Milwaukee (AOR 2) - Naval Cruise Book

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Milwaukee supports 1989 Malta summit t had been 18 years since a United States Navy ship dropped its an- chor in a Maltese harbor. On Nov. 28, 1989, the event finally repeated it- self when USS Belknap , I I., - A i K ' entered Valetta Harbor and dropped its hook. Belknap was there along with the Soviet guided missile cruiser Slava for the American-Soviet summit which took place on Dec. 2 and 3. Due to the fact that both ships were at an- chor in the harbor they were completely isolated from the piers and thus needed small boats to ferry personnel back and forth. This is where the Belknap called upon her sister Navy ships for assistance. And, USS Milwaukee lAOFt-2l, a fleet auxiliary oiler, was standing by off the coast of Malta to sup- port the operation. Milwaukee, unable to ob- tain diplomatic clearance from the Maltese govern- ment, had to remain out- side their territorial waters. On Nov. 29 Milwaukee lowered her captain's gig and small crew into the water to begin their 12-mile transit to Valetta Harbor. Milwaukee's gig was joined by a boat from USS Trenton and five small Marine raider patrol boats which provided security during the summit. The summit was plagued by bad weather throughout the weekend. Both USS Belknap and the Soviet Slava dragged anchor and had tugs standing by to hold them in position in the high winds and seas. Through it all the Milwaukee's gig kept mak- ing its runs and proved to be a vital component in the operation as she ferried Secret Service, Foreign Service, White House staff, Department of State staff, and the press to and from the ships.

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A YEAR UF C Soviet Visit Norfolk, Virginia 5 YL, K, Q x ,, 1 HANGE 21,24 Mm -Jr' ff J m' ii 8 ,AJ lf huh

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UNDERWA Y 12 OCTOBER 89 Wg, ph, ' , . 'T-'. E2 .15 fl? ,E ' 3- KAW' we F fe ,if l .. xy' 5 0 g