Somers (DDG 34) - Naval Cruise Book

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ASW, PI AZ ERSHIP SU EILLANCE From 18 June until 15 August, SOMERS operated in the South China Sea with ASW Group 3 and the TICONDEROGA QCVS-149 protecting our forces in the Gulf of Tonkin against a possible Soviet Submarine threat. Although our duties were still PAU iPlaneguard as usuali, SOMERS controlled helicopters, and rescued two men overboard. Exchange programs allowed the STG's and RD's to see how their counterparts on the Tico lived and worked. A quick dash into the zone insured our tax break for August, and so end- ed four weeks not spent in the Gulf of Tonkin. During the period 28 Sept to 12 Oct we served the USS LONG BEACH and the USS TRUXTUN as primary protection against surface raids as they protected Task Force TT against air G attacks. Indian Summer in the Gulf was hot anyway, but after the 80 ton air conditioner went up in smoke, things became almost unbearable. The ice machine quickly emptied and senses of humor withered away, but the knowledge that we were short in the Gulf pulled us through to the end. In addition to other functions, SOMERS twice was tasked with escorting Chinese Merchant Ships attempting to bring supplies into North Vietnam. We pulled alongside, as in an UNREP, told them they were starting into mined waters, then pulled away, and allowed them to proceed. At one point we closed the mouth of Haiphong Harbor to within visual distance before breaking off the pursuit. . ,cb-ll-4-19 ' 0 X .,jji,.,, , 5'

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