Trathen (DD 530) - Naval Cruise Book

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Crossing Over Gunner's - eye view of TF - 95 ond North Korea MAIL!!

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,- pr, i j 6 '15 2 mea ... EIEIJTK TOTME Q15 TI-IIS CERTIFICATE PRESENTED TO SS Trathen, DD 530 T' 'TTTTT' EOR I-IER CONTRIBUTION TO THE UNITED NATIONS CAUSE AGAINST COIVIMUNIST AGGRESSION IN KOREA BY DESTROYINIS ONE CONIIVIUNIST TRAIN freeze Q, .I IITEEOSIIIJIOE eff-1'- '57 QA ' f f ' .. .II , lljoltmq f Ttcqxfx-, l -- . COMMANDER TASK FORCE 95 I OVER THERE . . . In mid - February the TRATHEN arrived in the Far East and spent a short time in Sasebo, Japan, preparatory to joining Task Force 95, the United Nations Blockade and Escort Force which operates on both coasts of Korea. Ser- ving with this group from February 16 to March 13, the TRATHEN, along with other American destroyers, a Brit- ish destroyer, a Canadian destroyer and a Republic of Korea Navy Ship contributed to the tight United Nations blockade of enemy held East Coast ports. The ship sup- portedminesweeping operations and patrolled against en- emy mine laying efforts. In addition, she provided gun- fire support for United Nations forces ashore and hitene- my supply routes, rail facilities and bridges -all along her assigned coastal sector. At the same time, the TRATHEN carried Captain Cortner to various conferences and ' inspec - tions he made in his capacity as Task Group Commander. When the Commodore was relieved as a Task Group Commander on March 5, the TRATHEN was assigned as the Central Patrol Unit and as such engaged in patrol and firing missions on the coast from Wonsan Harbor north to Cha'-ho. So successful was the U. N. naval blockade that the Reds were forced to rely on their coastal .railroads to transport men and supplies to the front lines. Conse- quently, the TRATHEN concentrated much of her fire power on the enemy rail lines at this time. This effort was crowned with success when, just one day before she was to be relieved the TRATI-l'EN's gun crews sem-ed 3 series of direct hits on an enemy train to win membership in the United Nations Trainbusters Club. We were one ofthe few destroyers to gain admission to the Trainbusters up to this time and so the ship returned to Sasebo on March 1 3 with spirits high. I After a maintenance and recreation period, the ship joined Task Force 77 and immediately began her task of screening aircraft carriers of that Fast Carrier Striking Force. Again the TRATHEN took over flagship duties while Captain Cortner acted as Commander of the screening units comprising Task Group 77. 2. When he was-relieved of this command, the TRATHEN proceeded to Yokosuka where her officers and men had a chance to enjoy liberty both in this Japanese port and the larger cities of Yoko- hama and Tokyo. In Yokosuka the TRATHEN men went native, took off their shoes in the best Japanese style, and threwaship's party which was held on two nights so every one could attend.. - The TRATHEN left Yokosuka May 5 to resume duty with Fast Carrier Task Force 77, and served in the flag- ship capacity from May 7 to May 25 while Captain Cort- nercommanded Task Group 77. 2. The TRATHEN continued to operate with Task Force 77 until relieved on June 4. Prior to departing the Force permanently, the TRATHEN was temporarily detached in order to lend screening support to the cruiser USS MAN- CHESTER which was bombarding the hard hit enemy P0143 of Wonsan. Early injune the TlUrTl-IEN returned to Sasebo for the last: time, where preparations were completed prior tO starting the trip to the United States via the Mediterranean-

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