Mauna Kea (AE 22) - Naval Cruise Book

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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

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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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USS MAUNA KEA CAE-225 alongside USS TICONDEROGA QCVA-143 The water turns to red-oran e H g re as the sun sets upon it. A gentle breeze blows your hair, to warm, yet cool your face. Noise is all around as the gears of the Winches grind together. Another pallet of bombs swings its wa a h y cross t e valley made by the steel of ships. Another and still another load goes across. Bombs, six to a pallet, in two rows of three-five and eight inch shells have all touched our de The electric squeal of a fork truck passes by your ear as the rope burns passing fhI'0Ugh YO hands. On and on it seems to go, bombs and Hns, again and againg your nerves grow short. WOFH 1 by the noise and too much advice from too many people. The stars shine down in mystic patterns and half of the moon lights your darkened WHY You'd like to go to bed, but you've got the watch, it's been a long dav. . . P. W. Boyles GMG3 USS Guadalupe LAO-32, USS Ticonderoga CCVA-145 , , '15 USS Ashtabula QAO-5 USS Hancock CCVA-193 Ugg Caliente 4 A0-535 USS Bonhomme Richard CCVA-315 M A USS Oriskany CCVA-345 USS Ranger CCVA-615 USS Kitty Hawk CCVA-635 USS Enterprise CCVA-653 USS USS USS USS Chipola QAO-637 Tolovana cA0-645 Passumpsic QA0-1077 Ponchatula LAO-1489