Mount Katmai (AE 16) - Naval Cruise Book

Text from Pages 1 - 60 of the 1961 volume:

tiss 19 ) ARMY.NAVY HISTORY MOUNT Continuous Service is the history of the MOUNT KATMAI. The USS MOUNT KATMAI was built by the North Carolina Ship Building Company of Wilmington, N. C, with the keel laid on 11 November 1944. She was commis- sioned on 21 July 1945. Since then she has been in continuous active service. In 1949 the MOUNT KATMAI passed through the Panama Canal and was on the West Coast when the Korean War broke out. On 22 July 1950, fully loaded, she left San Francisco for the Far East. Her first rearming during the Korean Conflict was on 18 August 1950. At this time she was the only AE en- gaged in replenishment operations of the combatant force of the United Nations. i OF THE KATMAI CAE-16) The MOUNT KATMAI proudly displays the following battle ribbons on her signal bridge. Navy Unit Commendation American Campaign Medal Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal Victory Medal (World War II) Navy Occupation Service Medal United Nations Service Medal Korean Service medal with 9 stars Korean Presidential Unit Citation Badge Service Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet and falls into the category of ships known as the work-horses of the Navy. To date, however, no job has been too tough for the MOUNT KATMAI to handle; each and every task as- signed having earned a well done for the ship and itsj;crew. - The MOUNT KATMAI is an auxiliary type ship under the type command of Commander CHARLES ANTHONY lARROBINO CAPTAIN, U. S. NAVY COMMANDING OFFICER Charles Anthony larrobmo was born in South liatick, Massachusetts on 24 August 1915, son of Patrick and Anna Mary (Kelly) larrobino. He entered the Naval Service in May, 1937 under the NovCad Program, after graduating from Boston College in 1937 He was designated a Naval Aviator and commissioned Ensign in August 1939 He reported to the USS RANGER that same year, and remained in the billet of Material Officer of VS-42 until May 1942. Before receiving orders to the USS ESSEX, he was promoted to the rank of LTJG and, upon transferring, assumed the duties of Landing Signal Officer and, later. Assistant Air Officer. He was promoted to LCDR, before reporting to the staff of COMFAIR- QUONSET in October 1944 as Officer-in-Charge. Carrier Qualifications and Landing Signal Officer Training Unit In addition, LCDR larrobino served as Aide and Flag Lieutenant for several months prior to assignment to the Gen- eral Line School at Newport, Rhode Island. In 1947, he reported to the Naval Air Station at Jacksonville, Florida for a flight refresher course Upon comple- tion, he was assigned to VA-75 aboard the USS LEYTE as Commanding Officer. LCDR larrobino was relieved a year later, October 1948, and returned to NAS Quonset Point as Inspection Officer. He was promoted to the rank of CDR in 1949 and in July 1950 was ordered to the USS PRINCETON as Air Officer. CDR larrobino reported to the U. S. Naval Academy in lune 1952 as an instructor in the Department of Aviation. Later, he became Department Exec- utive Officer through the period up to September 1954 He completed a course in Jet Transitional Training at NAS Kingsville, Texas before returning to sea as Commander Carrier Air Group Seven aboard the USS HORNET In February 1956 he became Assistant Head, Distribution Detail Branch in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations He received additional orders in that billet the following year to the Bureau of Naval Personnel While in Washington. D C, he was promoted to his present rank and given orders to the National War College Upon graduation from the National War College, he was ordered to the Staff of Commander Carrier Division Seven He served as Operations Officer in that staff until December 1960 On 4 March 1961, CAPT larrobino took command of the USS MOUNT KATMAI (AE-16) In addition to various area and campaign ribbons, CAPT larrobino is en- titled to wear the Legion of Merit with Combat V; the Bronze Star Medal with Combat V and a Gold Star; the Commendation Ribbon, the Presidential Unit Citation and the Naval Unit Citation TO THE MEN OF THE MOUNT KATMAI As years pass, our 1960 deployment to Westpac will be relived by all of us, in memories of a job well done, liberties well spent, or perhaps of friends made in far off parts. Who among us can forget the people of Kagoshima, liberty in Hong Kong or the old people of Okinawa Koseien. This cruise book, in a small way, portrays a story to be remembered. Two hun- dred-odd men and a ship, which after six short months became a first rate fighting unit. MOUNT KATMAI sailed 28,939 hard miles, through typhoon, heat and personal privations, yet this great unit found time to leave behind countless friends through- out Japan, Okinawa and the Philippines. MOUNT KATMAI, through the efforts of an untiring crew, established a fine rep- utation for service to the fleet. Our job has not been glamorous nor highly publicized, but the challenge has been met by we who wait to serve. Readiness and reliability is our forte and in this field there is no better than MOUNT KATMAI. In years to come, each one of you will be proud to have served on this ship, a member of a top notch team on a memorable cruise. Good luck to all and Smooth Sailing. i .- EXECUTIVE OFFICER Raymond WiIIk sham born in Newark, New Jersey on [une 5, 1927 After attending Newark College of Engineering, Newark, New Jersey, he entered the U- S Merchant Marine Academy in June 1945. He graduated from the U S Merchant Marine Academy in June 1948 and sailed as Third Assistant Engineer in SS GULFPEAK, operated by Gulf Oil Corporation In May 1950 he commenced work as a machinist with the American Can Corporation in Newark, New Jersey He joined the organized Naval Reserve in Newark, New Jersey, one year later. Upon completing the six weeks course, LTJG Gresham reported to the USS PRESIDENT JACKSON (APA-18) as assistant engineer officer. He was transferred to USS KENNEBEC (AO-36) in April 1953 and served as Cargo Officer Next came a four week CIC school in San Diego followed by a tour of duty in USS REPOSE (AH-16) as Operations Officer from December 1953 to December 1954. He was promoted to Lieutenant in July 1953. In January 1955, LT Gresham was transferred to USS TARAWA (CVS-40) operating out of Quonset Point, Rhode Island. LT Gresham ' s first shore duty was two pleasant years at U S. Naval Ammunition and Net Depot, Seal Beach, California He was the Assistant Ordnance Officer and Planning Officer He reported to USS MONTICELLO (LSD-35) in December 1958 and served initially as First Lieutenant and then as Operations Officer during his tour. LCDR Gresham reported to the USS MOUNT KATMAI (AE-16) in May 1960 as Executive Officer. LCDR Gresham holds the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and the Merchant Marine War Zone Atlantic and Pacilic Medals. DEPARTMENT HEADS RAYMOND WILLIAM GRESHAM LIEUTENANT COMMANDER, U. S. NAVY LT J. W. Havicon, Deck LT R. W. Bell, Supply LT N. W. Hansen, Operations (JG) B. F. McLaughlin, Engineering J; IT (JG) B E. McLaughlin Enqineering Officer CMC R. C. Day BMC Hall HMC Catlin RMCS J. Howell SMC Admires % f f CSC Sumerau MMC Brekke BTC Wllkerson EMC Clark MMC Notvedt MMC Whltford SFC Howse g FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY NavPers 718 (New 1-55) === • «, « t v y 1st Row: Mainline, Mayfield, Murr, Weeck, Fuapopo, Kosmicky, Mann, Be)lis, Cline, Dunn, Hamilton. 2nd Ro : Smith, Morse, Fife, Taylor, Hurley, Atwell, Huchinson, Stanley. 3rd Row: CHIEF Hall, Stephens, Oliver, Gregory, Wigington, Wester, Yoder, Meeks, Watts, Earnhart, Cormier, BOSUN Hoi ley. Uth Row: Waters, Knox, Crura, Lyons, Finley. FIRST DIVISION The First Division, along with the Second Division com- prise the Deck Force of the KATMA I . Led by the boatswain mates, they accomplish a myriad of tasks so essential to the successful completion of our mission and the appearance of our ship. The Boatswain ' s Boys, as they are known in the First Division, are respon- sible for alt hatches, spaces, rigging and sides for- ward of the superstructure. They handle the anchoring and mooring to a bouy detail upon arrival in port and help with the lines when we tie up to a pier. The U Boat which has carried all of us to liberty is also their concern. These are the men who are responsible too for dispensing our cargo to the fleet. He told me to chip - so I ' m chi pping VT ( if I ' i , )- ' :9l JV ' 1st Row: Wilson, Najera, Valenta, Sanchez, Solarzano, Shipley, Asato, Smith, Lenn. 2nd Ro ' Russell, Hullinger, Shaw, Weatherly, Rendon, Arnold, Dibrell. McClain, Olsen, Smith, Flynn. 3rd Row: ENS Flynn, Pryor, Joshua, Carnes, Upchurch, Shepherd, Lundberg, Brainard. uth Ro Gilmore, Gimby, Meeker, Barton, Lambie, Crawford, Tryals, Wilhelm. The other half of the Oecl Force may be found performing their duties in the superstructure and aft to the fantail. Basically, their duties very closely parallel their Front Porch neighbors, but there are a few tasks at which they excell in their own right; the lowering and raising of the accommodation ladder for inport periods and the motor whale boat for emergencies, to name a couple. Plagued by a con- tinuous downfall of black snow, reported to come from the stack, the boys of the Second Division nevertheless rallied continuously, resulting in the Outstanding Division Award for August SECOND DIVISION Soot all over my fresh paint 1st Row: Radford, CHIEF Day, Norton, Berry, Olsen, CWO Anderson. 2nd Row: Holdt, Solomon. Huegenin, McDonald, Reynolds, Jackson, Webster, Greer, Brown. THIRD DIVISION The gunnermates and f i recontrolmen of the Third Division are the watch-boys of our cargo and the technicians who eep our guns firing and our fire control radar and directors functioning. Being especially qualified for their tasks, the Third Division supervises loading and jnloading, keeps an accurate inventory of all stock, and naintains constant vigilance on their wares to insure 3ur safety. In the realm of gunnery, they maintain the juns in top notch shape as attested to by the battle Jfficiency E ' s proudly displayed on the mounts. Third Jivision was the July Divisional Champion . , He i ?r v . i A I 1st Row: ENSGoggin, Bahm, Hileman, Cabatana, Johnston. CHIEF Brekke. 2nd Row: Williams, Rhodes, Clark, Haining, Morey, Hurd, Engstrom. ' A DIVISION The boys of the A Gang are the stellar group which pro- vide the maintenance and repair necessary to keep our auxiliary machinery in operation. What is auxiliary machinery? Here ' s a sample: Boats, refrigerators, air condi t ioners, vehicles, after steering, diesel generators and fire pumps, all steam pipes out of the engineroom and. ...the ship ' s whistle. Needless to say, these are busy boys. Now let ' s see, where do they keep the motor launch TiiJiCni J f ' ni!!. L ' ' - ' r «-? ' ' i II ■ M k f i . 1 Mil 1st Row: ENS Goggin, Porter, Akers, Bogus, Moody. Johnson, CHIEF Clark. 2nd Row: O ' Britis. Prazak, Williams, Wilson, Mayfield, Johnson. E DIVISION Everywhere one looks on board he sees electrical devices and all of them are the responsibility of the E Division, They have gear in every dark corner of the ship. Start- ing with the main generators, they produce, control the flow and protect us from the hazards of electricity. All of these things take on a tremendous importance which seems to lose all significance when viewed in light of their most Important job the movies! ' ♦ S t n . - ifr 1st Row: Dollar, Hansen, Hill. Harris. 2nd Row: ENS Goggin, CHIEF Howse, Finstuen. Winn, Scott, Hici s, LTJG Miller. R DIVISION The damage controlmen and ship-fitters of the R Division are the boys whose duty it is to keep the ship afloat — — that is maintain our water tight integrity. In this regard they also maintain all damage control and fire fighting equi pment - Since control of fire and damages is an all hands job, the crew must be trained in these important aspects of survival. The R Division is re- sponsible for this training. Fix it yoursel f ffl ' Si 1st Row: CHIEF Wi Ikerson, Bickle, Russell. 2nd Row: CWOVodopich, Wilkins, Clark, Locke, Scott, Finley. 3rd Row: Webb, Drake. Colbert, Fishel, Thomas. B DIVISION nown for their ability to keep going when the temperature eaches 13O and above, the lads of the B Division are esponsible for converting the latent energy in black oil usable energy for use in propelling the ship, lighting t and keeping it warm (outside the engineroom). The oilers, evaporators, and all accessory equipment come nder the care of their sweating hands. J IT? n I 1 P. ' STi i 1st Row: Carpenter, Beardon, Black, Brinks. 2nd Row: CWOVodopich, Wilson, Birch, Whitford, Notvedt, Kelly. 3rd Row: Mead, Hamre, Schanbacher, Payne, Chaney, Romero, Hamilton, Flud. M DIVISION THE FUNCTION OF THE M DIVISION OF THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT: The -M Division is made up of machinist mates and machinery repairmen who operate, stand watch on and re- pair the main propulsion plant. Evaporators, air com- pressors, ship ' s service generators, pumps, bearings, shafting, piping and all valves in the engineroom. The Main Engines are an important piece of equipment as the ship could not get underway without the proper opera- tion of all machinery. w-f ' V ' ni r 1st Row: Harmon, Woods, Staggs, Santos, Rodriquez, Walton, Hanson, Curry. 2nd Row: Varney, Coleman, Stanley, Tedesco. Gibbs, Sibley, Eldridge, Gano. Wince, Tyus. Andrews, Hollister, Klenow, Baker, Johnson, Emery, Hammond, Jones, Case, Whitney, Hendricks. 0 DIVISION he Operations Department in basic terms is the eyes, ars and voice of the ship. These very broad functions, nvolve such things as reliable and secure communications; ollection of intelligence and operational data and the valuation of the surface radar situation. he coord inati on of the ships empl oyment schedule and the elated logistics services is a prime responsibility of he operations department. This includes arranging the ervices of tugs, pilots, food, fuel and mail provisioning mmigration, quarantine and customs inspections. Is that with one S or two ! 1st Row: Umland, Grindle, Flores, Polk, Stevens, Hopper, Roach, Cendreda. 2nd Row; CHIEF Sutnerau, Hyde, Hutchinson, Williains, Eubanks, Hitchcock, Agnas, Cohn, Maramba, Brooks, LTJG Myhren. 3rd Row: Silvestre, Mays, Lagula, Nano, OMver, Nova, Blanchard. Cruz, uth Row: LT Bell, McGlown, Dyment, Sierens. Forrester, Bray, Kimbrel. n r   S DIVISION Comm i ssarymen , storekeepers, ship ' s servicemen, stewards and a disbursing clerk, membering between 3S and U5 nien comprise the Supply Department. These hard working men prepare the meals for their fel- low shipmates, clean their clothes, cut their hair, pay them their pay, and cater to numerous of their personal needs. In addition the Supply Division is the clearing house for replacement parts and almost anything that the ship may desire which is purchasable through the hugh naval supply system. a SO .9 Left to Right: Hu f f, Getchell . Hampton. Harper, High, Smith, Eubanks, Tierney. MESS COOKS f This stalwart group is made up of men from each depart- ment assigned for three months to the Mess Deck Master at Arms. Their tasks are many and varied but to say that they help in the serving of our food, washing the trays, and keeping the mess deck an outstanding space would cover the major job. Up early in the morning and working when everyone else has knocked off, they just can ' t seem to stop smiling. Maybe the hours are long, but at least you ' re never far from a snack. I ' ve been messcooking for seven years - and I 1 ike it. yt o PLACE ARRIVAL DEPARTED DISTANCE TOTAL PEARL 4, March, 61 6, March, 61 2285 2835 GUAM 18, March, 61 31, March, 61 3318 6183 SUBIC 5, April, 61 7. April, 61 1498 7651 BUCKNER 10, April, 51 13, April, 61 882 8583 SASEBO 14, April, 61 17, April, 61 442 9025 BUCKNER 19, April, 61 22, April, 61 442 9467 SUBIC 25, April, 61 5. May, 61 900 10367 RDV 6, May, 61 10, May, 61 1798 12164 SUBIC 11, May, 61 17, May, 61 BUCKNER 22, May, 61 25, May, 61 1142 13306 YOKO 30, May, 61 30, May, 61 1297 14603 KAGOSHIMA 3, June, 61 6, June, 61 594 15197 SASEBO 7, June. 61 14. June, 61 205 15402 BUCKNER 16, June, 61 17, June, 61 540 15942 IWAKUNE 26, June, 61 27, June, 61 2500 18442 BUCKNER 29, June, 61 29, June, 61 650 19092 HONG KONG 3, July, 61 10, July, 61 1338 20420 SUBIC 12, July, 61 17, July, 61 600 21030 BUCKNER 26, July. 61 29, July. 61 900 21930 SASEBO 4, Aug, 61 7, Aug, 61 442 22372 PEARL 19, Aug. 61 21, Aug, 61 4475 26847 PORT CHI 28, Aug, 61 2090 28939 JKA C ' mon, get up! It ' s time to go back to the ship ISLAND OF GUAM I The men study and relax in the new ly acquired library CAPT larrobino opens new library with CO oi SRF, Guam lelt: Unidentified native in full dress aft: Now commence educational train- ig Deck hand gels z-z-z-zs- ' s But I have a feeling someone ' s watch- ing! - - - mouth to mouth resuscitation lecture. Most of the pictures taken on these two pages were taken at Okinawa Kosien, the home for the aged near Naha. During three days of intense work the volunteers from MOUNT KATMAI accomplished many tasks that the home could not afford, which included painting two wooden and several concrete dormitories, constructing a shelter over the well, building a 200 foot sidewalk, painting the surrounding fence, cultivating the various gardens and many other things. Upon com- pletion of the overhaul, MOUNT KATMAI men treated the old folks to sandwiches, cold drinks and ice cream. The children from the nearby Home for Blind and Deaf were invited to join in the festivities which ended with the singing of several American songs by the youngsters. S?! «iPM9 -■. ' A ' . .-: 7, L f( Another one from OCS? What does this mean. Pinky? f - ■ ' ■♦ MiMM j ' fw M ■  ' ' v ' iW His Iriends call him snipe This is a waltz? Hocus Pocus Rain did not dampen spirits Mount Katmai against Mount Sakurajii Junior High School students visit Gunners mates play Old Maid The girls of Junshin Another boatload The photographer is a friend of mine The image is then projected to traverse spot You say you don ' t like ice cream? )i • ! ' Melts in your mouth, not in your hand Who is the tourist? KAGOSHIMA A highlight of the 1961 WESTPAC Tour was the three day stay in the beautiful city of Kagoshima. Arriving on 3 June, the MOUNT KATMAI played host to the students of KAGOSHIMA for three days, during which time over a thousand visited the ship staying for ice cream and cookies. The results «ere return invitations to visit their homes and schools. KATMAI men were welcomed every- where and their outstanding behavior was noted in the press of the impressionable Japanese City. Besides the warmth of the people, Kagoshima had beautiful surroundings to add to its attractiveness. The active volcano, MOUNT SUKIRAJIMA was the subject of many feet of film. The parks scattered throughout the city and the many historical points of interest were also dis- played for us by these proud people. Junshin girls plus various camera hogs fS JJJ ' H .mmm I ' - ' ■•■■•. ' ■. . Me, wrorry? ' But it hurts when I pull it up tight Come on, Greer, look me Please, guys, the lecture is very short! HI-LINE Of course, I ' m open! Boat runs weren ' t so bad I think it ' s a tomato No, you can ' t have my GDJ badge! ' 1  IH Jfe t ll I n 9 o ■ AUTOGRAPHS AUTOGRAPHS SNAPSHOTS SNAPSHOTS SNAPSHOTS SNAPSHOTS ■ AUTOGRAPHS AUTOGRAPHS j4idfcuv -