Leftwich (DD 984) - Naval Cruise Book

Text from Pages 1 - 104 of the 1984 volume:

WESTPAC 1984 USS LEFTWICH (DD-984) is the twenty-second SPRUANCE Class Destroyer to be designed and built by Ingalls Shipbuilding Division of Litton Industries in Pascagoula. Mississippi. Homeported in San Diego, LEFTWICH is assigned to Destroyer Squadron SEVEN. The SPRUANCE Class Destroyer is unique among today's warships in that it is the first major class to be powered strictly by gas turbine engines. LEFTWICH. as her sisters, is powered by four General Electric LM-2S00 engines. Designed originally for large aircraft, these engines have been modified for marine use and produce 20.000 horsepower each. Her engines. in conjunction with twin controllable-reversible pitch propellers, arc capable of moving LEFTWICH through the water at speeds in excess of 30 knots and give her a degree of maneuverability uncqualcd by any other warship her size. Built with future growth in mind. LEFTWICH’s design is modular in nature thus allowing for the easy installation of entire subsystems within the ship. This makes LEFTWICH9 a ship of the future as well as the present. Her modular construction and the consequent ease with which she can accept the installation of new weapons and and electronics systems destines. LEFTWICH to be a proving ground for new military technology. Crew comfort and habitability were also of prime consideration in LEFTWICH’s design. Berthing areas arc very spacious and considerable care was taken to equip the ship with features uncommon to most destroyers. Such features include a ship's library, crew's lounge, a well equipped gymnasium, and many other items aimed at crew comfort. Enhancing these specifically designed-in comforts is the added benefit of a much reduced required manning level resulting from the incorporation of the many automated weapons and engineering systems. As a highly versatile multi-mission destroyer. LEFTWICH is capable of operating independently or in company with amphibious or carrier task forces. Although equipped to handle a wide variety of mission areas, LEFTWICH possesses the most advanced ASW equipment in existence to facilitate her accomplishment of this complex and demanding task. The ship is equipped with a sophisticated sonar, the SQS-53. that is directly integrated with a third generation, digital computer system, the Naval Tactical Data System. In addition to her sonar, LEFTWICH’s ASW weapons suite, an Anti-Submarine Rocket (ASROC) and two triple barreled Mark 32 torpedo tubes, also complexes with NTDS. This integrated combat system provides LEFTWICH with an enhanced target information processing capability with NTDS. This integrated combat system provides LEFTWICH with an enhanced target information processing capability and an extremely fast threat reaction time. LEFTWICH also boasts two 5-inch 54 caliber Mark 45 fully automatic gun mounts controlled by the digital Mark 86 Fire Control System. Also integrated with NTDS. these systems allow LEFTWICH to excel in her secondary mission areas of Naval Gunfire Support, Surface Warfare, and Anti-Air Warfare. In conclusion. USS LEFTWICH constitutes a destroyerman's dream as she incorporates the best of a technology unequalled by any other Navy in the world. Her exceptional propulsion system and fully integrated combat system combine with her modular construction to make LEFTWICH a platform not to be surpassed. COL W.G. Leftwich, Jr., USMC Lieutenant Colonel William G. Leftwich. Jr., was born on April 28. 1931 in Memphis. Tcnn.. and graduated from Central High School in that city. He was commissioned a Marine Second Lieutenant on June S. 1953 upon graduation from the United States Naval Academy. , s brigade captain in his senior year at the Naval Academy, he was specially commended at graduation for exemplary officer like qualities w hich contribute to the development of naval spirit and loyalty within the Bridgade. Upon entering the Marine Corps, he completed The Basic School at Marine Corps Schools. Quantico. VA.. in January 1954. and later served as a rifle platoon commander with the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune. N.C. During 1955-56. he served with the 3rd Marine Division on Okinawa. On his return to the United States, he was stationed at Camp Pendleton. California, where he was promoted to captain in July 1957. He then began a three-year assignment at the Naval Academy, serving as a company officer. An excellent athlete himself, he also voluntarily performed collateral duty as assistant varsity tennis coach and battalion football coach. In I960, he rejoined the 2nd Marine Division, serving as a company commander until 1962 when he was named aide-de-camp to the Commanding General. In June 1963. he was assigned as aide to the Commandant. Marine Corps Schools. Quantico. He was promoted to major in July 1964. He later completed a course of study in the Vietnamese Language prior to reporting for duty in Vietnam in January 1965 as Assistant Senior Advisor to the Vietnamese Marine Brigade. Joining Task Force Alfa, he participated in 27 major operations against the Viet Cong in the central highlands of Vietnam, and spent more than 300 days in the field. He was wounded in the battle of Hoai An. March 9. 1965 and. besides the Purple Heart, was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism. According to his citation, he . . . . played a major part in all phases of the successful relief of the village of Haoi An. which was under heavy enemy attack by two Viet Cong battalions By his own personal example .... he led the attack ... Despite injuries by enemy machine-gun bullets in the back, cheek, and nose, he went to the aid of a mortally wounded comrade .. and delayed his own evacuation until he could call for additional air strikes and brief the task force commander of the situation. He returned to the United States in January 1966. served as an instructor at the Basic School, then completed the Command and Staff College in June 1967 and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in November 1967 while serving as a systems analyst with the Manpower Management Information Branch. G-l Division. He later became head of the Systems Analysis Section. In 1968. LtCol. Leftwich was selected by the Under Secretary of the Navy to be his Special Assistant and Marine Corps Aide. He served oin this capacity under the Honorable Charles F. Baird, and Mr. Baird's successor as Under Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable John W. Warner. In April 1970. he began his second tour of duly in Vietnam. Serving intially as an infantry battalion commander with the 2nd Battalion. First Marines. On June 30. he assumed duty as Commanding Officer of the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion. 1st Marine Division (Reinforced). On November 18. 1970. LtCol. Leftwich was killed in a helicopter crash during an emergency extraction of one of his reconnaissance teams. In accordance with his practice of accompanying every emergency extraction called for by his rcconnaisance teams, he was serving as senior extract officer for such a mission on the day of his death. The team had incurred casualties and requested an emergency extraction from enemy-infested territory in an area beginning to be enveloped by dense fog. The team was extracted under LtCol. l.eftwich's personal supervision, then, the helicopter began its ascent, it crashed into a mountainside in enemy territory, killing all aboard. A partial list of his medals and awards includes: The Navy Cross, the Silver Star (posthumous), the Legion of Merit with Combat V and two gold stars, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal with one gold star, the Purple heart with two gold stars, and various personal awards from the Republic of Vietnam. LtCol. Leftwich was survived by his wife, the former Jane Ferrer, and two sons. William G. III. and Scott F. He was also survived by his mother. Mrs. Mattie H. Leftwich of Memphis. His father was deceased. The Ship’s Crest The colors blue and red are symbolic of loyalty and courage, attributes of Lt. Col. Leftwich who was killed in action in Vietnam. The areas of blue refer to the lowlands or delta areas of Vietnam and the yellow sections rising toward center allude to the highlands. The chevron-like shape, simulating a mountain, stands as a symbol of Lt. Col. Lcftwich's courageous effort during an emergency extraction by helicopter from enemy infested territory during which me met his death. The vertical band erfers to the numerical designation of the First Marine Division, the organization with which he served. The gold stars allude to the awards of the Legion of Merit, and the silver star in base to the posthumous award of the Silver Star Medal. The gold cross patty represents the award of the Navy Cross. The trident and dolphins arc symbolic of vigilance and maritime dominance. SHIP DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS Built by................................................................................Ingulls Shipbuilding Division of Litton Industries Pascagoula. Mississippi Keel Laid....................................................................12 November 1976 Christened..........................................................................27 May 1978 Commissioned ....................................................................25 August 1979 Sponsor ..........................................................Mrs. Jane (Leftwich) Michael Length...........................................................................Feet 4 Inches Beam .................................................................................$$ ccl Draft ................................................................................29 Feet Displacement .......................................................................7800 Tons Complement ............................................................................OFFICERS 9 Enlisted — 245 Speed................................................................................30+ Knots Armament ...................................Two 5 inch 54 Cal. Gun MOUNTS MK 112 ASROC Launcher NA TO Seasparrow Harpoon Aircraft ..........................................Ooc SH-3 or Two SH-2 Helicopters Propulsion...............................................Four General Electric LM 2500 Marine Gas Turbine Engines (Total - 80,000 Shaft Horsepower) COMMANDING OFFICER Commander James L. Burke Commander James Lawrence Burke was graduated from the City University of New York in June 1964 and received his commission from the Officer Candidate School in October of that year. Previous assignments in the destroyer force include: executive Officer, L'SS BRADLEY (EE-1041): Engineer Officer, USS RAMSEY (DEC-2); Communications and CIC Officer. USS GARCIA (DE— 1040); and Operations and Supply Officer, USS DARBY (DE-218). Additionally, he was Commanding Officer. USS ANTELOPE (PC—86) from 1971-1973 and served in the Republic of Vietnam as Officer in Charge of a Swift Boat from 1967-1968. Other assignments include tours ashore as Director of Training. Elect Combat Training Center Pacific and Aide and Elag Secretary to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Japan. Commander Burke attended the U.S. Naval Destroyer School and is a graduate of the Command and Staff Course at the Naval War College. His military decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V , the Navy Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. Commander Burke is married to the former Jane Margaret Brodahl of West Covina, California. They and their three sons, Jim Jr., John, and Michael, reside in Fletcher Hills. COMMANDING OFFICER Commander Ronald Charles Berning Commander Ronald Charles Berning received his commission in June 1968 from the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland. Commander Beming’s previous sea tours have included: Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer, USS HOLLISTER (DD-788): Operations Officer, Pre-Commissioning Crew. USS RICHARD S. EDWARDS (DD-788): Aide Flag Lieutenant on the staff of Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla THREE Cruiscr-Dcstroycr Group ONE; Commanding Officer, USS CALLUP (PC-85); and most recently. Executive Officer, USS BRISCOE (DD-977). His shore duty assignments have included being a student at U.S. Naval Destroyer School. Newport. Rhode Island in 1970 and a tour at the U.S. Naval Academy from 1977 to 1979 as a Scamanship Tactics Instructor and the Power Craft Coordinator, responsible for over 40 training craft. Prior to reporting to USS LEFTWICH (DD-984), Commander Berning served three years in Washington. D.C.. on the staff of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Surface Warfare) as the Surface Warfare Programs Officer in the Manpower and Training Requirements Division (OP-39). HIS military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V” and Gold Star, and the Combat Action Ribbon. Commander Bcrning's home of record is Treasure Island. Florida. He is married to Barbara Jean Ray of Alexandria, Virginia. They have two children. Pete and Mary. EXECUTIVE OFFICER Commander Richard Markley Smith Richard Markley SMITH was born in Santa Monica. California on 27 August 1949. son of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford SMITH. He graduated from J.H. Francis Polytechnic High School in Sun Valley. California and entered the United States Naval Academy in JUNE 1967. Upon graduation from the Naval Academy on 9 June 1971. CDR SMITH reported to the USS HENRY B. WILSON (01)0-7) where he served as 1st Lieutenant and Main Propulsion Assistant. During that tour, he deployed to the Western Pacific from August 1971 to December 1971 and June 1972 to February 1973. From September 1974 to September 1976 CDR SMITH attended the Naval Post Graduate School at Monterey, California. While CDR SMITH attended the Naval Post Graduate School he received a MS degree in Physical Oceanography. From October 1976 to May 1977 CDR SMITH attcndcs Surface Warfare Officer Department Head School at Newport. Rhode Island. Upon graduation, he reported to the Pre-commissioning Crew of the USS G RIDLEY (CG 21), serving as Engineering Officer until October 1981. In November 1981. CDR SMITH reported to Staff Commander, Training Command. U.S. Pacific Fleet as Flag Secretary. CDR SMITH assumed duties as Executive Officer, USS LEFTWICH (DD 1984) in April 1984. Commander SMITH'S home is Spring Valley, California, lie is married to Nancy Lynn MCGOWAN of Covina. California and they have one son. Kcllcn. CDR SMITH has earned and is entitled to wear the Combat Action Ribbon, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), and the Vietnamese Gallentry Cross with Silver Star Award. COMMANDER, DESTROYER SQUADRON SEVEN Capt. Jones USS LEFTWICH He The Crew. . 8 ■■■WBBMBWi —w—■wbiihwi mt ■ | i OFFICERS Charlie Oscar He ain't nothing but a hound dog! Read between the lines buddy! Newly reported officers: Lt. Kopp, Ens Cooley, F.ns Miranda and Ens Solbcrg The originals: Lt. Holst. Lt. Rodriguez. Lt. Pasarilla, Lt. Fairbanks, Lt. Pctriel, Lt. Kchoc, Lt. Richter, Lt. Norman, Lt. Mayer and Lt. Mathc XO-MMMMMMMM! GOOOOOD!!! ■ I bet you say that to all the guys. 12 if Pedaled all the way from the Philippines. Lt. Rodriguez working hard. Playgirl, here I come! HONG KONG V n$idc ihc nursery intanl and toddler com pound at Si. Christopher's home. family 2 Contes It just doesn't get any better than this. Feeding time 20 Cheers! Cousteau tryouts' MALDIVES Will you lay off. I'm trying to put the move on her. The short-time patrol making the rounds •.v PHILIPPINES Scott (too cool) Starr parties with a native If THEY won't dance with us, WE will dance with them. 4 . - x So, you warn to be a Shellback! Prom night on skid row FIRST TIME CROSSING THE LINE He always says grace before his meals. What happened to F.TC Pineda's self-control? Squid! Here she is. Miss America! We want real bubbles this time A gang's beauty - F.N3 Burge l:.N2 Woods l.cads the PAC RATS It’s still branded on my @ $ IP Sh Ll Norman wishes for his doggy bag The dating game refugees! uss ENS Flowers • Special Olympics winner. heard of bobbing for apples, but this is ridicu- us! It s a definite improvement to the Chow” The worst Flipper imitation going today two You should have picked door number Where have I gone wrong? I thought that I rai HMC Mize right! raised Hey! Want a date? Hey, baby! SECOND TIME CROSSING THE LINE Revenge Of The Nerds Can anyone identify this man? Let it bleed Sheriff Dcnyko has everything under control. EN2 Woods takes ENS “Spike Chenowcth for a little walk. | N3 Eliason showing off before a little wog hunting. 33 Nothing better than a mating ceremony One spastic dog and his master You guys promised me a fire truck! This is the pits! 34 Where's the fire truck? Awaiting Davy Jones' arrival Piece of cake, right? WRONG! If my friends could see me now! The face says it all! l£T2 Noll becomes a fire control radar. ■ : BOXING WATER SKIING ET2 Mitchell getting wider. Swim call! BEARS mm Chief Petty Officers: MAC Centers. OSC Baumgartner. GSEC Clay. GMGC “Sluggo Burpo, HTC Anderson. I-TGC Johnson. QMC “Buttcrball Mincrich. ADC Mangosc Chief Petty Officers (left to right): HMC Mize, F.MC Hcmpcl. OSCS McGrath, ENC Gungon. FTGE Johnson, GMGC Burpo. MAC Centers. GSE Clay. FTMC Duvall. DSC Gustafason. ADC Mangosc, AYC Leigh-Pink. RMC Goguc. ETC Pineda.STGC Strange. ICC Jenkins. QMC Mincrich. GMG Jones. HTC Anderson. GSMC Ruuttila. 53 ETC with a little smile. ir The oldest salt on board. Backwards, as usual! r- Go ahead, make my day! STG3 Fucci STG2 Abston. the human fly Really chief I'm not sleeping! alias Rocko CA DIVISION ST's and TM’s hard at work as usual. f . 4. • i A Thumbs up for the holiday routine. I I know its under here somewhere. Oh no! Mr. Bill! BEEP TM2 Swanson. Get off my wood. What wood? CE DIVISION ET2 Ringer. F.T2 Morgan. ET3 Holt. ETSN Bartlett, ET2 Smith, DS2 Peoples. ET3 Denyko. ET2 Swallow, DS2 Veiga, F.T1 Jerrard. ET2 Noll. ETC Pineda. ET2 Mitchell. DS1 Stephens. DS3 Kradcr. DS3 Cunningham. DS3 Edwards. ET3 Krug, DS3 Starr. DS3 l.ccroy 3f course, this is military reading material. Marshall Morgan making the rounds This passageway isn't wide enough for the two of us! ET2 Mitchell using his technical abilities to screw up another AN SRC-20 F.T2 Ringer in his usual working position DS3 Edwards, a man with a mission Don t sweat me Chief. It will be turned in today. 62 rric and l-'rac CG DIVISION Bagumba raising a little hell with FTGSN Meyer looking on. as Marco bites the bullet. A faded memory The oldest salt alive CM DIVISION Where did we find this guy? Have a Coke and a smile. Irony at it s best! Home. James! 66 MOmmm HT3 Davis IIT2 Wright with a bit of a dandruff problem 70 I told you. never disturb my dinner! I 71 Bcn-wa reading Bill the Galactic Hero' Buck and Mickey Never travel coach Time to hit the town! Look what I got! A brief stopover before a hard day at the office , , ., 4 more hours left! 75 NX DIVISION Shick Abdul Anderson (Shick Ycrbootic?) Out for a cruise Rap session Buck catching flics Fashion smart! OD Tell those guys to learn how to drive. SN Spencer strutting his stuff 82 Just another rescue mission SN Stewart taking high ground Is it in yet? Be serious! I don't know how to operate this thing! oc You may have the clearance, but you don't have the need to know RM2 Hanf impersonating a fly boy Their too cheap to give me flags N Fame turning out the tunes. This is a no shittcr guys. SUPPLY 90 FLIGHT QUARTER GANG MEMORIAL SERVICE HELD ONBOARD USS LEFTWICH (DD-984)ON 20 AUGUST 1984 EULOGY FOR: LT. GLENN MILLER AND LTJG MARK COOPER SHOCK. GRIEF. AND DISBELIEF.! A PROFOUND SENSE OF LOSS GRIP US ALL THIS MORNING. MANY ASK. WHY? OTHERS WONDER WHY THEM? WHY NOW? THERE ARE NO EASY ANSWERS. IN WAR DEATH IS EXPECTED. BUT IN PEACETIME? THEIRS ISA RIGOROUS AND DEMANDING PROFESSION. NAVAL AVIATION INVOLVES RISK AND DANGER WE KNOW THAT SOMEHOW IT IS ALWAYS ANOTHER SHIP. ANOTHER HEI.O DET. DEATH DOES NOT KEEP ITS DISTANCE. IN THE WORDS OF THE PREACHER. IN THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES; AGAIN I SAW THAT UNDER THE SUN. THE RACE IS NOT TO THE SWIFT. NOT THE BATTLE TO THE STRONG. NOR BREAD TO THE WISE. NOR RICHES TO THE INTELLIGENT. NOR FAVOR TO THE MEN OFSKILL; BUT TIME ANDCHANCE HAPPEN TO THEM ALL FOR MAN DOES NOT KNOW HIS TIME. LIKE FISH WHICH ARE TAKEN IN AN EVIL NET, AND LIKE BIRDS WHICH ARE CAUGHT IN A SNARE. SO THE SONS OF MEN ARE SNARED AT EVIL TIME. WHEN IT SUDDENLY FALLS UPON THEM. ECCLESIASTES 9:11-12 THIS TIME IT HAPPENED TO 1.T, MILLER; LTJG COOPER; ON OUR SHIP. TO OUR HELO DET. THEIR DEATHS ARE THEN A PERSONAL MATTER. THEY WERE NOT STRANGERS. BUT ONE OF US. WE WORKED WITH THEM. ATE WITH THEM. TALKED. LAUGHED AND LIVED WITH THEM. WE KNEW THEM BY MORE THEN NAME. THEY WERE ONE OF US. NOW THEY AREGONE IT HAPPENED SO QUICKLY. HOW INTENSE WAS THAT TIME? ALL TURNED TO. ALL OUR TRAINING. TIME. AND TALENT. INSTINCT AND ENERGY WAS NOT IN VAIN. YOU DID YOUR BEST. AW2 MONTGOMERY STANDS IN OUR MIDST THIS MORNING; A WITNESS TO YOUR WORK. HIS WILL AND GODS GRACE. I KNEW LT. MILLER AND LTJG COOPER BUT A MATTER OI MONTHS. YET. I WAS IMPRESSED BY THEIR DEDICATION AND PROFESSIONALISM. EACH BORE A MATURITY BEYOND THEIR YEARS. AS THEY HAD EARNED THEIR WINGS. SO THEY ALSO EARNED THE RESPECT AND AFFECTION OF OFFICERS AND CREW A LIKE. LT. MILLER IMPRESSED ME AS A QUIET. THOUGHTFUL. DEDICATION AND DELIBERATE OFFICER, WHOSE SHY SMILE WOULD LIGHT UP HIS FACE. SURELY. HIS FATHER CAN BE PROUD TO HAVE HAD SUCH A SON. LTJG COOPER WAS PROUD TO SERVE HIS COUNTRY. HE HOPED FOR A LONG AND LOYAL CAREER IN THE NAVAL SERVICE. BEHIND HIS SELF ASSURANCE AND APPARENT BRAVADO. WAS A SENSITIVE AND SERIOUS INDIVIDUAL WHO CARED DEEPLY ABOUT THE PEOPLE WITH WHOM HE WORKED. AND THE PROFESSION HE HAD CHOSEN. YOU WHO KNEW THEM BEST. THEIR FELLOW OFFICERS AND CREW. CAN RECALL FAR BETTER THAN I. THE MEASURE OF THESE MEN. WHAT THEN SHALL BE THEIR LEGACY TO US? IN THE FACE OF DEATH. LIFE TAKES ON A SUDDEN URGENCY AND INTENSITY. HOW EASY IT IS TO TAKE THE ATTITUDE OF JUST THEY ALL FIND THE COURAGE FOR THE FACING OF THESE DAYS. MAY THE PEACE AND COMFORT OF GOD BE WITH THEM ALL. HEAR NOW THESE WORDS FROM PAULS LETTER TO THE ROMANS IN THE EIGHTH CHAPTER; WHO SHALL SEPARATE US FROM THE l.OVE OF CHRIST? SHALL TRIBULATION OR DISTRESS. OR PERSECUTION. OR FAMINE. OR NAKEDNESS. OR PERIL. OR SWORDS? NO, IN ALL THESE THINGS WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH HIM WHO LOVED US. FOR I'M SURE THAT NEITHER DEATH. NOR LIFE. NOR ANGELS. NOR PRINCIPALITIES. NOR THINGS PRESENT. NOR THINGS TO COME. NOR POWERS. NOR HEIGHT. NOR DEPTH. NOR ANTYHING ELSE IN ALL CREATION. WILL BE ABLE TO SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD. ROMANS 8 AMEN 95 Cruisebook Committee LT Norman ENS Asmus FTG2 Boldig RMSN Brown 6T3 Denyko PN3 Eliason HT3 Knight DS3 Lccroy GSM2 Rattle TM3 Swanson BMSN Vinson EN3 Woods