed the customs of the Japanese by Wearing kimonos and Walkmg around 111 our stockings. We took Rickshas int for Slght - seeing. o Kobe. . . . . shopping. . . . . picture taking. and just plain strolling Some days wevhave smooth sailing. . . 1 and other days the sea is mighty rough This is the after Hreroom gang that is respon- sible for the ship's boilers. . . Coffee time A couple of engineers standing ' by the emergency evaporator. . . and this is the gang in the after engine-room which is responsible for the ship's speed and smooth riding. . . A throttleman stands by his station for a change in speed... These are handy guys to have around the house. . . and the ship. The pipe fit- ters, carpenters, metalsmiths, electricians, and machinists help keep our ship in tip- top shape since their main job consists of upkeep and repair. When anything's on the bum , and is needed right away you realize how indispensable these fix it guys are. We all turn to on field days and clean the ship from bow to stern. Some follow the ancient art of holystoning the deck. . . others scrub down the deck. . . and the superstruc- ture. . . While in port, many men are over the side Working together to keep the ship in top notch condition. Since, fast, accurate shooting is our main job, the gunners and fire controlmen take pride in keeping their guns in perfect condition. The plotting rooms are the brain centers of the system, While the gun crews keep the bullets going out. in the I8zE office. . . Tonsures are trimmed. . . and pants are pressed. The ship's Work continues and personnel oiice. Garbage dlsposal methods are d1SCLSSSd and fire controlmen ponder a problem. Dessert 1S served. Two dmarines on orderly duty. Quick, competent medical and dental care is furnished us and others in need by our sick bay, which is equipped with an operating room, ward, pharmacy, X-ray lab and isolation room. These shots show sick call, an operation in progress, a tooth being filled, a rescued pilot recovering from burns, and a shipmate relaxing While his foot heals. ,il . The CruDiv 3 Swing Band helps break the monotony of sea life. Meanwhile, the ship's routine goes on with a sweepdown. In the showers, it's wet down, soap down, rinse it off! Specializing in serving all hands are the soda fountain. . . . .the post ofiice. . . . . the library. . . . .and the 'ship's store. The biggest appetites in the World pass through this line. I l z Three hundred loaves a day. . . 1500 steaks for one meal . . .so pass the salt down. 1 GE The Warrant Officers find time for relaxation. ! E While the Chief Petty Officers initiate some new members The officers L take five in their lounge. . . I ll'- The Warrant Ofiicers' lounge presents a homey atmosphere. t 4 and are served dinner in the Wardroom. 1 N 1 It's Happy Hour time and every- body gets in the act. Music, ad-libs, and horse-play are the order of the day. Our shows always feature lots of specialties, both talented and humor- ous, and all hands have a good time. 1 mf.3.f Q9 Our Wrestling and boxing matches during Happy Hours are real classics. We have everyone from Gor- geous George to Baron Leone with all the trim- mings. Believe me, those rough and tumblers really mix it up, and the Way everyone is yelling for their favorites you'd think it Was Madison Square Garden. 69 Once each month We throw a party complete with cake, ice cream, and movies for everyone who has a birthday during the month. It's natural that a part of our daily life is reserved for Worship fand devotions. The Chaplain leads us in daily prayers and on Sundays servicesaarefconducted for all faiths. NXX X- H X Wt X izikxlf' i X . . x XX ,Q .-. X .XX .X -. Nd A XXJNXX X f YSXQ XXQQQQXL Q XX-XXX XX,-4. X X X X - X X XX X, 5 X XXXS fxxslfix X53 SRX X . QNX X X X .. XXX XXX X ,X'X NK SN: X. 1 .h J XX X Xi X X X X X - x - X X i 3 E 1 3 1 A l t! V. i F Y l I5' a F fr -4 V H 'EJ S F , s y - 'i ' W I . X f l 3. rx 1. Ny ip 5 , u., 'll 1 -3 i E' 3 f Wk Q, an 5 - 3 0 ' L L33 1-:sun-v' I. ix: if ,Q F f ,w :,i' E 5 1 'I sw Q ,1- . X r i 1 I lm V. EC i I i 4.l f ,i I I -I I I 3 I I I ,I I I I 5 l I I r I I I I yi fi 2 I ' I ,' . ' III ii f- I I I If 5 I Ki I o I I . . I I . I I I 'I I I I I V4 I. I z I , I I I I I I I I I ,I I I I I I , I I I I I I I I I I I 1: II I I x 3 I I I ' I ' N- ! H ,..., .M-., V x ,Y N - r E Y .4- UTOGRAPHS v i ' f Commanding Officer CAPT W. L. Dyer, USN Editor ENS E. Schaefer, USN Associate Editors E. W. Cleveland, J02. D. L. Hockman, J03 S. G. Neese, SN THE STAFF f Executive Officer i CDR G. L. Conkey, USN Advisor LT B. C. Alexander, CHC, USNR Photographer H. F. Vest, AFC -- 5 Asst. Photographers R. K. Stoddard, PHAN C. Hilt, PHAN Z D. W. LeVan, SN D 3 Publishers 1 Pacific Enterprises, Inc., Kobe, Japan Printed by ' Issinsha Printing Co., Ltd., Kobe, Japan 4 I P fi l 4 s v f 1 . V, 1. 2 P 'Q f 3 if Q , W. l