Jouett (CG 29) - Naval Cruise Book

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YOKOSUKA JAPAN

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NORTHERN PACIFIC OPERATIONS 3 OCTOBER - 15 NOVEMBER 1979 We were once again underway from Subic Bay on 3 October. During the inport period immediately prior, JOUETT spent eight days in drydock. This was a traumatic experience in the life of our ship. But it was worth all of the dust, water, mud, noise, fumes, and clutter. With a clean, freshly painted hull and a new starboard propellor, JOUETT slipped through the water with the grace and ease of a blue-nosed dolphin. Our mission for the next six weeks primarily centered around the USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63). We became part of the CARRIER BAT- TLE GROUP in NORTHERN PACIFIC OPERATIONS. Acting as plane guard and anti-air warfare picket, JOUETT provided an umbrella of protection for the HAWK. On 9 October, we engaged in a BUZZARDEX. Participants in this exercise are among the most select in the FLEET NAVY. In traditional form, JOLLY J smashed the BUZZARD with her biggest hammer. This added another highly significant achievement to the JOUETT HERITAGE. We entered Yokosuka, Japan on 12 October for upkeep and liberty. Liberty in Japan can be quite expensive. Resourceful JOUETT men, however, managed to sightsee for a nominal cost. Many pursued self- guided tours, aided by the efficient and economical Japanese railway system. JOUETT left Japan on 22 October and headed towards Pusan, Korea. A sudden political change in Korea brought the BATTLE GROUP to alert status. We proceeded to an area west of Korea and remained on station until the situation stabilized. Entering Pusan on 5 November, most of the crew spent the next four days in one giant shoppingex. Adidas bags, tennis shoes, blankets, and sweaters headed the list. There was also time for painting two barracks buildings at the Pusan Sin Ae Won Orphanage. With Christmas presents stuffed everywhere, we left Pusan on 10 November. The transit south took five days. We entered Subic Bay on tin afternoon of IS No ember, expecting to stay until 27 November and then proceed homeward. These plans, however, were dramatically changed. On the morning of 21 November, JOUETT received twelve hours steaming notice. Our destination was the Indian Ocean. A major crisis had been prec ipilated by the Iranian take over of the Ann ru an I mbasS) in Tehran and kidnapping of American citi ens. This ultimately added another sixtv days tO our WESTPAC and opined a new .mil ital i haptc r in the JOUETT HERITAGE. 49

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PUSAN KOREA