USS Fletcher DDE-445 Chronology 1951
A summary transcribed from the original deck logs by Commander Robert McCurley, USN retired
January 1951
Monday, 1 January, Fletcher was moored starboard side to northern pier, Berth M-3, Merry Point, U.S. Naval Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. USS Epperson DDE 719, was moored alongside to port. Various units and commands of the U.S. Pacific Fleet were present. SOPA was Commander in Chief Pacific and U.S. Pacific Fleet. 2333 H. Troglin SHSN reported aboard from 8 days leave.
Between 1 January and 15 January, 500,000 enemy troops pushed UN forces 50 miles south of the 38th parallel and recaptured Seoul Korea.
Tuesday, 2 January, Moored as before. J.N. Holman FC2, returned from leave. 0540 A.R. Murphy ET3, and G.W. Griswold TMC, returned from leave. 0630 Epperson got underway. 0635 A.R. Anderson MM1, and S.P.K. Lim FN, returned from leave.0700 J.W. Hinz BMC, returned from leave. 0710 LT C.S. Paine returned from leave. 0720 P.L. Gilbert SO3, returned from leave. 0800 Fletcher got underway and proceeded to submarine operating area. 0914 Commenced ASW exercises with Radford and USS Pickerel SS 524. 1440 Completed exercises and proceeded into Pearl Harbor channel. 1619 Moored starboard side to berth M-3, U.S. Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor T.H. 1812 C.L. Riel SN, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment.
Wednesday, 3 January, Moored as before. 0640 R.B. Canfield, BT1, returned from leave. 0734 Fletcher got underway and proceeded out the channel. 0803 Passed buoy 3. 0805 Maneuvered radically to avoid collision with USS Greenfish SS 393. 0807 Buoy 1 abeam to starboard. USS Greenfish advised rudder was jammed hard left. 0813 USS Radford DDE 446 joined 1000 yards astern. 1437 Completed firing exercises having expended 1120 rounds of 20 mm and 70 rounds of 3"50 ammunition. 1700 Commenced entering channel. 1738 Moored starboard side to pier in berth M-3, U.S. Naval Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1750 The following men reported aboard for duty: W. Campbell SOG2, M.E. Monday GMM2, R.E. Sanchez QMS2, C.R. Ginn BMG2, R.H. Johnson GMMSN, H.M. Thompson BTG2.
Thursday, 4 January, Moored as before. 0732 W.P. Camp FC3, was transferred to U.S. Naval Training Center, San Diego, California for course of instruction. 0732 L.C. Madore BT3, was transferred to Long Beach Group Pacific Reserve Fleet for commissioning detail. 0746 Fletcher got underway and proceeded to sea. 0902 Joined column in station 3 with USS Carpenter DDE 825, USS Renshaw DDE 499, and USS Radford DDE 446. 0909 Formed ASW scouting line, scouting distance 2.5 miles. 0930 Commenced exercises with USS Pickerel SS 523. 1018 Commenced retiring search plan. 1253 Commenced echelon movements. 1612 Completed tactical exercises and proceeded into port. 1713 Moored starboard side to dock in berth S10 and S11, U.S. Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, Oahu, T.H. 1730 Radford moored alongside to port.
Friday, 5 January, Moored as before. 1250 Completed refueling. 1405 R.E. Miller GM1 was transferred to Naval Receiving Station Washington, D.C. for gunners mate Class B school. 1435 R. Moore SN, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment.
Saturday, 6 January. Moored as before. 0930 A.L.Butterfield MMC, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment.
Sunday, 7 January. Moored as before. 1159 USS Blue DD 744 stood in and moored to Berth Baker 25, Naval Shipyard Pearl Harbor. 1220 USS Walke DD 723, USS Frank P. Evans DD 754, and USS Cunningham DD 752 stood in and moored to berths M-1 and M-2, Naval Shipyard Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Monday, 8 January, Moored as before. 0720 J.C. Quitorio, IC3, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment. 0755 W.F. Arnold, Philco engineer came aboard forTAD. 0806 Fletcher got underway and proceeded to submarine operating areas 9 and 11. 0935 Commenced ASW operations with USS Carpenter DDE 825 and USS Greenfish SS 351. 1511 Completed exercise and proceeded to channel entrance. Conducted man overboard drill. 1548 Conducted tests of echo ranging equipment. 1635 Entered channel. 1744 Moored to pier at berth S13, U.S. Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1800 W.F. Arnold, Philco engineer, departed.
Tuesday, 9 January, 0743 Fletcher got underway for operating area. 0948 Conducted CIC and gun control exercises. 1300 Rendezvoused with aircraft for exercise. 1617 Entered Pearl Harbor channel.1739 Moored starboard side to USS Radford DDE 446 in berth S10 and S11, Submarine Base Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1755 Ensign G.W. Sumner Jr. reported aboard for duty.
Wednesday, 10 January, Moored as before. 0735 Ensign G.W. Sumner Jr. was detached to report to Fleet Training Center, San Diego for TAD for Air Control School. LTJG H.N. Burns was detached to report TAD to All Weather Air Control School, Naval Air Station Barbers Point T.H. 0736 LCDR J.F Hogan reported aboard TAD from Prospective Commanding Officers School, U.S. Submarine Base Pearl Harbor, T.H. 0746 Fletcher got underway from alongside Radford. 1055 Fletcher in station 3 of ASW search line. 1156 Fletcher took station at point of submergence of submarine, USS Pickerel SS 524, believed to be in distress. 1256 Sighted submarine on surface. 1517 Carpenter gained sonar contact and Fletcher assisted in coordinated attack. 1710 Attack completed and submarine surfaced. Fletcher then joined screening line with Carpenter, Commenced ASW exercises. 2203 Completed exercises, lighted ship, and formed astern of Carpenter.
Thursday, 11 Steaming in column double distance, astern of Carpenter, with USS Renshaw DDE 498 and USS Radford DDE 446. OTC is ComCortDesRon One in Carpenter. Operating in accordance with Commander Hawaiian Sea Frontier Op Order 1-51 and CTF 97. Commenced ASW operations 1522 Submarine on surface. 1525 Submarine submerged. 1559 exercise completed and submarine surfaced. 1642 Proceeding independently into Pearl Harbor. 1728 Moored starboard side to Berth S10, U.S. Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1746 Radford moored to port.
Friday, 12 January, Moored as before. 0900 Received fresh and dry stores for general mess. Commanding Officer conducted inspection of lower decks.
Saturday, 13 January, Moored as before.
Sunday 14 January, Moored as before.
Monday, 15 January, Moored as before. 0811 K.A. Ballew GMC, and E.A. Coleman FCSN departed for Fleet Training Unit Pearl Harbor. 0834 LTJG T.J. Burgoyne reported aboard from leave. LT Donald R Smith reported aboard for duty. 1140 R. Moroney BMC reported aboard from leave. 1415 The following returned from leave: P. Muckelrath RM2, D.E. Scott SN, C.G. Wells IC2. 1420 H.E. Mann EM2, was transferred to the Naval Receiving Station, Pearl Harbor. 1450 Received stores for general mess. 1616 Radford moored to port.
16 Feb 1951 to 27 July 1953 U.S. Navy blockaded Wonson harbor.
Tuesday, 16 January, Moored as before. 1045 Received milk and ice cream for general mess.
Wednesday, 17 January, Moored as before. 0720 Got underway with assistance of YTB 412 and pilot J.W. McKee. 0743 Moored starboard side to berth H-2 Naval Supply Center Pearl Harbor T.H. Broke the command pennant of ComCortDesRon One. 0752 Commenced transferring fuel oil to the dock. 1429 Fletcher got underway with assistance of YTB 290 and YTL 166, and pilot McKee. 1452 Bow crossed the sill of dry dock 1 and docking officer assumed responsibility for the ship. 1457 Moored in dry dock 1 with USS Renshaw DDE 499. 1630 Ship resting on keel blocks.
Thursday, 18 January, Drydocked as before. 0915 LTJG R.R. Cherryman departed on 7 days leave. 1451 D.D. Carter SA, reported aboard for duty.
Friday, 19 January, Drydocked as before. 1030 Received fresh stores for general mess. 1225 Commenced undocking the ship. 1231 Stern passed over sill of dry dock. 1236 YTB 253 and pilot J.W. McKee assisted undocking. 1241 Bow passed over sill. 1247 YTL 68 came alongside to port. 1310 Moored starboard side to USS Radford DDE 446 in berth Sail 10 at Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor T.H. 1951 N.H. McMillian SN was transferred to ComSubRon One for a course of instruction for radioman strikers. 1345 YO 176 came alongside to port to fuel the ship.
Saturday, 20 January, Moored as before. 1310 T.H. Huot, FN, was transferred with bags and records. 1605 H.T. Lane RD3, received severely sprained right ankle while on organized athletic party. He received salt bath to reduce swelling and bandaging. He was assigned light duty.
Sunday, 21 January, Moored as before. 10254 USS Joseph D Kennedy DD 850 stood into harbor. 1032 USS William P. RUSH DD 714 stood into harbor.
Monday, 22 January, Moored as before. 0731 Fletcher got underway from alongside Radford, and proceeded to submarine operating area. 0907 USS Tiru SS 416, surfaced. Fletcher and USS Renshaw DDE 449 conducted exercises with Tiru as target. Expended two 7.2" plaster loads. Completed exercise and fell in astern of Renshaw. 1218 Commenced target services for Tiru. 1312 Commenced ASW exercises with Renshaw and Tiru. Expended four 7.2" plaster loads. 1527 Entered channel. 1558 Moored starboard side to berth S10 at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1615 R.K. Burkhart BT2 was transferred.
Tuesday, 23 January, Moored as before. 0720 E. Davis SN, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment. 0734 Fletcher got underway for submarine operating area. 0855 Commenced ASW exercises with Renshaw and USS Cabezon SS 334. 1229 Commenced zig zag exercises and took station on submarine’s port quarter then commenced ASW exercises. Conducted emergency drills. 1541 Entered channel. 1614 Moored in berth Sail 10 at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1758 J.W. Worrel, SN, left on 30 days emergency leave. 2025 Completed refueling from YO 87.
Wednesday 24 January, Moored as before. 0710 Observation party from USS Carpenter DDE 825 came aboard. 0730 USS Radford DDE 446 got underway from alongside. 0733 Fletcher got underway for the operating area. 0816 At Point Xray Fletcher joined in with Renshaw and Radford to operating area. 1020 Commenced exercise with Renshaw as scouring ship, and Fletcher and Radford as targets. 1102 Fletcher designate scouring ship and Renshaw and Radford as targets. 1233 Completed this exercise. 1255 Commenced third exercise with Radford as scouring ship. 1340 Completed exercise and proceeded independently, conducting speed runs. 1455 Passed Radford at 3000 yards. 1502 Conducted emergency drills. 1607 Entered channel. 1637 Moored starboard side to Berth S10 and S11, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1647 L.D. Eastham SN, reported aboard for duty from Tripler Army Hospital. 1715 Radford moored alongside to port. 1910 Refueled from YO87.
Thursday, 25 January, Moored as before. 0730 Fletcher got underway for operating area. 0939 Conducted anti-aircraft exercises. Conducted steering casualty drill. 1119 Secured from exercises. 1120 H. Troglin, SN, was reported to have wound to left hand when caught between gun and mount requiring two stitches. X-ray to be taken upon arrival in port. 1233 Conducted steering by course clock. 1324 Commenced approach on USS Tiru SS 416 steering by course clock. 1405 commenced ASW exercise with Tiru, expending six 7.2" plaster loads. 1522 Submarine surfaced. 1620 Entered channel. 1644 Moored starboard side to pier Berth S10 Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Friday, 26 January, Moored as before. 0743 Radford moored alongside to port. 1545 LT C.S. Paine was detached from duty on this vessel.
Saturday, 27 January, Moored as before with U.S. Pacific Fleet vessels and HMCS Sioux present. 0845 Conducted Captain’s personnel inspection.
Sunday, 28 January, Moored as before.
Monday, 29 January, Moored as before. 0730 Radford breasted out by yard tugs. 0731 Fletcher underway and proceeded to submarine operating area with USS Philip DDE 498 and USS Caiman SS 323. 0905 Commenced SubPac zig zag plan. Caiman practice approach. 0955 ceased zig zag and commenced exercises. 1129 Completed exercises and cleared the area. 1206 Commenced tactical approach exercise in company with Philip. 1210 Commenced zig zag in accordance with SubPac plan. 1220 Gained sonar contact at 3400 yards, classified as submarine. 1225 Lost contact due to extreme range. 1240 Completed approach exercise and submarine surfaced. 1300 Submarine submerged 1455 Completed exercises, proceeding independently into port. 1633 Moored starboard side to Radford in berth S10, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1844 Conducted fire drill.
Tuesday, 30 January, Moored as before. 0714 P.R. Doyle, GM3, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment. 0756 Fletcher got underway. 0811 USS Fiske DD 842 stood into the channel abeam to port at 200 yards. 0832 Cleared the channel and proceeded to operating area. 0845 Commenced division tactics maneuvers. 1037 Proceeded with Renshaw to submarine operating area 9 and 11. 1119 Gained sonar contact. 1212 Submarine surfaced and broke off contact. Submarine identified as USS Cabezon. 1226 Commenced torpedo firing run. 1300 Conducted fire drill. Conducted three torpedo runs. 1623 Commenced ASW exercise. 1827 Darkened ship. 1850 Turned on navigation lights. 1930 Gained sonar contact, classified as submarine. 1951 Fired one hedgehog (plaster load). 2000 Secured from exercise. 2305 Completed ASW exercise, firing 3 hedgehogs.
Wednesday, 31 January, Steaming in company with USS Renshaw DDE 499 in submarine operating area. 0830 Rendezvoused with USS Philip DDE 498. Formed a line of bearing with Renshaw and Philip. Commenced zig zag course. 0906 USS Queenfish SS 398 commenced submerged torpedo firing approach. 0915 Practice run completed and commenced exercise. 1130 Exercise completed. 1145 Submarine surfaced. 1220 Commenced submarine torpedo firing exercise, and surface ships commenced zig zag course. Fletcher screening ship, Philip target ship. 1235 Sonar contact classified as submarine. 1245 Submarine fired one torpedo. 1253 Commenced ASW exercise with submarine on starboard side. 1450 Completed exercise and proceeded into port. 1613 Moored starboard side to USS Radford DDE 446 at berth S10 Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1645 H.Moore SN, reported aboard from Tripler Army Hospital. W.J.T. Emberton Machinist, was detached to report to 14th Naval District for transportation to USS Diphda AKA 59. 1715 W.J. Albert QM2, departed on 15 days leave. 1845 Commenced refueling from YO 76. 2020 Completed refueling.
February, 1951
Thursday 1 February, Moored starboard side to USS Radford DDE 446 in berth S-10, U.S. Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 0643 Shore fire control party consisting of three officers and 4 enlisted marines came aboard from Headquarters Fleet Marine Force Pacific. 0647 LT Pasanen, CortDesRon One Engineering Officer came aboard. 0655 R.M. Meek BM1, returned from continental leave. 0703 Underway from alongside Radford and proceeded to the operating area. 0939 Commenced making smoke with smoke generator. 0950 Ceased making smoke. 1100 Passed Cape Kaea light to port. 1221 Shore fire control party left the ship, proceeding to station on Kahoolawe Island. 1355 Commenced shore bombardment exercises. 1455 Casualty reported in reduction gear in starboard engine, and starboard shaft was locked. 1557 Casualty in starboard engine inspected and temporarily remedied, shaft unlocked and starboard engine put back on line. 1701 Secured shore bombardment exercises. 1916 Commenced night firing exercises. 2010 Completed exercises. 2040 Put whaleboat in water. 2126 Whaleboat was aboard with shore fire control party. 2300 Commenced 6 hour 25 knot economy run.
On 1 February, the Battle of the Twin Tunnels. The 23rd Infantry Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Division, the French Battalion and 347th Field Artillery Battalion confronted several CCF regiments, killing at least 1.300 Chinese in Korea.
Friday, 2 February, Steaming independently from Kahoolawe Island to Pearl Harbor T.H. 0703 Entered inland waters and Pearl Harbor channel. 0735 Moored starboard side to USS Radford DDE 446 in berth Sail 10, U.S. Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1025 LTJG H.N. Burns reported aboard from Fleet All Weather Air Control School, Barbers Point, T.H.
Saturday, 3 February, Moored as before. 1215 C.L. Piggott, SN, was transferred to Fleet Sonar School, San Diego, CA. 1330 Received 7 rounds 7.2 plaster loads from Radford.
Sunday, 4 February, Moored as before. 1300 K.K. Stratton, FN, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment.
Monday, 5 February, Moored as before. 0200 K.P. Barshaw SN, from USS Radford DDE 446, was treated on board for dislocated shoulder, and sent to the Naval Dispensary at the Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, T.H. for treatment. 0740 Fletcher got underway for operating area. 0845 Commenced torpedo firing exercise. Exercised crew at collision drill. 1130 Completed torpedo firing exercises. 1154 Commenced ASW exercises with submarine. 1520 Completed ASW exercises. 1525 Conducted man overboard drill. 1554 Commenced entry into Pearl Harbor channel. 1628 Fletcher moored starboard side to Radford at berth S10 andS11, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1635 D.E. Guthrie, SA, reported aboard for duty. 1820 J.N. Bender, IC3, was transferred to U.S. Naval Receiving Station, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1828 Refueled from YO 78. 2155 C.T. Peat, FN, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment.
Tuesday, 6 February, Moored as before. 0730 Fletcher got underway for operating area. 0941 Joined column formation consisting of USS Carpenter DDE 825, USS Fletcher DDE 445, USS Radford DDE 446, USS Renshaw DDE 499, and USS Philip DDE 498.1000 Formed ASW scouting line, and commenced steering by sinuous course clock. 1103 Gained sonar contact at 240T 1900 yards. Commenced coordinated ASW attack exercise. 1119 Completed attack, and took station in circular formation. 1233 Completed exercise and submarine surfaced. Formed in column astern of Carpenter. 1301 Commenced squadron tactical maneuvers.1428 Ceased tactical maneuvers, and started ASW exercises. 1443 Fire drill, fire in the spud locker. 1453 Secured from fire drill. 1455 Commenced steering by sinuous clock. 1516 Carpenter gained sonar contact. 1520 Carpenter and Renshaw conducted coordinated attack, Philip, Fletcher and Radford formed circular screen. 1546 Fletcher relieved Carpenter. 1600 StationedASW teams and commenced coordinated attack on submarine with Renshaw. 1725 Completed exercise and took station astern Carpenter. 1734 USS Greenfish SS 351 surfaced. 1900 Commenced night ASW operations. 2153 Completed exercise and Carpenter surfaced the submarine. Fletcher took station astern of Carpenter.
Wednesday, 7 February, Underway with CortDesRon One in the Pearl Harbor operating area. 0801 Formed scouting line and began steering by sinuous course clock. 1000 Exercised crew 2nd section fire and rescue drill. 1351 Ceased ASW exercises. Fletcher formed astern of Carpenter. 1508 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1605 Moored starboard side to Radford at berth S-10, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1635 J.C. Quitorio, IC3, reported aboard from Tripler Army Hospital. 1950 D.D. Carter SN, was taken to Tripler Army Hospital for x-ray.
Thursday, 8 February, Moored as before. 0630 D.B. Gatliff, RM2, departed on 4 days leave. 0739 Fletcher got underway for operating area. 1915 Fletcher and Carpenter commenced torpedo firing exercise with USS Pickerel SS 524. 0929 Commenced search for torpedo fired by Pickerel. 0947 Pickerel surfaced. 0947 Secured from torpedo practice exercise. 1024 Commenced ASW exercises with USS Greenfish SS 351. 1157 Greenfish surfaced, completed exercise. 1249 Commenced competitive ASW exercise. 1432 Completed exercise and proceeded to Pearl Harbor channel. 1625 Moored starboard side to Radford in berth S-10, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor T.H.
Friday, 9 February, Moored as before. 1310 Took on 100 rounds of 3"/50 ammunition, 7 rounds of 7.2" projector charges, 50 hand grenades MK 3A1 unfused and 50 fuses. 1635 The following men were transferred for further assignment: S.J. Toth, MMC, E.M. Barnes MMC, and F.S. Dufva MMC. 1640 T.J. Nutlewy FN was transferred per ComAirPac orders.
Saturday, 10 February, Moored as before. 0915 Conducted Captain’s material inspection. 1210 C.G. Wells IC2, was transferred to Pearl Harbor Receiving Station for further transfer to Pacific Reserve Fleet, San Diego, for further assignment.
Sunday, 11 February, Moored as before.
Monday, 12 February, Moored as before. 0732 Fletcher got underway and proceeded to operating area. 0946 Conducted exercises. 1300 Rendezvoused with Radford and aircraft. 1304 Commenced air defense exercises. 1637 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1707 Moored in berth S-19, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1715 R.L. Mell SN, reported aboard for duty.
Tuesday, 13 February, Moored as before with Radford moored to port. 0727 Radford underway. 0739 Underway and proceeded to operating area. 0814 Commenced ASW exercises, submarine submerged. 1147 Completed exercise and submarine surfaced. 1300 Commenced barrier patrol exercise. 1416 Completed exercise. 1519 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1547 Moored starboard side to berth S-10, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor T.H.1558 Radford moored to port. 1601 P.R. Doyle GM3, reported aboard for duty from Tripler Army Hospital. 1629 Ensign G.Sumner reported aboard from TAD at CIC Team Training Center San Diego, California.
Wednesday, 14 February, Moored as before. 0740 Radford got underway. 0750 Fletcher got underway for operating area. 0948 Commenced exercise. 1225 Completed exercise. 1633 Fletcher entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1703 Moored starboard side to berth S-10, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1715 C.T. Peat FN, returned from Tripler Army Hospital. K.K. Stratton, FN, returned for duty from Tripler Army Hospital. 1830 D.B. Gatliff RM2, left the ship for TAD at the Armed Forces Information School, Carlisle Barracks, Carlisle PA. 1840 A.B. O’Shields SA, was transferred to U.S. Naval Medical Unit, Tripler Army Hospital.
Thursday, 15 February, Moored as before. 0742 Fletcher got underway for operating area. 0835 Conducted fire drill. 0918 Commenced ASW exercises with USS Caiman SS 323. 1408 Completed ASW exercises. 1451 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1522 Moored starboard side to berth S-10, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Friday, 16 February, Moored as before.
Saturday, 17 February, Moored as before. 0835 A,H, Kryworcoenko, RD2, and S.A. Merriwether RD3 were transferred to Naval Air Station Olathe, Kansas Ground Approach Class C school. 0906 Conducted Captain’s inspection of the crew. 1145 W.J.E. Bjorklund SA, reported aboard from 30 days leave. 1155 D.E. Scott, SN, reported aboard from 3 days leave.
Sunday, 18 February, Moored as before.
Monday, 19 February, Moored as before. 1221 Underway dead ship from berth S-10 Naval Submarine Base Pearl Harbor, T.H. to berth S13 starboard side to USS Philip DDE 498. 1246 Pilot left the ship. 1356 YW 104 alongside to port to supply water to Philip. 1440 YW 104 got underway.
Tuesday, 20 February, Moored as before.
Wednesday, 21 February, Moored as before.
Thursday, 22 February, Moored as before. 0915 LTJG D.D.R. Duncan left the ship for TAD at CIC Team Training Center, San Diego, California.
Friday, 23 February, Moored as before. 1325 E. Davis, FCSN, and W/H. Goodnow ICFN reported aboard from Tripler Army Hospital. 1619 USS Renshaw DDE 499 observed bearing down upon Fletcher from astern. Sounded collision quarters. 1620 Renshaw struck Fletcher at frame 169 starboard side and came to rest at frame 159, resulting in the following damage. Mooring lines 2,4,5, and 6 parted, damaged beyond repair; 3 lifeline stanchions starboard side frame 102 to 111 damaged beyond repair, splinter shield stiffened and after cartridge case scuttle damaged beyond repair capacity of ship’s force. 1621 Renshaw backing clear. 1623 Yard tug YTL 235 alongside to port assisting in remooring. 1628 Moored starboard side to Philip. 1630 Secured from collision quarters, all soundings normal. 1910 Engineering casualty to emergency feed water pump number 1. Carried low water casualty procedure on boiler number 2. Lost electrical power. 1918 Receiving power from emergency diesel generator in all spaces forward of frame 72. 1930 Fire in switchboard in emergency diesel generator room. Fire extinguished immediately with minor damage to ship’s service contactor coil. 2006 Engineering casualty restored and ship began to receive power from ship’s service generator number one.
Saturday, 24 February, Moored as before. 1100 F. Gleason Jr. DC3, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment.
Sunday, 25 February, Moored as before.
Monday, 26 February, Moored as before. 1100 Received fresh and frozen stores for general mess. 1300 YW 104 came alongside to port. 1425 YW 104 got underway.
Tuesday, 27 February, Moored as before.
Wednesday, 28 February, Moored as before. HMCS Huron Destroyer 216 in port. 1358 Philip got underway and Fletcher moored to berth S-13. 1500 R.E. Schroeder BT1 reported aboard from Tripler Army Hospital for duty.
March, 1951
Thursday, 1 March, Moored as before. 1305 YOG 176 came alongside to refuel Fletcher. 1550 YOG 176 got underway.
Friday, 2 March, Moored as before. 1330 ComCordDesRon One commenced phase 1 administrative inspection. 1500 Completed inspection.
Saturday, 3 March, Moored as before. 0900 ComCortDesRon One conducted personnel inspection. 1145 L.Chum and H. Haina reported aboard for two weeks reserve training from 14th Naval District.
Sunday, 4 March, Moored as before. 0850 HMCS Ontario stood in and moored at berth Mike 1, Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.
Monday, 5 March, Moored as before. 0752 Fletcher got underway to operating area. 0937 Commenced ASW exercises. 1138 Completed exercises and USS Greenfish SS 351 surfaced. 1300 Commenced barrier patrol exercise with USS Cabezon, SS 334. 1413 Gained sonar contact and commenced ASW attacks. 1526 Ceased exercise and Cabezon surfaced. 1600 Conducted battle problem drill. 1640 Completed battle problem drill and proceeded to Pearl Harbor channel. 1741 Moored starboard side to berth S-13 Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Tuesday, 6 March, Moored as before. 0647 A.A. Missine BTC, was transferred to Pearl Harbor Receiving Station for further transfer to USS Tingey DD 539. 0733 Fletcher got underway for operating area. 0845 Conducted ship’s drills and exercises. 0929 Secured from exercises. 1203 Conducted man overboard drill, general quarters, steering casualty drill, locked port shaft drill, and setting condition Able. 1558 Secured from general quarters. 1610 Held man overboard drill. 1651 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1729 Moored starboard side to berth S-13, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1745 J.E. Joyce BM3 reported aboard for duty. 1740 W.T. Campbell SOG2, reported aboard from TAD aboard USS Greenfish SS 351. F.J. Gleason, DC3, reported aboard from Tripler Army Hospital.
Wednesday, 7 March, Moored as before. 0310 C.E. Cranford BT2, J.J. Murphy FN, and P.A. Panzer BTG1, reported aboard for temporary duty. 0355 Fletcher got underway for rendezvous with USS Boxer CV 21. 0612 Established contact with Boxer. 0639 Fletcher formed on Boxer and took plane guard station. 0703 Boxer started flight operations. 0725 Boxer completed flight operations. 0822 Continued plane guard on Boxer. 2055 Boxer completed night flight operations and Fletcher assumed OTC.
Note: Due to short notice and early sailing, 18 men missed the ship. Personnel reporting aboard for temporary duty were on verbal orders from ComCortDesRon One.
Thursday, 8 March, Underway in company with USS Boxer CV21 southwest of Honolulu, T.H. 0621 Fletcher took plane guard station on Boxer. 0705 Boxer commenced flight operations. 1228 Boxer commenced flight operations. 1321 Completed flight operations. 1357 Boxer commenced flight operations. 1541 Boxer completed flight operations. 1815 Renshaw joined formation. 0905 Darkened ship and turned on aircraft warning lights. 1908 Boxer commenced flight operations. 2055 Boxer completed night flight operations. 2200 Fletcher designated OTC and guide.
Friday, 9 March, Underway in company with USS Boxer CV21 southwest of Honolulu, T.H. 0635 Boxer assumed guide and OTC. 0644 Fletcher took station astern of Boxer. 0720 Boxer commenced anti aircraft firing practice. 0905 Boxer secured from AA firing. 0910 Fletcher took plane guard station on Boxer. 0920 Boxer commenced flight operations. 1004 Completed flight operations. 1018 Engineering casualty to starboard reduction gear, starboard engine slowed to standard speed, making up turns on port engine. 1033 Engineering casualty restored and both shafts returned to turns for 25 knots. 1056 Boxer began flight operations. 1228 Boxer commenced flight operations. 1253 Boxer completed flight operations, and Fletcher detached to proceed into port. 1400 Fletcher commenced battle problem. 1455 Battle problem completed 1545 Man overboard drill. 1620 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1650 Moored starboard side to berth S-14, U.S. Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1700 J.J. Murphy FN, and C.E. Cranford left the ship having completed the temporary duty from 7 March 1951. R.D. Clemo, GM1, reported aboard from Tripler Army Hospital. 1705 The following men returned to the ship having missed ship when she sailed on short notice: R.M Meek BM1, R.E. Cable BM2, M.G. Chase SA, D.E. Collins SN, S.P.K. Lim FN, S.M. Chrestman BT2, A.R. Anderson MM1, J. Allumbaugh MM3, E.D. Williams FP2, G.W. Poutt SN, D. Mossey SN, C.L. Ellis SN, C. Sarmiento PN3, W.J. Logsdon SN, C.E. Williams QM3, S.B. Crothers SO3, J.W. Honz BMC, M. Southerland CSC, 1710 P.A. Panzer BTG1 left the ship having completed temporary duty from 7 March 1951.
Saturday, 10 March, Moored as before. 1158 R. Paez SOCA was transferred to receiving station. 1415 YL167 moored alongside to refuel Fletcher. 1455 Took on 100 rounds 3"/50 non frag ammunition. 1715 YL 167 got underway.
Sunday, 11 March, Moored as before.
Monday, 12 March, Moored as before. 0748 Fletcher got underway for operating area. 0921 Rendezvoused with USS Boxer CV 21. 1018 Fletcher took plane guard station. 1300 Boxer commenced flight operations. 1317 Completed flight operations. 1422 Commenced flight operations. 1453 Completed flight operations. 1600 Commenced flight operations. 1731 Commenced flight operations. 1738 Completed flight operations. 1755 Commenced flight operations. 1813 Completed flight operations.
Tuesday, 13 March, Underway in company with USS Boxer CV 21 southwest of Honolulu, T.H. 0712 Fletcher assumed plane guard station. 0726 Commenced flight operations. 0740 Completed flight operations. 0827 Commenced flight operations. 0910 Completed flight operations. 0950 Commenced flight operations. 1208 Completed flight operations. 1300 Boxer commenced flight operations. 1355 Completed flight operations. 1430 Commenced flight operations. 1503 Completed flight operations. 1519 Fletcher took screening station 2000 yards ahead of Boxer. 1750 USS Renshaw DDE 499 joined formation. Formed bent line screen. 2054 Changed to formation 4R. Boxer in station Able, Renshaw in station Baker, and Fletcher in station Charlie. 2131 Fletcher designated guide.
Wednesday, 14 March, Underway with Boxer and Renshaw southwest of Honolulu, T.H. 0200 Renshaw assumed guide. 0528 Boxer designated guide. 0542 Fletcher proceeded to plane guard station. 0546 Commenced night flight operations . 0600 Completed night flight operations. 0605 Formation 4, Boxer in station Able, Fletcher station Baker, and Renshaw station Charlie. 0640 Fletcher detached from formation. 0850 Rendezvoused with USS Caiman SS323 and proceeded to furnish services for Caiman torpedo firing. Caiman made 4 torpedo firing runs. 1336 Commenced ASW exercises with Caiman as target. 1350 Caiman surfaced due to faulty sonar transmitter. 1358 Caiman sonar transmitter repaired, and Caiman submerged. 1452 completed ASW exercises and Caiman surfaced. 1533 Fletcher entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1603 Moored starboard side to dock at berth S-10, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1700 E.J. Stoner RD2, departed for TAD at U.S. Naval Technical Training Unit, Naval Air Station, Olathe, Kansas. 1740 YO 78 came alongside to refuel Fletcher.
Thursday, 15 March, Moored as before. 0811 Fletcher got underway and proceeded to submarine operating area. 0944 Commenced acting as target for USS Pickerel SS 524 torpedo firing. 1302 Went to general quarters for anti-aircraft firing exercise. 1443 Completed exercise, having fired 88 rounds of 3"/50 ammunition. 1617 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1654 Moored starboard side to berth Sail 11 Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Friday, 16 March, Moored as before. 0850 Received fresh and dry stores for general mess. 1115 S.M. Chrestman BT2, was transferred to school at Naval Station, San Diego, California.
Saturday, 17 march, Moored as before. 1115 H.K Haina SR, and L.C.F. Chun SR, departed the ship after completing 14 days Reserve active duty.
Sunday, 18 March, Moored as before. 0900 Held protestant church services aboard.
Monday, 19 March, Moored as before. 0740 Fletcher got underway for operating area. 0936 General quarters, drills and exercises. 1051 Secured from general quarters. 1255 General quarters for AA firing. 1549 Recovered sleeve. 1658 Completed AA exercises. Expended 120 rounds of 5"/38 and 71 rounds of 3"/50 ammunition. 1705 Recovered sleeve. 1820 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1848 Moored starboard side to berth S-13 Naval Submarine Station, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Tuesday, 20 March, Moored as before. 0745 Underway for operating area. 0830 Conducted emergency drills. 1312 Began battle problem. 1409 Secured from battle problem, and began emergency drills. 1512 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1533 Moored starboard side to dock at berth S-13, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Wednesday, 21 March, Moored as before. 0720 ComCortDesRon One came aboard and shifted his flag to Fletcher. 0749 Fletcher got underway for operating area. 0839 Conducted general quarters drill. 0945 Commenced freight passing drill with USS Carpenter DDE 825. 1059 Transfer and receipt completed. 1125 Rendezvoused with USS Cabezon SS 334. Conducted ASW exercises. 1217 Exercise completed and Cabezon surfaced. 1253 Conducted AA firing exercise. 1350 Completed exercise, expended 62 rounds 5"/38 ammunition, and 35 rounds of 3"/50 ammunition. 1406 Recovered sleeve. 1453 Conducted anti-submarine exercise with simulated sonar alert. 1457 Completed anti-submarine exercise, expending 10 Mk6 depth charges, and 24 plaster loaded 7.2" projectiles. 1502 Commenced engineering casualty and damage control exercises. 1610 Completed engineering exercises. 1625 Conducted man overboard drills and completed phase Able of Operational Readiness Inspection. 1701 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1730 Moored starboard side to USS Radford DDE 446 in berth S-10 Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1744 ComCortDesRon One shifted his flag to USS Carpenter DDE 825.
Thursday 22 March, Moored as before. 0737 ComCortDesRon One shifted his flag to Fletcher. 0743 Fletcher got underway for operating area. 0945 Commenced battle problem 1040 Completed battle problem. 1103 Conducted man overboard drill. 1244 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1317 Moored starboard side to berth S-13. Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor T.H. 1425 ComCortDesRon One shifted his flag to USS Carpenter DDE 825.
Friday, 23 March, Moored as before. 1000 Transferred the following men to the Naval Receiving Station, Pearl Harbor T.H.: Eddie M Baker BT3, G. Boscarino HN, G. Brewer TESN, J.R. Childs BT3, T.E. Chrestensen SN, B.R. Downen SN, J.P. Gardner EM2, W.D. Gervin ET3, F.J. Gleason DC3, W.L. Henson FN, W.B.T. Johnson RDSN, A.B. Keeney SN, W.I. Kimmett RD3, W.F. Lang FN, J.E. Pollard SN, R.W. Schmallenbach TM3, W.F. Soutar RMSN, C.E. Stannard FN, R. Troglin SN, and T.W. Woods SA. 1015 Received fresh milk for general mess. 1220 Received crackers and snails aboard for general mess. 1300 Transferred 61 rounds 3"/50 and 36 rounds 20 mm ammunition to USS Carpenter DDE 825. 1410 Received frozen and fresh provisions from Naval Supply Center.
Saturday, 24 March, Moored as before with Carpenter moored outboard to port. 0942 R.L. Mell, III, SN, was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for work beyond the call of duty with U.S. Marines, Fourth Division for invasions of Saipan Island and Iwo Jima Island.
Sunday, 25 March, Moored as before.
Monday, 26 March, Moored as before. 0648 Radford got underway from Sail 10. 0730 R.E. Fickenworth QM1 received aboard, having missed ship, Radford. 0750 Carpenter got underway from alongside to port. 0930 G.W. Hall QM3, was received aboard having missed ship, Radford. Put out wire cable fore and aft and an additional breast line because of gale warnings.
Tuesday, 27 March, Moored as before. 1107 Underway, dead ship, with YTB 142 and YTB 263 alongside to port and pilot at conn. 1121 Moored starboard side to berth S-14 Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor T.H. 1135 K.A. Ballew GMC, was transferred to the Receiving Station for transportation to continental United States for 30 days emergency leave. 1540 The following men left the ship for transportation to the continental United States for 30 days leave.: L.S. Reed MM1, J.A. Tow FN, J.V. Hardin SN, D.D. Reynolds FN, A.L. Hurst FN, R.T. Johnson FN, W. McCarty FN, H.B. Campbell FN, L.D. Eastham SN, H.L. Crenshaw ETSN, L.J. Wenzel FN, T.M. Vaughn BT3, E.L. Young FN, W,C. Wilson BM3, C.D. Harmon SA, H. Pulido SN, D.V. Monroe SN, A. Ochelek SN, D.A. Ballard SN, G.L. Anderson TM1, B.P. Gardner ET2, H.T. Hawkins SN, K.M. Chambers SN (25 days), A.C. Juarez BT3 (20 days), R.W. Peerman, Jr. QM3 (25 Days), F.L. Wilkins YN3, R.P. Bolin SN, L.F. English RM3, V.G. Plowman SN, S.W. Hogg RDSN, J.D. Reamer, Jr. SOSN, R.D. Clemo GM1, D. Bland FN, J.W. Wardlow CS1(20 days), P. Santalucia DKSN, and W.T. Campbell SOG2 (20 days). 1545 G.V. Glaim SN, was transferred to the receiving station for transportation to USS Tacoma PF 3, for duty. 1635 A.L. Butterfield MMC returned to duty from Tripler Army Hospital.
Wednesday, 28 March, Moored as before. 1200 D.E. Collins SN left on 30 days island leave. 1300 R.C. Cogue TN left on 30 days island leave. 1640 B.F. Adams SN, A. Banas SN, D.A. Fogg BT3, and J.J. Randolph SN, returned aboard from leave in the continental United States. 1705 J. Worrell SA, S.L. McCabe SO2, L.G. Ford SA, J.H. Holman FC2, J.H. MorganBM2, and W.R. Rezac RDSN, returned from leave in the continental United States.
Thursday, 29 march, Moored as before. 0830 Transferred five MK 15 Mod 3 torpedoes to Torpedo Shop, U.S. Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1000 V.C. Rasmussen GMC, reported aboard for duty.
Friday, 30 March, Moored as before. 0700 Fletcher got underway for West Loch. 0750 Moored starboard side to berth W-4, Naval Ammunition Depot, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 0812 The following men were transferred to Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor T.H.: P.L. Gilbert SO3, M.W, St Clair FN. and D.E. Scott SN. 0830 Commenced offloading ammunition. 1100 Completed offloading all ammunition on board. 1236 Fletcher got underway and moored to berth H-2, Naval Supply Center, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1411 Commenced offloading fuel oil and diesel oil to dock . 2305 Completed offloading fuel oil.
Saturday, 31 March, Moored as before. 0545 Completed offloading diesel fuel. 0759 Fletcher got underway and proceeded to moor at berth B-151/2, Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
April 1951
Sunday, 1 April, Moored as before in berth B-16, U.S. Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, T.H. SOPA was CincPac and CincpacFlt.
Monday, 2 April, Moored as before. 0700 Commenced 90 day regular overhaul by U.S. Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Tuesday, 3 April, Moored as before. 0630 LTJG J.W. Osmer, Jr. reported aboard from Electronics School, Treasure Island, California, and resumed his duties.
Wednesday, 4 April, Moored as before.
Thursday, 5 April, Moored as before. 0703 USS Missouri BB 63, stood into harbor. 1350 Fletcher got underway, shifting from berth B-15 to B-13 with assistance of pilot, YTL 235, and YTB 143. 1357 Moored to Berth B-13. 1404 Pilot left the ship.
Friday, 6 April, Moored as before. 0930 USS Osbourne DD 846, USS Frank Knox DD 742, USS Hollister DD 788, and USS McKean DD 784 stood into harbor and moored at the Naval Supply Center. 1500 Osbourne and Frank Knox got underway and stood out of harbor. 1810 USS McKeen DD 784, aided by two tugs stood in and moored starboard side to berth B-14, U.S. Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Saturday, 7 April, Moored as before.
Sunday, 8 April, Moored as before.
Monday, 7 April, Moored as before. 0730 J.S. Riley, YNC, was transferred to U.S. Navy Medical Unit, Tripler Army Hospital
Tuesday, 8 April, Moored as before. 1245 F.J. Colbert, SO2, and G.W. Brinton, SOSN, were transferred to U.S. Fleet Sonar School, San Diego, California for TAD.
Wednesday, 11 April, Moored as before. 1120 D.T. Covington SA, and R.E. Green SA, were received on board for duty. 1212 C.T. Peat, FN, returned aboard for duty from Tripler Army Hospital. 1500 Received 2000 rounds of 45 cal. cartridges from Ammunition Depot, West Loch, T.H. 2200 H.R. Gercke, SA reported aboard for duty. 2335 R.H. Wilson SA, received injuries to his right hand, due to falling out of his bunk due to reaction to bad dream. He was returned to duty.
On this date, President Truman recalled General MacArthur, and replaced him with General Matthew B. Ridgeway.
Thursday, 12 April, Moored as before. 0825 J.N. Elridge SH3, left the ship on 30 days emergency leave in the continental United States. 1125 Mr Jacobson, postal inspector, made annual surprise inspection. No discrepancies noted. 1250 The following men left the ship for transfer to continental United States for annual leave: B.E. Beeler GM3, R.A. Brenner SN, C. Broxson FC3, H.T. Lane RD3, F.H. Lips RD1, T.R. Lowrie EM3, M.E. Monday GMM2, M.E. Powell ENFN, W.J. Thomas SN, H.R. Johnson GMMSN, 1310 Received dry and frozen stores for general mess. 1430 Received ship’s store stocks. 1500 Received fresh stores fro the supply center. 1610 M.G. Chase, SA, was transferred to the receiving station for transportation to ComNav Marianas for annual leave. 1900 Conducted fire drill.
Friday, 13 April, Moored as before.
Saturday, 14 April, Moored as before.
Sunday, 15 April, Moored as before.
Monday, 16 April, Moored as before. 1100 USS Philip DDE 498, moored alongside to port.
Tuesday, 17 April, Moored as before. 0745 ComCortDesRon One shifted his flag from Carpenter to Fletcher. 0830 Ensign R. Holman was transferred TAD to the Fleet Sonar School, San Diego, California. 1635 Carpenter stood in. ComCortDesRon One shifted his flag to Carpenter. 2346 J.R. Riley YNC returned aboard for duty from Tripler Army Hospital.
Wednesday, 18 April, Moored as before. 1545 The following men reported aboard for duty: T Dias SA, S.H.H. Ross SA, L.R. Tabor SA, J.W. Wheeler SA, L.D. Lomski SA, C.J. Truittt SA, W. McMullen SA, J.C. Crow SA, D.E. Short FA, J.E. Beaver SA, T.M. Chisholm SA.
Thursday, 19 April, Moored as before with Philip moored outboard to port. 0855 LTJG J.M. Baker left the ship on TAD to Damage Control School, Treasure Island, California. 1055 The following men reported aboard for duty: H.A. Borba SA, D.E. Atkinson SA. 1245 Received provisions for general mess.
Friday, 20 April, Moored as before. 1905 The following men reported aboard for duty: T.J. Patterson FA, R.W. Pearson SA, F.W. Thompson SA.
Saturday, 21 April, Moored as before. 0835 Transferred fuel to YO 160. 1120 J.H. Rust FA, reported aboard for duty. 1145 USS Granger AK 185 moored astern. 1600 R. Norman SD1, reported aboard for duty.
Sunday 22 April, Moored as before. 2040 C.W. Youngblood Sr. SA reported aboard for duty.
Monday, 23 April, Moored as before. 1215 L.E. Davis GM1, was transferred to USS Gurke DD 783 for duty. 1355 C.L. Ellis RDSN, was transferred Navy ET School, Treasure Island, California.
Tuesday, 24 April, Moored as before.
Wednesday, 25 April, Moored as before. The following men were transferred to the Naval Receiving Station Pearl Harbor for transportation to the continental United States for 30 days leave: A.A. Nathe MM3, J.E. Wilks BM3, E. Davis FC3, T.W. Dorenus RD3, J.D. Bench SN, E.L. Gentry SN, A.R. Murphy ET3,
Thursday, 25 April, Moored as before. 1650 E.E. Gudger TN, was transferred to USS Carpenter DDE 825 for duty.
Friday, 26 April, Moored as before. 1405 Commanding Officer conducted below decks inspection.
Saturday, 28 April, Moored as before. 0845 USS Philip DDE 498 got underway. 0950 USS Renshaw DDE 499, stood in and moored alongside to port.
Sunday, 29 April, Moored as before.
Monday, 30 April, Moored as before. 0850 LCDR N.L. Ellis left the ship on 7 days island leave. 0930 Received stores for general mess. 0940 USS New Jersey BB 62, stood in the harbor. 1635 R.P. Winnen SN was transferred TAD to Electronics Technician School, Treasure Island, California.
May, 1951
Tuesday, 1 May, Moored starboard side to berth B-13, U.S. Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, T.H. USS Renshaw DDE 499 moored alongside to port.
Wednesday, 2 May, Moored as before. 1630 R. Burkhart BT2, returned aboard for duty. J.W. Wardlow, CS1, returned aboard from leave. 1920 The following men reported aboard for duty: B.G. Billingsley EMFA, and W.T. Kay EMFA.
Thursday, 3 May, Moored as before. 0721 USS New Jersey BB62, got underway and stood out of the harbor.
Friday, 4 May, Moored as before. 0800 USS Renshaw DDE 499, got underway from alongside. 0820 Pilot, Mr. MacNulty, came aboard and YTB 262 and YTL 166 came alongside to port. 0832 Fletcher got underway with pilot and tugs for Drydock 4. 0913 Bow passed over sill. 0914 Pilot and tugs left the ship. 0915 Moored in position 4 in dry dock 4. 1420 Resting on keel blocks. 1435 Reflooded drydock. 1500 Fletcher clear of keel blocks to reset ship properly on blocks. 1515 Ship resting on keel blocks with 1 3/4 inch list. 1615 The engineering officer inspected propeller, shafting, couplings, bearings, and outboard portions of shaft tubes, and conditions found as follows: starboard propeller had minor nick on one blade tip, outboard shaft not rubberized, bearings satisfactory, zinc deteriorated to more than 50%, couplings and shafting satisfactory.
Saturday, 5 may, Drydocked as before. 1315 C. Maldanado, MM3, and F.H. Heelson MM3, were transferred to USS McNair DD 679, for duty. 1320 F.E. Wilson SK3, was transferred TAD to U.S. Naval School, Storekeeper, Class A, San Diego, California.
Sunday, 6 may, Drydocked as before.
Monday, 7 May, Drydocked as before. 0700 J.P. Avery QMC , was transferred to USS McNair DD 679 in San Diego California for duty. 0745 O. Lewis Jr. BTC, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment. 1440 J.H. Shults, SOSN was transferred TAD to Fleet Sonar School, San Diego, California.
Tuesday, 8 May, Drydocked as before. 1000 LTJG D.R. Duncan returned aboard from TAD at Fleet Training Center San Diego California, and resumed his duties.
Wednesday, 9 May, Drydocked as before. The following men were transferred to Naval Receiving Station Pearl Harbor, T.H. for transportation to and leave in continental United States:: E.A. Coleman FCSN, N.G. Blackos SN, F.H. Jones SN, R.F. Hall FCSN, H.K. Hackey SA, W.A. Prosser MM3, W.W. Shottenkirk FN, W.M. Newell FN, D.G. Bywater ET3, F.H. Atencio ME3, R.E. Sanchez QMS2, L.H. Martin SN, J.B. Granger Jr. SN, R.R. Wilson SN, R.D. Holm SN, G.J. Gilligan SN, T.G. O’Brien FA, J.R. Burts SD3, W.P. Hardy SOSN. E,H, Wheeler SN, K.F. Lehnhoff QMS1, C.M. Ewald SH2, C.H. Lewis SA, R.J. Pardo MM3, A.B. Cunningham FN, G.B. Rice SN, F.E. Ross FA.
Thursday, 10 May, Drydocked as before. 0846 K.A. Ballen GMC was transferred for duty on USS Dixie AD 14 in San Diego California.
Friday, 11 May, Drydocked as before.
Saturday, 12 May, Drydocked as before. 0730 Commenced flooding drydock. 0917 Ship waterborne. 1320 Caison in place, commenced pumping drydock. 1528 Ship resting on keel blocks.
Sunday, !3 May, Drydocked as before. 1125 The following men reported aboard from leave in the continental United States. E.M. Baker BT3, C. Boscarino HN, G. Brewer TESN, W. Campbell SOG2, H. Crenshaw ETSN, B.R. Downen SN, L.F. English RM3, J.P. Gardner EM2, W.D. Garvin ET3, F.J. Gleason DC3, J.V. Hardin SN, R. Hawkins SN, W.L. Henson FN, S.W. Hogg RDSN, W.B. Johnson RDSN, R.T. Johnson FN, A.C. Juarez BT3, W. Kimmett RD3, W.F. Lang FN, L.S. Reed MM1, R.W. Schmalenbach TM3, T. Vaughn BT3, and F.L. Wilkins YN3.
Monday, 14 May, Drydocked as before. 1330 The following men reported aboard from Naval Receiving Station, San Francisco, California: R.D. Clemo GM1, H. Pulido SA, J.D. Reamer Jr. SO3, D.D. Reynolds FN, W.F. Soutar RMSN, V.G. Plowman RMSN, G. Anderson TM1, R.P. Bolin QM3, J.E. Pollard BM3, T. Christensen SN, C. Stannard FN, J.A. Tow FN, L.J. Wenzel FN, E.L. Young FN, D.V. Monroe SN, and A. Ochalek SN.
Tuesday, 15 May, Drydocked as before. 0940 W.B.T. Johnson RDSN was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital, T.H. for treatment. 1310 N.H. McMillian SN, reported aboard for duty from 16 week course at SubRon One radio operators school.
Wednesday, 16 May, Drydocked as before. 1045 J.W. Hinz BMC, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment. 1445 O. Lewis BTC returned on board for duty from Tripler Army Hospital.
Thursday, 17 May, Drydocked as before. 1025 Q.M. Grindeland SOG1, was transferred to the nearest receiving station in the United States for 18 days emergency leave.
Friday, 18 May, Drydocked as before. 1330 The following men were transferred to the receiving station for transportation to the continental United States for 20 days leave. H.T. Tyner SN, J.M. Lanier SO3, L.A. Martin SN, N.N. Mascitti SN, J.I. King FCSN, H.L. Hammons FA, R.L. McCall III, SN, C.R. Ginn BM2, H.R. Jenkins SA, A.A. Boger FA, R.S. Wireman SA, J.E. Wooden SA, M.A. Cole SHSN, E.T. Guaraglia RD3, C.S. Kroponicki SK3.
Saturday, 19 May, Drydocked as before. 0900 Captain’s personnel inspection.
Sunday 20 May, Drydocked as before. 1530 The following men reported aboard for duty form leave in continental United States: A.L. Hurst FN, W. McCarty FN, H.C. Johnson GMSN, P Santaucia DKSN, and M.E. Monday GMM2.
Monday, 21 may, Drydocked as before.
Tuesday, 22 May, Drydocked as before. 1005 D.B. Gatliff BM2, reported aboard for duty. 1350 J.D. Vestal FC3, was transferred to the Naval receiving station Washington, DC for MK 56 fire control school.
Wednesday, 23 May, Drydocked as before.
Thursday, 24 May, Drydocked as before.
Friday, 25 May, Drydocked as before. 1620 R.Norman SD1, was transferred to Receiving Station Pearl Harbor, T.H. for transportation to continental United States. 1705 D. Mossey SN, was transferred to Receiving Station Pearl Harbor, T.H. for transportation to continental United States.
Saturday, 26 May, Drydocked as before. 1210 D.E. Scott SN, and M.W. St Clair FN, reported aboard for duty from U.S. Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Sunday, 27 May, Drydocked as before.
Monday, 28 May, Drydocked as before. 0729 Commenced flooding drydock. 0802 C. Sarmiento PN2(T) was transferred to Naval Training Center San Diego California for a course of instruction . 0910 Ship afloat. 1035 Drydock flooding completed. 1232 Caisson in place, commenced pumping drydock. 1435 Ship resting on keel blocks. 1540 W.T.B. Johnson, RDSN, returned to duty from Tripler Army Hospital.
Tuesday, 29 May, Drydocked as before. 0805 LTJG T.J. Burgoyne returned aboard after TAD at Fleet Gunnery and Torpedo School, San Diego, California. 0910 F.E. Chandler FN, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment.
Wednesday, 30 May, Drydocked as before.
Thursday, 31 May, Drydocked as before.
June, 1951
Friday, 1 June, Resting on keel blocks in Drydock 4, Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, T.H.
Saturday, 2 June, Drydocked as before.
Sunday, 3 June, Drydocked as before.
Monday, 4 June, Drydocked as before.
Tuesday, 5 June, Drydocked as before. 1007 Ensign John E. Hasen reported aboard for duty. 1640 The following men reported aboard from the Naval Receiving Station Pearl Harbor T.H. for duty: W.J. Albert QM2, L.D. Eastman SN, F.H. Lips RD1, A. Nagy EM1, B.P. Gardner ET2, D. Ballard SN, R. Brenner SN, G. Bronson FC3, H. Lane RD3, T. Lowrie EM3, M. Powell EM3, W.J. Thomas SN, H. Troglin SN, W. Wilson BM3, T. Woods SA.
Wednesday, 6 June, Drydocked as before. 0800 Ensign T.M. Nilon was transferred TAD to Fleet Sonar School, San Diego, California.
Thursday, 7 June, Drydocked as before. 1100 Commenced flooding drydock. 1159 Ship water borne. 1410 Commenced walking ship out of drydock. 1427 Crossed sill of drydock, tugs alongside, pilot aboard. 1515 Moored port side to pier in berth GD2, Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Friday, 8 June, Moored as before. 1540 L.E. Brown MM3, transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment.
Saturday, 9 June, Moored as before.
Sunday, 10 June, Moored as before.
Monday, 11 June, Moored as before. 0910 YW 104 moored alongside to starboard. 1035 YW 104 underway. 1430e following men reported aboard from Naval Receiving Station Pearl Harbor T.H.: J.E. Wilks BM3, J.D. Bench SN, E.Davis FC3, T.W. Doremus RD3, A.R. Allen ET3, A.A. Nathe MM3, J. Eldridge SH3.
Tuesday 12 June, Moored as before. 1705 G.H. Teclaw MMFN, reported aboard for duty from Tripler Army Hospital.
Wednesday, 13 June, Moored as before. 1215 W. McCarty MM3, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment. 1945 R.E. Sanchez QMS2 reported on board from Receiving Station Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Thursday, 14 June, Moored as before. 1030 YO 176 alongside to starboard to refuel Fletcher.
Friday, 15 June, Moored as before.
Saturday, 16 June, Moored as before. 1040 The Commanding Officer, USS Carpenter DDE 825, called officially on the Commanding Officer USS Fletcher DDE 445.
Sunday, 17 June, Moored as before.
Monday, 18 June, Moored as before. 1215 The following men returned from leave in the continental United States: G. Gilligan SN, J. Granger SN, L.H. Martin SN, T.J. O’Brien FN and R.H. Wilson SN. 1655 J.W. Hinz BMC, returned to duty from Tripler Army Hospital.
Tuesday, 19 June, Moored as before. 1309 LTJG J.M. Baker returned aboard from TAD at Damage Control Training Center, Treasure Island, California. 1324 Ensign R. Holman returned aboard from TAD at Naval Sonar School, San Diego, California. 1750 LTJG L.T. Anderson reported aboard for duty.
Wednesday, 20 June, Moored as before. 1010 The following men were transferred to U.S. Naval Submarine Base, New London, CT: R.H. Hawkins SN, W.J. Kaibas SA. 1035 M. McDaniel HMC, reported aboard for duty. 1150 The following men reported aboard for resumption of duties from leave in continental United States.: C.M. Ewald SH2, C.H. Lewis SA, R.J. Pardo MM3, F.E. Ross FA. 1240 P.R. Doyle GM3, and H.C. Pepper SN, were transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment. 1522 R.C. Angele RDSN, returned for duty from Tripler Army Hospital.
Thursday, 21 June, Moored as before. 1105 Lost shore power, let fires die under boilers 1 and 2. 1125 Power restored and boiler fires relighted. 1250 Commenced dock trials. 1450 Completed dock trials, and let fires die under boilers. 2005 W.J. Bjorkland was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment.
Friday, 22 June, Moored as before. 0846 YW104 came alongside to starboard to replenish boiler feed water.
Saturday, 23 June, Moored as before.
Sunday, 24 June, Moored as before.
Monday, 25 June, Moored as before. 1115 YW 104 came alongside to starboard to replenish fresh water. 1645 YO 78 came alongside to refuel the ship. 1915 YO 78 completed refueling NSFO and diesel oil. 2018 YO 78 came alongside and commenced fueling the ship. 2300 YO 78 got underway.
Tuesday, 26 June, Moored as before. 0015 YO 78 came alongside to refuel the ship. 0356 YO 78 got underway 1017 W.T. Campbell SOG2, was transferred to USS Cushing DD 797 for duty. 1030 A.M. Dunning SO3, was transferred to USS Owen DD 536 for duty. 1805 YW 104 transferred fresh water to the ship.
Wednesday, 27 June, Moored as before. 0541 Fletcher got underway and proceeded to operating area. 0910 Commenced full power run at 34 knots. 1115 Completed full power run. 1306 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1316 Passed USNS Denise abeam to port at 25 yards. 1332 Moored starboard side to berth GD2, Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Thursday, 28 June, Moored as before.
Friday, 29 June, Moored as before.
Saturday, 30 June, Moored as before.
July, 1951
In July 1951, additional Naval Forces allowed General Ridgeway to mount an offensive to push the Chinese north of the 38th parallel, and Truce Talks began.
Sunday, 1 July, Moored in berth GD2, U.S. Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Monday, 2 July, Moored as before. 1010 Casualty to voltage regulator on ship’s service generator number 1, shifted to shore power.
Tuesday, 3 July, Moored as before. 0723 Fletcher got underway and proceeded to operating area. 0845 Rendezvoused with USS Sea Fox SS 402, and commenced sonar check. 1015 Completed sonar check and released Sea Fox. 1016 Commenced steaming various courses and speeds to compensate magnetic compasses. 1255 Completed compensating magnetic compasses, and proceeded to area #7 for radar calibration with USS Carpenter DDE 825. 1314 Rendezvoused with Carpenter and began radar calibration. 1430 Detached Carpenter. 1630 Completed radar calibration and swung ship for magnetic compass check. 1755 Completed compass check. 1835 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1911 Moored port side to pier in berth GD-2, Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Wednesday, 4 July, Moored as before.
Thursday, 5 July, Moored as before. 0613 USS Essex CV 9, got underway and stood out of the harbor. 0730 Fletcher got underway for NAD, West Loch, T.H. with assistance of pilot. 0808 Moored starboard side to berth W-4, West Loch Naval Ammunition Depot. 0820 Pilot left the ship. 0830 Commenced loading ammunition. 1415 Completed loading ammunition, having taken on board 670 %"/38 projectiles of various types, 700 5"/38 powder cases, four 5"/38 short round powder cases, 5020 3"/50 rounds of ammunition of various types, 6 short 3"/50 rounds, 55 fused MK 29-3, 696 primers, 216 fuses, 50 hand grenades, and 50 M6A3 fuses. Also 25 MK 11A1 grenades, 4200 45 cal MK 1911 cartridges, 21560 cal.30 ball ammunition, 4800 cal 30 M1 carbine ammunition, 300 45/70 blank cartridges, 100 12 ga shotgun buckshot. 216 7.2" projectiles TNT loaded. 120 7.2 plaster loaded projectiles, 156 distress signals, 6 lights Navy red, 12 lights Navy blue, 10 markers depth charge day, and 10 markers depth charge night, 11 Depth charges MK14, 51 depth charges MK 9, 38 each #1, #2, #3, SDCP, 6 depth charge arbors. 1427 Fletcher got underway. 1459 Moored starboard side to USS Radford DDE 446 at berth Baker 17, Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor T.H. 1726 W.McCarty MM# reported aboard from Tripler Army Hospital. 1730 The following men returned from leave in the continental United States: C.R. Ginn, F. Atencio FP3, J. Burts SD3, Ar.R. Boger FA, D.B. By-Water ET3, Coleman, A.B. Cunningham FN, R.F. Hall FCSN, H.L. Hammons FA, C.D. Harmon SA, E.T. Guaraglia RD3, W.P. Hardy SOSN, JJ.E. Hackey SA, R.D. Holm SN, B. Jenkins SA, F.H. Jones FN, A.H. Kenney SN, F.L. Keller RD3, J.I. King SN, C.S.Kropinicki SK3, J.H. Lanier SO3, W.J. Logsdon PNSN, N.N. Mascitti SN, V.H. McCall SN, W.M. Newell FN, W. Prosser MM3, G.B. Rice SN, H.T. Schottenkirk FN, D.R. Tucker SA, R.T. Tyner SN, K.S. Wireman SA, and J.E. Wooden SA.
Friday, 6 July, Moored as before. 1000 D.S. Taylor MM1, was transferred Navy Operating Base, Guam.
Saturday, 7 July, Moored as before. 0955 P.R. Coffelt CS1, was transferred to Naval Training Center, San Diego California for further transfer. 1030 YO176 came alongside to port to refuel the ship. 1155 LTJG T.J. Burgoyne detached to report to USS Mississippi EAG 128, for duty. 1225 Completed refueling. 1352 The following men returned aboard from leave: C.W. Britton SOSN, L. A. Martin SN, R.L. Wells SN, and Q.M. Grindeland SOG1.
Sunday, 8 July, Moored as before. 0830 During inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples, a abnormal condition noted due to temperature of 115F is starboard K-gun impulse charge locker.
Monday, 9 July, Moored as before. 0815 Observers from Underway Training Element, Pearl Harbor, arrived on board. 0830 Commenced Training Readiness Inspection. 0910 Abnormal condition in starboard k gun impulse locker at 104F. 1130 Training readiness Inspection completed, and observers departed. 1635 I.H. Martin SN, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for observation.
Tuesday, 10 July, Moored as before. 0728 Fletcher got underway for operating area. 0834 Commenced exercises with USS Sea Fox. 1242 Commenced making simulated attacks on submarine. 1437 Completed all submarine exercises. 1512 Conducted man overboard drill. 1542 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1613 Moored starboard side to berth Sail 10, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1630 Received the following men from Tripler Army Hospital: A.L. Butterfield MMC, E.M. Baker Jr. BT3, and W.J.E. Bjorkland SA.
Wednesday, 11 July, Moored as before. 0700 The following men reported aboard for training duty: LT Hinnon, C.I. Smith QMCA, B.F. Fisher NRNC, J.D. Wagner FPGC, A.S. Boylesser FC1, J.J. Heath SO1, D.G. Biggerstaff ET1, L.S. Hutchin RD2. 0716 Fletcher got underway for the operating area. 0815 Commenced exercises with USS Sea Devil SS 402. 0955 Ceased exercise having expended 7 rounds of 7.2" plaster loaded projectiles. 1145 Submarine surfaced. 1248 Submarine submerged. 1251 Commenced exercises with submarine. 1508 Sea Devil surfaced, and was detached. 1602 Conducted fire drill. 1622 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1652 Moored starboard side to pier at Berth S-10, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor T.H.
Thursday, 12 July, Moored as before. 0708 Fletcher got underway for operating area. 0831 General quarters drill. 0835 Commenced ASW exercises with USS Carpenter DDE 825 and USS Tilefish SS 307.1136 Completed exercise. 1300 Commenced ASW exercises with Carpenter and Tilefish. 1539 Completed ASW exercises, and proceeded to Pearl Harbor channel. 1548 Held abandon ship drill. 1609 Received pilot boat alongside to disembark observers. 1617 Proceeded to operating area, and conducted engineering drills. 1933 Went to general quarters and darkened ship. 1925 USS Walker DDE 517 took station 1000 yards ahead of Fletcher. 1934 Went to general quarters and commenced zig zag course. 2020 Secured from general quarters and continued ASW exercise. 2216 Secured ASW exercise and detached Tilefish. 2330 commenced zig zag and held steering casualty drill.
Friday, 13 July, Steaming in company with USS Walker DDE 517 in night steaming exercise. 0704 Walker detached, 0810 Pilot boat alongside, embarked Underway Training Element observers. 0855 Commenced ASW exercises with USS Sea Devil SS 402. 1304 Commenced ASW exercises with Sea Devil. 1404 Completed exercise, surfaced and detached submarine. 1553 Exercised man overboard drill. 1613 Pilot boat alongside, disembarked observers. 1737 Completed running measured mile. 1926 Held fire drill. 1945 Commenced night ASW exercises with USS Sproston DDE 557, and Devil Fish at darkened ship. 2158 Completed exercises and cleared area for surfacing submarine. 2214 Sighted yellow flare at 3500 yards. 2219 Sea Devil surfaced at 3600 yards, and was detached. Sproston formed 1000 yards astern of Fletcher.
Saturday, 14 July, Underway with USS Sproston DDE 417 in operating area off Honolulu, T.H. 0605 Detached Sproston. 0742 Pilot boat alongside, embarked observers. 0851 Commenced approach on USS Chuming AO 30. 0910 Commenced taking on fuel. 0947 Completed receiving fuel. 0956 Cleared lines and made approach on port side of Chuming. 1052 Alongside and commenced taking fuel. 1126 All lines clear, and fueling exercise completed. 1150 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1225 Moored starboard side to USS Walker DDE 517 at berth S-12, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor T.H. 1428 P. Hogan RM2, was transferred to USS Hazelwood DD 531.1435 J.E. Hackey SA, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment.
Sunday 15 July, Moored as before in Pearl Harbor, T.H. SOPA is CincPac and CincPacFlt. Various units of the Pacific Fleet and French Navy were present. 1745 D.A. Ballard SN, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment.
Monday, 16 July, Moored as before. 0656 R.J. Hinman and J.J. Heath SO1, reported aboard for duty in connection with Hunter Killer exercise. 0721 Fletcher got underway from alongside USS Walker DDE 517 at berth Sail 12, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 0809 Left Pearl Harbor channel and proceeded to operating area. 0843 Formed on USS Carpenter DDE 825, in column astern USS Sproston DDE 577.0845 Commenced division exercises. 0919 Sustained casualty in engine room, slowed to 5 knots. Casualty was reported as leak in main reduction valve. 0944 Casualty corrected and Fletcher returned to station in column. 1139 Formed bent line screen on USS Rendova CVE 114. 1208 Commenced ASW exercise. 1223 Fletcher and O’Bannon investigated sonar contact. 1300 Commenced attacking sonar contact. 1329 Completed submarine attack and submarine surfaced. 1439 Fletcher and O’Bannon proceeded to area 12 miles. 1800 Completed search plan and proceeded to Point Iowa for night exercise with O’Bannon. 2200 Gained sonar contact, and noted green flare. Fletcher and O’Bannon conducted alternate attacks. 2237 Submarine surfaced. 2341 Joined bent line screen.
Tuesday, 17 July, Steaming in company with USS Rendova CVE 114 and Escort Destroyer Division 11. 0001 Sighted yellow flare off port bow. Course was changed to avoid surfacing submarine. 0018 USS Sea Devil SS 400 surfaced. 0705 Fletcher took plane guard on Rendova. 0801 Rendova began flight operations. 0826 Air operations interrupted by crash landing on Rendova. 1006 Rendova resumed flight operations. 1025 SAU1 less Fletcher proceeded to investigate sonar contact. 1500 Formed column on Rendova for anti aircraft firing practice. 1550 Rendova began air operations. 2355 Rendova continued air operations with Fletcher as plane guard.
Wednesday, 18 July, Underway with USS Rendova CVE 114, and CortDesRon One in the operating area off Honolulu, T.H. Fletcher and Walker were in pouncer stations. 0001 Fletcher took plane guard for recovery of aircraft. 0016 Formed bent line screen, O’Bannon and Walker detached to conduct ASW exercise. 0318 USS McGinty DE 365, USS Edmonds DE 406, and USS Monroe DE 422 joined the bent line screen formation. 2101 Commenced ASW search pattern. 2220 Made simulated attacks on the submarine. 2250 Submarine surfaced.
Thursday, 19 July, Underway with USS Rendova CVE 114, CortDesRon One, CortDesDiv 11 less Radford and Walker. O’Bannon and Sproston were in night plane guard stations. 0018 Rendova commenced air operations. 0046 O’Bannon and Sproston rejoined the screen. 0639 Walker took plane guard station. 0805 Rendova conducted air operations. 0830 USS Greenlet ASR 10 joined the formation. 0957 Fletcher detached to investigate noise source. 1019 Completed investigation with negative results. 1246 Fletcher and Sproston were detached to investigate sonar contact. Commenced search patterns. 1431 Made sonar contact. Fletcher and Sproston commenced coordinated attacks. 1502 McGinty joined in the attacks. 1513 secured from ASW exercises. 1631 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1734 Moored starboard side to USS Sproston DDE 577 in berth S-10, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Friday, 20 July, Moored as before. 0826 YO 176 came alongside to refuel the ship. 1345 T.L. Watson SN, returned aboard for duty from Tripler Army Hospital.
Saturday, 21 July, Moored as before. 0826 The following men were transferred for other duty: S.W. Hogg RDSN, W.B.T. Johnson RDSN, EMC Jones MMFN, J.M. Lanier SO3, J.D. Reamer SO3, W.M. Newell MMFN, J.C. Quitorio IC3.
Sunday, 22 July, Moored as before. 1215 Colors were half masted in observance of death of the Chief of Naval Operations.
Monday, 23 July, Moored as before. 0700 Underway training element personnel came aboard. 0730 Fletcher got underway for operating area. 0812 Commenced zig zag at random request of USS Pickerel SS 524. 1018 Took station on port beam of target. 1055 Exercise halted by casualties to fire control equipment. 1244 Commenced calibration firing. 1457 Completed calibration, having expended 21 rounds of 5"/38 and 14 rounds of 3"/50 ammunition, and detached UDD Grunlet ASR 10. Conducted man overboard and engineering maneuvering drills. 1643 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1720 Moored starboard side to O’Bannon at berth B-17, Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor T.H.
Tuesday 24 July, Moored as before. 1200 D. Mossey, SN, returned aboard from 30 days emergency leave. R.W. North SOSN, D.R. Powell SOSN, H.O. Kuntz BTC, V.J. Treacy BTG3, were received aboard for duty. 1240 R.C. Angele RDSN, was transferred to nearest receiving station for discharge. 1500 R.B. Canfield BT1 returned aboard from Tripler Army Hospital. 1750 A. Nagy EM1, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment.
Wednesday, 25 July, Moored as before. 0830 Exercised crew at general quarters. 1005 Received 10 rounds of 5"/38 projectiles from USS O’Bannon DDE 450. 1505 H,C. Pepper SN, and D.A. Wallard SN, reported aboard for duty from Tripler Army Hospital. 1815 J.E. Beaver SA, left the ship on 15 days leave in the continental United States.
Thursday, 26 July, Moored as before. 1038 J.L. Campbell CS3, was transferred to the Pearl Harbor receiving station for further transfer to Bremerton Group Pacific for duty. 1336 W.E. Goodnow ICFN, was transferred to USS Gallup PF47 for duty. 1710 LCDR E.T. Ladenheim and LT R.J. Himman were received aboard as passengers. 1723 Fletcher got underway and cleared the harbor entrance. 1905 Exercised the crew at general quarters. 2030 Secured from general quarters and set regular steaming watch.
Friday, 27 July, Underway enroute Pearl Harbor T.H. to Hilo T.H. 0030 Sighted Molokini Light at 14 ½ miles and Hanamanio Light at 15 miles. 0137 Sighted Upolu Light at 19 miles. 0302 Upolu point area light sighted at 6.2 miles. 0310 Sighted Kukuihaele Light at 17 miles. 0410 Kukuihaele Landing light abeam to starboard at 7 miles. 0642 Entered Hilo harbor. 0655 Moored port side to pier 2, Hilo Hawaii, T.H.
Saturday, 28 July, Moored as before.
Sunday, 29 July, Moored as before. 1606 Fletcher got underway for Pearl Harbor. 2034 Passed Upolu light abeam to port at 11,000 yards. 2234 Passes Kakanumana point light to starboard at 11 1/4 miles. 2304 Passes Malakini light abeam to starboard at 15 miles.
Monday, 30 July, Moored as before. 0126 Received report that two men had released a life raft and left the ship on the raft. 0223 Recovered life raft and the two men, who were placed under guard. 0445 Sighted Makapu point light at 28 miles. 0530 Sighted Diamond Head light at 18 miles. 0543 Sighted Aloha Tower at 20 miles. 0700 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 0721 Moored starboard side to berth A-12, Pearl Harbor T.H. 0915 Transferred the two men to the Marine Brig for safekeeping. 1018 Underway and proceeded to the operating area. 1050 Proceeded to take station on USCGS Buttonwood WAGL 306. 1505 Commenced firing exercise. 1511 Completed firing exercise expending 5"/38 projectiles and detached Coast Guard Cutter with target. Fletcher then proceeded to rrendezvousendovou with pilot boat at point x-ray. 1601 Pilot boat was alongside to transfer UTE observers. 1635 Transfer complete. 1900 Exercised crew at general quarters for night gunnery firing exercise. 2150 Completed night firing exercises expending 28 rounds of 5"/38 ammunition.
Tuesday, 31 July, Underway as before. 0722 Received pilot boat alongside with UTE observers. 0730 Observers aboard. 0810 Commenced firing exercises. 1004 Completed firing exercises. 1020 Conducted steering and engineering casualty drills. 1246 Conducted general quarters drills. 1558 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1630 Moored starboard side to berth S-12, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1830 Held inport fire drill.
August, 1951
Wednesday 1 August, Moored to berth S-12, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor T.H. 0700 UTE observer party came aboard. 0705 W.E. Powell EN3, was transferred to Naval Training Center, San Diego California for TAD under instruction. 0739 Fletcher got underway and proceeded to operating area C-3. 1111 completed firing exercises expending 71 rounds 3"/50 and 17 rounds 5"/38 ammunition. 1134 Target sleeve recovered. 1247 Conducted AA gunnery firing exercises. 1623 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1713 Moored starboard side to berth S-14, Naval Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1755 LTJG G.W. Summer was transferred for duty on USS Hazelwood DD 531. 1915 M.G. Chase SA, was transferred to the receiving station for discharge.
Thursday, 2 August, Moored as before. 0140 W.E. Knowles QM3, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment. 0703 J.E. Hackey SA, was received from Tripler Army Hospital for duty. 0715 The UTE observation party came aboard. 0733 Fletcher got underway for the operating area. 0920 Exercised crew at general quarters for AA gunnery exercises. Expended 22 rounds of 5"/38 and 27 rounds of 3"/50 ammunition. 1245 Commenced firing exercise. 1300 Launched first drone. 1349 Drone crashed demolishing drone. 1439 Launched second drone. 1535 Drone was recovered by ship’s boat. 60 rounds of 3"/50 ammunition was expended. 1725 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1756 Moored starboard side to berth S-13, Naval Base, Pearl Harbor T.H. 1810 G.R. Ehret SA, left the ship after completing TAD. 1825 Target drone operating crew and equipment was offloaded.
Friday, 3 August, Moored as before. 0716 UTE Observers came aboard. 0734 Fletcher got underway for the operating area. 0819 Commenced exercises with USS Sproston DDE 577. 1004 Completed exercises and detached Sproston. 1031 Exercised crew at shore bombardment rehearsal. 1035 Conducted engineering casualty drills. 1457 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1530 Moored starboard side to Sproston in berth S-12, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor T.H. 1551 YO 78 came alongside and refueled the ship.
Saturday, 4 August, Moored as before. 0728 Fletcher got underway and proceeded to West Loch. 0815 Moored in berth W-4 U.S. Naval Ammunition Depot, Pearl harbor T.H. 0825 Commenced taking on ammunition. 0945 Completed taking on ammunition, receiving 416 rounds of 5"/38 ammunition, 14 Depth charges, 57 7.2" projectiles plaster loaded. 48 Distress signals MK 13, and 150 rounds of 3"/50 ammunition. 1000 Fletcher got underway and returned to starboard side of Sproston in berth S-13 naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor T.H. 1110 D.F. Enslow QM3, was transferred to USS Bremerton CA 130. 1120 J.S. Riley YNC, was transferred to receiving station for further transfer to CONLUS. 1225 J.E. Joyce BM3, reported aboard for duty.
Sunday, 5 August, Moored as before.
Monday, 6 August, Moored as before. 0555 The following reported aboard for fire control party: LCDR Quesenising, Capt. Porter USMC, 1st LT J.E. McAlester USMC, Lt Wandell USMC. 0600 The following men from qst ANGLICO FMF reported aboard: Sgt Slaughter USMC, Sgt. Jensen USMC, Cpl. Verk USMC, and Cpl. Lranent, USMC. 0629 Underway for Kahoolawe Island. 1235 Motor whaleboat with shore fire control party embarked. 1255 Fire control party ashore. 1308 Motor whaleboat recovered. 1359 Commenced shore bombardment exercises. 1723 Completed exercises expending 82 rounds. 2005 Commenced night shore bombardment exercises. 2130 Completed exercise and proceeded to recover shore fire control party. 2300 Fire control party aboard. 2319 Sighted Kaea light at 16 miles.
Tuesday 7 August, Underway enroute Kahoolawe Island to Pearl Harbor. 0650 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 0705 Moored starboard side to berth H-12 U.S. Naval Base Pearl Harbor, T.H. 0715 Disembarked UTE observers and shore fire control party. 0736 Fletcher got underway for the operating area. 0852 General quarters for aircraft tracking exercises. 1302 Exercised crew at general quarters. 1410 Conducted engineering drills. 1520 Conducted man overboard drill. 1535 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1619 Moored starboard side to berth S-13, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor T.H. 1640 Number 1 generator out of service for repairs. 1852 Generator back in service.
Wednesday, 8 August, Moored as before. 0730 Underway for operating area. 0730 Fletcher got underway for the operating area. 0912 Commenced exercises. 1041 Sonar alert sounded, general quarters. 1046 Fired depth charge pattern of 11 Mk 6 depth charges. 1055 Fired full pattern of 7.2" plaster loaded projectiles from starboard MK 11 projector. 1058 Secured from general quarters. 1300 Air tracking drill. 1613 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1700 Moored starboard side to S-14, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor T.H. 1925 J.E. Coombs YNSA, reported aboard for duty.
Thursday, 9 August, Moored as before. 1315 Set condition of readiness III and exercised crew at general quarters. 1500 R.C. Corona RMM2, J.R. Childs BT3, R.E. Miller GM1, and G.A. Tracey HM3, were received aboard for duty.
Friday, 10 August, Moored as before. 0725 Captain Mencure and UTE observers reported aboard. 0745 Underway for operating area. 0831 Commenced battle problem. 1012 Completed battle problem and secured general quarters. 1045 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1116 Moored starboard side to USS Sproston DDE 577 in berth S-12, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor T.H. 1127 UTE observing party departed. 1510 C.E. Stannard FN, was transferred to CONUS for honorable discharge.
Saturday, 11 August, Moored as before. 0815 W.D. Garvin ET2, was transferred to receiving station for emergency leave. 0927 R.K. Burkart BT2, was transferred to USS Ross DD 563 for duty. 0930 Conducted Captain’s inspection of 2nd section.
Sunday, 12 August, Moored as before.
Monday, 13 August, Moored as before. 0823 YTB 142 came alongside port quarter. 0835 YT 159 came alongside to port. Pilot B. MacMulkin came aboard. 0844 Underway dead ship with pilot at conn. 0908 Moored starboard side to berth B-17, Naval Ship Yard, Pearl Harbor T.H. 0945 Dent diver over the side to inspect sonar dome. 1045 Sonar dome found satisfactory. 1326 USS O’Bannon DDE 450 moored port side. 1543 J. Householder SN, reported aboard for duty from Tripler Army Hospital.
Tuesday, 14 August, Moored as before. 0741 YO 176 came alongside O’Bannon. 0757 Refueled from YO 176. 0955 J.M Barton ICFA, reported aboard for duty. 1023 LTJG A.J. Updike was detached for duty aboard USS Carpenter DDE 825.
Wednesday, 15 August, Moored as before. 1400 P.E. Thompson FN, departed on 15 days leave. 1522 LT D.R. Smith departed on 11 days leave.
Thursday, 16 August, Moored as before. 0915 J.H. Morgan BM1, was transferred to USS Albuquerque PF 7. R.W. Peerman was transferred to USS Whiting AV 14. A.R. Anderson MM1 was transferred to USS Glougester PF 22. J.E. Wilkes BM3, was transferred to COMNAVFE. B.R. Downen BM3, was transferred to USS Albuquerque PF 7. C. Rodriquez EM3 was transferred to USS Bisbee PF 46. 1703 A,A, Nathe MM3, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment.
Friday, 17 August, Moored as before. 0845 I.L. Edwards SKG1 reported aboard for duty. 0910 Ensign T. Nilon reported aboard for duty, having completed TAD at CIC Team Training Center San Diego, California.
Saturday, 18 August, Moored as before.
Sunday, 19 August, Moored as before.
Monday, 20 August, Moored as before. 0920 G.W. Furr TMC was transferred to the receiving station for further transfer to his ultimate destination. 1510 O.M. Grindeland SOG1, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment.
Tuesday, 21 August, Moored as before. 1005 H.B. Smith TA, was received aboard for duty.
Wednesday, 22 August, Moored as before.
Thursday, 23 August, Moored as before. 0830 S.L. McCabe SO2, was transferred to the Fleet Sonar School, San Diego, California. 1200 W.E. Knowles QM3, was received aboard for duty from Tripler Army Hospital.
Friday, 24 August, Moored as before. 1030 W.E. Knowles QM3, was transferred to Naval Submarine Base, New London CT. 1200 J.N. Holman FC2, was transferred to Fleet Training Center, Sab Diego, California. 1210 F.R. Childs BT3, and E.M. Baker Jr., BT3, were transferred to continental United States for discharge. 1636 L.H. Martin SN, reported aboard for duty from Tripler Army Hospital.
Saturday, 25 August, Moored as before. 1630 J.E. Beaver SA, reported aboard for duty from USS Dixie AD14.
Sunday, 26 August, Moored as before.
Monday, 27 August, Moored as before. 0915 J.H. O’Rourke EMC, was transferred for duty at the U.S. Naval Station, Kodiak, Alaska. 1150 USS Walker DDE 517 moored alongside to port. 1350 E.T. Guaraglia RD3, was transferred to USS Hunt DD 674. 1510 LTJG J.M. Baker was transferred to U.S. Naval Training Station, Newport, R.I. for duty at NAVSCOL Officer Candidate.
Tuesday, 28 August, Moored as before. 0820 USS Walker DDE 517 breasted out by tugs. 0830 Fletcher got underway for operating area and conducted exercises. 1232 conducted AA firing exercises with USS Sproston DDE 577. 1415 Completed firing exercise, expending 6 rounds 5"/38 and 40 rounds 3"/50 ammunition. 1615 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1659 Moored to berth S-10, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor T.H.
Wednesday, 29 August, Moored as before. 0824 R.C. Nearhoff MEW1, reported aboard for duty. 0831 Carpenter got underway from alongside to port. 0838 Fletcher got underway for operating area. 0920 Commenced cross over barrier patrol in station number 3 of sortie screen. 1106 Completed sortie and formed open circular screen, 11 stations, 9 and 10 unassigned. Fletcher in station 3. Formation guide was USS Greenlet ASR 10. 1315 Detached with Surface Attack Unit Two to investigate submarine contact. 1346 Sighted submarine and commenced ASW attacks. 1425 Surfaced submarine. 1426 Submerged submarine. 1507 Surfaced submarine. Formed bentline screen on Greenlet. 1625 SAU 1 detached to investigate contact. 1700 Detached to assist in attacking submarine. 1730 Exercise completed and submarine surfaced. 1852 Darkened ship. 1940 Took screening station 2 in bent line screen. 2120 Sproston and Walker detached to investigate sonar contact. 2142 Sproston and Walker returned to formation. 2217 Fletcher, O’Bannon, and USS Edmonds DE 406 detached to investigate sonar contact. Formed ASW scouting line. 2235 O’Bannon gained sonar contact. 2325 Exercise completed and Fletcher and Edmonds returned to formation and O’Bannon designated to surface submarine.
Thursday, 30 August, Underway as before with CTE 52.31 in USS Carpenter DDE 825, USS Greenlet ASR10, USS Walker DDE 517, USS Sproston DDE 577, USS O’Bannon DDE 450, USS Edmonds DE 406, USS McGinty DE 365, USS Silverstein DE 534, and USS Douglas A. Munro DE 422 formed in a circular screen, with Greenlet guide. Fletcher in station 3. 0813 SAU 1 detached to investigate sonar contact. 1043 changed to bentline screen. 1220 Formed circular 8 ship screen. 1447 Exercised crew at general quarters for air attack. Formed circular air defense screen. 1543 Secured from general quarters for air attack. 1605 Secured from general quarters. 1643 Completed aircraft exercises. 1930 Changed formation to 8 ship circular screen. 2110 Secured from aircraft tracking exercises. 2338 O’Bannon detached to search for ditched pilot.
Friday, 31 August, Underway as before. 0555 Cortron 11 detached. 0601 Formed CortDesRon One in column, Carpenter in lead, Fletcher in station 3.0647 Proceeding independently into port. 0745 Moored starboard side to berth S-10 Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 0955 V.H. Wright BM2, transferred to USS Salisalitor PF 4.1259 F.L. Keller RD3, R.P. Bolin QM3, were transferred to Fleet Training Center, San Diego California for further training. 1300 G. Bronson FC3, was transferred to Fleet Training Center San Diego for further training. 1325 D.A. Ballard SN, was transferred to receiving station CONLUS for discharge.
September, 1951
Saturday, 1 September, Moored as before at berth S-10, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor T.H. USS O’Bannon DDE 450 moored to port.
Sunday, 2 September, Moored as before. 1115 LTJG R.F. Keough reported aboard for duty.
Monday, 3 September, Moored as before.
Tuesday, 4 September, Moored as before. 0703 O’Bannon got underway. 0750 Fletcher got underway for the operating area. 0823 Cleared Pearl Harbor channel. 0846 Proceeded to investigate large object in water, believed to be a raft. 0900 Large merchant type life raft alongside to port, commenced using small arms to sink raft. 0910 Completed firing, left raft in a sinking condition. Fletcher then proceeded to exercise aircraft. 0945 Rendezvoused with USS Walker DDE 517 and aircraft. 1130 Completed exercise and Walker detached. 1213 Exercised crew at general quarters, and conducted various exercises with Walker. 1441 Exercises completed and Walker detached. 1450 Conducted steering casualty and collision drills. 1630 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1707 Moored starboard side to Walker in berth S-10, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor T.H.
Wednesday, 5 September, Moored as before. 0659 Underway for operating areas N-2 and C-17, for power run. 0735 Cleared Pearl Harbor channel. 1000 Commenced full power run. 1500 Completed power run. 1532 Conducted man overboard drill. 1615 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1710 Moored starboard side to Waller in Berth S-12 Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor T.H.
Thursday, 6 September, Moored as before. 0716 I.B. Crothers SO2, was transferred to Fleet Training Center San Diego. 0805 Underway for operating area. 0919 Conducted man overboard drill including lowering and recovering motor whaleboat. 0959 Exercised crew at fire quarters. 1004 Fire reported out. 1054 exercised crew at man overboard drill. 1120 Conducted engineering drills. 1246 USS O’Bannon DDE 450 fell in astern at 1000 yards. Conduced drill with O’Bannon. 1505 Detached O’Bannon. 1616 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1649 Moored starboard side to Walker in berth S-14, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor T.H.
Friday, 7 September, Moored as before. 0815 Commenced refueling ship. 1105 Refueling complete. 1345 J.D. Johnson SN, was transferred to the receiving station for transportation to continental United States for emergency leave.
Saturday, 8 September, Moored as before. 0900 Conducted Captain’s inspection.
Sunday, 9 September, Moored as before. Daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples, conditions abnormal because of temperature of 103F in D-0102M.
Monday, 10 September, Moored as before. 0745 Underway for operating area C-3. 0948 General quarters drill. 1034 Abandon ship drill. 1135 Stopped and locked port shaft. 1200 Unlocked port shaft. 1434 Diamond Head light abeam to starboard at 1900 yards. 1505 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1528 Moored starboard side to S-10 Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor T.H. 1930 J.M. Jones SA, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment.
Tuesday, 11 September, Moored as before. 0743 Underway for operating area. 0837 Locked starboard shaft due to casualty to number 4 spring bearing. 0930 Exercised crew at general quarters, conducting ASW exercises with Walker in sub area 9 and 11. 1107 Casualty restored, unlocked starboard shaft. 1247 Commenced ASW duet. 1456 Completed ASW duet, proceeded to Pearl Harbor while conducting fire and rescue drill. 1602 Entered channel. 1632 Moored starboard side to berth S-13, Naval Submarine Base Pearl Harbor T.H. 1639 Walker moored to port. 1950 Refueled from YO 78. 2000 C.J. Riel SN, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment.
Wednesday, 12 September, Moored as before. 0735 D.B. Gatliff RM2, was transferred to Naval Receiving Station, Washington D.C. 0742 Walker got underway. 0745 Fletcher got underway for operating area. 0842 Commenced ASW exercises with Walker and USS Cabezon SS 334. 1523 Completed exercises. 1528 Cabezon surfaced. 1542 Conducted man overboard drill including lowering and recovering whaleboat. 1919 Commenced submarine practice approach exercises with Fletcher as target and Walker as screen. 1953 Exercises completed. Commenced ASW exercises. 2218 Completed night exercises, Walker surfaced Cabezon which was detached to proceed independently. Proceeded to rendezvous with USS Antietum CV 36.
Thursday, 13 September, Underway enroute to rendezvous with Antietum. 0725 Sighted Antietum at 11 miles. 0744 Fletcher took plane guard station 1. 0754 Antietum commenced air operations. 1145 Completed air operations. 1352 Commenced air operations. 1553 Completed air operations. 1648 Commenced air operations. 1741 Completed air operations. 2030 Commenced exercises with Antietum. 2350 Completed exercises and took station 1000 yards astern of Antietum.
Friday, 14 September, Underway as before. 0540 Antietum commenced flight operations. 0607 Completed flight operations. 0642 AnteitumAntietum commenced launching F9F aircraft. 0652 One F9F crashed on port bow of Antietum, close aboard. Antietum maneuvered to avoid plane. Fletcher proceeded to scene of crash. 0653 on the scene. Small bits of wreckage predominately from tail and wing sections visible but sinking. No sign of pilot. 0654 Put whaleboat in water to make through search of area and recover all floating debris. 0733 Directed by Antietam to abandon search and rejoin. 0734 Recalled whaleboat. 0738 Boat recovered a helmet bearing name W.J. Calahan, a pair of gloves, a headrest pad, a one dollar bill and a piece of wreckage apparently from the tail section. Helmet had gash on top, rear portion, and chin strap was broken. 0820 Antietum began flight operations. 1050 Completed air operations, and Fletcher was detached. 1332 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1400 Moored starboard side to berth S-10, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor T.H. 1411 S.E. Chrestman ET2, P.J. Mockerlash RM2, and C.W. Piggott SOSN, were received on board for duty. 1620 YO 78 came alongside to refuel the ship. 1443 E.T.E. Lorenz MMC reported aboard for duty. 1740 Ensign W.A. Johnson III reported aboard for duty.
Saturday, 15 September, Moored as before. 0840 LCDR Ward Brown reported aboard for duty. 0945 H.E. Mann EM2, received 440 volt shock while testing switchboard in the machine shop, and was treated in sick bay. 0955 E.W. Oaks EM1, and R.S. Pardo MM3, were injured while removing a steam valve in the forward engine room. Oaks received minor burns and Pardo received first and second degree burns on both arms and legs and right hand was severely lacerated and fractured. First aid was administered in sick bay, and morphine injected in Pardo. Ensign R. Holman was ordered to make an investigation of the causes. 1015 Ambulance from Pearl Harbor Naval Base Dispensary transported Pardo to Tripler Army Hospital. 1100 H.B. Smith FA, was transferred to USS Fechteler DD 870.
Sunday, 16 September, Moored as before.
Monday, 17 September, Moored as before. 0630 C. Sarmiento PN2, was transferred to Sangley Point Naval Air Station, Philippines for duty. 0645 Underway for operating area. 0745 Took plane guard station on USS Antietam CV 36. 1127 Antietam reported a fire. 1142 Fire extinguished. 1146 Antietam began flight operations. 1805 Air operations completed. 2015 Commenced exercises. 2110 Fletcher took station astern of Antietam, with USS Frank Knox DDR 742 astern of Fletcher.
Tuesday, 18 September, Underway as before. 0405 Commenced flight operations. 0413 Completed flight operations. 0446 Frank Knox detached. 0505 Commenced flight operations. 1317 Antietam completed flight operations and Fletcher detached. 1844 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1914 Moored starboard side to USS Walker DDE 517 at berth S-10 Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor T.H.
Wednesday, 19 September, Moored as before. 1030 Put diver over the side to inspect leakage on port side. 1100 Brought diver aboard. The following was noted: "At 1000, 19 September 1951 an inspection of the underwater body of the ship was made between frames 200 and 208 on the port side by a diver. Results of the inspection are as follows: (a) Section of the hull plating 20 by 19 inches, is missing between frames 203 and 204, from turn of bilge to approximately 4 inches below the first platform deck. (b) There is a crack in the hull plating at the weld at the intersection of first platform deck and the shell of the ship. The crack is approximately 10 inches long 1/4 inches wide and centered about frame 207. This crack is now above the water line. There is a crack about 20 inches long and 1/4 inches wide in shell plating between frames 201 and 202 about 8 inches above the turn of the bilge. There is also 14 inch vertical crack at either end of this crack running up along frames 201 and 202. (D) There is a 6 inch horizontal crack at the weld of shell to bilge angle between frames 201 and 202. Damage noted (a) above allowed compartment C-312A to flood solid. Damage noted in (b) above caused flooding of compartment C-208AE. Damage noted in (c) and (d) above caused contamination of diesel oil in C-311F and further allowed diesel oil to escape from the ship and cause slight contamination of the harbor. The leak from tank C-311F has been temporarily patched so that oil is no longer leaking from the tank" 1105 With Pilot D. MacMullin, YT 235 and YTB 412, ship was moved dead plant to berth S-13 Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor T.H. 1534 C.J. Riel SN, returned aboard for duty from Tripler Army Hospital. 1620 A.R. Murphy ET3, was transferred TAD to Naval School, Electronics Tech, Treasure Island California. (The compartments with the leak were used to hold diesel oil used in the smoke fog machine in the stern )
Thursday, 20 September, Moored as before. USS Carpenter DDE 825 moored to port. 0751 Carpenter got underway. 1115 D.A. Fogg BT2, was transferred TAD to U.S. Naval Base, Philadelphia for instruction. 1450 E.D. Williams FP2 reported aboard for duty. 1610 LTJG B.W. Brown left on TAD to Fleet All Weather Unit Pacific, Naval Air Station, Barbers Point, T.H.
Friday, 21 September, Moored as before. 0725 Carpenter moored alongside to port. 1440 Pilot R.C. Ingraham, YTB 256, and YTB 220 moved ship to drydock 1. 1523 Fletcher crossed the sill of drydock. 1609 Caison in place. 1707 Fletcher resting on blocks in drydock 1.
Saturday, 22 September, Drydocked as before. 0930 Captain’s personnel inspection.
Sunday, 23 September, Drydocked as before. 0859 Yard workers straightened shoring block under stern on centerline of ship.
Monday, 24 September, Drydocked as before.
Tuesday, 25 September, Drydocked as before.
Wednesday, 26 September, Drydocked as before. 1300 LCDR N.L. Ellis was detached from Fletcher and ordered to duty at the Naval Bureau of Ordinance. LCDR W.W. Brown relieved LCDR Ellis as executive officer on this date. 2220 C.L. Ellis RDSN, reported aboard for duty.
Thursday, 27 September, Drydocked as before. 0955 H. Troglin SN, was transferred to nearest receiving station CONLUS for discharge. 1100 C.G. Torrence Jr. FTSN and R.L. Barr IC3, departed the ship on 26 days and 14 days emergency leave to CONLUS to report to CCDP FFA upon completion.1347 D.V. Monroe SN, was transferred to CONLUS for discharge. 1555 E.W. Oaks EM1, was transferred to Naval School Naval Training Center Great Lakes IL for a course of instruction and 30 days leave.
Friday, 28 September, Drydocked as before. 1435 LTJG H.R. Weston was transferred for duty at ComServPac.
Saturday, 29 September, Drydocked as before. 1030 Captain’s upper deck and living compartment inspection.
Sunday, 30 September, Drydocked as before. 1320 The following men reported aboard for duty from the San Francisco Naval Receiving Station: D.J. Lincoln SA, J.D. Lockwood SA, S. Logsdon SA, D.W. Marcus SA, J.D. May SA.
October, 1951
Monday, 1 October, Drydocked as before.
Tuesday, 2 October, Drydocked as before. 0950 Ensign J. L Oberholzer reported on board for duty. 1000 Ensign W.D. Dewey (SC) reported aboard from USSD Philippine Sea CV 47, for duty on board as disbursing, commissary, and stores officer. 1100 R.E. Cable BM2, was transferred to ComNavMarianas.
Wednesday, 3 October, Drydocked as before.
Thursday, 4 October, Drydocked as before. 0835 C. Wallace TN, was transferred to Naval Receiving Station, Pearl Harbor T.H. 1140 H. Pulido SN, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital. 1530 Engineering Officer and First Lieutenant inspected the bottom, shaft, propellers, stern, strut bearings, and rudder; conditions satisfactory.
Friday, 5 October, Drydocked as before. 0730 Commenced flooding the drydock. 0840 Ship water borne. 0945 Caisson removed. 1008 Pilot Maculkin, YTL 166 and YTB 412 moved the ship to berth B-2, Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1230 YO 114 came alongside to refuel the ship.
Saturday, 6 October, Moored as before. 0917 underway with pilot McMullen, YTB 412 and YTL 455 to move to starboard side of USS Radford DDE 446 at berth 10-10 Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, T.H.1020 Conducted Captain’s personnel inspection. 1400 F. Gleason Jr. DC2, departed on 15 days emergency leave to continental United States. 1515 D.T. Severson TM2 departed on 30 days reenlistment leave in the continental United States.
Sunday, 7 October, Moored as before. 0845 LTJG R.R. Cherryman SC, detached for duty with Staff, Naval Supply Corps School, Bugonne, N.J.
Monday, 8 October, Moored as before. Moored as before. 0914 Fletcher got underway for operating area. 0946 Commenced exercises. 1546 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1618 Moored starboard side to berth S-10, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1720 USS Sproston DDE 577 moored alongside to port. 1725 Transferred ten rounds of illuminating 5"/38 projectiles to USS O’Bannon DDE 450. 1800 USS Sproston DDE 577 cast off and returned to previous position after 4 minutes. 1830 YO 176 alongside to refuel ship.
Tuesday, 9 October, Moored as before. 0735 Sproston got underway. 0741 Fletcher got underway for submarine operating area. 0924 Commenced exercises in submarine operating area #7 and 8, operating with USS O’Bannon DDE 450 and USS Besugo SS 321. 1125 Completed exercise. 1139 Fell in astern of O’Bannon. 1342 Commenced unlimited attacks exercise with Besugo. 1531 Completed exercises and began conning procedure for operation Duet. 1640 Completed practice conning procedure for Operation Duet. 1917 Took station on O’Bannon. 1932 Commenced exercise. 2015 Commenced practice approach exercise. 2225 Completed ASW exercise and formed astern of O’Bannon.
Wednesday, 10 October, Underway as before. 0826 Took station 3000 yards from O’Bannon. 0830 Commenced ASW exercises with O’Bannon and Besugo. 1445 Completed ASW exercises and proceeded independently to Pearl Harbor channel. 1552 Moored starboard side to berth S-12, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1605 H.J. Pulido SN reported aboard from Tripler Army Hospital. 1620 Sproston moored alongside to port.
Thursday, 11 October, Moored as before. 0400 M.E. Romero YN3, USS O’Bannon DDE 450, reported aboard after missing ship. 0730 Observing party for further transfer to USS Rochester reported aboard. M.E. Romero YN3, was transferred to the receiving station. 0748 Fletcher got underway. 0819 Cleared the channel. 1000 Anchored on Penguin1008 Commenced DAU calibration. 1228 Fletcher got underway and picked up motor whaleboat. 1344 Passed Diamond Head buoy 500 yards. 1405 Anchored in Momola Bay. 1610 Completed DAU calibration. 1618 Underway. 1636 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1704 Moored starboard side to pier S-10, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Friday, 12 October, Moored as before. Security patrol reported 20 inches of water in A-4020E and 1 ½ inches in S-3-11. 0930 YO 176 came alongside and refueled the ship. 1400 Captain’s lower deck material inspection. 1626 E.D. Eldridge FP2, was transferred to Construction Battalion Detachment 1509 at Kwajalein.
Saturday, 13 October, Moored as before. 0904 Received 1000 gallons lube oil from truck on pier.
Sunday, 14 October, Moored as before. J.W,, Wade CSSN, reported aboard for duty.
Monday, 15 October, Moored as before. 0745 Fletcher got underway for the operating area. 0835 Sproston took station at 1000 yards ahead. 0945 Rendezvoused with aircraft and conducted exercises. 1240 Conducted docking exercises on simulated dock. Conducted sinuous clock steering drills. 1606 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1637 Moored starboard side to Sproston at berth S-12, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
Tuesday, 16 October, Moored as before. 0740 Fletcher got underway for operating area. 0930 Commenced exercises. 1308 Swung the ship to compensate compasses. 1503 Man Overboard drill. 1557 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1635 Moored starboard side to berth S-12, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. outboard of Radford. 1645 The following men reported aboard from leave in the continental United States: P.L. Gibert SO2, B.E. Beeler GM3, A. Bernhardt SN, J.A. Franklin SN, Y.C. Rasmussen GMC, H.C. Pepper SN, F.L. Wilkins YN2, D.E. Scott SN, J.H. Schultz SOSN, T.M.Vaughn BT3, O. Lewis Jr. BTC, G. Gilligan SN, A.L. Hurst FN.
Wednesday, 17 October, Moored as before. 0745 Underway for the operating area.0831 Formed ASW screening line with Sproston. 0909 Commenced Operation Duet. 1110 Completed exercise and detached Sproston. 1258 Exercised crew at general quarters for sonar alert. 1340Completed exercise and proceeded independently to Pearl Harbor. Sproston surfaced USS Sabalo SS 302. 1520 Held collision drill. 1553 Secured from drills. 1624 Moored starboard side to berth S-10 Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1640 Sproston moored to port.
Thursday, 18 October, Moored as before. 0743 Underway for the operating area. 0851 Commenced making practice approach on USS Greenfish SS 321 using zig zag plan. 0930 Commenced operation duet with USS Sproston DDE 577. 1507 Completed exercises and directed Greenfish to surface. 1520 Conducted abandon ship drill. 1550 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1624 Moored starboard side to Sproston at berth S-12, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor T.H. 1360 P.R. Hutton SA, J. Grisewich SA, J. Guthrie SA, reported aboard for duty.
Friday, 19 October, Moored as before. 0510 G.W. Brinton SO3, was transferred to the Naval Dispensary, Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard for observation and diagnosis of sharp pain in right side. 0702 The Naval Dispensary transferred Brinton to Tripler Army Hospital for further diagnosis and treatment of sharp pain in right side. 0710 YTB 373, and YTL 166 shifted ship dead plant to berth S-12, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor T.H.1600 YO 114 refueled the ship. 1710 L.E. Lecorno BM3, was transferred to Com 12 TemCom reactivation of USS Merreck AKA 97 for duty.
Saturday, 20 October, Moored as before. 1230 T.J. O’Brien FN, was transferred to Naval Submarine Base, New London CT.
Sunday, 21 October, Moored as before.
Monday, 22 October, Moored as before. USS Sproston DDE 577 alongside to port. 0700 Sproston cast off and stood out. 0720 J.W. Hackbarth BMC was transferred to USS Ozbourn DD 846. 0740 underway for operating area. 0945 Commenced exercises with aircraft. 1140 Completed exercises. 1301 General quarters for exercises. 1330 Completed exercises. 1550 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1625 Moored starboard side to berth S-12, Naval Submarine Base Pearl Harbor T.H. 1636 USS Walker DDE 517 moored to port.
Tuesday, 23 October, Moored as before. 0743 Walker got underway. 0745 Underway for operating area. 0846 Commenced exercises with Greenfish and Caiman. 1440 Exercises completed. Greenfish and Caiman proceeding independently. 1443 Exercised crew at general quarters for shore bombardment exercise. 1415 Completed exercise and proceeded to Pearl Harbor. 1600 Moored starboard side to S-12, Naval Submarine Base Pearl Harbor T.H.
Wednesday, 24 October, Moored as before. 0737 Underway for the operating area. 0848 Commenced operations with USS Radford DDE 446 and USS Sabalo SS 302. 11140 Completed ASW exercises. 1200 Commenced towing exercise with Radford. 1229 Completed towing exercise and commenced transfer of light freight and personnel. 1315 Commenced ASW exercises with Radford and Sabalo. 1427 Detached from exercise to rendezvous with USS Valley Forge CV 45. 1820 Rendezvoused with Valley Forge. 1936 Commenced flight operations. 2223 Flight operations completed. 2225 Detached, proceeded toward Kahoolawe Island, T.H. Steered zig zag course for tracking exercise for Valley Forge.
Thursday, 25 October, Underway as before. 0030 Locked port shaft to repair broken lubricating line. 0045 Casualty restored. 0645 Stopped main engines and disembarked shore fire control party. 0765 Motor whaleboat recovered. 0852 Commenced shore bombardment. 1113 Completed morning firing expending 61 rounds AA common and 1WP. 1121 Stopped engines, laying off Smugglers Cove,Kahoolawe Island. 1312 Commenced shore bombardment. 1559 Completed shore bombardment. 1605 Secured from general quarters. 1609 Commenced Circumnavigation of Kahoolawe Island enroute to firing area for next exercise. 1716 Molokini Island light to starboard at 6.2 miles. 1834 Commenced night firing exercises. 1945 Completed night firing, expended 21 rounds 5"/38 illuminating, 5 rounds 5"/38 flashless. 2220 Fire control party picked up and brought aboard.
Friday, 26 October, Underway from Kahoolawe Island to Pearl Harbor T.H. 0007Cape Kaiw light abeam to starboard, 4 miles. 0223 Makapuu light sighted. 0325 Diamond Head light sighted. 0502 Passed Diamond Head light to starboard, 3 miles. 0511 Sighted Barbers Point light, 12 miles. 0615 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 0630 Moored starboard side to berth Able-13, U.S. Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor T.H. Received pilot Mr. H.D. Herbie aboard. Disembarked shore fire control party: Captain C.F. Lennox USMC, in charge. 0652 Underway and proceeded to Naval Ammunition Depot, West Loch, Oahu T.H. 0718 Moored starboard side to berth W-4, Naval Ammunition Depot. 0905 Started taking on ammunition. 1010 Completed taking on ammunition, 72 7.2" projectiles, TNT loaded, 2 Depth charges, 580 rounds 5"/38, 253 rounds 3"/50 ammunition and 72 fuses MK 136 Mod 8. 1102 Underway. 1130 Moored starboard side to USS Radford DDE 446 at berth S-10, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor T.H. YOG 77 came alongside to refuel the ship. 1439 YTB 262 came alongside to breast ship out and allow Radford to proceed to docks GD2. 1501 Moored back to berth S-10.
Saturday, 27 October, Moored as before.
Sunday, 28 October, Moored as before.
Monday, 29 October, Moored as before. 0649 Underway for operating area. 0743 Took station astern of USS Valley Forge CV 45 for plane guard duty. 0930 Commenced flight operations. 1137 Completed flight operations. 1227 Commenced flight operations. 1436 Took station 2000 yards astern of Valley Forge. 1445 Valley Forge commenced AA firing exercises. 1625 Fletcher took plane guard station. 1700 F9F jet crashed approximately 1500 yards port beam. Proceeded to crash area. 1702 At the crash area, only debris visible. 1706 Motor whaleboat in water to recover wreckage. 1750 Recovered whaleboat and continued to search area. 1818 Completed search and took station on Valley Forge.
Tuesday, 30 October, Underway with Valley Forge. 0945 Formed in column with O’Bannon and Walker. 0952 General quarters for firing exercise. 1154 Formed bent line screen on USS Rochester CA 124. Formation conducted tactical exercises. 1715 Commenced barrier patrol, screening Rochester as the anchorage channel is reached. 1820 Anchored in berth C-35, Lahaina Roads, T.H.
Wednesday, 31 October, Anchored as before. 0804 Underway to conduct emergency sortie exercise. 0924 Conducted group air defense exercises. 1055 Formed astern of O’Bannon for tactical exercises. 1428 Completed exercises, Walker detached. 1612 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1644 Moored port side to pier berth B-16, Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor T.H. 2003 Jeep broke down by supply building 475, starter trouble. 2047 Repaired by supply mechanic.
November, 1951
Thursday, 1 November, Moored port side to berth Baker 16, Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1845 A.A. Boger FA, and D.E. Guthrie FA, left the ship on 10 days leave.
Friday, 2 November, Moored as before. 1105 G.J. Williams SN, returned from 30 days leave. 1110 O.J. Brown SD3, returned from 30 days leave. 1549 LTJG Duncan left the ship TAD to Fleet All Weather Training Unit, Pacific, Naval Air Station, Barbers Point T.H.
Saturday, 3 November, Moored as before. 0803 YO 176 came alongside to refuel the ship. 1100 R.D. Holm SN, was transferred to Naval Training Center San Diego California for duty under instruction. 1400 L.D. Lowski SA, reported aboard for duty.
Sunday, 4 November, Moored as before.
Monday, 5 November, Moored as before. 0729 Fletcher got underway for operating area. 0828 Formed column normal order, standard distance with USS O’Bannon DDE 450, and USS Walker DDE 577. 0836 USS Radford DDE 446, joined formation. 0920 Formed scouting line normal to course. 1020 Commenced retiring search plan, Fletcher designated to form counter clockwise circular sonar search at 3000 yards from O’Bannon and Radford. Commenced type I coordinated attacks. 1158 Completed attacks, Fletcher designated to surface submarine, USS Scabbardfish SS 397. 1212 Submarine on surface. 1216 Formed ASW scouting line . 1231 Formed column astern of O’Bannon. 1424 Formed ASW scouting line. 1440 Commenced zig zag. 1535 Ceased zig zag, commenced ASW attacks. 1644 Submarine surfaced. 1715 Formed ASW search line. 1745 Commenced steering by sinuous clock. 1757 Darkened ship. 1802 Completed exercises, formed column open order, standard distance. 1928 Formed ASW search line. 2114 Commenced retiring search plan. 2116 Made sonar contact, and made urgent attack, with Walker assisting ship. 2210 Relieved by Radford. 2254 Ceased exercise. 2300 Formed column astern of O’Bannon.
Tuesday, 6 November, Underway with O’Bannon and Walker. OTC was ComCortDesRon One in O’Bannon. 0821 Formed ASW scouting line, steering sinuous course. 0951 ceased sinuous course, 0954 Commenced retiring search plan. 1252 Steaming at 25 knots to give fishing craft gale warning. 1319 Returning to formation. 1415 Commenced ASW exercise. 1524 Formed ASW search line. 1552 Conducted ASW retiring search. 1636 Abandoned retiring search. 1917 Commenced ASW exercise and darkened ship. 2050 Made sonar contact and made coordinated attack. 2246 Surfaced submarine.
Wednesday, 7 November, Underway as before with USS Walker DDE 517. 0602 Walker detached. 0908 Conducted mine detection exercise off Lani Point, Molokai Island. 1107 Completed exercise. 1317 Conducted exercises. 1544 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1614 Moored starboard side to berth S-12, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor T.H.
Thursday, 8 November, Moored as before. 1238 YW 104 came alongside to provide boiler feed water. 1516 The following men reported aboard for duty. A.H. Harris TA, R. Robinson TA, W. Morgan SA, W.L. Day MMFA. 1600 Walker moored to port.
Friday, 9 November, Moored as before. 0740 T.W. Woods left ship for treatment at Tripler Army Hospital.
Saturday, 10 November, Moored as before. 1125 R.B. Canfield BT1, was transferred to Naval Training Center, San Diego, California for duty.
Sunday, 11 November, Moored as before.
Monday, 12 November, Moored as before. 0900 J.E. Sullivan MMFA reported aboard for duty without bag or baggage.
Tuesday, 13 November, Moored as before. 1430 J.P. Gardner EM2, was transferred to USS Mahopac ATA 196 for duty.
Wednesday, 14 November, Moored as before.
Thursday, 15 November, Moored as before. 1110 G.W. Griswold TMC, was transferred to receiving station Pearl Harbor for further transfer to Yokosuka, Japan. 1315 R.P. Gogue TN was transferred to ComNavMarianas. 1420 R.E. Miller GM1, was transferred to Adak Alaska for duty.
Friday, 16 November, Moored as before. 0922 N.B. Sellman MM2, was transferred to the receiving station for discharge. 1210 Completed fueling. 1420 The following men were transferred to the receiving station for further transfer to CONLUS for discharge: E.D. Young FN, W.F. Lang BT3, F.E. Lips RD1, Q. Grindeland SOG1, C.R. Guinn BMG2. 1500 Received 28 rounds 5"/38 illuminating shells from USS Walker DDE 517.
Saturday, 17 November, Moored as before. 1210 C.W. Dennis QM2, was transferred to USS Philip DDE 498. 1305 A.L. Butterfield MMC departed on 30 days emergency leave, and further transfer to ComCruDesPac. 1500 LTJG D.R. Duncan returned to the ship from TAD at Barbers Point T.H. 1722 D,A, Bailey EM3, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment.
Sunday, 18 November, Moored as before. 1327 K.C. Jordan QM2, reported aboard for duty. 2234 A.R. Murphy ET2, returned aboard from TAD CONLUS.
Monday, 19 November, Moored as before. 0742 E.W. Wilson MM1, and N.E. Ray FN, reported aboard for duty. 0751 C.W. Rhoy MM2, and M.W. St Clair FN, were transferred to USS Renshaw DDE 449, for duty. 0801 L.J. Wenzel FN was transferred to CONLUS for discharge. 0919 Fletcher got underway and formed column astern of O’Bannon. Fletcher in station 3 of column.
Tuesday, 20 November, Underway in company with USS O’Bannon DDE450, USS Radford DDE446, and USS Walker DDE 517, enroute Yokosuka Japan via Midway Island. OTC is ComCortDesRon one in O’Bannon. Steaming in column 1000 yards apart. 1845 Lit off fathometer to find 2500 fathom curve which was located at 1917.
Wednesday, 21 November, Underway as before. 0500 O’Bannon left formation for BT reading. 0705 O’Bannon returned to formation.1413 Conducted division tactics.
Thursday, 22 November, Underway as before. 0603 Sighted Midway Island Aero Beacon at 23 ½ miles. 0741 Moored to berth 2, pier 1, Midway Island. 0852 Completed refueling, received 57961 NSFO. 0910 LSDR W.W. Brown departed the ship for transportation to Honolulu T.H. for six days emergency leave. 0920 E.A. Coleman FCSN, was transferred to USS Walker DDE 517. 1027 Fletcher got underway for Yokosuka, Japan. 1158 Division formed in normal order of ship, O’Bannon, Fletcher, Radford, and Walker in column formation.
Friday, 23 November, Day lost, crossed International Date Line.
Saturday, 24 November, Underway as before. 0220 Lost steering control, shifted steering to after steering. 0223 Bridge assumed steering control.
Sunday, 25 November, Underway as before. 1213 Ballasted C8F and C9F.
Monday, 26 November, Underway as before. 1446 Conducted AA exercise expending 2 5"/38 rounds. 1900 Wind increased to 40 knots and commenced backing to Southeast. Barometer dropping steadily.
Tuesday, 27 November, Underway as before. 1310 Ballasted C10 and C11.
Wednesday, 28 November, Underway as before. The ship was pounding lightly with occasional deep rolls while heading into wind and sea of moderate gale intensity.
Thursday, 29 November, Underway as before. 0218 Made radar landfall at 138 miles, evaluated as Mt Fujiyama 0535 Passed Katura Wan light abeam to starboard at 18 miles. 0555 Sighted Najima Seki light at 17 miles. 0837 Kanoen Saki light abeam to port at 1200 yards. 0849 Passed through the harbor defense nets. 1014 Moored starboard side to USS Radford DDE 446 in nest with USS O’Bannon DDE 450 and USS Jason AR1 in berth Baker 5.
Friday, 30 November, Moored as before. 1315 YO 49 came alongside and refueled the ship. 1630 Harbor tugs moved O’Bannon outboard of the nest.
December, 1951
Saturday, 1 December, Moored in nest of Radford, Fletcher, Walker, and O’Bannon in nest alongside USS Jason AR1 at buoy 5 in Yokosuka, Japan. 0120 LCDR W.W. Brown reported aboard for duty after leaving the ship at Midway Island on emergency leave. 1250 M. Sutherland CSC, was transferred to USS Fechteler DD 870. 1400 Ammunition lighter alongside O’Bannon, Fletcher received 62 rounds 5"/38 non flashless powder, and 66 rounds of 5"/38 projectiles.
Sunday, 2 December, Moored as before. 0656 M.C. Archer SN reported aboard having missed his ship, USS O’Bannon DDE 450. 0658 Fletcher got underway from alongside Radford. Fletcher took station 500 yards astern of O’Bannon. 0732 Passed through harbor defense nets. 0822 Formed column open order, double distance consisting of O’Bannon, Fletcher, Radford and Walker. 1059 Passed Tsumaki Saki light abeam to starboard. 1123 Mikomoto Shima light abeam to starboard at 301 miles. 1642 Darkened ship except for running lights. 1916 Passes Miki Yaki light abeam to starboard at 27 miles. 2042 Kentori Zaki light abeam to starboard.
Monday, 3 December, Underway as before. 0803 General quarters for anti-aircraft firing exercise. 0826 Completed firing exercise. 0933 Passed Okino Shima light abeam to starboard at 4.6 miles. 1039 Passed Misunoko Shima light abeam to port at 3000 yards. 1125 Passed Sada Misaki light abeam to starboard at 4000 yards. 1138 Received orders to proceed independently while passing through Heyasui Seto Straights. 1233 Hunne Saume light abeam to port 1200 yards. 1422 Manji Shima light abeam to starboard 1000 yards. 1439 Muji Saki light abeam to port 1000 yards. 1457 Yamasokono Hana tower abeam to starboard, 400 yards. 1500 Kanend Tsura Misaki light abeam to starboard 400 yards. 1534 Kanend Tsura Misaki light abeam to port, 800 yards. 1540 Reformed column normal order double distance. 1610 Kanega Saki light abeam to starboard, 2 miles.
Tuesday, 4 December, Underway with O’Bannon, Radford, and Walker enroute from Yokosuka enroute to rendezvous with Task Force 77 and Task Element 95.11 in the Sea Of Japan off the east coast of Korea in the Sanghok area. 0805 Joined TF 77 with 12 ship circular screen and heavies in formation 4R.0847 Fletcher left formation to go alongside USS Mispillion AO 105 and refuel. 0930 Ensign Sang Yong Lee ROK Navy, reported aboard for temporary duty under instruction. 1000 Completed refueling, Fletcher took plane guard on USS Essex CV 9. 1045 Returned to screen station. 1120 Detached from main formation with USS St. Paul CA 73, O’Bannon, and Radford for firing exercises. 1407 Formed column for firing exercise. 1426 Fletcher took station astern of St. Paul. 1426 Commenced firing on large drone. 1533 Completed firing exercise. 1626 Detached to join TF 77 screen. Heavies consist of USS Mispillion AO 105, USS Antietam CV 56, USS Essex CV 9, USS St. Paul CA 73, USS Rochester CA 124. Task Element 95.11 was detached.
Wednesday, 5 December, Underway as before in the Sea of Japan off Nando Island. 0425 USS Antietam CV36, commenced air operations. 0730 Antietam completed air operations. 0800 USS St Paul designated guide. 0829 Commenced air operations. 1034 Air operations complete. 1135 Commenced air operations. 1205 Completed air operations. 1323 Commenced air operations. 1345 Completed air operations. 1539 Helicopter delivered guard mail on fantail. 1557 Fletcher took plane guard station on USS Essex CV 9. 1620 Essex commenced air operations. 1647 Completed air operations. 1710 USS St Paul CA 73, and USS Shelton DD 790, left the formation. 1848 Essex commenced air operations. 1931 Essex completed air operations. 2100 Commenced zig zag plan. 2207 USS Hamner DD, left the formation to repair steering gear.
From June 1951 to July 1953, UN and Communist forces fought bloody battles for control of the mountainous territory around the 38th parallel. From Feb 16, 1951 to July 27, 1953 The siege of Wonson. Task Force 95 (U.N. Blockade and Escort Force) blockaded Wonsan Harbor. An unprecedented 861 day naval operation, it is the longest effective siege of a port in U.S. Navy history.
Thursday, 6 December, Underway with TF 77 in the Sea of Japan off Nando Island. Formation includes USS Antietam CV 36, USS Essex CV 9, USS Rochester CA 124, with a 9 ship circular screen consisting of USS Chandler DD 717, USS Higbee DDR 805, USS Chevalier DDR 805, USS J.F. Keyes DD 787, USS Walker DDE 517, USS Fletcher DDE 445, USS Radford DDE 446. USS O’Bannon DDE 450, and USS Hamner steaming independently due to steering casualty. 0430 Antietam commenced air operations. 0650 Fletcher received orders to depart to destroy a mine. 0654 Commenced firing 30 Caliber machine gun, and M1 Garand rifle at the object off the port beam. Object was round , painted red and white, with letters NE2. 0730 Object sunk. Fletcher returned to formation screen. Air operations continued. 1432 Conducted air defense exercises while air operations continued. 1530 USS Wisconsin BB 64, and USS Wiltsie DD 716 joined formation. 1645 Completed air operations. 1755 USS Rochester CA 124, and USS Higbee DDR 805 left formation on assigned mission. 1926 Essex commenced recovering aircraft. 2153 Sonar contact at 200 yards, evaluated as small contact, possible mine. 2200 Fletcher detached to investigate. 2215 Search completed, contact not recovered. Fletcher directed back to the formation.
Friday, 7 December, Underway with TF 77 in the Sea of Japan off Nando Island Korea. 0430 Commenced air operations. 1006 Essex launched helicopter. 1015 Antietam launched helicopter. 1152 USS Wiltsie DD 716 unable to turn. 1152 Steering casualty repaired. Air operations continued throughout the day and night.
Saturday, 8 December, Underway with TF 77 in the Sea of Japan off Nando Island Korea. 0615 Fletcher joined the replenishment group consisting of USS Tolovana AO 64, USS Rainier AE 5, and USS Guadalupe AO 32. 0957 Fletcher was alongside Tolovana to refuel. 1015 Commenced refueling. Ensign Bea ROK Navy reported aboard from Tolovana for duty under instruction. 1122 Completed refueling and took lifeguard station on Wisconsin while Wisconsin took on ammunition from Rainier. 1225 Left lifeguard station to go alongside starboard side of Walker to transfer personnel. 1255 Received the following men from Walker by highline: LT J.B. Neely, H. Jones GMC, H.S. Tickey FCC, W.G. Cole EMC, H.H.Wand ET1. 1505 Rejoined TF77 formation. 1657 Darkened ship. 2257 Commenced Zig zag course.
Sunday, 9 December, Underway with TF 77 in the Sea of Japan east of Wonson, Korea. 0430 Carriers commenced air operations. 1255 Completed air operations. 1337 Executed emergency formation 4V , exercised crew at general quarters for simulated air defense exercises. 1407 Changed to formation 4R. 1414 Secured from general quarters. 1512 Helicopter delivered guard mail to the fantail. 1555 Air operations completed, O’Bannon detached from screen proceeding independently on duty assigned. 1635 Commenced air operations. 1657 Completed air operations. 2100 Commenced zig zag. 2352 Ceased zig zag.
Monday, 10 December, Underway as before with TF 77 in the Sea of Japan east of Wonson, Korea. 0342 O’Bannon rejoined the formation. 0513 Commenced air operations. 1345 Heavies in formation 4V, and ten ship circular screen. 1643 Flight operations continued 1955 Flight operations completed. 2100 Commenced zig zag.
Tuesday, 11 December, Underway as before with TF 77 in the Sea of Japan east of Wonson, Korea. 0249 USS Valley Forge CV 45, and USS Shields DD596, joined the formation. Heavies consisted of Wisconsin, Valley Forge, Antietam, and Essex. The circular screen consisted of 11 destroyers. 0513 Commenced air operations which continued throughout the day. 1430 USS Rochester CA 124, and USS Higbee DDR 806 joined the formation. 1611 Fletcher took lifeguard station on USS Shields DD 596. 1803 Fletcher returned to screen station.
Wednesday, 12 December, Underway as before with TF 77 in the Sea of Japan east of Sanghok, Korea. Heavies consisted of Valley Forge, Antietam, Rochester and Essex. Screen consisted of 11 destroyers in circular screen. 0537 Replenishment group consisted of USS Guadalupe AO 32, USS Polaris AF 11, USS Leo AKA 60 and USS Polaris AF 1. 1015 Fletcher took waiting station astern of Guadalupe. 1030 Fletcher alongside and commenced refueling. Transferred following personnel to Guadalupe: LT J.B. Neely, H. Jones GMC, H.S. Tickey FCC, W.T. Cole EMC, H.H> Wand ET1, and M.C. Archer SN for further transfer to other units of the formation. 1120 Completed refueling.1540 Went alongside Polaris AF 11 to replenish fresh stores and provisions. 1605 Essex, Rochester, and Destroyer Division 111 detached. 1800 Formed formation 4R with Antietam, Valley Forge, and St Paul. Fletcher took station in 10 ship circular screen.
Thursday, 13 December, Underway as before with TF 77 in the Sea of Japan east of Wonson. 0100 commenced zig zag. 0304 ceased zig zag. 0507 Commenced flight operations which continued throughout the day. 1815 Fletcher took plane guard station on Valley Forge. 1842 Valley Forge completed air operations and Fletcher returned to the screen. 2000 Commenced zig zag.
Friday, 14 December, Underway as before with TF 77 in the Sea of Japan east of Wonson, Korea. 0503 Ceased zig zag, and commenced air operations which continued throughout the day. 1344 USS Eversole DD joined the formation. 1415 Exercised crew at general quarters. 1541 Heavies took formation 4V. 1551 Heavies shifted to formation 4R. Secured from general quarters. 1645 Number 1 generator shut down for emergency repairs. 1741 Generator number 1 back on line. 2100 Commenced zig zag.
Saturday, 15 December, Underway as before with TF 77 in the Sea of Japan east of Wonson, Korea. Formation consisted of Valley Forge, ST Paul, and Antietam. Screen consisted of Shields , Colohan, Walker, Radford, O’Bannon, Fletcher, Hopewell, Wedderburn, Uhlmann, Kidd, Eversole.0012 Ceased zig zag. 0046 Eversole detached. 0527 Commenced air operations which continued throughout the day. 1532 Exercised crew at general quarters.
Sunday, 16 December, Underway as before with TF 77 in the Sea of Japan, east of Wonson, Korea. 0648 Joined up with replenishment group. 1632 CTE 92.11 detached.
Monday, 17 December, Underway as before with TF 77 in the Sea of Japan east of Sanghok, Korea. 0512 Formed formation 4F for the heavies. Replenishment group consisted of USS Guadalupe AO 32, USS Mispillion AO 105, USS Paracutin AE 18, and USS Taluca AO 62. 0742 Fletcher took lifeguard station astern of Guadalupe. 0848 Took lifeguard station astern of Mispillion. 0931 Came alongside Mispillion and refueled. 1000 The following men were received from Mispillion for duty: D.T. Severson TM1, M.E. Powell EN3, and T. Lewis TA. D.R. Powell SOSN, was transferred to Mispillion for 14 days emergency leave. 1050 Fletcher took screen station. 1245 St Paul, Antietam, and Valley Forge formed 4R. 1300 Commenced air operations. 1738 Fletcher left formation to transfer mail from USS Twining DD 540. 1933 Completed transfer and Twining detached. 2053 Rejoined TF 77.
Tuesday, 18 December, Underway as before with TF 77 in the Sea of Japan east of Wonson, Korea. 0452 Ceased zig zag. Fletcher took plane guard on Valley Forge. 0521 Commenced air operations. 0536 Completed air operations. 0740 Fletcher went alongside port side of USS St Paul CA 73 to refuel. 0801 Transferred U.S. Mail to St Paul. 0850 Fletcher alongside Antietam starboard side to transfer U.S. Mail. 0910 Completed mail transfer and returned to screen station. 1019 Fletcher went along port side of USS Walmann DD 687, to transfer U.S. Mail. 1029 Fletcher and Uhlman directed to clear the formation to the south and effect mail transfer. 1040 Alongside port side of Uhlman. 1110 Completed transfer of U.S. Mail and proceeded to screen station 9 for transfer of U.S. Mail to O’Bannon. 1156 O’Bannon alongside to starboard. 1207 Transfer completed. 1222 Commenced transfer of U.S. Mail to Radford. 1332 Commenced transfer of U.S. Mail to Walker. 1535 Flight operations commenced and continued throughout the day. 1948 Completed air operations. 2005 Commenced zig zag.
Wednesday, 19 December, Underway as before with TF 77 in the Sea of Japan east of Yangyang, Korea. Formation heavies consisted of Valley Force, St Paul, Antietam. Screen consisted of destroyers; Shields, Colohan, Walker, Radford, O’Bannon, Fletcher, Hopwell, Wedderburn, Uhlman and Kidd. 0500 Ceased zig zag. 0510 Fletcher took plane guard on Valley Forge. 0525 Commenced air operations. 0532 Completed air operations and Fletcher took screen station. 0712 Commenced flight operations which continued throughout the day.
Thursday, 20 December, Underway as before with TF77 in the Sea of Japan east of Kaesong, Korea. 0502 Ceased zig zag. 0554 USS Hamner DD 718 joined the formation. 0831 Commenced flight operations. 0852 Completed air operations. 0915 Alongside Valley Forge to transfer personnel and baggage of HelRon One, Unit 3 from Valley Forge . Fletcher then cleared the formation enroute to YoDo Island, Songjin, Korea on verbal instruction of CTF 77. 1305 Exercised crew at general quarters. 1319 Held steering casualty drill. 1339 Secured from general quarters. 1346 Sonar contact at 4000 yards, evaluated as possible mine. Changed course to avoid mine. 1530 Contact bearing 020T at 4 miles. USS Swenson DD 729 and LST 799. 1554 Near rendezvous point, lowered motor whaleboat to transfer helicopter crew to LST 799. 1600 Hove to, 500 yards southwest of Yand Do Island. 1604 HelRonOne unit 3 transferred to LST 799 with baggage and records. LT Davidson, in charge. 1750 LT J.W. Ross, LTJG J.T. Stultz, reported aboard for transportation. R.C, Mitchell ADC, and the following men of Helicopter squadron reported aboard for transportation: J.E. Jackson AD1, R.L. Martin ADAN, H.W. Sandish AN, J.F. Serena AN. 1847 Took motor whaleboat aboard. 1850 Got underway to rendezvous with TF 77. 1918 With Nan Do Island bearing 090T at 2 miles, changed course to 157 T.
Friday, 21 December, Underway enroute Songjin to Operating Area Sugar to effect rendezvous with TF 77. 0245 Contacted TF 77 by radar at 20 miles. 0255 Aircraft overhead dropped yellow flare. 0258 Challenged by aircraft and gave appropriate reply. 0339 Took BT readings. 0500 Took screening station 10 in 10 ship screen. 0610 TF77 formed formation 4F with TE 92.11. 0844 Fletcher went alongside USS Ashtabula AO51 to refuel. Transferred Helicopter Unit Number 1 t Ashtabula. 1041 Took life guard station on USS Taluga AO 60. 1158 Took lifeguard station on USS Polaris AF 11. 1231 Went alongside Polaris for replenishment. 1250 Transferred following personnel to Polaris: Ensign Sang Yong Lee, ROK Navy, Ensign Ok Kwang Hae, ROK Navy. 1310 Completed replenishment and took lifeguard station on Polaris. 1436 St Paul and Walder detached to proceed on duty assigned. 1732 Formed formation 4F.
Saturday, 22 December, Underway with TF 77 0523 Took plane guard station on Antietam. 0525 Commenced air operations. 0529 Completed air operations. 0605 Fletcher detached to rendezvous with USS Manchester. 1056 Exercised crew at general quarters. 1105 Conducted engineering drills. 1907 Turned on running lights and stopped all engines to avoid colliding with a small boat passing down the port side at 75 yards. 1704 Resumed course.
Sunday, 23 December, Steaming independently enroute to rendezvous with Task Element 95.01. Ship is darkened except for running lights. 0045 Passed SoDo Island abeam to starboard at 4.5 miles. 0410 Passed Kambai To. 0448 Passed Chibeu To at 6.5 miles. 0537 Passed Mailsotsu To at 805 miles. 0637 Passed Shichibatsu To at 8.5 miles. 1030 Exercised crew at general quarters. 1037 Held steering casualty drill, lost power in after steering. 1052 Regained power in after steering. 1108 Secured from general quarters. 1440 Sighted Taechong Do at 32 miles, and Sochjong Do at 28 miles. 1605 Sighted USS Manchester CL 83 at 9 miles. 1620 Took station 2000 yards ahead of Manchester.
Monday, 24 December, Underway in the Yellow Sea with USS Manchester CL 83 as Tak Element 95.01. 0023 Sighted Suiryoko Matsu light at 16 miles. 0115 Daicho To abeam to port at 3000 yards. 0224 Dansai abeam to starboard 8 miles. 0247 Kan Sho abeam to port 5.5 miles. 0310 Byobu Fo abeam to port 8 miles. 0419 Passed Kashuski To Island abeam to port 13 miles. 0443 Passed Kaigon Island abeam to starboard 2.5 miles. 0714 Passed Konun Do abeam to port 9 miles. 1344 Commenced entry screen to seaward while Manchester proceeded in channel. 1437 Passed breakwater entrance. 1450 Moored starboard side to USS Manchester CL 83 in Anchorage B, Inner Harbor, Pusan, Republic of Korea. 1502 The Captain left the ship to pay an official call on Rear Admiral G.C. Dyer, Commander Task Force 95. 1504 Commenced refueling from Manchester. 1700 Completed refueling.
Tuesday, 25 December, Moored as before alongside Manchester in Anchorage B, inner harbor,.Pusan, Korea. Ships present include various United Nations, Hospital and auxiliary ships, merchant vessels, and fishing craft. SOPA is CTF 95. 1700 CDR George Hayes, reported aboard for duty.
Wednesday, 26 December, Moored as before. 0845 Commander Task Force 95, Rear Admiral G.C.. Dyer returned the official call of the Commanding Officer. 1050 T.W. Doremus RD3, returned aboard for duty from USS Repose AH 16. 2343 Fletcher got underway.
Thursday, 27 December, Underway standing out of Pusan, Korea enroute to Sasebo, Japan, OTC is CTF 95 in Manchester. 0005 Cleared inner harbor breakwater. 0052 Commenced screening to seaward as Manchester sortied. 0126 Took station 2000 yards ahead of Manchester. 0522 Ko Futagami light abeam to port 12 miles. 0529 Proceeding independently into port. Changed course to enter swept channel. 0658 Ordered to take station 1000 yards astern of Manchester. 0727 Shira Se Light abeam to starboard, 700 yards. 0739 Kogo Saki light abeam to port 600 yards. 0741 Passed harbor defense nets, and entered Sasebo Harbor, Kyushu, Japan. 0820 Moored to buoy X-3. 0845 Received Columbian frigate Almerante Pedillo alongside to port. 0935 received oil barge 31alongside to starboard and began refueling the ship. 1100 Received the following men aboard for duty: D.C. Powell SN, W.L. Coey SN, B.W. Buchanan SA, H.H. Larkin SA, and J. Eldridge SH3. 1115 Completed refueling. CDR G.A. Hayes relieved CDR W.M. Lowry as commanding officer. CDR Lowry departed for duty at Naval Electronics Laboratory, San Diego, California. 1145 Fletcher got underway enroute from Sasebo, Japan to operating area. 1236 Departed harbor channel. 1237 Kogo Saki light abeam to starboard, entered inner harbor, secured the special sea detail 1447 Exercised crew at general quarters for AA firing exercises. 1506 Commenced firing exercise. 1531 Completed the exercise. 1545 On station 1000 yards ahead of Manchester. 1624 On station 2000 yards ahead of Manchester. 1925 Mitsu Shima light abeam to starboard 9 miles.
Friday, 28 December, Underway in company with USS Manchester CL 83, enroute to the Bombline, East Coast, Korea. 0606 Secured starboard shaft due to blown gasket in main steam line. Maintained speed on port shaft. 0648 Screened Manchester to seaward while relieving USS St Paul CA 73, and USS Walker DDE 517 as bombline group. 0950 Engineering casualty restored. 1000Task Element 77.18 detached. Fletcher commenced screening 2500 yards ahead of Manchester. 1036 CDR G.A. Hayes, Commanding Officer, was transferred to Manchester by helicopter for conference. 1042 LT R.A. Gavin, Operations Officer, was transferred to Manchester by helicopter for conference. 1401 Went alongside Manchester to receive Commanding Officer and Operations Officer by highline. 1427 Resumed patrol ahead of Manchester. 1815 Exercised crew at general quarters for shore bombardment. 1907 Commenced harassing and interdiction firing schedule on targets assigned. Maneuvered to maintain station in vicinity of Suwon Dan. 1955 Secured from general quarters. 2000 On shore bombardment station in vicinity of Suwon Dan, Korea, conducting harassing and interdiction fire on assigned targets. Maneuvering to maintain station.
Saturday, 29 December, Underway as before. 0555 Completed fire mission expending 41 rounds of 5"/38 caliber AA flashless. 0604 Took station patrolling to seaward of Manchester. 0805 Took station 2500 yards ahead of Manchester. 0830 Commenced screening 2500 yards to seaward of Manchester. Manchester proceeded to anchorage. 0849 On station conducting barrier patrol seaward of Manchester. 0955 Fletcher directed to vicinity of Suwon Dan to conduct shore bombardment on assigned targets. 1009 On station, hove to, 1700 yards northwest of Suwon Dan. Commenced shore bombardment. 1055 Completed shore bombardment having expended 37 rounds 5"/38 AA common, non flashless ammunition. 1131 Proceeded northward in search of targets of opportunity. 1350 commenced firing on railroad bridge at Chosen Ko, ship hove to. 1405 Ceased firing on target, having expended 16 rounds of 5"/38 AAC ammunition. Negative results observed. 1508 Rendezvoused with Manchester 3 miles east of Suwon Dan and commenced patrolling to seaward. 1807 Took station in vicinity of Suwon Dan for night shore bombardment, and commenced harassing and interdiction firing on assigned targets.
Sunday, 30 December, Underway independently off Suwon Dan, Korea, conducting harassing and interdiction fire on assigned targets. 0547 Completed firing schedule, having expended 60 rounds 5"/38 AAC flashless ammunition. 0603 Took station 2500 yards to seaward of Manchester. Proceeded to anchorage southeast of Chok To Island.. 0705 On station. 0855 Moored port side of Manchester to receive ammunition and provisions. 0937 Completed loading ammunition, receiving 97 rounds of 5"/38 AAC, 15 rounds 5"/38 white phosphorus, 91 rounds of 5"/38 flashless powder, and 25 rounds of non-flashless 5"/38 powder. 0939 Completed refueling the ship from Manchester. 0946 Underway. 1001 Proceeded to shore bombardment station north of Suwon Dan. 1045 On station, hove to, 1800 yards northwest of Suwon Dan. Commenced call fire on assigned targets. 1105 Completed shore bombardment having expended 25 rounds 5"/38 AAC non-flashless ammunition. Proceeded to screen station 2500 yards to seaward of Manchester. 1730 Proceeded to patrol station in vicinity of Nan Do. 1927 On station 1500 yards northwest of Suwon Dan. 1936 Commenced harassing and interdiction firing schedule on targets assigned.
Monday, 31 December, Underway, continuing harassing and interdiction firing in vicinity of Suwon Dan.0502 Completed firing schedule, having expended 105 rounds of 5"/38 AA common, and 105 rounds of 5"/38 flashless powder. 0530 Proceeded to investigate small contact at 8 miles. 0555 Contact challenged. Correct reply received. 0601 Contact illuminated by searchlight. Identified as fishing boat of ROK nationality. Returned to station 2500 yards seaward of Manchester. 0743 Detached to take station 1500 yards southeast of Suwon Dan for call fire shore bombardment mission. 0815 On station. 0850 Commenced direct fire on personnel positions observed on Suwon Dan. 0806 Ceased fire having expended 5 rounds 3"/50 VT frag ammunition. 1027 Commenced direct fire on assigned targets. 1135 Completed indirect fire having expended 37 rounds 5"/38 AAC non flashless ammunition. 1154 Took screening station 2500 yards to seaward of Manchester. 1507 Came alongside Manchester to load ammunition. 1533 Completed loading ammunition having received 150 rounds 5"/38 AA common and 150 rounds 5"/38 flashless powder. 1535 Got underway and took screening station to seaward of Manchester. 1715 Proceeded to station for shore bombardment 4000 yards southeast of Suwon Dan. 1801 Commenced harassing and interdiction firing schedule on assigned targets.