Monticello (LSD 35) - Naval Cruise Book

Text from Pages 1 - 86 of the 1977 volume:

• ' . , â–  The USS MONTICELLO (LSD-35) bears the name of the famous home of Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and third president of the United States. She is the third U.S. warship to bear that name. The keel of the MONTICELLO was laid at the Ingalls Shipbuilding Corporation, Pascagoula, Mississippi on June 6, 1955. She was launched on August 10, 1956 and commissioned on March 29, 1957. MONTICELLO has an overall length of 510 feet, displacement of 12,100 tons, and has a total ship ' s company of 350 officers and men. LSD ' s are considered the most versatile of all amphibious ships due to their 395 foot well deck, helicopter capabilities, troop carrying capability and heavy lift cranes. MONTICELLO has participated in numerous major amphibious operations, serving as Primary Control Ship in most of them, and has made several deployments to the Western Pacific, the most recent of which was the 1976-77 WESTPAC recently concluded. During the deployment the MONTICELLO acted as PCS for several major amphibious operations and visited a number of major overseas ports. MONTICELLO began and completed WESTPAC 1976-77 under the command of CDR Jefferson R. Dennis Jr. The MONTICELLO deployed as a unit of Amphibious Squadron One. COMMANDING OFFICER COMMANDER JEFFERSON R. DENNIS JR., USN, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1957. His sea duty assignments included tours aboard the USS NORFOLK (DL-1), USS GALLANT (MSO-489), USS KING (DLG-10), USS TOWER (DDG-9), Staff Commander Destroyer Squadron Six and the USS DENVER (LPD-9). Shore duty assignments include U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, NAVORDSYSCOMN, CINCPAC Staff and Naval Advisory Unit Danang, RVN. Commander Dennis was born in San Diego, California and considers San Diego his home. He and Mrs. Dennis, the former Judith Ah! from Carmel Valley, California reside with their two children, Allison and Michael, in Coronado, California. Commander Dennis has been awarded the Legion of Merit, the Navy Commendation Medal and the Joint Service Commendation Medal. EXECUTIVE OFFICER LCDR WILLIAM H. CLARK was born 8 July 1939 in Merced, California. Married to the former Janet D. Lanliford of Bass Lake, California they have four children, John 19. Patricia 17, Amy 16 and Christopher 8. He was commissioned on 18 December 1964 after enlisted service from 24 September 1956 to 17 December 1964. LCDR Clark has served aboard the USS QUEENFISH (SS-393), USS SWORDFISH (SSN-. ' J79. USS DANIEL BOONE (SSBN-629), (USS TAUSSIG DD-746), USS NEWMAN K. PERRY (DD-883) and COMPHIBGRUONE. His shore duty stations include Nuclear Power School, Officer Candidate School, Naval Destroyer School and Fleet training Center, Long Beach. Additionally he has attended Naval Postgraduate School and Naval War College. DEPARTMENT HEADS LT A. I,. Beck Navigator LT R. M. Blauvelt First Lieutenant LT Z. G. Villanueva First Lieutenant LTJG S. M. Patras First Division ENS E. W. Phillips E Division LTJG W. A. Christmann Disbursing Officer DIVISION LTJG R. W. Dean Damage Control Assistant LTJG T. A. Coker Main Propulsion Assistant LTJG J. K. McFee Communications Officer ENS S. B. KNIGHT Beachmaster LTJG S. J. BOROVICKA Third Division Officer ENS C. N. MARLOW Electronics Material Officer OFFICERS fi LTJG K. J. LEDFORD Combat Information Officer LTJG R. P. BUSTAMANTE Second Division Officer ENS J. R. MORIN Ship ' s Bos ' N SEPT 25, 1976 It ' s said the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. For the MONTICELLO that single step began on the 25th of September 1976. The stores were loaded, our tanks were full, all of the last minute details, the final preparations had been made. It was time to get underway. It was a day we had planned for months and now it was finally here. There were loved ones to say goodbye to, wives to give that last passionate kiss to, children to give that last hearty hug. Somehow it all seemed harder to say goodbye than we had originally thought. But we ' d be back. Everyone knew that we ' d be back and those tears of sorrow would turn to tears of joy. UNDERWAY . . . the navigator plots a course to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. WESTPAC 1976-77 had begun. m _«.v «i??;i It was now our turn to assume the watch over peace in the Western Pacific. The MONTICELLO, an integral part of Amphibious Squadron One, with her 350 officers and crew and her embarked detachments, was now at the ready to confront any threat to peace in the South Pacific and the Far East. During our eight months overseas we would call on many countries, sail over 30,000 miles and meet thousands of new faces. If anything is to be said about the schedule of our 76-77 deployment, it couldn ' t be called dull. Many of us would cross the earth ' s equator for the first time, an experience in itself. Then there was the promise of a port call in Australia. For many it would be their first time setting foot on Australian soil and the promise of new friends and new experiences in the land of Kangaroos made the trip all the more alluring. The warmth and vitality of the Philippines is no secret among American sailors and Subic Bay, our overseas homeport, promised to be no less exciting. MONTICELLO sailors returning to Subic looked forward to renewing acquaintances, while those making their first trip were eager to see and experience for themselves the city they had heard so much about. Later in the cruise our schedule called for a trip to the Pearl of the Orient Hong Kong, a city many of us had only read or heard about. For the first timer there was much to see and do in the city of Hong Kong. Then there were the other scheduled ports of call; Guam, the American territory with a culture all its own, the magic of the people and culture of Thailand and, of course, the port call of South Korea. All served to make WESTPAC 76-77 an adventure to look forward to. WESTPAC 1976-77 Sept. 25, 1976, Departed San Diego October 2-3. 1976, Inport Pearl Harlior. Hi October 9, 1976, Crossed International Dateline October 10, 1976, Kwajalein Atoll October 13, 1976, Crossed Equator February 9-14. 1977, Inport Subic February 15-19, 1977, Enroute Fattaya Beach, Thailand February 19-23, 1977, Inport Pattaya Beach February 23-28, 1977, Exercise with the Royal Thai Navy March 1-6, 1977, Enroute Subic Bay March 6-14, Inport Subic Bay October 15, 1976, Exercise Kangaroo II October 30, 1976, Enroute Port Kembla, Australia November 1-5, 1976, Inport Port Kembla November 6-20, 1976, Enroute Okinawa November 20-22, 1976 Inport Buckner Bay, Okinawa November 22-24, Enroute Subic Bay, Philippines March 15-16, 1977, Exercise in Zambales Bay, March 16-20, 1977, Enroute Pusan, Korea March 20-25, 1977, Inport Pusan March 25-31, 1977, Argops, South China Sea P.I. November 24-December 26, 1976, Inport Subic Bay December 26-29, Enroute Hong Kong December 29 1976-January 2 1977, Inport Hong Kong January 3-10, 1977, Enroute Guam, M.I. January 10-February 4, 1977, Inport Guam February 4-9, Enroute Subic April 1-9, 1977, Operation Team Spirit at Pohang April 9-12, 1977, Enroute Okinawa April 12-13, Inport Okinawa April 14-16, Enroute Subic April 16-28, Inport Subic April 28-May 1, Enroute Okinawa May 1, 1977, Inport Okinawa May 2-8, 1977, Enroute Eniwetok Atoll May 9-14, Enroute Pearl Harbor May 12, 1977, Crossed Dateline May 14-15, Inport Pearl Harbor May 15-20, Enroute San Diego May 21, 1977, Arrival San Diego U WHO DARE ENTER THE DOMAIN OF NEPTUNUS REX? Those frightful words thundered through MONTICELLO ' S loud speakers as she crossed the Earth ' s equator. On that day King Neptune took control of the ship to test the courage and bravery of the ship ' s polywogs, those entering his domain for the first time. It was a festive day presided over by the king and his queen. No polywog was spared. For both seamen and captain the trial of the untested began. The eating of the polywog breakfast, the trials before the royal court, the kissing of the Royal Baby ' s belly, the chastising by the royal sheriff ... all in all it was a busy day for the royal court. But by the day ' s end King Neptune proudly addressed the crew saying Ne ' er a finer crew has crossed my domain as these of the MONTICELLO. I now proclaim thee Royal Shellbacks. Continue on your way and have a safe and pleasant journey. CROSSING THE LINE 12 13 They called it the largest peacetime sea-air-land exercise ever conducted off the coast of Australia-and the MONTICELLO was there. MONTICELLO ' S officers and crew along with its Marine assault force and amphibious detachments joined with other U.S., Australian and New Zealand forces in conducting exercise Kangaroo II. The tri-nation exercise involved over 31,000 men, 40 ships and 250 aircraft. The purpose of the exercise was to practice coastal defense strategy and the MONTICELLO, with its Marine and embarked forces, contributed heavily to the success of the exercise. It can truly be said that Shoalwater Bay will never be the same again. KANGAROO II 15 ' ' H r-mrW. AUSTRALIA MONTICELLO ' S first stop on the 1976-77 WESTPAC cruise was Down Under . Australia, the land of kangaroos and koala bears rolled out the welcome mat to the MONTICELLO and other units of the U.S. Seventh Fleet who had just completed their part in Operation Kangaroo II. MONTICELLO ' S officers and crew paid a visit to Port Kembla and the town of Woolongong, just 50 miles south of Sidney and received a welcome many regarded as unmatched for the remainder of the deployment. There were parties, balls, tours, sports events and many other activities all designed for the entertainment and pleasure of the MONTICELLO. With the city of Sidney only a short train ride away, there was something for the enjoyment of everyone. It was truly a port call to remember and as we cast off our lines leaving Port Kembla many wet eyes were noticed on the pier as well as on board. HONG KONG Our visit to Hong Kong offered something for everybody. The eager MONTICELLO shopper found top quality items at fantastically low prices in the city as well as at the nearby China Fleet Club. For the adventurer there was the scenic view of the harbor from Victoria Peak or the ride to Kowloon via the famed Star Ferry. Whatever the taste, there was something new and exciting to be found by everyone in the fastest growing city in the Far East. ' ' Btf G r ii L -i« - - mmmj ' ' ' m. M . i . BB â–  H St B V 1 90 iim I. _ il l S tf ' W mBm v ' - L is. flfl H p B 19 GUAM MONTICELLO spent most of January on the Island of Guam. Although the 30 day stay was mostly designed for the upkeep of the ship, many crew members did manage to mix fun with work. Some crew members took advantage of the USO sponsored tours of ttie scenic spots of the island. Various divisions aboard sponsored divisional parties where food, drink and a friendly game of football made the day. Not to be outdone, MONTICELLO ' S officers held a shipboard party for the civilian dignitaries and naval officers of Guam. All in all it wasn ' t such a bad place after all. V _vy.t ?j|rj i ' • « J...imH m JMJ|||i|B Hi ! 1 1 K. . .... - â– t3f ifr v I, ' . THE CREW As in the past the key to the success of any strategy is the human element. No matter how new the ship or how modern the aircraft or weapon it ' s still the dedicated corps of professionals who can make the difference. James L. Holloway III, ADM., U.S. Navy Chief of Naval Operations 21 STANDING from left- MM3 J. MINES, MMFA J. DOCKERY, MMFN C. BETTERTON, MM3 D. WITTMAYER, MMFA M. YOUNG, MM2 H. SAXTON, MMFA ROZGA, MMl C. MANGER KNEELING: MMFN M. NIKLAUSKI, MM3 B. TREBOR-MACCONNEL, MMFA R. GARRETT, MMFN M. REINHOLD, MM2 V. MATEO. From left KNEELING: MMC L. Sanders, leading chief petty oficer; MM3 C. Greene, MM2 K. Ostendorf, MMFN F. Perron, MMFA W. Medina, MMFA J. Michener, LTJG T. Coker, division officer MIDDLE ROW: MM3 G. Wright, FN R. Whiteley, MMFA P. Keefner, MMFN J. Niklauski, MMFN B. Neuenfeldt, MMFA J. Aplin, STANDING: MMFN J. Peace, MM2 R. Rangeloff, MM3 R. Allen, MM3 G. Kerr, FA D. Urone 22 M DIVISION Monticello ' s machinist mates operate and maintain the main propulsion plants which turn the ship ' s giant screws and drive the ship through the seas. They are the men who are seldom seen but nonetheless continually carry their share of the load and get us where we want to go. j. , i H â– j ' pl B f Bl ap â–  _j llnl _ 4 i i • % A B ' â– r S ' a Ji, ' • flA ' r ' B V l ii! H r. BW H i L. 9 R m Fwd Hole: KNEELING: Tubbs, D, BTFN; Esparar, J., BTFN; Parquet, R., FA; Kaighen, K., BT2; Peckron, M., BTl: STANDING: Coker, T., LTjg Division officer; Palm, D., BTFN; Nicholson, J., BTFN; Latham, B., BT3; Snavely, H., BT3; Hine, R., BT3 After hole: KNEELING: Pomrenke, W., BT3; Ryan, D., BT3; Sitchler, W., BT2; Jopek, J., BT3; Sheeley, M., FA; Kaehn, D., BT2-STANDING: Coker, T., LTJG; Still, D., BT2; Whitney, J., BT3; Rambling, M., FN; Burns, J., BT3; Jenkins, J., FN 24 B DIVISION The chief function of MONTICELLO ' S B divison is the operation and maintenance of the ship ' s boilers. MONTICELLO ' S boiler technicians maintain a close eye on numerous dials and gauges which indicate just how efficiently our steam producing plant is running. FROM LEFT KNEELING: ENl Y. Kawazoe, ENFN S. Lewellen, EN3 M. McGuire, ENFN K. Roy, ENFN B. Mould, ENFA C. Christenson, ENFN D. Decker. STANDING: ENCS N. Prouty, MR3 M. Wolf, MM2 D. Berth, ENFA J. Evans, ENFN S. Forton, EN2 Sanderson, ENS E. Phillips, Division officer. A DIVISION A Division consists of machin- ery repairmen, enginemen and machinist mates. Without A Division life onboard ship would be far less comfortable. They are responsible for air conditioning and refrigeration units, the steam heating and cold water systems, the galley and laundry. A division also furthers the capabilities of the ship by maintenance and operation of various other auxiliary equipment both topside and below decks. From left KNEELING: EMI O. Valdez, IC3 J. Reed, EMFA R. Boyd, EM3 D. Caspar. IC:) R. Bernier STANDING: ENS E. Phillips, Division officer; EM2 D. Padua, EM3 J. Tidrick, EM2 D. Clark, IC3 S. Kinne, EM2 J. Lupini, ICl L. Stanley E DIVISION Electricians and Interior Communication men mai e up MONTICELLO ' S E Division. Electricians control the distribution of electricity throughout the ship as well as maintain, inspect and repair all electric equipment on board. MONTICELLO ' S IC men main- tain all sound powered phones and ship service phones as well as the numerous other communication circuits around the ship. -W :h From left: KNEELING-HT2 J. Alfonso, HT3 J. Casarez, HT3 R. Martinez, HT3 C. Noble, HT2 Talley, HT3 R. Salluce, HTFN D. Harrison. MIDDLE: ENS R. Bustamante, Division officer; HTC J. Scott, HT3 C. Campbell, HTFA E. Gertig, HTFN R. Oxford, HT3 J. Miller, HT2 J. Neighbors, HT3 E. Cooper. STANDING: HTC R. Cross, HT3 L. Tackett, HT3 R. Miller, HT3 D. Pearson, HTFN M. Simpson, HT3 K. Swank, HTFN D. Leonard, HTl G. Dyke R DIVISION R Division is a combination of Hull technicians with the various skills of welding, plumbing, car- pentry and metalwork. In addition they are the resident experts on damage control, and make up the major portion of the ballasting team which performs one of our most important functions. From left KNEELING: SA G. Otterman, SN J. Wilson, SA E. Penaflor, SN E. Swerczek, SA D. Ashley, SA R. Truesdale, SN G. Miranda, BM3 B. Martin, BMl J. Jowers MIDDLE ROW: LTJG S. Patras, division officer; BMl M. Cooper, SN L. Lancaster, SA J. Dean, SN R. Thomas, SN J. Thomas, SN M. Partin, SN E. Foley, SN M. Finley, BM2 M. Garrett. TOP ROW: SN S. Taylor, SA R. Eroh, SN K. Huber, SN M. Macias, SN P. Hunt, SN S. Myers, SN R. Hubbard, BM2 C. Garrett, BM2 G. Merkle DECK FORCE FIRST DIVISION The men of the deck force are often called the mainstay of the ship. It is they who cast off the lines to get the ship underway, drop the anchor, swab the decks, paint the bulkheads and other chores vital to the functioning of a ship. On other ships a deck force is necessary, on an amphibious ship a deck force is vital. Bringing boats in and out of the well deck and getting them where they are supposed to go on time are some of the many activities that go on during amphibious operations. Without first and second division on station our primary mission could never be accomplished. From left KNEELING; SA J. Millard, SA J. Cook, SN C. Westmoreland, SA D. Thomas, SA M. Warner, SA G. Susan, SA J. Grady, MIDDLE: BM3 J. Chapel, SN A. Thomas, SN K. Todd, SN G. Shoup, SA R. Davis, SN S. Dumbauld STANDING- SN W. Gaston, SN R. Mitchell, SN J. Jones, SN S. Patridge, SN A. Neal, BMC McMeans, leading chief petty officer SECOND DIVISION 2 35 FTG-STANDING: LTJG S. Borovicka, division officer; FTGSN W. Kelleher. FTG2 S. Strauss, FTGSN H. Hansel, FTG3 E. Butler, KNEELING: FTGSN D. Ricks. FTG3 R. Roberts, FTG3 S. Dougherty, FTGSN J. Miller. GMG-FRONT ROW - LTJG S. Borovicka, division officer: GMGSN R. Callahan, GMG;? D. Sanchez, GMG2 C. Bennett, GMG.3 J. Brinkley. BACK ROW: GMG2 J. Alvarez, GMGSN R. Parsons, GMGSA D. Collins, GMG3 B. Stevens. .T ' s . 3RD DIVISION Gunnersmates and Fire Coiit rol Technicians mal e up : rcl division. The gunnersmates maintain and operate MONTICELLO ' S four twin-3 inch gun mounts and supervise the safe stowage and handling of all small arms ammuni- tion and magazines. Due to a shipalt early in the cruise eliminating the need for gun directors and related equipment on board, the fire control technicians assumed a sort of transient role working with all departments on the ship when necessary. They filled positions on the MAA force, assisted the ,3-M coordinator and could be counted on to lend a hand when asked. € ' iA: n4 From LEFT KNEELING; OSSA N. Giliga, 083 G. Barrentine, OSSN D. Ellis, OSSA K. Biesiada, 0S2 M. Tallmadge, OSl O. Dalrymple. STANDING: LTJG K. Ledford, Division Officer; OSSN M. Gulbranson, 0S2 S. Smith, OSSN J. Wolfe, 0S3 P. Cherry, OSSA K. Furtaw, OSC R. Weasma. 01 DIVISION Operation specialists make up MONTICELLO ' S 01 division. With their radar, they act as the eyes of the ship, plotting the course and speed of other ships and planes in the area. Underway they stand watches in CIC and assist navigation during sea and anchor details. From left KNEELING: ETSN P. Klein, ETSN R. Bentley, ETl W. Peck. STANDING; ENS J. McFee, Division Officer; ET3 G. Broderick, ETR3 R. Spicer, ETN3 R. Mussmann. OE DIVISION The men of OE division are charged with the repair calibration and maintenance of all electronic gear. They have often been termed our Maintenance Activity afloat and have performed their duties well. Many times they were called upon in the middle of the night to work at what they do best and keep us ready to operate at all times. 39 From left KNEELING: RM2 R. Duero, RMSN G. Brown, RMSA G. McRae, SMSN J. Hayman, RMl K. Tuffin, RM3 R. Grainger, SMSN D. Walsh, SMSN R. Colon, RMSA B. Kimber. STANDING: ENS D. McFee, Division Officer; SM2 P. Berglund, RMSN R. Vlosky, SMSN C. Kampa, SMSN W. McGuinness, SM2 W. Bettyas, RMSN B. Smith, RM3 R. Pope, SMSA C. Casados. oc DIVISION The ship ' s OC division is comprised of signalmen and radio men. Signalmen read flashing light, semaphore and flag hoist while inport as well as underway. Radiomen maintain and operate the ship ' s communication equipment sending and receiving messages from all over the world. From left KNEELING: SKI D. Sims. SKI E. Graves. SKI G James STANDING: LTJG W. Christmann, Division Officer; SK3 J. Arlandson ' SK3 K. Hopper. SKSN J. Wilhite, SKSN K. Bahadar, SK2 C. Dahr SKSN J. Wellborn. SKC C. Traylor. SUPPLY STOREKEEPERS Storekeepers or SK ' s have the responsibility of keeping the ship supplied with every item necessary for the effective operation of the MONTICELLO, from bullets to sewing needles. They also have to account for the money that changes hands and who gets what. iU Z •1 j-i«il MESS MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS Mess management specialists prepare and serve the food aboard the MONTICELLO. These trained speciahsts are tasked with making sure that 3 balanced meals are made available every day including holiday routine. From left KNEELING: MSl O. Martin, MS2 R. Tubon, MSI A. Arceo. STANDING: LTJG Christmann, Division Officer; MSSN E. Davis, MSSA T. Rozier, MSSA T. Martens, MSC J. Koepke. r 1 DK ' S Disbursing Clerks pay the crew their bi-monthly salary, whether at sea or inport. They are responsible for the accurate accounting and distribution of thousands of dollars annually. From left, LTJG W. Christmann, Division Officer; DKl A. Rabbit, DK3 D. Valenzuela. SHIP ' S SERVICEMEN Ship ' s Servicemen operate the ship ' s laundry, store, soda fountain, barber shop as well as provide other services that contribute to the health and well being of MONTICELLO ' S crew. From left KNEELING: SH2 R. Angelito, SH3 C. Gonzales, SHSN V. Ramirez. STANDING: LTJG W. Christmann, Division Officer; SH3 J. Irby, SHSN P. Cook, SHSN M. McCormick, SHI C. Johnson. N â– â– f tM ' f 1 1 M From left KNEELING: MS3 R. Esguerra, MS2 R. Lardizabal, MS2 R. Vida. STANDING: LTJG W. Christmann, Division Officer; MS2 E. Marcos, MS2 E. Cuenca, MSSN R. Grigsby, MSC R. Morales. WARDROOM MESS SPECIALIST Preparing meals to please admirals and captains requires special training and expert know how. MONTICELLO wardr oom mess specialist are not only skilled in food preparation but table layout and design and proper food serving techniques as well. Wardroom dining aboard the MONTICELLO is considered among the best in the fleet largely due to MONTICELLO ' S Wardroom Mess Specialists. 46 X DIVISION X division is the focal point of all administrative paperwork on board a navy ship and is composed of yeomen, personnelmen, postal clerks and journalists on the MONTICELLO. The yeomen handle the ship ' s office, the center of ship ' s administration and corre- spondence. Personnelmen take care of the crew ' s service records and other related items which brings them into daily contact with most members of the crew. Postal clerks sell stamps, money orders and handle the ship ' s mail. Last but not least the ship ' s journalist has the task of satisfying the crew ' s CCTV and ship ' s entertainment desires while at the same time assisting the ship ' s PAO. From left, KNEELING: PNC E. White, YN2 T. Rutherford, PN3 R. Navata, PNSN A. Salvante, YNC J. Sims. STANDING: J03 B. Hall, YNl J. Jeffers, PN2 A. Rubio, YN3 R. Espinoza, PNSN A. Lark, YNSA D. Medina. iW I Tl ' fH ' 4 M ' From left KNEELING: QMSA R. Kehrlein, QMSN D. Teatsworth, QM3 J. Ray. STANDING: QM2 J. Hilbrich, QMSA G. Matkin, QMSN P. Steringer, OMC C. Spence. mk ' ' - N DIVISION Under the navigators supervi- sion, the quartermasters assure the ship gets to its destination safely and on time. Using celestial and electronic navigation as well as radar, the quartermasters maintain a continuous plot of our position when underway. They stand watches around the clock at sea to ensure the success of our voyage. -i LLL . kkk. H DIVISION MONTICELLO ' S hospital corpsmen provide services necessary for the health and welfare of all concerned. Medical problems involving shipboard personnel are normally investigated by the men in sick bay. They are always ready to combat minor illness aboard and foward serious cases to more qualified authorities. The corpsmen also administer precautionary measures to the crew through vaccinations and advice. From left, STANDING: HM3 J. Owen, HMSA J. Mould, HMl J. Engen. KNEELING: SN A. Bertine and SN R. Penaflor. EMBARKED UNITS ASSAULT CRAFT UNIT ONE Piloting the Navy ' s small craft through shoal water, tricky currents and rocky beaches requires expert knowledge and skill to get the job done right everytime. Whenever MONTICELLO ' S mission called for getting troops and equipment to the beach, Assault Craft Unit One answered the call. True to their motto United We Land ACU-1 proved to be a valuable member of the MONTICELLO team. KNEELING from left: BMSN A. Bailey, BM3 Birclt, BMSN S. Workman, CM3 L. Varrone, BMSN M. Nuggent, SMSA B. Casey, BM, ? B. Baggett. MIDDLE: BMSN L. Mayes, CMS J. Caiola, BM3 S. Kay, CMS T. Meyer, BM3 R. Fuerst. STANDING: BMC H. Simmons, YN3 D. McFadden, BMSN E. Floyd, BM2 J. Stainoha, RM3 W. Leslie, RMSA S. Brittain, BMSN F. Hetherington, ENS. S. Knight, Division Officer. BEACHMASTER UNIT ONE From the amphibious landings of World War II it became evident that there was a need for an organization to facilitate the landing and movement over assault beaches of troops and equipment. From this need was established Beachmaster Unit One. BMU-1 traveled with the MONTICELLO the entire deployment and contributed heavily to the success of each amphibious operation. BEACHMASTERS guiding vehicles and supplies to designated area during an amphibious landing. 51 THE MASTER AT ARMS FORCE FTG3 L. Butler OSC R. Weasma FTG2 R. Pargeon .v ' - ' i l V Command Career Counselor, NCC E. Cabildo keeps abreast , of all of the opportunities available to the enlisted men and advises him of his options for a successful Navy career. 3-M Coordinator. ENCS Prouty coordinates MONTICELLO ' S preventive maintainence program and ensures that valuable equipment is repaired BEFORE it breaks down. Senior Enlisted Advisor, MMCS R. Gunter, is MONTICELLO ' S enlisted man ' s link to the commanding officer. He not only is familiar with the enlisted man ' s problems - he gives the commanding officer suggestions for solving them. 53 SHIP ' S PARTIES All work and no play so the saying goes but MONTICELLO did her fair share of both during WESTPAC 76-77. After a long period at sea, the ship not only found time to play but did it with such fervor as to make most other parties look like a wake. Whether it was Christmas in the Philippines, entertaining dignitaries in Guam, the Chinese New Year in Thailand or just a division having its own private party, when it was time to have fun MONTICELLO did it in style. MO-BAND Fleetwood Mac they weren ' t, but when the bill called for top notch entertainment you couldn ' t beat MONTICELLO ' S band. FTG2 Strauss, FTGSN Barnes, FN Robert- son and ETSN Bentley formed the core of the MO-Band and were called on many times during the deploy- ment to enhance an affair with music. 55 DATELINE MADDNESS What ' s so rare as a day in June, a knight at a pool table or a cat at a dog convention? It ' s probably an officer in the galley-not receiving food but rather serving it. Odd as it may sound that ' s exactly what happened aboard the MONTICELLO while crossing the international dateline homeward bound. The ship ' s cooks and messcooks took the day off only to have their places taken by the ship ' s officers and chief petty officers. For breakfast and lunch the Captain and the XO fried the eggs, the operations officers served the noodles and the chief petty officers carried the trays. It was a day of fun and suprisingly good service. So good in fact there were suggestions (short-lived as they were) to make the arrangement permanant. MARCH 29, 1977, MONTICELLO ' S BIRTHDAY March 29. 1977 was a special day aboard the MONTICELLO. On that day in 1957 MONTICELLO was commissioned into active naval service. In 1977 she celebrated her second decade of service to the nation. A small birthday celebration was held on her messdecks where the Captain, his public attairs olTicer, the ship ' s baker, M.S3 Williams; and a few members of the crew gathered for a cake cutting ceremony. That day the MONTICELLO was twenty years young. UNREP Running out of food or fuel at sea with the nearest gas station thousands of miles away can be a serious problem. In the Navy however, if the ship can ' t go to the store the store goes to the ship. Underway replenishment or unrep involves a supply ship meeting the MONTICELLO on open seas and transferring fuel and other supplies by fuel hoses or high lines. It ' s a delicate operation as tons of steel travel parallel courses just a short distance apart. 58 59 SET CONDITION 1 ALPHA MODIFIED When that word is passed MONTICELLO is ready to begin her function as an amphibious landing ship. The ship is ballasted, the boat crews are stationed and the ship-to-shore movement is ready to begin. H-Hour has been confirmed and the ship is ready to vector its assault wave to the beach - a task requiring skill and exact timing. 60 61 FLIGHT Flight Quarters, flight quarters, all hands man your flight quarters stations . Mail is coming in, someone aboard needs urgent medical attention or badly needed supplies are on the way. In any case a helicopter is on the way and MONTICELLO ' S flight deck crew is ready. 62 QUARTERS The firefighters, the medical team, the flight deck crew, the air boss, all ready to do their part to insure a safe and successful landing. HOLIDAY ROUTINE Whether an official holiday or just a day off, a holiday is a holiday and MONTICELLO ' S crew members knew how to make the most of it. Whether watching television, listening to the radio or just a quiet moment to think or write a letter. Sometimes a cookout would be in order or after an amphibious operation the well deck would remain flooded to provide a refreshing dip in our own backyard swimming pool . In any case Commence Holiday Routine were welcome words during WESTPAC 76-77. ' -4- IN ' •r II I • s SUBIC BAY Subic Bay, Philippines was MONTICELLO ' S overseas homeport and it adequately filled the bill as a home away from home. The outstanding shipyard repair facilities kept MONTICELLO in top form the entire cruise. The base offered almost every form of sport and hobby shop imaginable. Some of the best named entertainment in the islands could be found on the base enlisted and officer clubs and for the adventurer there was the night life of nearby Olongopo City. It was a nice place to come back to after a long period at sea. 67 T ' JiBim H 1 — , g J v? r...v.-y ' W jB H r 1,-. ij igtimi ' THAILAND The magic of Thailand spilled forth upon MONTICELLO ' S arrival at Pattaya Beach. A resort town, Pattaya Beach is one long road lined with hotels, shops, restaurants and of course beautiful sun bleached beaches. With the Garden Restaurant as home base, crewmembers branched out all over Pattaya and indeed over to nearby Bangkok; some sight seeing, shopping, while still others took to the beaches - all trying to make the most of this unique and exciting port. The spirit of the Chinese New Year combined with the traditional- ly friendly people to help make our stay most enjoyable. moNTRNfl % 69 KOREA MONTICELLO mixed business with pleasure on its port visit to the Repubhc of South Korea. Upon arrival in the city of Pusan, sailors and marines flooded the city seeking the many tourist shops and market places famous for their quality items at bargain prices. Then there were the sights of downtown Pusan and the friendly people of the city who made our short stay memorable. But then it was back to sea again for a joint military exercise with the ROK Navy and Marine Corps Exercise Team Spirit . The operation tested our skills in amphibious warfare as well as our ability to function with the Korean Navy. 70 HAWAII Brief but pleasent were MONTICELLO ' S visits to the 50th state. During the short stops we had both leaving and returning to the mainland MONTICELLO sailors found time to enjoy the sun bleached beaches, the many shopping areas of downtown Waikiki and the romantic atmosphere that was the trademark of the islands of 73 IN MEMORY It is said all true stories have an element of tragedy. WESTPAC 76-77 then was indeed a true story. MONTICELLO lost a dear and treasured shipmate in the person of EMFN Michael Jacobs who died as a result of internal bleeding of the brain. His loss was deeply felt by everyone who had the pleasure to know him. 74 COMING HOME May 21, 1977 was a day to rejoice. MONTICELLO pulled into pier six, 32nd Street Naval Station after eight months overseas amid the cheers and fanfare of waiting loved ones. Absence did indeed make the heart grow fonder and returning sailors were s mothered with kisses and tears of joy. ' it. - - - WESTPAC 76-77 CRUISEBOOK STAFF It ' s finally finished. The 76-77 WESTPAC cruisebook is back from the publisher and in the hands of the crew who have eagerly awaited its return. To some this is probably the best cruise hook this ship has ever produced â–  to others its probably the worst, while others may place it somewhere in between. In any case every effort was made to present an attractive pictorial record of the 76-77 cruise. It wasn ' t an easy book to put together. There were missed deadlines, lost copy and late hours. Then there was that one picture that was always missing. But it finally all came together. There were people who contributed to this effort without whom this book would have not been possible. Of course there was the staff who volunteered their time and effort toward publishing the book but there were others as well. Thanks goes to the CINCPACFLT PAO DET Subic Bay for putting in extra hours to develop our pictures as well as supply a few of their own. COMNAVSURFPAC photo lab also deserves credit. But the major portion of the credit goes to the officers and crew of the MONTICELLO who submitted many choice shots used in this book. Their willingness to share their few captured moments with the rest of the ship made this book indeed a crew ' s book . ENS R. P. Bustamante J03 B. T. Hall EN2 R. Doolin GMG2 J. Alvarez ENFN S. Lewellen m WESTPAC 76-77 is now history. Looking back on the days between Sept 25, 1976 and May 21, 1977 a lot can be said. It was a long deployment, especially evident to those with wives and children left behind. We hit ports and saw sights that many of us had only read about. Then there were the new acquaintances, the different life styles the exotic foods, all of which served to remind us we were a long way from home. We sailed 29,395 miles (Not all smooth sailing), used 9,600,000 gallons of fuel, 568,400,000 lbs of steam and 4,488,000 gallons of water. We ate $16,204.00 worth of food including ;64 dozen eggs, 8,363 lbs of apples, 9,214 lbs of meat and 13,035 lbs of bread. SITE-TV logged 1,863 hours of television broadcasting, the ship ' s barber gave 3,360 haircuts, the ship ' s radar revolved 4,240,000 times and sick call processed 2,864 patients. IJ was a BUSY and memorable WESTPAC. It had all of the ingredients of a best selling novel. It had suspense, drama, action, romance and, yes, ven tragedy. But no one aboard can honestly gret making the cruise. We did a lot of li«ii(f during WESTPAC 76-77. We probably exper- ienced more in that shortjeigKl months than most people experifipce in a lifetime. _Â