Mauna Kea (AE 22) - Naval Cruise Book

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The passage from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii to Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines via the raw beauty of the San Bernadino Straits was smooth, giving us a chance to drill for the eventualities we might encounter in the South China Sea combat zone. The ship arrived in Subic Bay on 2 April and began final preparations for forth- coming tours on station. The First Lieutenant called his leaders together to discuss upcoming replenishment requirements. Out on main deck, ammunition appeared-some to be off loaded, some to be positioned properly for upcoming replenishments. Underway again on 9 April, the ship headed into the South China Sea, MAUNA KEA was ready for Yankee Station. High on MAUNA KEA's mast, large antennae rotated constantly scanning the sky and sea. In Combat Information Center, capable men interpreted signals coming in. As data increased, the big picture of our situation constantly changed. Eventually, it became obvious that customers were eager for our services. The nerve center of MAUNA KEA, Radio Central, ticked and chatted the entire cruise. Operators monitored tapes while radiomen sent and received codes. On the Signal Bridge, the Signalmen flashed MAUNA KEA's availability via flag hoists and flashing lights. The navigator responded to plot courses and rendezvous points as directed by the Task Group Commander. Far below the Machinist Mates and Boilermen worked as a team as throttle valves were opened which admitted the necessary amount of steam to propel us through the sea. The object behind us quickly closed the distance as she glided smoothly up on the UNREP course and began her approach. On the main deck, the Boatswain's Mates and Cargo Crews were ready with ammo on station as our first Customer approached. Shrill whistles and shouting signaled that the UNREP was beginning. OUR MISSION IS BEGUN . .

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HISTORY USS MAUNA KEA CAE-225 was built by Bethlehem Sparrows Point Shipyard, Inc., Sparrows Point, Maryland. Her keel was laid 19 May 1955, she was launched 3 May 1956 and comi missioned a United States Ship on 30 May 1957. MAUNA KEA is 512 feet long, has a beam of 72 feet, a maximum draft of 31 feet, and a full load displacement of 17,500 tons. Under normal operating conditions she has a crew of 16 officers and 300 enlisted men. Her hydraulically operated hatches, electric fork trucks and cargo elevators provide her with a capability and efficiency far superior to others of her type. Upon completion of her shakedown cruise at GUANTANAMO BAY, MAUNA KEA steamed through the PANAMA CANAL in July 1957 to become part of the PACIFIC FLEET SERVICE FORCE. In November 1957, she departed her home port of Vallejo, California to join the U. S. Seventh Fleet in the Western Pacific to carry out her primary mission of rearmament through underway replenishment. In October 1960, she became the first ammunition ship in the Pacific Fleet to transfer missiles at sea during an underway replenishment with the USS PREBLE CDLG-155. In July 1961 her home port was changed to Concord, California. During the Viet Nam crisis in August 1964, MAUNA KEA played a vital role in coordinating the Seventh F1eets's Service Force Ships. On station in the South China Sea, MAUNA KEA assumed command of Task Unit 73.3.1, making her responsible for the assignment of all Service Force Ships in the area. For her action during the crisis the ship and crew received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. The years 1965 and 1966 found MAUNA KEA at Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Co., Seattle, Washington where she underwent FAST conversion CFAST Automatic Shuttle Transfer Systemj enabling her to transfer missiles quickly and safely at sea. MAUNA KEA's conversion and updating included the addition of a Helicopter landing and fueling facility-allowing VERTREP capability. Since December of 1966 MAUNA KEA has completed three eight month deployments to the Western Pacific. Working in conjunction with U. S. Naval Forces off North and South Viet Nam she transferred nearly 60,000 tons of ammunition to some 600 combatant ships. In her 11 deployments to the Western Pacific MAUNA KEA has surpassed the standard of excellence in over 905 of her rearmings. In 1968 she distinguished herself with such outstanding mobile logistic support by not missing one operational commitment that she and her crew received the Meritorious Unit Commendation. In March of this year, MAUNA KEA once again headed for the Asian Arena, knowing that her continued service, in the highest traditions of the United States Navy, would help keep millions around the globe, free.

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U an N Following a few days loadout in MAUNA KEA's home away from home Subic Bay, she was once again underway on 9 April for her first line trip. The deployment got off to a rousing start on 12 April with a 6 hour mid- night UNREP with the USS RANGER QCVA-61j. On the 15th we were ap- proached on the port quarter by the mightiest lady of them all-the big E USS ENTERPRISE CCVAN-655. The UNREP went extremely well and ENTERPRISE left us with the reward- ing message that this was the finest UNREP she had ever had with any AE--anywhere. . . l f ill X - 9 USS RANGER CCVA 615 makes her approach SS TAWASA CATF 929 prepares for her appr03C h Now that's getting in close! l K 1. 37' W dmv , r We 4.3 .HT e, ,1 f i J -I '4 V 'fb g...,,4 ' ,QQ ' 'VW ' I , ' ' li, V5 ,Lf Q 3? 1 is '31, tl 5, Z H , i ' i .- as r I 1 , i E 2 4 f a