Jouett (DLG 29) - Naval Cruise Book

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On The Strength Of One Link In The Cable, Dependeth The MightOf The Chain. Who Knows When Thou May ' st Be Tested? So Live That Thou BearestThe Strain! The Laws Of The Navy 34

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THE TRAINING OF A CREW While the ship was entering the final phases of construction, many key officers and petty officers, most of them experienced veterans, were arriving in Bremerton. This nucleus crew, all professionals in their fields, worked closely with the builders while planning sea trials, inspecting details of construction, and putting their specialized know- ledge into practical use. Meanwhile, at the Naval Station, San Diego, California, the balance crew was being formed. The majority of this crew was made up of men who were new to the ways of the Navy and had never served aboard a ship. It was necessary to set up an indoc- trination and training program to acquaint them with the various du- ties which they would soon assume. These men were interviewed to determine the jobs for which they would be best qualified. The sched- ule included orientation programs, damage control training, deck sea- manship training, safety procedures and much more. This train ing program was under the supervision of the prospective executive offi- cer, LCDR John F. Addams, who instilled in the balance crew the feel- ing that each individual was an important part of the ship, and every contribution was important. On November 14, 1966, the balance crew arrived in Bremerton and moved aboard ship. After the long flight from San Diego, and a boring bus ride through dark, rainy, unfamiliar coun- tryside, the comforatble berthing compartments and steak dinner which awaited them were most welcome. 36