Telfair (APA 210) - Naval Cruise Book

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T ELFAIR TR VEL LOG TELFAIR left the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in July of l965 after her first maior yard period since being recommissioned in l96l. Recognizing the staleness that inevitably crops up following several months of inactivity COMPHIBLANT assigned us to refresher training atGuantanamoBayinthe middle of August. Several weeks of intensive training under the auspices of Fleet training Group, GTMO, broken only by a weekend iaunt to Montego Bay Jamaica, renewed seagoing skills for the old hands, and introduced new men to the operational routine. While at GTMO, we learned that we were destined to make MED Cruise 3-65 along with units of PHIBRON 8 and IO. Many felt that we could not be sufficiently prepared for an extended deployment by the proiected departure date of October 4. We were already scheduled for two weeks amphibious refresher training at Little Creek during September, and upon completion of that, would have slightly over two weeks to accomplish the myriad details that accompany an amphibious cruise. Dutifully the officers and men of TELFAIR set themselves to the task and succeeded with flying colors. We were ready in all respects for sea on the appointed date. A maior event occurred on TELFAIR a few days before our departure. Much- respected Captain AUBREY SEILER was relieved as skipper by Captain DAVIS BUNTING who came to us from a long career in Submarines. We wished Captain SEILER well in his new position on the COMNAVAIRLANT STAFF and eagerly looked forward to the iob of assisting Captain BUNTING regain his sea legs in a deep draft ship October 4 dawned clear and cold and we set out for the short trip to Morehead City, North Carolina, to load our Marine contingent and their equipment. For many, it was not until we saw the endless lines of green-clad fighting men waiting to board did we realize the significance and breadth of our undertaking. i Some four hours later, we had two companies of Marines and enough equipment and supplies to keep them battle ready for some time. lt was our good fortune to have as CO of Troops, Captain JOSEPH HOAR, whose cooperation and spirit was instrumental in maintaining the close-knit relationship between Sailors and Marines that characterized the entire cruise. The Atlantic crossing took us two full weeks. We occupied our time with firing exercises, battle problems, and steaming drills. It soon became apparent that Commodore E.G. MILLER was going to demand the highest performances in tight ship-handling. Errant ships were frequently blasted over the radlo.nets for sloppy performance. It seemed to us on the bridge that TELFAIR received fewer calls than other ships but some of the mistakes we did make were really beauts.

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On the morning of October, T8 simultaneous sightings of the Spqnish and .North African coasts generated excitement throughout the ship. The anticipated view of the fabled Rock of Gibralter never did materialize because of very low visibility, but a secondary thrill was provided by the presence of several Soviet Bloc Re- connaissance Ships who appeared to be waiting our arrival. Once the straits were cleared, we came under the operational control of COM- SIXTHFLT. Our orders directed us to proceed to Almeria, Spain for the turnover from PHIBRON 4. On October 21 we became part of Task Force 61, the Amphi- bious ready force in the Mediterranean. Two turnaway landings at Almeria gave us a test of our operational tasks to come, and offered the initial chance to work together with the other elements of the Squadron on the mechanics of a larger scale waterborne landing. Any traces of envy that existed as we watched the departing Squadron sail westward were dispelled as we ourselves headed for Marseille, France. The weather could not have been more unpleasant as we arrived at Frances Largest Sea Port. Nonetheless, the sight of the historic old city perched on the high hills that fringed the bay was awe inspiring to those visiting for the first time. The old Cathedral, Notre Dame De La Garde, dedicated to seafarers, dom- inated the metropolitan skyline. We were initially upset that we had been assigned an achorage well outside the breakwater, but upon our first visit ashore and seeing the curious crowds that thronged fleet landing we were glad to have a haven to return to aboard ship. Marseille offered something for everyone. Many took advantage of the tours offered to the ancient cities of Arles and Aix. Others spent time shopping and touring Marseille itself. Another large group found the numerous waterfront cafes to be an endless source of fascination. The week in Marseille passed quickly and TELFAIR was soon on her way to AranciBay, Sardina for our first complete landing exercise. During the six days there, no one was permitted ashore but we did enioy the. temporary absence of the Marines and the chance to perform routine in-port maintenance. lAVAeI:eft Aranci Bay on November and followed a course that took us to Valletta, a a.