Henry Tucker (DD 875) - Naval Cruise Book

Text from Pages 1 - 80 of the 1967 volume:

4 ' A .221 l' ,,,. ., If 1 rv' ?f ' mg nl: N Message from the Captain This cruise book chronicles the latest and most impressive chapter in the life of HENRY W, TUCKER, Reflected in the following pages is the fact that TUCKER was more than just another ship in WESTPAC, During the strenuous five months of operations TUCKER was called upon to perform a multitude of tasks including: Naval Gunfire Support of U, S, and Allied troops in South Vietnam, escort for three carriers in the Ton- kin Gulf, Search and Rescue operations in the vicinity of Haiphong, radar surveillance, helicopter refueling and anti-submarine operations. In ad- dition, the ship has been a home away from home for 270 of our country's finest fighting men. As time passes, this book will be a nostalgic reminder of our tremen dous contribution to our nation's efforts to aid the cause of freedom. We will recall not only such situations as spending 90 of 95 days at sea, ex- tended periods of condition watches, the constant threat of a PT Boat or air attack, battling typhoons and heavy seas and the long hours of main- taining the ship's readiness but also ship's parties at Yokosuka, precious time ashore in Hong Kong and Kaohsiung and even visits to Subic Bay. In all tasks the men of TUCKER performed superbly and with high morale. The ship's outstanding achievements are in keeping with TUCKE tradition and are the result of teamwork, skill and sacrifice of every man on board. AV E? SHELDON D. KULLY COMMANDER, U.S. NAVYI COMMANDING OFFICER r 'I ' ' J, N .X gf... S ,f ,5 f P i ig Wav 8hSe8 3 e X X, If V 'r 'CK Q 1 R Commander Sheldon D. Kully USN Commander Sheldon D, Kully, Captain of USS HENRY W. TUCKER, was born in San Francisco, California, on 8 January 1927. He received a BS degree from the University of California and in January 1951, upon completion of Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Naval Reserve. Commander Kully's previous sea duties included serving as Commu- nications Officer aboard USS H,W, BUTNER QT-AP-1131, Weapons Officer in USS JOHN W, THOMASON QDD-7605 and Executive Officer in USS HENDERSON QDD-7855. Some of the most exciting shore billets in the Navy have been held by Commander Kully. He came to this ship from the Defense Intelligence Agency in Washington, D.C. He served as Assistant Naval Liaison Officer in Hong Kong for three years and shared his wealth of knowledge of that enchanting city with his shipmates on this cruise. He is a 1965 graduate of the US Navy War College and attended the Naval Intelligence School in Washington, D.C. where he studied Chinese fMandarinJ, A Naval Opera- tions Staff, Officer for COMUSMACV, J-3, he assisted in preparing for US Navy participation in Vietnam, including Naval Gunfire Support, am- phibious ranli Market Time operations. ' commander Kully has two children, Elizabeth Ann, 9, and Mark, 7. Captain John H. D. Williams USN Captain John H. D. Williams, Captain of this ship from December 1965 until July 1967, was relieved in Yokosuka and departed the ship for duty with US Naval Security Group Headquarters in Washingto-n, D.C. Under Captain Williams, TUCKER won the coveted E for Battle Efficiency. Lieutenant Commander George E. O'Brien USN The Executive Officer is Lieutenant Commander George E. O'Brien, a graduate of the US Naval Academy, Class of 1957, whose previous ex- perience includes duty in USS SALEM CCA-1393, USS BARRY QDD-9333, Commanding Officer USS HUMMINGBIRD QMSC-1923 and instructing at Holy Cross College. Commander O'Brien is married to the former Nancy L. Hogan of Baltimore, Maryland and has two children, Cathleen 9, and Tory 8. WE TPAC 67 After a vigorous period of training and a delightful cruise with dependents, USS HENRY W. TUCKER fDD -8 755 de- parted for a six months' cruise to the Far East on 19 June 1967. Two days before Christmas, with Santa Clause riding the signal bridge, TUCKER returned to Long Beach, California. In the intervening months the men of this ship met every commitment, from the routine of refueling helicopter a few miles off Haiphong to the emergency of searching for sur- vivors of the disaster on USS FORRESTAL QC VA -593. This cruise book is the story in words and photos of those intervening months - the long hours of watch standing and maintenance, the 3,548 hours underway and 53,434 nautical miles travelled the exciting times in the combat zone, humorous moments - and tragic ones. From Long Beach, TUCKER steamed to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii in company with USS RUPERTUS CDD -8515 and USS HOPEWELL QDD-6815. Four days in Hawaii were devoted to briefings and sightseeing. Leaving the delicious fresh pine- apple and the beach at Waikiki, we enjoyed smooth sailing to Midway Islands for a brief refueling stop, photography sessions with the crazy Cooney birds and a walk on the dazzling white sand beach. Underway again, joy reigned in the enginerooms as the snipes received reports of TUCKER outdistancing her companions in economy speed trials. Rougher cruising, practice going to General Quarters - GO,GO,GO,'You WESTPAC sailors - dodging a whale on a collision course and then, Japan and four days in Yokosuka, our first Oriental liberty port. Highlight of Yoko was the colorful change of command ceremony when Commander Kully took the helm from Captain Williams. Since the primary objective for this fighting ship was the Gulf of Tonkin, TUCKER turned South, stopping only briefly to refuel at Buckner Bay in Okinawa, still strategically valuable as it was in World War Il, when TUCKER first fought in those waters. After four days in Subic Bay in The Philippines - and some memorable nights in Olongapo - TUCKER sortied with the East Coast carrier FORRESTAL for air operations in the Tonkin Gulf. The demand on destroyers off Vietnam was heavy - carrier operations, submarine detection, rescue and gunfire support. Only five of the ship's next 95 days would be in port. Arrival on Yankee Station and all proceeded routinely Lmtil Saturday, 29 July. At 0320 on that fateful day FORRESTAL lost a man overboard. After a search lasting for hours by TUCKER, RUPERTUS, small boats, helicopters and fixed wing aircraft, FORRESTAL left the scene to meet a commitment for a strike on North Vietnam, a strike destined never to leave the carrier. TUCKER remained to continue the search for the lost man. We recovered the life ring thrown over for him and continued searching until the cryptic order CLOSE TO ASSIST AT BEST SPEED was received from FORRESTAL. . Not knowing what to expect, we prepared for any emergency and steamed at flank speed toward the carrier's position Lmtil we sighted the pillar of smoke that marked the fiery disaster., We assisted in the search for survivors by retracing FORRESTAL'S debris -covered path and then provided an escort for a FORRESTAL rendezvous with the hospital ship USS REPOSE CAH 165, to which dead and wounded were transferred. The tragic loss of life saddened us all as we recalled the Navy Hymn's poignant plea, O hear us when we cry to Thee For those in peril on the sea. TUCKER continued plane guarding for USS CONSTELLATION CCVA-643 and USS ORISKANY CCVA-345 as they latmched attacks on the enemy. A few days of ASW exercises with the submarine USS CUSK fAGSS -3483 and a highly successful DASH torpedo launch provided awelcome change. Finally the ship made port - Subic Bay - for five days of upkeep and an R and R trip to Manila for some deserving personnel. ln September, after a short period of training off the Philippines, TUCKER again turned her bow West, this time in company with the guided missile frigate USS COONTZ CDLG-93 - destination, Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam. After a day of briefings and a night of anti-PT boat exercises, we left the last friendly land that would be sighted from TUCKER for more than a month. TUCKER and COONTZ relieved the station ships on Northern SAR - the Northernmost outpost of free world strength in the Tonkin Gulf - and a station within sight of the enemy's homeland. This was a busy time - day and night steaming, keeping track of shipping into Haiphong har or, assisting in control of aircraft and rescue of pilots, refueling helicopters, regular replenishments and, just before completing the mission, fleeing before typhoon Carla. We returned to station after the Pacific storm passed and, on the happy day of 21 October, USS WILTSIE QDD-7165 arrived to relieve us. First stop was Subic Bay to quench a 45 day thirst, then a fast, rough ride to Kaohsiung and ten days of upkeep and liberty. With mixed feelings of regret and anticipation we departed from Kaohsiung. On the 5th of November we entered the most famous port in the world, the fabulous British Crown Colony of Hong Kong. Five glorious days of relaxation, sightseeing and shopping were spent in that magnificent city before steaming South on 10 November to the coast of South Vietnam and the final combat mission - Naval Gunfire Support. No sooner had we arrived in the NGFS area assigned than U. S. Forces ashore called for our assistance. in TUCKER tradition fshe was the first warship to provide Naval Gunfire in Vietnamj firing was commenced immediately. Excellent results on the target that evening and the days and nights for the next two weeks demonstrated the accuracy of our gtui- fire to the Army. . Having completed our mission on the gunline and having fired 1514 rounds of 5 inch 38 ammunition, TUCKER re- turned to Subic Bay, participating in an ASW exercise en route. Leaving1Subic the ship rendezvoused with the subma- rine USS TUNNY CAPSS -2825 to act as target ship for that submarine. T en the first leg of the journey home - North to Yokosuka, stopping only at Buckner Baly for fuel early one rainy morning. Much Christmas shopping in Japan loaded TUCKER'S living spaces with gifts for amily and friends. Finally, the proud ship TUCKER set an Easterly course in company with HOPEWELL. Rough weather prevented re- fueling at Midway but we did make a brief, middle of the night stop in the pouring rain in Pearl Harbor. A few days out of Pearl, flank speed was ordered and we left the San Diego bound HOPEWELL in our wake. On the morning of 23 De- cember, after 188 days, USS HENRY W. TUCKER, with loved ones waiting proudly on the fantail of USS EVERSOLE QDD-7895, returned home. Perhaps the best record of TUCKER'S performance as a forward unit of the Seventh fleet is reflected in the following statistical summary of the cruise: Time at sea 80070 Time in port 20070 Days at sea 151 Days in port 37 Fuel Oil used 3, 191, 265 gallons Underway replenishments 59 Steaming hours 3, 548 Nautical Miles steamed 53, 434 Rounds of Naval Gunfire 1,514 Our Tactical Commander, Captain K. B. Brown, COMDESRON 17, sent TUCKER his commendation for our work on SAR: IN YOUR DIRECT SUPPORT OF NAVY AND AIR FORCE STRIKE AIRCRAFT AND OF THE ATTACK CARRIER STRIKING FORCE SEVENTH FLEET YOU PERFORMED VITAL SERVICE FOR YOUR COUNTRY. YOU REPEATEDLY DEMONSTRATED THAT HENRY W. TUCKER IS MANNED BY WELL TRAINED, COMPETENT AND SKILLED DESTROYERMEN. YOU HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO BE PROUD OFIYOUR SHIP AND OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS. WELL DONE, ,J X , I LT. HIRAM W. CLARK USN WEAPONS OFFICER U. S. Naval Academy 19 64 Arrived on board November 1966 six W 7 K X ' A A ENS. RICHARD M. GIBSON USNR LTIG. JEFF FULMER USNR GUNNERY OFFICER Q ASW OFFICER San'Jose State MA Hrstory 1966 Union Couege 1965 Arrrved on board December 1966 Arrived on board March 1966 ENS. MICHAEL CONNOR USNR NAVIGATOR 85 DASH OFFICER Holy Cross 1966 Arrived on board January 1967 WEAPONS DEP RTME T LTIG. ROBERT T. SANDERS USN FIRST LIEUTENANT U. S. Naval Academy 1966 Arrived on board July 1966 ENS. JIM ATWILL USN ASSISTANT ASW OFFICER Georgia Tech 1967 Arrived on board October 1967 WD DIVISION Chief McCurdy f X 5 bf . 4 4, Hey Dierks! Get up! Get up! Steel beach on a sunny afternoon WSXNWQW: in f Q Ok, When I give the word we mug the photographer 2 ti ff' M., tt ,,,' 'Vx I' ' 3 ,, Deployment Day 19 June 1967 I I I I I I I I I I Combining business with pleasure. D DIVISION After Refueling Station The after refueling station crew goes through its paces. Before the cruise was finished we had two expert teams to man our two refueling stations. A good example of the old addage that practice makes perfect. House Flag W W ' x J, , - 'W if fyh, Val I ,,,, V KX V, ' , K it I x i i XX f XX ix f.4, ' xx X x xx X XX , xx xx XX xx , x -- ' x .I X- 1 4. , The ships house flag and motto from Ma., f-,f 3- V' thpp I the TV show of the same name. The ff E flag is flown as we break away from Y p z WAMM underway replenishment and person- 1 nel high line transfers. 1O x X X . xvff X AAVVII Vrqtvu Bk, ,,,,,,,,, M ,,Q,f X H V, In x X x A11 right boots, turn to! 2 xx xx X K X x Ok Stow the dice and act like we're working Now Reveille, Reveille WG DIVISIO 2 Z Wg ' Q- 5 If If f f , if , fa E 5 f f 1 ? J? , gpfmv , ,f, , , fra? ff g fn ff 6 CHIEF RIGSBY f f No Larson, You can't hide there, Vowell Cranks out an Answer on the fire control computer in IC Plot Core, Moomey, Larson, and Wood Keep mount 52 ready to go. Yea I found it there yesterday. I hear they found one in forward diesel Four years of undetected crime as Julian receives his good conduct medal Yea, she's cute, but where's yom Tucker ID. K i K z Preston auditions for the role of Tom Jones A If We run out of bullets we will grin'em to death 16 I. Whits on WV DIVISION ENRY W. 555' II ryofff I 1' -X H D .-f. 0 Q f 0 xx I II H I Y BI WWW! 5 NAA GN, 5 -A-E ' ICI, 4, - 4,4- sfifs DD - 815 The taking apart is easy, its the puttin together t at gives me problems. O 0 4' A ' Milli cgi 005 9 N W - 'W' WO Oo 11060 : A V - O O O lr . 1 l ll But Mr. Connorg He SAID He Could do it! Some people will volunteer to do anything Did you say Duces are wild Stand by to secure R A rw J' WA DIVISION CHIEF PAYNE I wou1dn't take that if I were you Z ASR OC SENTRYS There's work but get Theres R 85 R too. Baby Huey at work Ragqepxj ' W ggi' Q? 'Y Q '-I mfs all U H nd His QW! Ii? Kaohsiung loading manual! ! I xi LTIG. PAUL DoNNDEL1NGER USN LT. DAVE JOHNSON USN CHIEF ENGINEER CHIEF ENGINEER Marquette University 1964 U3 Naval Academy 1963 Arrived October 1967 Deimfted October 1967 LTIG. ERIC ERNST USN ENS. IOI-IN DELUCCI-II USNR MPA ELECTRICAL OFFICER USNA 65 Santa Clara 1967 Reported aboard October 1965 Arrived September 1967 ENS. STEVE BIKLEN USNR DCA Brown Universit 1966 Reported aboarc?,May 1966 B DIVISIO h, 5' 42 CHIEF FQUSEL Q f Q V V M ,X,, -, y A E -X , N f QQQX sf'-', N1 ' Ns 5 ' ,, 'N I W M, -fv N xixs Q oz QW' J- axzsgj' I S' X- ' ' ' h Y'?vf'4Nxws 9 . 1,2 M N-3 ,,'Iv9'T-W Nw, N 4312 N ff X 'I - 5 , jf, f x?f -KNXXNN. , f, ff y N ff f NX , ,Z N 4: ,EXW XM :W N 0 Q' as Rf jg N t -sf N .,,h.X.. -W X1 .., I Y NY 5 ,, V Q 0 ' X fi Hx? N Q -NQ' ,. X f z. .vmxi V, Wfimw 1 Z y I l4. W - They're smiling because they know thats not coffee in the mug Yea, I get my hair styl wail , f'Vy ed. What of it. My Fingers! I can't bear to look Smile, you're on candid camera V' ,Q This is my friend Raul B Division Sralwarts l hear some people get paid 33. 50 an hour for laying bricks Q fl T' gggg UQC5 tg fi-S Q. is 33 L, fgffw, '. SW smgfrw x A N- i Q7-f' 65.1 . ,fx 7 i ' . 3 El Q nil, - Q35 X ', X was Yu of 'x l 4 ll X A M DIVISIGN CHIEF BILDERBACK See if you can put it together with scotch tape Morse checks up on the MM's. Asay, Cunningham ..... and friends F!Q94f0r 4wxm- - X X Party Time Swim C all All ahead What! X! , If CHIEF SAATHCFF CHIEF SCHNEILEIN 50 degree roll Soup's on. Aw Come on Chiefl deserve special liberty. Turning to, Now Stout will be temporarily interrupted while testing for grounds What do you want? A You can come out after ten more license plates 2 Min 10 Sec and time running! Go Go Go you West Pac Sailors! I l F This is a drill! This is a drill! 1 l V LT DAVE EMERSON USN OPERATIONS OFFICER University of California Riverside 1964 V F ,mari-sf?,.l Reported aboard January 1967 'W 54 . ENS TED CURTIS USNR CIC OFFICER Harvard LLB 1966 Reported aboard June 1967 ENS SAM ARMSTRONG USNR ELECTRONICS MATERIAL OFFICER University of Massachusetts Reported aboard June 67 OPERATIONS DEPT. ENS DENNIS DRUMMOND USN COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER University of North Carolina 1966 Reported aboard February 1967 ENS PETER LEON USN ASSISTANT CIC OFFICER U, S. Naval Academy 1967 Reported aboard October 1967 OI DIVISION CHIEF FOGEL OI Work? 77, The Light Fantastic I caught a big one 'N Try compose K ,AA jj ,f eff 45: I KWQSW E DIVISICJ Q X. ik x Y I7 X' an M X Y , 4 kyff - f 3 f V XX 2 fx CHIEF BRYANT Pease my son Shot time School c all A , ,una- ,iy f 39000 What Admin inspection? gs, k , W-wf, Qxw Nw Wx fv swam X , .. ff- f, Q f fx-fx fm.: ,, vfW7f N f .. - , J fN AS Q A - - Zfifk I v fx x.MSQfwQr+f ip, W SX' Nkfwx NW Q ff , W X Q My X M, A, ,KE5Q , , V , , , as ., ,. we , 5 L 1 wx 1. ' . . , f w A 'f f W GC DIVISICD CHIEF MCKINNEY R DIG GAN ' -X f QMS? f ui x f W Q f Mail call Could you move back just one step. And for my next act. 4 Commmic ations Drill Sir Lancelot ,,,,, Y' OC DIVISIO Flashing light QM'S And what's it mean? Q Q 5 3 Well according to my fix. lg 3 f.,1 6 4 R , 1 ,,4g SUPPLY DEPT , Ltjg. Steve Fabry USNSC M: ggu S' MM SUPPLY OFFICER U. S. Naval Academy 1965 Reported aboard February 1966 Chief Hamilton SUPPLY DEPT MESS COOKS Inspection 1 ,N ,Q S! tl I . You left the 45 where? if 4,2 V a. ii , I E 3 if Q ti , t-4 We Q A tn What's you got there Chief? Press Ona A 1 3' 3 V 44 Vi Sit on whose lap!! You want a Richard Burton haircut? You got a 1250? Last time someone complained aboul my beef stroganoff 1 I said no seconds r, ' The Pantry The pause that refreshes. MAA FGRCE MESS DECKS MASTER AT ARMS CHIEF MASTER AT ARMS BM1 Shields Chief McCurdy , . 4 1 1 N v ,, ,xx,, ,, L . 7 my 4 f f f 2 W X My Q , . if X , M, , y, A I f ' ,W , f , Y ' Q W ., A .-'mi 5' j .. A ' jg' 4 fa -fm . ,, X, f ff ff X fwfxi W ! SMA' N J A K Q45 ,Q W A gp , 4, L 9 T ' vi ,a j 1 i ' W wffk L A W M ' , nw , bf v , A .V W-.,,Q, , ML., M .. ,, ,X , . f U DUTY MAA'S GM2 Grogg GM2 Stoker 3 X Z 2 1 y, fir' S., PZ f I WLM ,Q Q 9 . gf Q x f 7 z w ' X' if ,M ' TMNT ' -wsiaf' 1 Q V 3 ' ,Q 2 2 , ' 72, ,ZX am., , I A xx , 5 , , - Q ' i X f ,ff f , 1 1 T. 'Rfb I . if ' 1 ' Q X f r Q f f If X f f , , , 1, f .2 A X yi, Q - 1 - Z ,iv 45 Rank X ZS , E 'X W? , .i fy 2 , T .2 Qt K ,,,,, gf 'N f vc C by f x 'W if Mfg' ' , A L GM2 Julian 48 ll We Said Goodbye To Oul Loved Ones Last Goo dbyes Last Moments Together I wh, r Q xixx. M- s. V4 d 51 mx Mm,-W Q21 1 , ,, ,gmt Sf MM h f X ,NX ,Mk,,x, A V ' M Mx Q, ,W X ,Nw kt, M ww y- fw M ,,,, M, I J, '16 f -mf, ., 1 M -f uf' My ,pm , - MX ., v, , .. f -...wx w -+0 f w ,. 'f 'ff Goodbye Long Beach 1:06 K . .4 A M Q.. f 'N..4f:-ww . W.. sri A . M1 71,1-f-4, ,.a..,3W ' f wx ?,.wf,f,a ,gr Wy.: A, ...N ., ,X - V W fl- f gga-w1?Ji VV ,f ggi., Www f ,.,,jIw ,A W fr-an-'. ww f wi '7' : , e a,.-W-we l M' time V' fra-up ' 'H 'f f i'f1'M' ,,, iffy, n WN .4 Mw,,,,g.:,,., if QM, . ' .LI'f:ff4'0',.fi A fr : +4 fl' M 'wwf W N , ,M I 7 -W, M W M A 23 ,r- M- AX The Cookout '-Q.. See no evil Hear no evil Speak no evil Relaxation X i . l 5 . in I: S ' L ,,, E 'Sgriifjxfsayfgx'.f.i',,x.'AV,Yi.'.N, A ' 3.33: ' S Q f 'fl . I x 1? M 1, i 1 7 A X , W W . 6, A . Z I b I, 5. . , g 2-Y' X win ff-Q ,, B .-ol KS, J' Z? BELLATRIX CACA PON CAS TOR CHEM UNG CHIPOLA DIAMOND HEAD GRA FF IAS GUADALUPE HASSAYAMPA KAWIS HIWI KENNEBEC MANA TEE MARS MATTA PONI MIS PILLION MO UNT BA KER NEC HES PIC TOR PLA TTE PO LLUX PO NC HA TO ULA PROC YON RAINIER VEGA FORRES TA L KEARSARGE ORIS KA N Y AF-62 AO-52 AKS -1 AO-30 AO-63 AE-19 AF-29 AO-32 AO-145 AO-146 AO-36 AO -58 AFS -1 AO-41 AO-105 AE-4 AO-47 AF-54 AO-24 AKS -4 AO-148 AF-61 AE-5 AE-59 CVA-59 CVS -33 CVA -34 4 r we The Unrep - Our Life's Blood ,'4l 'N 'N Ht, Page T if 1 ie W VZ? xf TUCKER unrepped 59 times during the cruise, receiving potatoes, bullets, ice cream, people, movies and fuel. I ln the six months, A - TUCKER took on 3,191,265 gal- lons of fuel, mostly received at sea. Most unreps were routine but everyone had a tense mo- ment when we had a jammed rudder and an emergency break away from USS KAWISHIWI. The above list is a list of the service ships and three carri- ers - that enabled us to stay at sea up to 45 days at a time. S mooth S ailing Mail Call GQ Plane Guarding ,f f f' f f Qf CAPT. NEMO'S CREW? Beard Growing Contest wn....--...WNMNM Z Only a Mother Could Love This ,, 5 X - The Winners 3, TY not even his mother f' ' p MW ' 'S ,Q ag .1 4 ' 2 1 we X .X uf e n 'U-Q., I atl 2' -1 1 , ,f I ,ew fn ff, fu 41 ' f, ff Wm ' Q '4' A-5, xf k XS K A I I 4 l CARRIER GPS TUCKER provided ASW screen and plane guard support for four carriers, USS FORRESTAL, USS CON- STELLATION, USS ORISKANY, and USS KEARSAGE. We watched as the planes took off on Alfa strikes and waited anxiously until they returned, sometimes badly torn by shrapnel. We saw the infamous Russian traw- ler many times and once came very close as we maneu vered to cut her off from interfering with the carrier. With saddened hearts we participated in the search for survivors from the tragic FORRESTAL incident. ,,..-, 1 ln Have Gun, Will Travel Man From The Deep He WHAT? SWHW CALL LAND HO! lbdde Down CHIANG KAI-SHEK'S BIRTHDAY HGNG KUNG X. 4 5 1, 61 HELO REFUELING REFUELING AND SAR ' A pioneer in developing refueling techniques for helicopters in the air, TUCKER demonstrated her prowess in such support of SAR efforts by re- fueling her 100th helicopter. The oc- casion was one for a cake and celebra- tion, for both the helicopter crew and the In Flight Fueling Detail. Except for Typhoon CARLA the month and a half of North SAR was a time of calm seas, bright sun and the spine-tingling announcement over the 1 MC THIS IS NOT A DRILL, THIS IS NOT A DRILL - GENERAL QUARTERS, GENERAL QUARTERS. With heart beats matching the clanging of the a- larm we raced to combat stations wondering, Is this a MIG of a surface attack or are we closing the beach for a rescue? TUCKER received no at- tackers but we did watch planes over Haiphong and once, sadly saw one of them fall flaming to the ground. We received many commendations for our SAR activities and were recom- mended for the Meritorious Unit Award KAOHSIUNG THE LITTLE SHOEMAKER TAINAN Highlights of the 10 days up- keep and liberty we had in Kaoh- siung was a bus tour to picturesque Tainan including visits to the beau- tiful Fisherrnan's Buddhist Ternple, an ancient Confucian University, a Chinese floor show and partaking of a delicious Cantonese rneal. Ox- drawn carts, Nancy's, pedicabs, Chiang Kai Chek's Birthday parade, shoe shine boys on the fantail, scenes from The Sand Pebbles and crazy cab drivers will be rnern- ories not forgotten. KAOHSIUNG I Get 30 Miles To The Bale CANE SELLERS was 1 u uv- H0 GKOG ff, f ff-iz, 1 -f ls- 44- , M., A , ' nf - vw- - if f' 1 ,,. K JL .4u.,- ,5 ? ' 1' - ' riffs -1 ,q or 4.-nfk,l,,,I x .1,,,v ,Ai ,V , A .1ad, ' Q ff., 4:i!,!-. ' c , If QQ'W1qp,.. fg f-,,fE'EVi S , , I, , ZW, , ef-IIZIQIRQK-1':A ' gp f,4':',:f5'p -Q: A, ' If 5-,.3:w5?i5 f ' :rf Q- ' ' ' ,-f'f ' fr. 1' Vff , T62 A--2111 I J -F .,. 4 . f A glv Cl' Q- '3l'.v Q, . A Ai -,w 1 HGNG KONG Hong Kong - pearl of the Orient, provided the highlight of the cruise for many. The floating village of Aberdeen with its famous restaurants, Kowloon, gourmet dining and lavish nightclubs, leisurely cruise of the Wan-Fu, Hong Kong Hilton, Repulse Bay, Victoria Peak, Tiger Balm Gardens, shopping for pearls, jade, ivory and hand tailored clothes, An international at- mosphere in an exotic and colorful setting. British, Australian, Canadian War- ships, ocean liners, freighters, junks of all sizes and descriptions, ferries and Water taxis made the harbor at Hong Kong the most varied and exciting of any visited. THE GUNLINE AND THANKSGIVING DINNER Agri: 3 Hg . I HENRY W. TUCKER'S last - combat assignment was 15 days on the gun line providing Naval Gun- fire Support for 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. Support- ing Operation Rose we fired 1514 rounds in support of the ground troops. Coordination was arranged via radio with spotters on the beach and we will always remember the night one whispering spotter apolo- gized, lf I talk any louder I may get shot. One liaison officer, praising TUCKEPJS accuracy, proclaimed, l am very impressed with your first salvo accuracy. I wouldn't be afraid to bring you within 100 yards of friendly troops. Highlight of the fortnight was Thanksgiving Day Dinner during a pause in the firing. Guests from the Vietnamese and U,S, Naval Forces manning small Coastal patrol boats in the area and the men who had served as our air and ground spotters joined us for a respite from the rigors of combat. Our firing on the VietCong re- sulted in destruction of bunkers and a number of fires and secondary explo- vide NGFS in Vietnam, has now fired 8521 rounds in that war. sions. TUCKER, the first ship to pro- Z THANKSGIVI G A GOURMETS DELIGHT f 4 g, 'V -9 SHARING DINNER -e KI Ky 'll 41 an A 7' Y ,H i N, of ,Z I 0 X Q Y if V I XX A 5 5 n ...... Q N 'T If n y fl-ve Qt TARGET PRACTICE Those Screw Beats Are Reclassified As A Torpedo. .. . Sir! RETLIRNING HCDME Preparations for returning home were started well before the ship turned East with the purchase of Christmas pre- sents in Hong Kong and Yokosuka. A Santa Claus suit was made for ET2 Dela- gasse and uniforms were spruced up for the homecoming. Mess decks served spaghetti the night before for those with a touch of Channel Fever. The morning of the 23rd was bright and cool as we re- turned to our home port with snow capped mountains visible in the distance. 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