Mataco (ATF 86) - Naval Cruise Book

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Qlruise arrzrfine On the morning of 1 Nov., 1965, in a bright sunny warm, port of San Diego, the MATACO QATF-865 under the command of LT. A. R. EVANS set out to tow the mighty mistress of the seas, the USS LOS ANGELES QCA-1735 to Long Beach for repairs., The small but mighty tug with LA in tow passed 1SD enroute to Long Beach 81 points north with her ultimate destination of Adak, Alaska, where she would assume the role of search and rescue vessel. Enroute she would stop at Long Beach, Seattle, then Adak a distance of 3279 miles of not too calm water- way. After a short stop in Long Beach where the LA was let off, she continued alone on to Seattle where yet another tow was waiting. On the 5th of Nov., 1965, she entered the straits of Juan De Fuca, thence through Admiralty inlet and finally into Pudget Sound and moored to Pier 4+91, alongside to check and make ready for a grueling 2115495 miles of sea travel across the turbulent Gulf of Alaska and finally to Adak. Then on 16 Nov., 1965, possible danger. The flooding light warned us of flooding in our tow. The seas were mountainous and winds cyclonic, so on we steamed in hopes of finding shelter. Then on 18 Nov., 1965, we sighted our first land on radar, YUNASKA ISLAND, so far so good. We pulled into shelter of islands and checked the tow. Everything all right, after a joint effort of our de-flooding crew in a rubber raft we were once again underway and the tow safe. On 20 Nov., we were at the birthplace of the winds, Adak, Alaska, on station for search and rescue as needed. The crew immediately began to investigate the islands various naval recreation facilities, EM Club, skating rink, bowling alley and hobby shop. On 17 Dec., 1965, all hands were recalled from liberty, the merchant Chinese ship Tainan was in trouble and dead in the water. With all but two of the crew on board we were underway within 45 minutes in pursuit of the Tainan who was drifting in the open seas. The weather was cruel. Being tossed about, the helpless ship, trying hard to hold on, we forced our way to the troubled ship. On the 17th of Jan., 1966, again a call for help. Hunters were lost on one of the many neighboring islands. We searched through rain and snow and low visibility to find them safe and sound and in no need of assistance. Then again back to Adak for only ashort hour or so, because we were underway for ATKA, a run with mail and other supplies for the villagers there. On 28 Jan., 1966, once again we were underway but this time with smiles and light hearts We were headed home with YTM 462 in tow again. We still had a few stops to make such as Kodiak to drop off the 41152. Then on to Cape Spencer, again the weather smiled on us and on the 5th of Feb., 1966, we sighted Mount Fairweather at the mouth of the inland passage, then we traveled .its many channels, sounds, straights, reaches, and narrow passes until we reached our destination of Bremerton, Washington. But all wasn't well throughout the passage. Our commanding officer received very unpleasant news concerning his family and had to depart on emergency leave on the 7th of Jan. He departed with all his crews well wishes and on we sailed. Our executive officer took command and on we steamed to arrive off west point in Seattle on the 10th of Jan. to of load the tow and continue on to Bremerton where another tow awaited. Commander Aydt, com- manding officer of the U.S.S. CREE came on board to become our acting commanding officer for the trip to San Diego. On the 18th of Feb. just prior to sunset we arrived home after being absent for 1195 long eventful days of loneliness and jobs well done. Steaming a distance of approximately 10,000 miles. ' ,lv ,M-,M .-.T ,,- ,,..,,,-..,, . -,. .. ....:..-.. -af,--.Y 5' L 1' .var . - Y r f .ff 'K '- 3 .- ' 3' 1 ,5,,.f-.Alf-fTf7f'...'c.t-:,, k1 ,

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