USS Fletcher

USS Fletcher DDE-445 Chronology 1953

A summary transcribed from the original deck logs by Commander Robert McCurley, USN retired

January 1953

Thursday, 1 January. USS Fletcher DDE 445 was moored outboard of USS Walker DDE 517, in berth B17, U.S. Naval Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.  Senior Officer Present Afloat was Commander in Chief Pacific and U.S. Pacific Fleet. 0511 H.L. Crenshaw ET3, and W. McCarty MM2 returned from TAD as shore patrol.

Friday, 2 January. Moored as before.  1330 E.A. Gill RM2, left the ship for further transfer to NavSchool San Diego, California. D.C. Powell RDSN left the ship for further transfer to CONLUS for discharge.

Saturday, 3 January. Moored as before.  1340 G.H. Teclaw MM3, returned to the ship from leave.

Sunday, 4 January. Moored as before.  1506 R. Holm PN3, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment.  1645 T.E. Lorenze MMC, left the ship for treatment at Tripler Army Hospital.

Monday, 5 January. Moored as before.  0716 USS Fletcher DDE 445 got underway for operating area C-9 0756 Passed point Xray. 0933 Commenced aircraft tracking exercises.  1100 Completed aircraft tracking exercises. 1300 Commenced CIC exercises.  1414 Completed CIC exercises and cleared the operating area.  1542 Entered Pearl Harbor channel.  1620 Moored starboard side to USS McGinty DE 365 in berth S12, U.S. Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1630 P.G. Williams GMC, was transferred to USS Los Angeles CA 135 for duty.  2000 E.C. Patapas ET3, and C.S. Merritt ET3 were received aboard for duty.

Tuesday, 6 January.  Moored starboard side to USS McGinty DE 365 in berth S12, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 0723 Fletcher got underway enroute to operating area.  0858 Commenced ASW exercises in Sub Area 7 with USS Cabezon SS 334.  1127 Completed exercises, Cabezon surfaced. 1130 Took station astern of USS Radford DDE 446.   1203 Commenced ASW exercises with Fletcher as assist ship, together with Radford and Cabezon. 1230 Completed ASW exercises, proceeded independently. 1340 Commenced swinging ship to check magnetic compass.  1539 M.A. Ross MM1, was sworn in for a period of 3 years extension this date. 2035 Commenced ASW exercises with Cabezon. 2250 Completed ASW exercises.

Wednesday, 7 January.  Steaming independently in operating area south of Oahu, T.H.  0843 Commenced ASW exercises with USS Cabezon SS 334. 1026 Completed ASW exercises.  Took station on tri-plane for ASW exercises. 1150 Completed ASW exercises with tri-plane. 1200 Made contact with Cabezon.  1300 Commenced two ship ASW exercise with USS Carpenter DDE 825 and Cabezon. 1458 Completed exercises.  1520 Proceeded into Pearl Harbor channel.    1658 Moored port side to berth M-2, U.S. Naval Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.  1712H.L. Hammons BT3, was transferred. 1730 J. Householder FN, reported aboard from 20 days leave.  1739 Took on fuel oil.  1831 B.T. Linaman and F. Samudio were transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment.

Thursday, 8 January. Moored as before.  0713 Underway from berth M-2. 1216 Took station 1000 yards astern of USS Radford DDE 446 to make practice torpedo runs for USS Tilefish.1316 Commenced ASW exercises with Tilefish. 1505 Completed exercises.  Surfaced Tilefish.  1841 Commenced ASW exercises. 2123 Completed ASW exercises.  2141 Took station on USS Carpenter DDE 825.

Friday, 9 January, Streaming in company with USS Carpenter DDE 825 in the operating area south of Oahu, T.H.  0710 Detached from Carpenter. 0857 Commenced independent ship exercises. 1215 Took station 2 in diamond formation with USS Radford DDE 446. 1225 Conducted air tracking exercises.  1406 Took station astern of Radford for AA firing at sleeve.  1454 Completed AA firing exercises, expended 62 rounds 5"/38 and 32 rounds 3"/50 ammunition.  1626 Entered Pearl Harbor channel.  1723 Moored starboard side to berth S-13, U.S. Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.  1726 Carpenter moored alongside to port.  1727 M.A. Ross MM1, was transferred to Naval Training Center, San Diego, CA., R.E. De Filippo RD3, R.L. Crenshaw ET3, and R.P. Winn ET3, were transferred to Naval Receiving Station San Diego, CA.

Saturday, 10 January.  Moored as before. 0830 B.R. Richuber SN, and C.H. Hall SN, were transferred TAD to Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H., T.R. Lowrie EM2, was transferred to Tacoma Group, Pacific Reserve Fleet, Tacoma, Washington.  1048 The following men reported aboard for duty: H.R. Nash RD3, T.R. Vowels GMSN, L. Montgomery ETSN, L. Skinner, W. Johnson BM3, W.B. Wilson SN, R.B. Brown SN,  1144 K.W. Pfetch CS3, was transferred to the Underwater Ordnance Station, Newport, R.I.  1345 J.W. Wheeler SN, was transferred to NavRecSta. Pearl Harbor for 30 days CONLUS leave and further transfer to COMNAVFE.

Sunday, 11 January.  Moored as before.

Monday, 12 January.  Moored as before. 0725 Carpenter got underway from port side.  0740 Fletcher got underway for operating area south of Oahu, T.H. 1025 Commenced exercise. 1115 Completed exercise.  1224 Commenced ASW exercises. 1457 Secured from ASW exercise.  1600 Passed point Xray, and entered Pearl Harbor channel.  1642 Moored starboard side to berth S-12, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1655 Radford moored alongside to port. 1705 M.E. Powell EN2 was transferred to USS Floyd B. Parks DD884 at San Francisco, CA. 1910 S.R. Hanson ET3 was transferred to Naval Receiving Station San Francisco, CA for reclassification and further assignment COMCRUDESPAC.

Tuesday, 13 January. Moored as before at berth A-12, U.S. Naval Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.  0802 USS Radford DDE 446 got underway from alongside.  0824 Fletcher got underway.   0850 Fletcher cleared the Pearl Harbor channel. 0855 Commenced tactical drill with USS Carpenter DDE 825. 0937 Completed tactical drills, and took station on Carpenter. 1015 Commenced engineering drills.  1041 Released by Carpenter. 1105 Engineering casualty, lost all power. 1113 Engineering casualty restored. 1217 Passed through Point Xray and proceeded up Pearl Harbor channel. 1230 Mr. Yates, Pilot, came aboard.  1255 YTL 235 came alongside to port.  1305 Moored starboard side to berth W-3, Naval Ammunition Depot, West Lock, Pearl Harbor, T.H.  1420 Completed loading 150 rounds 5"/38 and 150 rounds 7.2" plaster loaded projectiles.  Transferred 4 Mk6 Mod 2 depth charges to NAD.  1440 Got underway with assistance from YTB 163, and proceeded to Berth B-24, Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1545 R.D. Holm PN3 returned to duty from Tripler Army Hospital. The following men reported aboard from Naval Receiving Station Treasure Island, CA: R.T. Barrett SA, E.L. Parsons FA, J. Quigley QMSN, C.T. Pirtle BT3, and R.N. Vanrheenen GMTSN.  1620 C.T.E. Lorenz MMC, reported aboard for duty, from Tripler Army Hospital.  1755 USS Taylor DDE 468 moored alongside to port.  1820 USS Jenkins DDE447 moored astern in berth B-23.  1845 USS Jenkins DDE 447 moored alongside Sproston.

Wednesday 14 January.  Moored as before. 0730 Taylor got underway.  0736 Fletcher got underway.  0815 Cleared Pearl Harbor channel.  0843 Conducted exercises. 1300 Commenced AA firing exercise at towed sleeve.  Fired 35 rounds 5"/38 and 25 rounds of 3"/50 ammunition.  1542 Passed through Point Xray into Pearl Harbor channel.  1625 Moored to berth M-1 U.S. Naval Base, Pearl Harbor T.H.  1640 USS Taylor DDE 468 moored alongside to starboard.

Thursday, 15 January.  Moored as before. 0708 W.W. Shottendirk MM2, was transferred to the Pearl Harbor receiving station.  0710 Taylor got underway. 0740 Fletcher got underway and proceeded to operating area. 0950 Conducted AA firing exercise, expended 40 rounds of 5"/38 and 21 3"/50 ammunition.   1307 Recovered target sleeve in the water.  1320 Conducted engineering drills.  1449 Passed through point Xray and entered Pearl Harbor channel.  1525 Moored port side to USS Radford DDE 446 in berth B-1, Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1538 The following men reported aboard for duty: O.B. Peterson TMC, C.L. Guthrie MMC, W.L. Dixon RM3, W.G. Butler MMFA, J.D. Crawford MMFA, and G.P. Frysinger Jr. RM3.  1615 B.H. Jenkins left the ship for reassignment in San Diego CA.  1620 W.G. Clark FT3, reported aboard for duty.  1940 R.W. Johnson ME3, and R.B. Elzey DCFA, reported aboard for duty.

Friday, 16 January.  Moored as before. 1350 H.B. Campbell MM3, was transferred to San Diego Receiving Station for further assignment.  G.H. Teclaw MM3 was transferred to nearest receiving station CONLUS for discharge.  W. McCarty MM2, was transferred to USS Currier DE 700 for duty. 1930 W.B. Anderson BT2, left the ship for 15 days emergency leave.

Saturday, 17 January.  Moored as before. 0930 Pilot Mac Mulkin came aboard. 0940 C.C. Duke SN, was transferred to class A radio school.  0947 Underway dead plant. 1050 Bow crossed the sill of drydock 2. 1108 In drydock 2. USS Radford DDE 446 abeam 10 yards to starboard. 1147 USS Walker DDE 517 entered drydock 2 starboard side.  1219 USS O'Bannon DDE 450 entered dry dock 2. 1245 Commenced pumping out dry dock. 1400 Fletcher resting on keel blocks.

Sunday, 18 January.  Dry docked as before.

Monday, 19 January.  Dry docked as before. 1440 J.H. Klutzs MMC was detached from the ship.

Tuesday, 20 January. Dry docked as before.  0630 ComCortDesRon One broke his flag on Fletcher.  1248 D. Lincoln Jr. SN, left the ship on 23 days emergency leave.

Wednesday, 21 January. Dry docked as before.

Thursday, 22 January.  Dry docked as before. 1405 The following men were received aboard for duty: P. Verringia RD1, G.J. Turek TM2, M.L. Harrison EMFN, M.W. Brinkman MM1.   A.D. Smith was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment.    1710 Ensign H.W. Phillips returned aboard from TAD at the Naval Training Center, San Diego, CA.

Friday, 23 January.  Dry docked as before.

Saturday, 24 January.  Dry docked as before. 0800 LT R.F. Keough returned to the ship from TAD.

Sunday, 25 January.  Dry docked as before. 1107 Ensign D. L. Bargewell reported aboard for duty.  1200 J.L. Johnson EMFN, reported aboard from TAD.

Monday, 26 January.  Dry docked as before. 1313 H.E. Mann EM1, was transferred from the ship.  1300 ComCortDesRon One shifted his flag from Fletcher to USS Carpenter DDE 825. 1519 F. Samudio TA, returned aboard from Tripler Army Hospital.

Tuesday, 27 January. Dry docked as before.  0850 Ensign C.R. Staudenbaur reported aboard for duty from Officers Candidate School, Newport R.I.  0943 J.H. Cartwill HM2, reported aboard for duty. 1515 J.B. Tindel SA, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital. 1645 C,H, Hall SN, reported aboard for duty.

Wednesday, 28 January. Drydocked as before in Dry Dock #2, Pearl Harbor, T.H.

Thursday, 29 January.  Drydocked as before.  1205 V.C. Rasmussen GMC, was detached from the ship.

Friday, 30 January.  Drydocked as before.

Saturday, 31 January.  Drydocked as before.  0900 I.L. Walton EMPS, was transferred to the USS McCord DD534, for duty.

February 1953

Sunday, 1 February.  Dry docked in Dry Dock #2, Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, T.H.

Monday, 2 February.  Dry docked as before. 0800 ComCortDesRon One broke his flag on USS Fletcher DDE 445.  1045 C.D. Harmon GM#, and T.W. Doremus RD2, were transferred to the United States for discharge.

Tuesday 3 February.  Drydocked as before.  0635 M.J. Swank MM3, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment. 0722 Commenced flooding dry dock.  0930 Ship waterborne. 1030 Secured shore services. 1115 Caisson moved from dry dock.  1208 Underway dead plant from dry dock #2.  1222 YTB 142 on port quarter. 1255 Pilot H. Taylor had the conn. 1228 Cleared the sill of dry dock #2, and entered berth B-13. 1253 Moored starboard side to USS Radford DDE 446 in berth B-13, Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, T.H.  1310 D.A. Johnson FN, was transferred to CONUS for 25 days leave.  1540 J.B. Tindel SA reported aboard from Tripler Army Hospital.

Wednesday, 4 February. Moored starboard side to USS Radford DDE 446 in berth B-13, Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 0959 N.H. McMillan TE3, was transferred to CONUS for discharge. 1120 The following men returned aboard from 30 days leave CONUS: G. Copper SN, D.T. Covington SN, J Lockwood SN, L.D. Lomski GM3, W.D. Huss SN, J.D. May RDSN, W.J. Bjorklund SN, R. Norman SD1, T. Patterson FN, J.D. Rogers SN, C.D. Rhode QMSN, J.H. Rust FN, J.E. Sullivan MM3, T.H. Thompson SN, T. Turville SN, K.C. Shultz MM3, C. Stanfill SA. The following men reported aboard for duty: F.A. Mendl BM2, D. Reinhardt QMSN, D.E. Perrine ICFA, H.D. Huitt PN3.   1335 The following men left the ship for 25 days leave: L. McKenzie FN, R.W. Johnson FN, L.W. Palmore DKSN, R.L. Robinson TN, W.A. Primm SN, J. Pershing Jr. FN, D.W. Marcum SA, M.W. Jackson SA, C.D. Garrett FN, J.B. Shields SN, D.E. Restrom SN, R.W. Ray FN, J.Wenda SN, D.F. Bendt RDSN, R.R. Crook FN, S.E. Logsdon RMSN, S Marquez FN, H.C. Bechom SN. 1915 The following men left the ship on 25 days leave: R.W. Pearson FT3, O.Evans FTSN.

Thursday, 5 February.  Moored as before. 1300 Held annual inventory of equipage.

Friday, 6 February.  Moored as before. 0830 ComCortDesRon One shifted his flag to the USS Carpenter DDE825.  1235 E Davis FC2 was transferred to the Naval Receiving Station Pearl Harbor.

Saturday, 7 February.  Moored as before. 1234 LTJG J.E. Hasen was detached to be released from active duty.  1830 G Jarvis SN was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment.

Sunday, 8 February.  Moored as before. 1030 The following men reported aboard for duty: D.R. Tucker FN, D.D. Holly SN, T.I. Ishidia SN, G.O. Stewart FT2, J.G. Hardee SHSN.

Monday, 9 February.  Moored as before. 1300 D.E. Lehman SOSN, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment. 1540 LT R.L. Keough returned aboard the ship from TAD.

Tuesday, 10 February, Moored as before.

Wednesday, 11 February.  Moored as before. 1200 D.R. Atkinson SN, departed on 30 days leave. L.R. Tabor SN, and T. Dias were transferred for further assignment.

Thursday, 12 February. Moored as before.  1215 W.P. Camp FT1, and G.P. Frysinger RM3, were transferred to Fleet Training Group Pearl Harbor for TAD. 2140 H.R. Gercke RDSN, and J.B. Ullom, RDSN, returned from 10 days leave.

Friday, 13 February. Moored as before.  1830 ComCortDesRon One shifted his flag to USS Carpenter DDE 825.

Saturday, 14 February. Moored as before.  0800 E.L. Campbell FT3, reported aboard for duty from USS Manchester CL83.  1106 J.R. Irby FT3, was detached from the ship.

Sunday, 15 February. Moored as before.

Monday, 16 February. Moored as before.  1025 A.J. Wren BM2, reported aboard for duty. 1638 D.E. Lehman SOSN, reported aboard for duty.

Tuesday, 17 February.  Moored as before.  0810 Ensign R.U. McCurley, Jr. reported aboard from TAD.  1513 R.D. Raymond PN3, was transferred to the USS McDermitt DD677, for duty. G.W. Poutt TM3, was transferred to NavRecSta, San Diego CA for reclassification and further assignment.

Wednesday, 18 February.  Moored as before.

Thursday, 19 February. Moored as before.  0900 J. Quigley QMSN, was transferred to the Naval Receiving Station San Francisco, CA for 15 days emergency leave. 1025 R.H. Cleary MEG1, and E.B. Ewing FN, were received aboard for duty.  1425 D.E. Reinhardt QMSN, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital.

Friday, 20 February. Moored as before.  0920 C.W. Youngblood RDSN, was transferred from the ship.  1040 R.L. Silver SN, was transferred from the ship.

Saturday, 21 February. Moored as before.

Sunday, 22 February. Moored as before.

Monday, 23 February. Moored as before.  1200 J. Kerscher EMFN, reported aboard for duty. 

Tuesday, 24 February.  Moored as before.

Wednesday, 25 February.  Moored as before. 1340 R.E. Smaby SO3, was transferred from the ship.  1405 J.B. Vestal FC2, was transferred from the ship.  1435 W.J. McMullen YN3, was received aboard for duty.

Thursday, 26 February. Moored as before.

Friday, 27 February. Moored as before.

Saturday, 28 February. Moored as before.  0853 USS Ute ATF 76, moored astern in Berth B-11.  1510 S. De La Cruz reported aboard for duty.

March 1953

Sunday, 1 March. Moored starboard side to USS Radford DDE 446 in Berth B-13, U.S. Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, T.H.

Monday, 2 March. Moored as before.

Tuesday, 3 March.  Moored as before.

Wednesday, 4 March.  Moored as before. 1445 H.H. Copeland FN, J.R. Baldwin SN, and T.E. Webb SN, were transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment, and D.E. Reinhardt QMSN, was received from Tripler Army Hospital after treatment.

Thursday, 5 March. Moored as before.  1605 The following men were received aboard for duty: S. Wilcox PNSN, D. Berry SN, P. Corbin SN, R.T. Breece SA, D.W. Johnson SN, and W.L. Joseph TA.

Friday, 6 March. Moored as before.  0815 Ensign W.J. Hipple reported aboard from TAD at the Fleet Sonar School, San Diego, CA. D.E. Guthrie FN, reported aboard from the Naval Receiving Station San Francisco, CA for resumption of duty.  1620 LT R.F. Keough and H.F. Nash ICFA, reported aboard upon completion of RadCM school.  1635 D.E. Perrine ICFA, O.L. Lyons MMFA, and P. Palten ENFN reported aboard for duty from Motion Picture Operators School.  1750 W.G. Clark FT3, and H.L. Day MM3 departed the ship for shore patrol duty.

Saturday, 7 March. Moored as before.  0346 W.G. Clark FT3, and H.L. Day MM3 reported aboard from shore patrol duty with HASP. 0845 C.B. Pritchard SN, E.C. Gilpin BMSN, R. Moore FP3, and T.T. Patterson FN, were transferred from the ship.

Sunday, 8 March. Moored as before.

Monday, 9 March. Moored as before.  0735 Fletcher got underway from alongside USS Radford DDE 446. 0805 USS Walton DE 364 passed abeam to port. 0820 Received YTB 520 alongside to port, and the pilot left the ship.  YTB 520 then cleared the port side. 0830 Passed USS President Jackson APA 18, abeam to port. 0848 Cleared the Pearl Harbor channel. 0917 Conducted CIC exercises and test of steering gear. 1000 Completed exercises and tests.  1300 Held general quarters drill. 1320 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1352 Gyro repeaters out of commission.  1355 Gyro repeaters back in operation.  1400 Moored port side to berth M-2 Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1705 The following men reported aboard for duty: J.A. Harman SN, G.W. Miller SA, M.E. Sturgill SN, and B.F. Lampe BM3.

Tuesday, 10 March. Moored as before.  1202 Ensign V.W. Cobb reported aboard for duty from TAD at U.S. Naval Station, Treasure Island, CA.

Wednesday, 11 March. Moored as before.  1630 J.R. Baldwin SN, and T.E. Webb Jr. SN, reported aboard for duty from treatment at Tripler Army Hospital.  1745 USS Jenkins moored port side to.

Thursday, 12 March.  Moored as before. 0900 Observing party from USS Radford DDE 446 arrived. 0905 Started annual administrative inspection, ComCortDes Ron One was the chief Observer with assisting observer from USS Radford DDE 446. 0926 J.C. Rymer SA, reported aboard for duty.

Friday, 13 March.  Moored as before. 0900 Mustered the crew for inspection by ComCort Des Ron One  1157, ComCortDesRon One left the ship.

Saturday, 14 March.  Moored as before. 1007 USS Jenkins DDE 447 got underway from starboard and stood out the channel. 1755 The following men were received aboard for duty: M.A. Biery SN, G.E. Peacock SA, and J.P. West EMPC.

Sunday, 15 March.  Moored as before. 1045 R.W. North SO3, was transferred to 14th Naval District for 30 days mainland leave.

Monday, 16 March.  Moored as before. 0816 Fletcher got underway from berth M-2 Naval Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 0910 Rendezvoused with a helicopter for radar calibration exercise.  0940 Secured from exercise.  1015 Commenced measured mile run. 1137 Completed measured mile run.  1245 Commenced ASW exercises with USS Cabezon SS 534. 1530 Exercise completed. 1537 Cabezon surfaced. 1613 Entered the Pearl Harbor channel. 1658 Moored port side to USS Radford DDE 446 in berth M-2, U.S. Naval Base, Pearl Harbor T.H.  1707 J.H. Cartmill Jr. HM2, was transferred to the USS Walker DDE 517.  1803 E.H. Crim GMC, reported aboard for duty.

Tuesday, 17 March. Moored as before. 0715 Fletcher got underway and proceeded to the operating area.  0940 Commenced engineering exercises. 1205 Proceeded to submarine operating area.  1300 Commenced special torpedo firing exercise with USS Queenfish SS 323. 1600 Exercise completed, proceeded to Pearl Harbor channel.  1742 Moored alongside USS Radford DDE 446 in berth M-2, Naval Station, Pearl Harbor, T.H.  1800 A Hippers HM3, reported aboard for duty.  2100 Ensign J.F.  McKinney SC, reported aboard for duty as supply and disbursing officer.

Wednesday, 18 March. Moored as before.  0740 Underway for operating area. 0818 Took station astern of Radford for gunnery exercise.  1205 Secured from exercise, having expended 28 rounds of 5"/38 AAC ammunition.  1315 Stationed sonar attack team for ASW exercises. 1630 Entered the Pearl Harbor channel.  1701 Moored port side to USS Radford DDE 446 in berth M-2, Naval Station, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1930 Took on 39,351 gallons of fuel oil.

Thursday, 19 March.  Moored as before. 0553 H.J. Chidester RD3, was transferred to the Navy Receiving Station, Pearl Harbor. 0705 Ensign J.R. Storrs and G.D. Benner BT3 reported aboard TAD as observers.  0725 Set the special sea detail.  0811 Passed through Point Xray and secured the special sea detail.  0820 USS Walton DE361 took station astern.  USS Queenfish SS 393 reported on station. Commenced exercises. 0935 Cancelled exercises with concurrence of Queenfish due to unfavorable weather conditions. 1420 Took station on USS Radford DDE 446 and commenced visual communication exercises.  2334 Released by OTC and steamed independently.

Friday, 20 March.  Steaming independently in areas N-1, N-2, and N-3 south of Oahu, Hawaii 0000 Commenced economy run.  0710 Entered Pearl Harbor channel.  0800 Moored starboard side to USS Radford DDE 446 in berth S-13, U.S. Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1005 The following men reported aboard for duty: R.W. Johnson FN, D.J. Lincoln SN, D.W. Marcum SN, and J.J. Pershing FN. 1240 The following men were transferred to CONLUS pending discharge: A.M. Bozymowski GM2, K. Hester GM3, W.G. Wilson BM2.  1245  H.B. Hay EMC was transferred to the Naval Receiving Station, San Diego, CA. 1353 Took on 500 gallons of lube oil. 1530 M.J. Swank MM3, returned aboard for duty from Tripler Army Hospital.  1550 Ensign R.U. McCurley, Jr. left the ship for TAD. 1725 The following men reported aboard for resumption of duty: J.M. Wenda SN, R.W. Ray FN, C. Garrett FN, W.A. Primm SN, and R. Robinson TN.

Saturday, 21 March.  Moored as before.

Sunday, 22 March.  Moored as before.

Monday, 23 March.  Moored as before. 0650 H.L. Dotson PH3 from the Fleet Camera Party reported aboard for TAD. G.M Crane BMC, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment. 0725 Fletcher got underway.  0817 Cleared Point Xray.  0827 Commenced making approach on USS Caiman.  0925 Made sonar contact, commenced ATW Attack Evaluation.   1123 Completed ATW Attack Evaluation, having expended 12 7.2 inch plaster loads. 1150 Completed exercise.  1159 Caiman surfaced. 1202 Proceeded to area N-1 to hold basic damage control exercises. 1417 Completed exercises.  1444 Passed through Point Xray. 1521 Moored to starboard of USS Radford DDE 446 in berth S-13, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1540 The following men reported aboard from leave: D.K. Renstrom SN, L McKenzie FN, S. Marquez FN, S. Logston RMSN, D.A. Johnson FN, L.W. Palmore DKSN.  The following men left the ship on 20 days mainland leave: R.S. Poppel FN, J. Martinez FN, K.I. Privett FN, J. Alfaro SN, A.H. Heep SN, B.J. Bass SN, C.J. Truitt GM3, M. Gonzalez Jr. SN, J.P. Trinder GMSN, J.E. Larkin CSSN, A. Tipton SA, R.W. Hudgins FN, R.S. Roy CSGSN, W. Trinder QMSN, A. Fonseca BTFN, D.A. Donner FA, E.H. Filkins FPFN, B.M. Wade SHSN, D.L. Jones MMFN, P. Pallan Jr. ENFN.

Tuesday, 24 March, Moored as before. 0735 Fletcher got underway.  0815 Passed point Xray. 0855 Rendezvoused with USS Radford DDE 446, and USS Caiman SS 331. 0858 Commenced scheduled ASW exercise.  1449 Completed exercise.  1550 Commenced entering Pearl Harbor channel. 1604 Lowered motor whaleboat and transferred ASW observers ashore at Able dock.  Fletcher turned around in channel. 1628 The following observers reported aboard.  LT V.M Vissering, LTJG R.W. Livingston, ENS T.J. Voracek, ENS L.H. Lavergne, W.D. Whitehead FT2, and W.D. Bates FC3.   Motor whaleboat hoisted aboard. Passed Radford abeam to port at 100 yards. 1647 Cleared point Xray. 1715 Commenced tactical drills.

Wednesday, 25 March. Steaming as before enroute to Kahoolawe Island to conduct shore bombardment exercises with USS Radford DDE 446.  0430 Conducted Nancy drill with Radford. 0504 Conducted CIC tracking drill with Radford.  0822 Went to general quarters for shore fire action drills.  Maintained station 4000 yards offshore while firing gunnery exercise.  1054 Completed exercise. 1312 Stopped dead in the water to observe Radford shore bombardment firing.  1341 Commenced shore bombardment exercise.  1633 Completed exercise.  1729 Commenced firing operation Wonson special.  1743 Completed firing.  1800 Commenced firing exercise. 1804 Completed firing exercise.  2048 Commenced firing exercise maintaining 6000 yards from Kahoolawe. 2157 Completed exercise.

Thursday, 26 March.  Underway steaming independently in area west of Kahoolawe Island, T.H.  0952 Commenced firing exercise maintaining 3000 yards west of Kahoolawe Island.  1234 Completed exercise having fired 40 flashless and 1 dislocating round.  1944 Stopped all engines and put port motor whaleboat into water to go to Kahoolawe Island to pick up Shore bombardment Observers. 2023 Boat back alongside.  2029 Boat clear of water and observers on board.  2129 Passed merchant ship port to port at 1500 yards.

Friday, 27 March.  Underway enroute to Pearl Harbor T.H. from Kahoolawe Island.  0728 Passed through Point Xray and entered Pearl Harbor channel.  0805 Moored starboard side to USS Radford DDE 446 in berth S-13, Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.  0935 M.W. Jackson SA, and H.G. Beckom SN, reported aboard from leave.  0958 Ensign S.A. Thorbahn reported aboard for duty.  1455 Completed taking on 71,422 gallons of fuel oil.

Saturday, 28 March.  Moored as before. 1210 R.D. Ross RD#, left the ship on 10 days emergency leave. 1233 Underway dead plant with assistance of YTB 132 and YTL 166.  1300 Moored starboard side to USS Taylor DDE 468, in berth Baker 23.

Sunday, 29 March.  Moored as before. 0235 C.T. Pirtle BT3, and V.G. Rivera MM3 returned to the ship from TAD with Hawaiian Armed Services Police.

Monday, 30 March.  Moored as before with dead plant, receiving all services from the dock. 1330 F. Samudio TN, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment.

Tuesday, 31 March. Moored as before.

April 1953

Wednesday, 1 April.  Moored starboard side to USS Taylor DDE 468, in berth B-23, U.S. Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1225 W.P. Camp FT1 was transferred to Receiving Station, Pearl Harbor, T.H.

Thursday, 2 April. Moored as before.

Friday, 3 April. Moored as before. 1400 Commanding Officer inspected messing and living spaces.  1430 J. Householder FN, returned to duty from treatment at Tripler Army Hospital.

Saturday, 4 April. Moored as before.  0855 Pilot, Mr. Wilson came aboard. 0938 Underway from alongside Taylor to new berth B-23. 0955 Moored starboard side to berth B-23.  1010 J.S. Bragg BT3, was transferred to Naval Receiving Station San Diego, CA.  1026 W.G. Morgan SH3, was transferred to Naval Receiving Station San Diego, CA. 1505 USS Taylor DDE 468 moored outboard to port.

Sunday, 5 April. Moored as before.

Monday, 6 April. Moored as before.  0900  P.H. Hutton SO3, and R.E. Green SOSN, reported aboard for duty. 1445 T.W. Fincher FN, left the ship for 30 days annual leave.

Tuesday, 7 April.  Moored as before. 0730 USS Taylor DDE 468 got underway and stood out the channel. The following men reported aboard for duty: A.J. Kemp FA, W.H. Krause SA, W.R. Neel FA, W. Rinehart SA, V. F. Pol SA,  L.E. Ruark FA, M. Stricker FA, A. Villanueva SA,  D. Whittaker SN, J.A. Looysen SN, G.E. Underwood Jr. BTFN.

Wednesday, 8 April.  Moored as before. 0707 USS Spangler DE 696 moored outboard to port.  0840 L. Bennett SO1, reported aboard for duty. 1439 G.M. Crane BMC, reported aboard for duty.

Thursday, 9 April. Moored as before.  1052 J. Beaver SO3, reported aboard for duty. 1515 J.H. Epps SOSN, was transferred to USS Walker DDE 517 for duty.  B.F. Lampe BM3, was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment.

Friday, 10 April.  Moored as before. 0900 G.M. Crane BMC, departed on 22 days leave.  1333 USS Spangler DE 696 cast off from along port side. 1400 ComCortDesRon One shifted his flag to USS Carpenter DDE 825.  1415 Ensign R.U. McCurley, Jr. reported aboard for duty from TAD with FALLWEATRAPAC.

Saturday, 11 April.  Moored as before. 0946 A.L. Moore BM3, was transferred to U.S. Naval Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor T.H. for duty.  0951 Received E.C. Ballenger, pilot, on board.  1012 Underway with assistance of USS Canocan YTB 290 and YTB 410.  1026 Moored starboard side to berth M-3.

Sunday, 12 April.  Moored as before. UDD Jenkins DDE 447 moored outboard to port.

Monday, 13 April.  Moored as before. 0705 E.L. McCann FTSN, was transferred to Naval Receiving Station for hardship discharge.  0748 Underway and stood out channel enroute to rendezvous with USS Boxer CVA 21.  0900 Took plane guard station on Boxer. 1255 Boxer commenced landing planes.  1305 All aircraft on board. 1355 Boxer commenced launching and recovering aircraft. 1620 USS Radford DDE 446 took plane guard station #2, Fletcher in plane guard station #1.  1930 Lost steering control and shifted to after steering. Veered out of station on permission of OCE to test steering gear. 1956 Steering restored on bridge, Fletcher returned to station. 2232 Completed flight operations and released from plane guard duty.

Tuesday, 14 April. Steaming independently south of Oahu T.H.  0123 Unidentified aircraft circled ship and dropped a white flare.  0951 Took station on USS Carpenter DDE 825, and commenced ASW search. 1115 Detached from ASW search. Proceeded independently to area S-14 of submarine area S-2 for independent ship exercises. 1455 Secured from all drills.  1530 Entered Pearl Harbor channel.  1602 Moored starboard side to berth M-3 U.S. Naval Base, Pearl Harbor T.H.  1800 R.F. Ellison RMSN reported aboard for duty.

Wednesday, 15 April. Moored as before.  1330 R.W. Johnson ME3 was transferred to Tripler Army Hospital for treatment. 1620 T.E. Webb RDSN, left the ship for 12 days emergency leave.  1705 S.H. Ross RD3 returned aboard from emergency leave. 1720 R. Buonodono RD3, and H.C. Arnold reported aboard for duty.  2035 J.J. Bartol Jr. BMC, reported aboard for duty.

Thursday, 16 April.  Moored as before. 0752 Fletcher got underway from Dock M-3, U.S. Naval Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. M.W. Brinkman MM1, and J.P. West EMPC, left the ship on TAD. 0829 Cleared the channel, 0913 Conducted general quarters for damage control and department exercises.  1030 Secured from general quarters. 1040 Started engineering drills. 1048 Starboard shaft locked for drill. Unable to unlock it. Stopped all engines. 1141 Starboard shaft unlocked, started engines. 1409 All engines stopped to check jacking gear on starboard shaft. 1434 Underway. 1727 Took station on port beam of USS Boxer CVA 21 for communication drills.  1858 Commenced opening out on Boxer for high speed tracking drills. 2030 Completed drills. 2055 Took station on starboard quarter of Boxer. 2200 Released by Boxer.

Friday, 17 April.  Steaming independently south of Oahu, T.H.  0432 Took station on Boxer. 0618 Commenced plane guard on Boxer. 0631 Completed flight operations.  0724 Took plane guard station on Boxer.  0730 Commenced flight operations. 0814 Completed flight operations. 1030 Took plane guard station on Boxer.  1055 Secured from flight operations.  Continued periods of plane guard duty on Boxer.  1515 Released from plane guard duties.  Proceeded independently into port. 1601 Entered channel.  1647 Moored starboard side to USS Jenkins DDE 447, at dock M-3, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1700 E.T Lorenz, MMC was transferred to Naval Receiving Station, Pearl, Harbor, T.H. 1701 The following men reported aboard for duty. J.G. Gardiner SA, L. French SA, A.T. Darling SA, J.L. Graham Jr. GM3.

Saturday, 18 April.  Moored as before.

Sunday, 19 April.  Moored as before.

Monday, 20 April.  Moored as before. 0725 Fletcher was breasted out to allow USS Jenkins DDE 447 to get underway. Ship was moved with pilot Mr. Green, and YT 231andYT 306. 0735 Moored starboard side to dock M-3, U.S. Naval Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1255 J. Eldridge SH2(T) was transferred to Naval Receiving Station, Pearl Harbor T.H.

Tuesday, 21 April. Moored as before.  1145 D.L. Miles RDSA, reported aboard for duty.

Wednesday, 22 April. Moored as before.  USS Jenkins DDE 447 moored alongside to port. 0750 Jenkins got underway. 0803 Fletcher got underway.  0838 Cleared the channel. 0949 Entering the operating area. 1033 Commenced firing exercises. 1126 Completed firing exercises having expended 37 rounds of 5"/38 and 30 rounds of 3"/50 ammunition.  1228 Fire in compartment B-104-L. 1229 Fire extinguished with slight damage. 1304 Conducted high speed tracking drills with USS Carpenter DDE 825 and USS Jenkins DDE 447.  1726 Passed point X-ray to enter Pearl Harbor, T.H.  1806 Moored starboard side of USS Jenkins DDE 447 in berth M-3, Pearl Harbor, Oahu, T.H.

Thursday, 23 April.  Moored as before. 0733 Fletcher got underway.  0811 Passed point X-ray and entered International waters.  0930 Commenced exercises with USS Carpenter DDE 825 and USS Radford DDE 446.1030 Completed exercises and released to proceed to area N-1 for independent ship exercises.  Conducted man overboard ship handling exercises for all junior officers.  1554 Entered Pearl Harbor channel. 1631 Moored starboard side to USS Jenkins DDE 447 in berth M-3, Pearl Harbor, Oahu, T.H.

Friday, 24 April.  Moored as before. 0800 Pilot J. Card came aboard.  YTB235 alongside. 0822 Underway. 0912 Moored starboard side to berth W-4, West Loch, Pearl Harbor T.H. 0952 Commenced taking ammunition aboard. 1100 All ammunition on board and stored in magazines. Pilot Taylor aboard. 1153 YTB 235 assisted ship alongside berth B-16. 1203 Moored in berth B-16, Pearl Harbor T.H.  1210 Pilot left the ship. 1445 Ensign J.B. Chatfield reported aboard for duty.  1553 J. Householder FN, left the ship for treatment at Tripler Army Hospital.  1600 J.A. Dummet ME3 reported aboard for duty.  1645 R.W. Johnson ME3, reported aboard for duty.

Saturday, 25 April.  Moored as before. 1325 J.L. Johnson EMFN and T.M. Chisholm CSSN, departed the ship for transfer to USS Spangler DE 696. 1350 A.T. Flanagan EMFN, reported aboard for duty from USS Spangler DE 696.

Sunday, 26 April.  Moored as before.

Monday, 27 April.  Moored as before. 1302 S.E. Logsdon RMSN was transferred to ComCortDesRon One staff allowance.

Tuesday, 28 April. Moored as before.  1445 B.F. Lampe BM3, returned aboard for duty after treatment at Tripler Army Hospital.

Wednesday, 29 April. Moored as before.

Thursday, 30 April.  Moored as before. 0422 Dock power failed, shifted to emergency diesel generator. 0620 Shore power restored. 0650 Shore power failed, shifted to emergency diesel generator. 0810 Shore power restored. 1225 B.W. Lawson BT3 was transferred to Naval Receiving Station Pearl Harbor for 30 days emergency leave.  1600 J. Cinfici BT1, was transferred to USS O’Bannon DDE 450 for duty.

May 1953

Friday, 1 May. Moored port side to berth B-16, Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, T.H. with the USS Radford DDE 446 to port outboard. 1255 R.H. Cleary MEG1, was transferred to Naval Receiving Station, Pearl Harbor T.H.  1305 H. Pulido QM3, was transferred to Naval Receiving Station Pearl Harbor T.H. 1308 L.C. Randall SN, was transferred to Naval Receiving Station Pearl Harbor T.H.  1309 H.L. Day MM3, was transferred to Naval Receiving Station Pearl Harbor T.H.  1650 J.E. McIntyre MMC, reported aboard for duty. 1810 F.W. Thompson DK3, was transferred to USS Taylor for duty.  2108 S.H. Ross RD3, was transferred to Naval Receiving Station Pearl Harbor T.H. 2109 A. Roberts Jr. SA was transferred to Naval Receiving Station Pearl Harbor T.H. for reassignment.

Saturday, 2 May. Moored as before.

Sunday, 3 May. Moored as before.  1345 R. Anderson GM3, reported aboard for duty. 1345 The following men reported aboard from leave in the continental limits of United States: C.J. Truitt QM3, B.W. Wade SHSN, J. Larkin CSSN, D.L. Jones MMFN, R.W. Hudgins FN, A.H. Heep SN, M. Gonzales SN, R.S. Roy CSSN, J.B. Shields SN, J.P. Trinder GMSN, W. Trinder QMSN, J. Alfaro SN, R.W. North SO3, P. Pallan Jr. ENFN, K.I. Privett SA, J.E. Martinez SN, A. Fonseca BTFN, E.W. Filxins FPFN, D.A. Donner FA, and B.J. Bass SN.

Monday, 4 May. Moored as before.  0831 Pilot Wilson came aboard.  0848 Underway from berth B-16 Naval Shipyard Pearl Harbor T.H.  0911 Moored starboard side to USS Radford DDE 446 in berth B-25, Naval Station, Pearl Harbor T.H.  0921 Pilot left the ship. 0930 R.E. Smaby SO3, returned aboard for duty. 1235 LT D.E. Smith was detached to report to Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor T.H. for duty.  1255 LTJG L.T. Anderson was detached to be released from active duty.  1435 J.S. Thodes Jr. HM1 reported aboard for TAD.

Tuesday, 5 May.  Moored as before. 0804 Experienced casualty to Number 1 generator. 0906 Received ATB 235 off port bow. 0909 Cast off from ATB 235.  0910 Underway from alongside USS Radford DDE 446. 0938 Received Pilot Card aboard. ATB 235  assisted.  0953 Moored port side to berth B-16 Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor T.H.  1000 Casualty to #1 generator determined to be burned out stator coil. At 0804 smoke was observed coming from the electrical end of #1 turbo generator. 2138 No. 1 generator was removed from the ship to the shop for repair by the yard force.

Wednesday, 6 May.  Moored as before. 1300 ComCortDesDiv 13 shifted his flag to Fletcher.

Thursday, 7 May. Moored as before.  1300 A board of investigation CDR C.J. MacKenzie convened on board to investigate the casualty to #1 turbo generator.   1615 The board of investigation adjourned until 0830 8 May, 1953.

Friday, 8 May. Moored as before.  0830 The board of investigation resumed.

Saturday, 9 May. Moored as before.  1755 E.C. Campbell FT3, and R.C. Simonsen SK3, left the ship for TAD with Shore Patrol, Hawaiian Armed Service Police.

Sunday, 10 May.  Moored as before. 0845 M. Earwood SA, was received aboard for duty.

Monday, 11 May.  Moored as before.

Tuesday, 12 May. Moored as before.

Wednesday, 13 May. Moored as before.

Thursday, 14 May.  Moored as before. 1235 USS YW 104 alongside to starboard.  1315 YW 104 got underway.  1500 R.G. Powell BM3 was transferred to Receiving Station Pearl Harbor T.H. 1535 Secured shore power and shifted electrical load to #1 generator.

Friday, 15 May.  Moored as before. 0037 Shifted load to #2 generator. 0050 Shifted load back to #1 generator. 0910 Underway from berth B-16, Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, T.H. enroute to Yokosuka, Japan via Midway Island.0953 Cleared Pearl Harbor channel.  1028 With Barbers Point light to starboard, took departure and set course for Midway Island. 1258 Exercised crew at general quarters for anti aircraft exercise.  Expended 8 rounds of 3"/50 ammunition.

Saturday, 16 May.  Underway as before.

Sunday, 17 May.  Underway as before. 0745 Made radar contact with Midway Island.  0850 Entered Midway Island channel. 0920 Moored starboard side to dock #1. 1010 Commenced taking on fuel.  1050 Completed taking on 68,383 gallons of Navy Standard fuel oil.  1504 Underway from alongside dock #1 Midway Island. 1535 Cleared channel. 1625 Ship lost entire electrical load wile cutting #4 boiler on the line.  Casualty due to low feed water in #4 boiler.  All engines stopped, ship lying to.  1647 Steaming boilers #2 and #4.  Regained main electrical power. 1838 Darkened ship.  1900 Passed Kure Island abeam to port at 8 miles.

Monday, 18 May. (This day was skipped due to crossing the International Date Line.)

Tuesday, 19 May. Underway as before enroute Midway Island to Yokosuka, Japan. 0001 Advanced ships clocks 24 hours upon crossing international date line.  0855 Fired one round 5"/38 ammunition in AA firing. 1030 Held small arms firing practice.  1300 Held collision drill for all hands. 1505 #1 generator suffered casualty and full investigation was conducted.  1821 #1 generator back on line.

Wednesday, 20 May. Underway as before.  1300 Held fire drill. 1535 Commenced taking on ballast. 1600 Barometer rising slowly, wind sea, and temperature dropping slowly.

Thursday, 21 May.  Underway as before. 1000 Made BT readings. 1100 Chopped to ComNavFe.  1325 AA firing practice 2 rounds using balloon released from ship as target.  1610 Fired 2 rounds 5"/38 ammunition at balloon target.

Friday, 22 May.  Underway as before, enroute to Yokosuka Japan.  1325 Expended 2 rounds AA common using inflated balloon as target.

Saturday, 23 May.  Underway as before.  1008 Passed USS Gen. W.W. Mitchell TAP 114 abeam to port, distance 5 miles. 1830 Darkened ship.  1848 Turned on navigational lights, passing through fleet of fishing craft.  2043 Changed course to avoid fishing boat. 2053 Resumed base course.

Sunday, 24 May.  Underway as before. 0513 Captain, executive officer and navigator on bridge. 0705 Sounded fog horn. 0814 Entered Yokosuka Japan harbor.  0947 Received pilot, Mr. Y. Takahashi on board.  0950 Pilot took conn. 1026 Moored starboard side to USS LST 1141 at buoy D-1, inner harbor, Yokosuka, Japan.

Monday, 25 May.  Moored as before. Ships present include various units of U.S. Pacific Fleet and United Nations Fleet. SOPA was ComCruDiv 3 in USS St Paul CA 73. 1335 Took on fresh water from USS YW 86.  1428 The following men were received aboard for duty: I.H. Atkins TE3, W.G. Larsen SN, R.D. Cloud SN, K. Combs SN, E.S. Eubanks SN, T.C. Bridges BT3, G. Boardman SA, T.E. Webb RDSN, J.J. Smolinski SA, A. Banas FP3, R.S. Poppell FN, G.F. Gunn SN, D. Wilklander SN, K.D. Lentz HM3.

Tuesday, 26 May. Moored as before.  1540 YO 142 alongside to port to provide fuel.  1805 Received message stating there was a fire on USS Ajax AD 6, no assistance needed.  1915 Secured fueling, having received 104,412 gallons of fuel oil.

Wednesday, 27 May. Moored as before in nest starboard side to USS LST 1141. Nest consisted of Fletcher, LST 1141, USS LST 855, and USS LST 1090.  0843 Pilot reported aboard.0900 Breasted out to allow LST to clear the nest. 0907 Moored starboard side to USS LST 855.

Thursday, 28 May.  Moored as before. 0456 Underway from nest at berth D-1 Yokosuka, Japan.0509 Commenced degaussing runs at the degaussing range.  0601 Departed degaussing range and proceeded to conform with channel and harbor configurations. 0612 Commenced sounding fog horn. 0647 Rendezvoused with USS St. Paul CA 73. Took station 2000 yards ahead of St. Paul. 0758 Suffered power failure on generator #1. 0759 Regained all power. 0830 Casualty to gyro input to radar.  Took station 2000 yards astern of St. Paul. 0944 Took station 2000 yards ahead of St. Paul.

Friday, 29 May.  Underway from Yokosuka, Japan to Wonson, Korea via Shimonseki Straits in company with USS St. Paul CA 73. 0648 Changed course to avoid another vessel. 0710 Regained station 2000 yards ahead of St. Paul. 0740 Took station 2000 yards astern of St. Paul. 0751 Stopped all engines, on station, lying to astern of St. Paul 0836 St. Paul embarked pilot, Fletcher underway astern of St. Paul at 2000 yards to conform to buoyed approach to Shimonoseki Straits. 1255 Entered Shimonoseki Straits.  1402 Cleared Shimonoseki Straits. 1520 Took station 2000 yards ahead of St. Paul.

Saturday, 30 May.  Underway as before enroute Yokosuka Japan to Wonson Korea.  0735 Took life guard station astern of USS Bremerton CA 130 and USS St. Paul Ca 73. 1112 Maneuvered to avoid fishing craft. 1120 Resumed base course.  1223 Completed deballasting.  1318 Took refueling station on starboard side of USS Bremerton CA 130. 1318 First line across.  1328 Received the following men by highline from Bremerton for transfer to USS Manchester CL 83:

P.U. Catanach RMSN, D.L. Asire RMSA.  1300 Commenced taking on fuel.  1510 Completed taking on fuel, receiving 62,044 gallons NSFO.1517 All lines cleared, took station 2000 yards ahead of USS Bremerton CA 130. 1627 General quarters for drone firing.  1951 Darkened ship.

Sunday 31 May. Steaming in company with USS Bremerton CA 130 under operational control of Task Force 77 in East Coast Operating Zone of Korea. 1927 Darkened ship.  2208 Changed course to investigate sonar contact. 2222 Lost sonar contact.

June 1953

Monday, 1 June.  Steaming independently proceeding to rendezvous with Task Force 77 off the Korean east coast. 0440 Rendezvoused and joined TF 77.  0602 Took station 3000 yards astern of formation.  0912 Took station #5 in a 12 station open concentric screen on circle 5.  Guide was USS Chikaskia TAO 54 in formation center.  1055 Took life guard station on USS Valley Forge CVA 45 and Chikaskia.  1233 USS Carpenter DDE 825 alongside for personnel transfer.  Transferred J.S. Rhodes Jr. HM1, to Carpenter. 1353 Alongside Chikaskia for refueling.  0404 Commenced receiving fuel.  1414 Transferred the following personnel to USS Chikaskia TAO 54 for further transfer to USS Manchester CL 83: P.V. Catanach RMSN, and D.L. Asire RMSA. 1430 Completed refueling, received 32,699 gallons NSFO.  Received Captain D. Mayberry aboard for further transfer to USS Owen DD 536.  1441 Cleared Chikaskia. 1522 Exercised crew at general quarters for AA firing.  1536 On station 7 in 8 ship concentric screen in formation 49 with 3 heavies. Guide USS Boxer CVA 21.  1552 Secured from general quarters for AA firing, having expended 6 rounds 3"/50 and 8 rounds 5"/38 ammunition.  1606 Carpenter designated guide in station #1.  1620 Fletcher assumed ready plane guard on Boxer while landing aircraft.  1640 Aircraft recovery completed. 1735 Assumed ready plane guard on Boxer. 1752 Aircraft launch completed. 1800 Proceeded to take station for transfer of personnel to USS Owens DD 536.  1828 Owens alongside to port. 1834 Transfer completed. 1846 Took station 7 in 7 ship closed concentric circular screen. 1851 Took ready plane guard on Boxer.  1915 Commenced flight operations. 1939 Completed flight operations.  2158 Took plane guard station on Boxer.  2303 Returned to screen station 7.  2330 Commenced zig zag plan.

Tuesday, 2 June. Steaming as before.  0006 Cleared formation for BT drop. 0021 Returned to station. 0044 Ceased zig zag. 0143 Commenced flight operations.  0354 Took station 6 in screen. 0510 Air operations completed. 0607 Commenced air operations. 0700 Took station 7 in screen. 0813 Took BT readings. 0910 Set ready plane guard station on Boxer. 1407 Took life guard station on Boxer. 1443 Took screen station 7.  1840 Took life guard station on Boxer for transfer of personnel. 1925 Personnel transfer completed, took screen station 7.  2154 Flight operations commenced.  Took plane guard station on Boxer.  2305 Air operations completed, returned to screen station 7.

Wednesday, 3 June. Underway with TF 77 as before. 0116 Turned on truck lights for air operations.  0830 Took station 7 in 12 ship concentric screen. 1145 Guide shifted to USS Manchester CL 83.  Air operations continued throughout the day.  1545 USS Black DDR 666 detached.  1636 Commenced air operations 1717 Completed air operations.  1954 Received helicopter over the fantail.

Thursday, 4 June.  Underway with TF 77 as before.  0540 Took lifeguard station astern of USS Chikaskia. 0600 Took fueling station on starboard side of Chikaskia and commenced taking on fuel.  0742 Completed taking on 75,489 gallons NSFO. 0805 Took screen station 7. 0850 Commenced weaving on station.  0915 Fletcher detached from TF 77 to proceed toward Sasebo, Japan to rendezvous with USS New Jersey BB 62, with Com 7th Fleet embarked.  2210 Rendezvoused with New Jersey.  2235 Took screen station 3000 yards ahead of New Jersey.

Friday, 5 June.  Underway with USS New Jersey BB 62, in east coast of Korea operating area as part of TU 70.1. Com 7th Fleet embarked on New Jersey.  Ship was darkened except for running lights.  0735 Went alongside USS Mt Baker AE 4 for light freight transfer. 0740 Transfer completed. 0755 Went alongside port side of New Jersey for light freight transfer. 0800 Cleared New Jersey and took station 3000 yards ahead of New Jersey. 1120 Stopped port engine to affect repairs.  Patrolling on station at 16 2 knots.  1201 Ceased patrolling station. 1247 Effected repairs to auxiliary exhaust diaphragm on port engine and placed it back in operation. 1304 Commenced patrolling on station. 1344 Took station 2000 yards off starboard bow of New Jersey for small drone firing by New Jersey. 1424 Proceeded to recover drone with boat. 1435 Boat in tow by boat. Boat returned drone to New Jersey. 1456 Recovered boat. 1500 Took station 3000 yards ahead of New Jersey.  1730 Changed formation speed to 25 Knots. 1756 Released from screening station on New Jersey, took station screen station 7 in TF 77 consisting of 9 ship screen and 3 heavies.

Saturday, 6 June.  Underway in company of TF 77 in station 7 of 9 ship screen. Heavies were USS Philippine Sea CVA 47, USS New Jersey BB 62 with Com7th Fleet embarked, and USS Valley Forge CVA 45 with CTF 77 embarked.  Air Operations were being conducted by the carriers.  0756 Went alongside USS Radford DDE 446 for transfer of small freight and personnel.  0800 Transferred P. Ladrido SD3, to Radford for further transfer to Navy Receiving Station, Pearl Harbor, T.H. for 15 days emergency leave. Fletcher then proceeded to rendezvous with USS New Jersey, BB 62. 0825 On station with New Jersey. 1055 Alongside starboard side of USS Cimarron AO 22 for refueling.  1138 Completed refueling, receiving 1120 barrels of NSFO. 1208 Alongside USS Kaskaskia AO 27 for transfer of supercargo. 1221 Completed transfer, proceeded alongside New Jersey for mail transfer.  1344 Mail transfer completed, cleared the side of New Jersey. 1400 On station with New Jersey. 1530 Left station to investigate sonar contact.  1554 Contact evaluated non submarine.  1650 Regained station.  1808 Changed course to challenge contact at 11 miles. 1813 Contact identified as USS Chowauoc ATF 100. Returned to station. 1845 Took station 3000 yards ahead of New Jersey.  Began patrolling station at 11.5 knots while New Jersey provides shore bombardment in Cherokee Area.

Sunday, 7 June.  Underway in Kosong Korea screening USS New Jersey BB 62, by patrolling to seaward, while it provides shore bombardment.    1639 Commenced patrolling while New Jersey was dead in the water for transfer by small boat.  1725 Resumed station 3000 yards ahead of New Jersey.  1740 Commenced patrolling at 11.5 knots.  New Jersey continued shore bombardment.

Monday, 8 June.  Underway as before with New Jersey. Fletcher took patrolling station to seaward while New Jersey continued shore bombardment.  Between shore bombardment assignments, Fletcher took station 3000 yards ahead of New Jersey. 1721 Unidentified object in the water 300 yards to starboard.  1732 Object identified as fishing net floater, and was sunk by small arms fire.

Tuesday, 9 June Underway with New Jersey as before.  New Jersey conducting shore bombardment. 0709 Alongside New Jersey for transfer of freight and personnel. 0731 Transfer completed. 1005 Left station to go alongside USS Kaskaskia AO 22, for refueling and transfer of mail and personnel.  1034 Commenced refueling and transfers. 1116 Completed transfers and fueling, having received 45,274 gallons NSFO.  1232 USS Pritchett DD 561, alongside to port, highline over, transferred 24 bags of mail, 9 supercargo, and officer messenger mail for CTG 95.2. 1300 Pritchett cast off. 1308 USS Hamner DD 718, alongside for transfer of 4 bags of mail, 2 supercargo, and one passenger, B.J. Montgomery MMFN. 1326 Completed transfer and Hamner cast off. 1415 Commenced screening for New Jersey. 1500 Proceeded alongside New Jersey to starboard for transfer of 30 bags of mail, two supercargo, and two passengers. 1536 Transfer completed, took station 3000 yards ahead of New Jersey. 1753 Maneuvered to avoid fishing boat.  1830 Took station 3000 yards to the beach side of New Jersey which was dead in the water while receiving personnel from the beach 1912 Took station 3000 yards ahead of New Jersey while lying to. 2000 Took station between New Jersey and the beach.  2310 New Jersey opened to about 5 miles from the beach and stopped engines.  Fletcher began patrolling seaward of New Jersey at distances of 2500 to 3000 yards.

Wednesday, 10 June.  Steaming as before in company with USS New Jersey BB 62, in the Kosong Korea area in the front line area. Operating with navigation lights due to large number of small craft in the area. Patrolling seaward of New Jersey. 0636 Took station 3000 yards ahead of New Jersey.  1243 Left station to investigate object in the water. 1248 Glass fishing float sunk by gunfire, returned to station.  1402 Maneuvered to avoid fishing boats. 1425 Resumed station.  1515 New Jersey dead in the water for helicopter operations. Commenced screening 2500 to 3000 yards to seaward of New Jersey. Continued patrolling as New Jersey conducted shore bombardment.

Thursday, 11 June. Steaming with USS New Jersey BB 62 in East Coast (Korea) Operating Area.  0817 Commenced patrolling to seaward of New Jersey. 1030 Ceased patrolling and took station 3000 yards ahead of New Jersey.  1257 Proceeded to join Joint Task Force 77 with 9 ship screen and 4 heavies. 1320 Fletcher assigned plane guard on USS Boxer CVA 21.  1358 Air operations completed.  1454 Set the plane guard detail.  Fletcher assigned ready plane guard for Boxer. 1511 Air operations completed. 1725 Detached from TF 77, proceeded in company with USS New Jersey BB 62 as TG 70.1 Fletcher took screening station 3000 yards ahead of New Jersey.  New Jersey had CINCPACFLT and COM7Fleet embarked. 1830 Commenced zig zag plan.

Friday, 12 June. Steaming in company with USS New Jersey BB 62 in East Coast Operations Zone off Korea 0645 Commenced patrolling to seaward of New Jersey across harbor entrance to Hoko Ko, Korea.  1004 Took station ahead of New Jersey at 3000 yards.  1448 Commenced patrolling to seaward of New Jersey. 1528 Took station ahead of New Jersey. 1750 Conducted screening to seaward as New Jersey conducted shore bombardment.  1827 New Jersey stopped all engines. Fletcher commenced screening to seaward. 2020 Fletcher went alongside New Jersey to refuel.  2030 Commenced taking on fuel.  2050 E.S. Eubanks SN, suffered a fractured right forearm, was treated at sick bay.  2128 Completed taking on fuel, having received 59,220 gallons NSFO.  2151 Suffered casualty to gyro compass, ordered to take station astern of New Jersey.  2300 Gyro compass casualty: failure to shift to battery power when motor generator failed due to blown fuse. Casualty repaired; recessed to true bearing.

Saturday, 13 June. Steaming in company with New Jersey in Kosong Korea area off the east coast of Korea.  Fletcher in screening station 3000 yards ahead of New Jersey. Gyro was settling down, Fletcher steering by magnetic compass. 0200 Commenced steering by gyro compass. 0447 New Jersey lying to while conducting shore bombardment. Fletcher patrolled to seaward. 1149 Took station 5 miles east of New Jersey.  1213 Took station 3000 yards ahead of New Jersey.  1240 Maneuvered to stand clear of New Jersey and TF 77. 1435 Took screen station 3000 yards ahead of New Jersey.  1436 Switched to magnetic compass due to casualty to gyro relay transmitter. 1452 Switched to gyro compass using master gyro transmitter for gyro repeaters on the bridge. 1621 Maneuvered on various courses to avoid small fishing craft in the area. 1628 Commenced screening to seaward of New Jersey.  1703 Maneuvered to lie too alongside New Jersey to effect transfer of personnel and mail. 1730 Small boat alongside. A.C. Holcomb QMC, reported aboard for duty from USS New Jersey BB 62.  1735 Resumed patrolling to seaward of New Jersey.  1858 Took station ahead of New Jersey.

Sunday, 14 June. Steaming as before.  0518 Detached from screening duty with USS New Jersey and proceeded to join TF 77, 10 screening ships and 5 heavies.  USS Bremerton CL 130 in center of the formation.  0934 Fletcher took screen station 4.  1011 Detached from TF 77, proceeded in company with CortDesDiv 11 enroute to Sasebo, Japan.  2357 Turned on navigation lights while passing through fishing fleet.

Monday, 15 June. Steaming with CortDesDiv 11 enroute from TF 77 in the sea of Japan to Sasebo, Japan. 0215 Changed course to avoid fishing boat. 0610 Entered Sasebo harbor.  0759 Moored starboard side to USS O'Bannon DDE 450 at buoy 1 . Order of ships in nest alongside port side of USS Dixie AD 14, USS Picking DD 685, USS Carpenter DDE 825, USS O'Bannon DDE 450 and USS Fletcher DDE 445.  1015 Assumed medical guard. 1056 Completed taking on 56,750 gallons NSFO.  1516 R.W. McGrady MM#, reported on board for duty, E.E. Holland EMFN, and R.L. Holland SN returned aboard from leave.

On this day, the USS Princeton launched 184 sorties, establishing a single day Korean War record for offensive sorties flown from a carrier.  Navy and Marine Corps aircraft flew 910 sorties, the highest combined number for a single day.

Tuesday, 16 June.  Moored as before. 1420 J.J. Bartol, Jr. BMC was transferred to O'Bannon. 1424 W.L. Dixon RM3, was transferred to USS Radford DDE 446. 1510 J.F. Hames ETSN, reported aboard for duty.

Wednesday, 17 June.  Moored as before. 1300 R.B. Elzey DCFN, and P.F. O'Neil RM3, were transferred to USS Edmonds DE 406. A.A. Nathe MM2, was transferred to Naval Receiving Station, San Diego, CA.  1527 R.E. Kohlmeyer SK3, was transferred for medical treatment to USS Dixie AD 14.

Thursday, 18 June. Moored as before. 1725 B.W. Lawson returned aboard from 30 days emergency leave. 1726 Ensign K.L. Edwards reported aboard for duty.

Friday, 19 June. Moored as before.

Saturday, 20 June. Moored as before.  0950 D.R. Wicklander SN, was transferred to the Naval Dispensary Sasebo, Japan for treatment.  2300 LT L.C. Chambers was transferred to USS Wantuck APD 125.

Sunday, 21 June. Moored as before.

Monday, 22 June. Moored as before.  0750 USS Radford DDE 446 got underway from port side.  0809 LSMR 409 moored alongside to port. 1100 LSMR 409 connected power line to receive power through Fletcher from Dixie. 1640 Ensign W.N Ford reported aboard for duty. 1705 L.W. Palmore DKSN, and D.R. Tucker ENFN returned aboard from 3 days leave.  1920 Ensign Park, Sang Seo, and Ensign Won, Moon Ik, Republic of Korea Navy reported aboard for duty.

Tuesday, 23 June.  Moored as before. 1315 USS LSMR 409 got underway to clear port side for USS Radford DDE 446. 1344 Radford moored to port.  1415 LS409 moored outboard of Radford to port.

Wednesday, 24 June.  Moored as before. 1105 Began receiving ammunition astern.  1115 Ceased loading ammunition, having received 63 rounds of 5"/38 and 25 rounds 3"/50. 1158 R.J. Retka FN, was taken to USS Dixie AD14 for an x-ray after injuring himself on the Fletcher.

Thursday, 25 June Moored as before.  Other ships present include units of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and United Nations Forces .  1000 C.W. Walters JOSN, reported aboard for TAD for a period of about three months from USS Carpenter DDE 825.  1200 G.W. Miller SN, was transferred to Staff allowance ComCortDesRon One for 3 months TAD on USS Carpenter DDE 825. 2030 Heavy seas and high winds necessitated putting out wire preventer from #1 line aft to #5 line 2230 Bailed both boats.

Friday, 26 June. Moored as before.  1320 Transferred W.D. Huss SN to the infirmary, Fleet Activities, Sasebo, Japan for treatment. 1620 Transferred J.R. Rodgers SN to USS APL 30 for TAD .

Saturday, 27 June. Moored as before.  0559 Radford got underway.  0608 Fletcher got underway. CortDesDiv 11 formed up in column open order with Carpenter in station 1, O’Bannon in station 2, Radford in station 3, and Fletcher in station 4. 0849 Radford sheared out of column to avoid collision.0855 Resumed column open order.

Sunday, 28 June. Underway with CortDesDiv 11 enroute Sasebo, Japan to Task Force 77 in the East Coast operating area off Korea. 0035 Formed scouting line with a distance of 7.5 miles.0345 Formed up in column open order. 0523 Fletcher took station 1000 yards west of USS Mason DD 852 in station 8 of circular screen.  0609 Took station 8 of 9 ship circular screen. Screen consists of USS Sumner DD 692 in station 1, USS Carpenter DDE 825 in station 2, USS Lofberg DD 759 in station 3, USS Lofberg DD 759 in station 3, USS O'Bannon DDE 450 in station 4, USS Thomason DD 760 in station 5, USS Radford DDE 446 in station 6, USS Buck DD 761 in station 7, USS Fletcher DDE 445 in station 8, and USS Bole DD 536 in station 9.  USS Princeton CVA 37 was the guide, heavies on circle 3.

Monday, 29 June. Underway with TF77 as before.  0805 USS Moane DD 693 joined the screen, increasing the screen to 10 ships. 1315 Commenced flight operations.  1405 Completed flight operations.

Tuesday, 30 June.  Underway with TF 77 as before.  USS Princeton CVA 37 and USS Philippine Sea CVA 47 are the heavies.  0607 Went alongside USS Caliente AO 53 for refueling. 0658 Proceeded from refueling to station 11 of 12 ship screen.  0804 Took station 8 o 10 ship screen. 0934 Starboard engine stopped. Steam line casualty to #1 strainer while cutting boiler #1 in on main steam line. 0952 Casualty restored.  1012 Flight operations began. 1335 General quarters for anti-aircraft firing.  Commenced firing1551 Completed firing, expended 12 rounds 3”/50 VTNFrag, 13 rounds 5"/38 VTNF.

On this day, FEAF Sabres destroyed 16 MIGs, the largest number shot down in one day.

July 1953

Wednesday, 1 July. USS Fletcher DDE 445 was steaming in company with Task Force 77 in the East coast area of Korea in the Wonson area from Kosong to Myang-do. The screen was made up of ten destroyers and two carriers and Task Force 92 replenishment group. The carriers were refueling. 0331 Lighted all boilers off for flight operations.  0415 Commenced flight operations. 0830 Changed to 9 ship screen with Fletcher in station 8.  0951 Went to general quarters for AA exercises. 1010 Secured from general quarters.  1100 Went to general quarters for AA drill. Fired at sleeve towed by aircraft. 1126 Secured from general quarters.  1305 Secured two boilers. 1411 Lost electrical load on #1 generator. 1419 Restored electrical load. 1505 Visibility decreased to 1000 yards.

Thursday, 2 July.  Steaming as before in TF77. 0055 USS Radford DDE 446 detached from formation. Fletcher took station 6 of 8 ship screen.  0610 Formation changed to replenishment formation. 0918 Received USS Cotten DD 669 of starboard quarter for heaving line transfer.  1031 Fletcher went alongside USS Manatee AO 58 for refueling.  1115 Completed refueling having received 54,758 gallons NSFO. 1243 Assumed station 8 in 8 ship screen. Flight operations continued.

Friday, 3 July.  Steaming with TF 77 as before.  0410 Flight operation s began.  1058 Received helicopter on fantail. 1357 Exercised crew at general quarters for AA sleeve firing.  1445 Secured from firing having expended 12 rounds 3"/50 VTNF and 19 rounds 5"/38 VTNFR, 9 rounds 5"/38 AAC. 1842 Took station 3 in 9 ship screen with USS Vesuvius AE 15 in the center.  2150 R.B. Brown SN fractured little finger right hand, cause, negligence of others. Wound dressed and splint applied.  2347 Proceeded alongside USS Manatee AO 54 for refueling.

Saturday, 4 July.  Steaming with TF 77 and TU 92.1.1 consisting of USS Vesuvius AE 15, and USS Manatee AO 58 and escorts in the Korean East Coast operating area. Screen is 10 ship screen. Carriers were USS Princeton CVA 37, and USS Philippine Sea CVA 47. Fletcher was alongside USS Manatee AO 54 refueling. 0044 Completed refueling, received 39,735 gallons NSFO.  0902 Took station 9 in 9 ship screen. 1040 USS Radford DDE 446 came alongside for transfer of U.S. Mail. 1053 Transfer completed, Radford proceeded to screen station.

Sunday, 5 July.  Steaming with TF 77 as before.  0429 USS Sumner DD 692, leaving the screen. Fletcher took station 6 in 7 ship screen.  0435 Changed speed to 27 knots and commenced flight operations.  0622 Sumner rejoined screen, Fletcher took station 8. 1221 Fletcher went alongside USS Manatee AO 58 for refueling. 1255 Completed refueling, receiving 38,480 gallons NSFO. 1306 Took screening station 3 ahead of formation with USS Vesuvius AE15 in formation center. 1325 Commenced patrolling with USS Sumner DD 692 in patrolling station 4.  1529 Took screen station 7. 1535 Fletcher proceeded to conduct search for mail pouch lost overboard by USS Carpenter DDE 825 while alongside USS Chikaskia AO 57 in station Able 4. 1600 Returned to formation. Mail bag not found.  Took station 9. Air operations underway. 1758 Formed 8 ship screen with Fletcher in station 8.

Monday, 6 July.  Steaming as before with TF 77 off the east coast of Korea.  Ship was darkened.  0302 Turned on red truck lights for air operations.  0312 Turned off truck lights. 1154 USS Boxer CVA 21 was guide.  Formation conducted zig zag operations between aircraft launches and recoveries.  1930 Ship was secured for heavy weather.  Both boats were inboard and rigged for heavy weather.

6 - 10 July, The Battle of Pork Chop Hill.  The 7th Infantry Division is ordered to evacuate its defensive positions after five days of fighting.

Tuesday, 7 July. Steaming as before with TF 77 off the east coast of Korea. 1205 Commenced air operations.  2200 Fletcher took plane guard station 2 on USS Boxer CVA 21. 2236 Air operations completed, returned to screen station 8.

Wednesday, 8 July. Steaming in company with TF 77 off the east coast of Korea.  Carriers were USS Princeton CVA 37 and USS Boxer CVA 21. Screen was 8 ship circular screen with Fletcher in station 8. Screen is composed of CortDesDiv 11, DesDiv 302 less USS Bronson DD 668, and USS Cotten DD669, DesDiv 161 less USS Ingraham DD 694, and USS Purdy DD 734. 0437 Commenced air operations. 0817 Two ships detached to join the replenishment group. 0855 Fletcher took plane guard station on Boxer. 0900 Air operations completed, Fletcher returned to screen station. 1145 Fletcher assigned ready plane guard on Boxer. 1444 Conducted AA firing practice in mount 52.  1445 Finished firing mount 52.  1450 Plane guarding on station for Boxer.  1711 Took screen station 7. 2038 Took station 2 of 9 ship screen for three service vessels. 2305 Cleared replenishment group and took screen station 7 with two heavies, Princeton and Boxer.

Thursday, 9 July.  Steaming in company with TF 77 off the east coast of Korea. 0245 Started air operations.  0530 Fog banks were dropping, visibility decreased to 1500 yards. 0535 Visibility decreased to 500 yards.  0547 Fletcher maneuvered to clear adjacent ships as safety measure. 0557 Regained station. 0632 Resumed 25 knots for air operations.  1239 Fletcher went alongside USS Chikaskia AO 54 for refueling. 1245 Transferred W.G. Clark FT2, and M Gonzales Jr. SN to Chikaskia for further transfer pending discharge. 1347 Completed refueling, receiving 94,386 gallons NSFO. 1402 Took screen station 2.  1725 Took screen station 4. 2035 Changed station to #6.  2130 Took station 5 of 9 ship screen.

Friday, 10 July. Steaming in company with TF 77 off the east coast of Korea in the Wonson area. 0400 Slowed to drop BT.  0405 Resumed base speed.  0945 USS Smalley DD 565 and USS Daley DD 519 detached from the screen. Fletcher took station 6. 1027 Commenced air operations at 27 knots.  1437 Conducted AA firing drill. 1454 Ceased AA firing drill. 1510 Maneuvered to destroy object identified as oil drum. 1530 Returned to station 6.  Air operations continued. 1740 USS Alstede AF 48 joined formation. 1903 Went alongside USS Alstede AF 48 for replenishment.  1948 G.M. Dillard YN2, was transferred to Alstede for further transfer to Stenmask, Newport Rhode Island for duty. The following men reported aboard for duty: A.A. Bass SN, W.S. Jarrad Jr. CS3, J.E. Labarr SA, T.C. Pirtle BT3, L.R. Redmond GM1 from Naval Dispensary Sasebo, Japan.  B.G. Underwood was received aboard for further transfer to USS Bronson DD 668.  1954 Cast off all lines, and returned to screen station 8.

Saturday, 11 July  Steaming in company with TF 77 off the east coast of Korea in the Sea of Japan in the Kosong area.  Fletcher was in station 5 of a 6 ship concentric screen.  0430 Commenced air operations.  1000 Changed to 8 ship screen with Fletcher in station 8. 1322 Fletcher set plane guard detail as ready plane guard on USS Princeton CVA 37.  1816 Secured plane guard detail.  Took station 5 in 9 ship screen.  1950 USS Firedrake AE 14 joined in center of formation.  USS Cimarron AO 22 also joined formation.

Sunday, 12 July. Steaming as before in company with TF 77 off the east coast of Korea in the Kosong area. 0001 Took waiting station on USS Cimarron AO 22. 0102 Alongside Cimarron. 0114 Starting taking on fuel.  0145 Completed taking on fuel, received 64,032 gallons NSFO.  Fletcher took station 7 of 7 ship screen.  TF 77 proceeded to clear Task Group 92.1.1 to Northeast. USS Princeton CVA 37 and USS Boxer CVA 21 are the heavies in the formation.  0519 Commenced air operations. 1324 Fletcher took plane guard station on Princeton. 1602 USS Ingraham DD 694 joined formation in 8 ship screen, Fletcher took screen station 6. 2120 Completed air operations and began zig zag.

Monday, 13 July. Steaming as before with TF 77. 0154 Ceased zig zag. 0253 Commenced air operations.  0824 Took station 4 of 7 ship screen. 1145 Took station 4 of 6 ship screen.  1333 Fletcher proceeded to investigate life rafts in the water reported by USS O'Bannon DDE 450.  1400 Sighted and deflated two yellow life rafts in the water by small arms fire. 1420 Rejoined formation. Exercised crew at general quarters for AA firing.  1555 Took station 5 in 7 station circular screen with USS Firedrake AE 14 in the center.  1756 Took waiting station on USS Cimarron AO 22.  1848 Alongside Cimarron.  1854 Commenced taking on fuel.  J.R. Warren CS2 received aboard for duty.  The following men were transferred to Cimarron for further transfer: H.G. Beckom SN to USS Smalley DD 565, A. Randolph SN to USS New Jersey BB 62, B.G. Underwood to USS Bronson DD 668.  1921 Completed taking on fuel, received 53,790 gallons NSFO. Proceeded to station 3 in screen.  2307 Took station 4 in 7 ship screen.

13-20 July. Battle of Kunsong Rover Salient. Last Communist offensive.  CCF launches a six division attack partly directed at the U.S. IX Corps (3rd, 40th, 45th Infantry Divisions). The 187th RCT is attached to 2nd Infantry Division during the fighting.

Tuesday, 14 July.  Steaming as before with TF 77 off the east coast of Korea in the Kosong area. Heavies include USS Princeton CVA 37, and USS Lake Champlain CVA 39. 0437 Commenced air operations.  0551 Fletcher took plane guard on Princeton.  0641 Took station 4 in 6 ship screen.  0854 Took plane guard on Princeton. 0906 Secured plane guard detail. 1616 Took station 4 in 8 ship screen. Fletcher then took plane guard on Princeton. 1656 Secured plane guard detail.  1930 Secured ship for heavy weather. 

Wednesday, 15 July.  Steaming as before with TF 77 in the Sea of Japan off the east coast of Korea in the Kosong area.  0202 Detached from TF 77 to rendezvous with USS Philippine Sea CVA 47, in the Van Dieman Straits. 2350 Sighted Ose Sa Ke light bearing 145(T).

Thursday, 16 July. Steaming as before to rendezvous with USS Philippine Sea CVA 47. The ship was lighted with navigational lights displayed. 0645 Rendezvoused with Philippine Sea and took station yards ahead.  1115 Fletcher took station 2000 yards astern of Philippine Sea. 1141 Fletcher took plane guard station for emergency landing. 1200 Landing completed, Fletcher took station astern of Philippine Sea.  1207 Went alongside Philippine Sea for refueling. 1339 Completed refueling. Took station 2000 yards ahead of Philippine Sea.

Friday, 17 July. Steaming as before in company with USS Philippine Sea CVA 47 off the east coast of Korea, enroute to join TF77.  0528 Rendezvoused with Task Force 77. Fletcher took screen station 5 in 5 ship screen. Screen consisted of CorDesDiv 11 less Radford, and USS Thomas DDR 883, USS McKean DD 784. 0644 Air Operations began. 0753 Fletcher left formation to investigate object in water.  1012 Returned to station. 1855 TF 77 began forming on replenishment group. 1902 Fletcher took station astern of USS Caliente AO 53. Caliente and USS Mt Katinai AE 16 were in replenishment group.  Fletcher in life guard station on Caliente. 1949 Alongside Caliente for refueling. 2025 The following men were received aboard: C.C. Duke RMSA, M.D. Sawyer SN.  2055 Completed refueling took screen station.

Saturday, 18 July. Steaming with TF 77 as before. Heavies consist of USS Princeton CVA 37, USS Lake Champlain CVA 39, USS Boxer CVA 21, and USS Philippine Sea CVA 47.  Fletcher in screen station 2 of 8 ship screen. 0430 Commenced air operations. 0600 Fletcher took plane guard on Boxer. 1220 Fletcher took screen station 2. 1300 Detached to deliver spare parts to USS O’Bannon DDE 450. 1350 Rendezvoused with O'Bannon. 1355 Proceeded to return to formation. 1838 TF 77 formed formation to replenish.  Screen changed to 12 ship concentric screen. Fletcher in station 3. 2328 Changed to formation 49 with 9 ship circular screen.  Fletcher took station 4.

Sunday, 19 July. Steaming with TF 77 as before off the east coast of Korea in the Kosong area.  1009 Fletcher took plane guard station on Lake Champlain.  1046 Returned to screen.  1321 Took ready plane guard on Princeton. 1354 Secured plane guard and returned to screen. 1454 Set plane guard detail and took plane guard station on Princeton.  1510 Plane in the water after taking off from Princeton. Proceeded to scene of crash. 1515 Helicopter over pilot in water. 1517 Helicopter crewman jumped in water to assist downed pilot.  1522 Boat in the water proceeding to pick up pilot and crewman. 1526 Personnel in the boat.  1530 Boat alongside.  1531 Boat at the rail. 1551 Received helicopter on fantail which disembarked LT (MC) J.C. Barnett. Injured pilot was Ensign R.W. Turner USNR of VF 152. Diagnosis by doctor: Fractures, Comminuted, Ulna, Radius with Artery involvement. Helicopter crewman uninjured was L. Aman USN. 1610 Resumed station 1841 Received helicopter, L. Aman received aboard helicopter for transfer to Princeton.  1905 Fletcher took plane guard on USS Boxer CVA 21. 1930 Secured plane guard detail and returned to station 4 of 9 ship screen.  2125 Took waiting station on USS Chikaskia AO 54.  Task Force 77 in formation 52 with replenishment group. Screen is 12 ship screen.  2250 Proceeded alongside Chikaskia to refuel.

Plane that crashed was Vought FU4 Corsair. It crashed in front of Princeton on takeoff. It exploded, Princeton ran through the wreckage, and the pilot came up astern of Princeton. His arm was broken in several places and fell out of the helicopter sling. The crewman jumped in to help him until the boat could pick him up.  He was treated on the wardroom table (the designated battle surgery station) by Fletcher Hospital corpsmen until the doctor arrived. Seawater temperature was 72 degrees F.

Monday, 20 July. Steaming in company with TF 77 and Task Unit 92.1.1 in replenishment formation off the east coast of Korea. Fletcher alongside USS Chikaskia AO 54 refueling.  0015 Completed taking on fuel having received 48,607 gallons NSFO.  0138 TF 77 formed up with 3 heavies, Lake Champlain, Boxer, and Philippine Sea.  0320 CTG 77.2 changed from ComCortDesRon One to ComDesRon 13 embarked in USS Blue DD 744. 0725 Fletcher went alongside Princeton for personnel and supercargo transfer. Transferred LY(MC) J.C. Barrett for duty and transferred Ensign R.W. Turner, injured pilot of VF 152 to Princeton. 0823 Fletcher left formation to go alongside USS Graffias AF 29.  0927 Transfer completed. Rejoined formation to deliver mail to USS Thomas DDR 833 and USS Brush DD 745. 1109 Alongside USS Brush to starboard. 1116 Transferred mail, and cleared Brush   1129 Alongside Thomas.  1137 Transfer completed, took station 9 of 9 station screen. 1604 Set plane guard detail for plane guard on Philippine Sea.  1638 Secured plane guard detail.  1705 Set plane guard detail for Philippine Sea.  2001 Took life guard station 500 yards behind USS Carpenter DDE 825 and USS Lake Champlain.  2009 Transfer completed, took station 7 in 8 ship screen.

Tuesday, 21 July.  Steaming as before with TF 77 off the East Coast of Korea in the Sea of Japan. Formation consists of 4 heavies and 8 ship screen. Fletcher in station 7. 0545 Took waiting station astern of USS Philippine Sea CVA 47 for freight transfer.  0645 Alongside Philippine Sea.  0910 Completed transfer of supercargo.  0925 Took screen station 6 of 9 ship screen.  1149 Changed to 8 ship screen with Fletcher in station 6. 1500 Maintained station 3000 yards astern of TF 77 while replenishment group forms. 1612 Took station 1000 yards ahead of Boxer. 1715 Took plane guard station on Boxer starboard quarter at 1500 yards.  1825 Alongside Chikaskia to refuel. 1857 Completed refueling received 41,736 gallons NSFO. Took station 7 in screen.

Wednesday, 22 July.  Steaming as before with TF 77 0512 Commenced air operations.  Fletcher took plane guard station on Philippine Sea.  0547 Formed 7 ship screen with Fletcher in station 5. 0636 Continued plane guard on Philippine Sea.  0801 Fletcher took plane guard on Boxer.  0932 Secured plane guard detail.  0956 USS Manchester CL 83 and USS Radford DDE 446 joined the formation, Fletcher in station 5 of 8 ship screen.  1326 Proceeded to screen station 1. 1400 Took screen station 5. 1710 Took plane guard on Boxer.  1730 Secured plane guard detail.  1843 Took plane guard station on Boxer.

Thursday, 23 July. Steaming with TF 77 off the east coast of Korea in the Sea of Japan. Formation consists of 4 heavies and 7ship screen with Fletcher in station 5. 0450 Commenced air operations.  0909 Fletcher took plane guard station on USS Lake Champlain CVA 39.  1050 Proceeded to investigate object in the water.  Objects identified as wing tanks. Sunk with small arms fire. 1110 Returned to station 5.  1203 Took plane guard station on USS Boxer CVA 21.  1400 Secured plane guard detail. 1502 Took ready plane guard station on Lake Champlain. 1530 Secured plane guard detail. 1749 Took plane guard station 1 on Lake Champlain. 1945 Air operations completed, took screen station 5. 2025 Changed to replenishment formation. 2100 Took life guard station on USS Caliente AO27. 2242 Proceeded alongside Caliente. 2307 Received CDR C.S. Farmer from Staff ComServPac as prospective commanding officer.  2337 Took station 8200 yards from USS Chikaskia AO 54.

Friday, 24 July. Steaming as before with TF 77 in the Sea of Japan. 0040 Formed 7 ship screen with Fletcher in station 70058 Heavies formed formation 49 with Philippine Sea in station A. Broke away from TU 92.1.1. 0603 Started air operations 0908 Fletcher designated ready plane guard for USS Lake Champlain CVA 39. 1237 Screen changed to 6 ship circular screen. Fletcher was in station 2. 1334 Fletcher plane guarding Lake Champlain. 2005 Left plane guard station to replenish from USS Caliente AO 53.  2048 Alongside Caliente.  2055 Commenced refueling. 2110 Completed refueling received 24,477 gallons NSFO at 60 degrees F. 2116 Proceeded to screen station 4 in bent line screen. Guide was USS Chikaskia AO 54.

24-26 July, Final U.S. ground combat.  Heavy enemy (3000) men attack is launched in the Berlin Complex (Boulder City) area held by the 7th and 1st Marine Regiments. Last Marine ground actions of the war were fought on Hills 111 and 119.

Saturday, 25 July. Steaming as before off the East Coast of Korea with TF 77 in formation with the replenishment group. 0039 Fletcher took station 3 of 6 ship circular screen.  0115 Changed to 7 ship screen with Fletcher in station 5.  0554 Air operations began, Fletcher took plane guard on USS Princeton CVA 37.  0725 Fletcher took ready plane guard station on USS Philippine Sea CVA 47.  1210 Designated ready plane guard on USS Boxer CVA 21.  2234 Ceased plane guard detail and took station 3 in screen. 2200 Took waiting station on USS Navasota AO 106.  2303 Alongside Navasota for refueling. Received following personnel by highline from Navasota for duty: C.L. Morgan SA, from Naval Station San Diego,  R.W. Marks DCFN from Naval School Command Treasure Island, C.T. Moody Jr. SN from USS Frontier AD 25, P. Ladrido SD3 from receiving station Pearl Harbor, J.N. Moody FA, and D.E. Nottger FA, from Stockton Group Pacific Reserve Fleet, J.L. Huffman SA from Naval Station San Diego, F.S. Gutierrez Jr. FC3, from USS Frontier AD 25, P.J. Lartigue SN, from Naval Station Treasure Island.  2343 Proceeded to screen station.

Sunday, 26 July. Steaming in company with TF77 in the East Coast Operating area of Korea in the Sea of Japan.  In formation 52 with 4 replenishment vessels of Task Element 92.1.1.  0240 Replenishment group breaking away to North.  Task Force 77 forming formation 49 with 4 heavies and 10 ship screen. Fletcher in station 10.  Task force at condition 1-AA. 0437 secured from general quarters. 0539 Air operations began and Fletcher took ready plane guard on USS Princeton CXV 37.  1412 Exercised crew at general quarters for AA firing.  1500 Secured from general quarters.  1504 Continued plane guard on Princeton.  1535 Secured plane guard detail.  1538 Exercised crew, after steering and bridge personnel at general quarters for AA firing.  1630 AA firing complete, secured from general quarters. 1937 Changed screen to 9 ship screen.  2030 Observed total eclipse of the moon.  2112 Rendezvoused with TU 92.1.1, forming formation 522120 Fletcher took station 5 of 8 ship bent line screen. 2150 Took waiting station on USS Navasota AO 106. Captain, Executive Officer and CDR Farmer on bridge. CDR Farmer took the conn.  2205 Proceeded alongside Navasota.  2236 Commenced taking on fuel.  2257 Secured taking on fuel.  Received 23,218 gallons NSFO. 2259 Lines cast off, proceeded to station 7. 2328 Took plane guard station on USS Boxer CVA 21. 2330 Took station 1500 yards on starboard beam of USS Philippine Sea CVA 47.  Secured plane guard detail.

Monday, 27 July. Steaming as before off east coast of Korea with TF 77 and TU 92.1.1. USS New Jersey BB 62, with Com7thFlt embarked had joined the formation, as well as USS Jupiter AVS 8. 0025 Took life guard station 500 yards abeam to starboard of USS Philippine Sea. 0200 Formation changed to formation 49 with New Jersey in center, four carriers on circle 3.5, and 10 ship screen, Fletcher in station 2. 0530 Took screen station 4 in 11 ship screen.  0700 CortDesDiv 11 detached from TF77.  Division headed south.

27 July Last air kill of the war.  F-86 pilot downs an enemy transport near the Manchurian border.  The United States, North Korea and China sign an armistice, which ends the war but fails to bring about a permanent peace.  To date, the Republic of Korea (South) and Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (North) have not signed a peace treaty. A total of 33,651 service members died in battle during the Korean War. 27, 709 U.S. Army, 4,269 U.S. Marines, 1,198 U.S. Air Force; and 475 U.S. Navy. 7,140 service members became prisoners of war.

Tuesday, 28 July.  Steaming in company with CortDesDiv 11 in the Sea of Japan enroute to Yokosuka, Japan. 0730 Cleared the Straits of Shimonseki.  1300 Exercised crew at fire drill and abandon ship drill.  1330 Exercised crew at collision drill.

Wednesday, 29 July.  Steaming as before. 0252 Passed Mikomoto light.  0315 Maneuvered to avoid contact on port bow. 0330 Returned to station.  0513 Inverted order of ships, Fletcher was guide. 0719 Moored starboard side to USS Jason ARH 1 at berth B-6, Yokosuka, Japan. 0737 USDS Radford DDE 446 moored alongside to port. 1132 Began receiving power from Jason. 1250 Started receiving steam from Jason. 1400 CDR C.S. Farmer relieved CDR G.L. Rawlings as commanding officer of USS Fletcher DDE 445. CDR Rawlings was detached and ordered to report to the Bureau of Naval Personnel for duty.  1405 The following men reported aboard for duty: D. Severson TN1, F. Samudio TN, and K.L. Butler TM2 reported aboard for duty.

Thursday, 30 July. Moored as before.  0900 W.D. Ferguson MMC, was transferred to Fleet Activities for further transfer pending separation from service. G.L. Conrad CS1, and W.H. Raupach RD2 were transferred to Fleet Activities for further transfer pending discharge from the service. 1448 Ensign W.W. Goldsmith and Ensign A.D. Johnson reported aboard for duty. 1510 Took on fuel from YO-47. 1643 Completed refueling,  received 59,295 gallons NSFO. 1934 ComCruDiv One in USS St Paul CA 73 assumed SOPA in Yokosuka.

Friday, 31 July. Moored as before.  Typhoon Condition 2 set.  0026 Received orders from SOPA to get underway as soon as possible for Drydock 6.  Lighted off emergency generator.  0055 Lighted off boiler 2. 0150 Secured emergency generator and shifted to generator 2.0636 Underway from alongside USS Jason ARH-1 dead plant using two tugs. Pilot was Mr. G. O’Hara.  0716 Moored alongside O’Bannon to starboard and Radford to port in berth 16 of Drydock 6. 1100 Supply officer returned to ship with #15,000.00 drawn from Naval Supply Depot, Yokosuka.

August 1953

Saturday, 1 August.  Moored portside to USS Radford DDE 446 at berth 16 in Drydock 6 at Yokosuka Naval Shipyard, Yokosuka, Japan.  USS Carpenter DDE 825 and USS O'Bannon DDE 450 moored fore and aft to starboard.  SOPA is ComCruDiv One in USS St Paul CA 73. Other ships present included various United Nations, U.S. Pacific Fleet and local and Japanese National vessels.  Fletcher had radio guard and Carpenter had medical guard. 1735 R.A. Norzagaray FA, and L.R. Adams FN, were received aboard for duty.

Sunday, 2 August.  Moored as before. 1615 USS O’Bannon DDE 450 cast off and proceeded to buoy 6.1646 O'Bannon cleared the dry dock.  1850 Takershida, harbor pilot came aboard.1903 All lines free, underway being moved by tugs.  1935 Moored starboard side to O'Bannon, outboard of  USS Jason ARH 1.  2250 Secured boiler 2 and generator.  Commenced taking power from Jason.

Monday, 3 August.  Moored as before with USS Radford DDE 446 and USS Carpenter DDE 825 outboard to port.  1255 W. Coey CSSN, returned from 5 days leave.  1400 W.B. Wilson left the ship for 4 days leave.  1435 R.W. Roy FN, received 1 1/2" laceration on right upper arm from a paint scraper.  Wound was cleaned 2-4-0 black sutures placed in wound.  Patient received booster tetanus shot and was placed on binnacle list.

Tuesday, 4 August. Moored as before. 1709 ComCarDiv 3 in USS Princeton CVA 37, assumed SOPA duties in Yokosuka, Japan.

Wednesday, 5 August. Moored as before.  1953 1415 Commenced loading ammunition.  1455 Secured loading ammunition, received 26 rounds 5"/38 AAC, 37 rounds VT non frag, 25 rounds 5"/38 VT frag, 51 rounds SPDN powder, 37 rounds 3"/50 VT non frag.

Thursday, 6 August. Moored as before.  1335 Received fresh water from barge alongside.

Friday, 7 August.  Moored as before. 1002 YW 22 alongside to provide fresh water. 1535 Secured power from Jason and began using emergency generator.  1700 USS Radford DDE 446 underway from alongside to port. 1730 Carpenter moored alongside to port. 1740 Underway with O'Bannon moored to starboard and Carpenter moored to port, and USS Walke outboard of Carpenter. Underway dead plant with tug 2 LCM and pilot assisting.  1810 Commenced lying to, to allow Radford to moor to USS Jason ARH 1. 2115 Moored alongside Jason in nest at buoy 6. The order of ships was Jason, Radford, O’Bannon, Fletcher, Carpenter, and USS Walke DD 723. Dead plant, receiving power from emergency generator. 2222 Commenced receiving power from Jason.  2340 Commenced receiving steam from Jason.

Saturday, 8 August.  Moored as before.

Sunday, 9 August.  Moored as before. 0725 W.E. Dalager MM3, was received aboard from 3 days leave.  0729 Fleet Activities Yokosuka LCM 16 with crew from USS Radford DDE 446, rammed starboard stern depth charge racks with the bow while approaching to tie up.  The after stern rack post was badly cracked.

Monday, 10 August. Moored as before.  0811 Disconnected anchor chain from mooring buoy. 0946 Gyro lighted off. 1226 LT D.E. Witt and LTJG J.L. Oberholzer were detached for further transfer to Com14 for TAD and separation processing. 1245 E.L. Campbell FT2 and R.W. Hudgins FN were transferred to Fleet Activities Yokosuka for further transfer to CONLUS for separation.  J.E. Barr SA, was transferred to U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka for treatment.  D.E. Guthrie FN was transferred to FltActs Yokosuka for further transfer to USS Higbee DDR 806 for duty.  1812 R.E. Kohlmeyer SK3, returned aboard for duty after TAD on USS Dixie AD14. 

Tuesday, 11 August.  Moored as before. 0641 USS Carpenter DDE 825 underway from alongside to port. 0650 Fletcher underway from alongside O'Bannon.  Proceeding through the Degaussing range.  0727 Cleared the degaussing range.  0743 Cleared mine and torpedo nets. 0751 CortDesDiv 11formed column with Fletcher in station 4.

Wednesday, 12 August. Steaming with CortDesDiv 11 enroute Yokosuka, Japan to Boko Ko, Pescadores Islands.

Thursday, 13 August. Steaming as before.  1700 Sighted Hoko Sho light.

Friday, 14 August. Steaming as before.0630 Proceeded into Boko Ko harbor, Pescadores Islands to go alongside USS Chikaskia AO 54. 0723 Moored alongside Chikaskia. 0840 Completed refueling, received 82,189 gallons NSFO. 0859 Underway proceeded to anchorage assigned inside harbor.  1131 Underway, cleared the harbor enroute to Hong Kong. 2018 Rendezvoused with USS Gurke DD783 for transfer of turnover files.  2035 Transfer cancelled by ComDesRon 5 in Gurke.  Proceeded as before to Hong Kong.

Saturday, 15 August. Steaming as before.  0526 Sighted 21 mile light. 0621 Entered Hong Kong channel. 0642 Had casualty to repeater gyro synchro.  0735 Moored to Buoy B-2.

Sunday, 16 August. Moored as before.  1105 Water barge came alongside to replenish fresh water.

Monday, 17 August. Moored as before.  SOPA was Commanding Officer USS Boxer CVA 21. 1028 USS Radford DDE 446 moored alongside to port. 1659 G.E. Underwood BTFN was transferred to USS Orca AVP 49 for further transfer to NavRecSta San Francisco for 30 days emergency leave. 1744 Radford got underway.

Tuesday, 18 August.  Moored as before. 0800 LT(MC) J.P. Conaty was detached for transfer to U.S. Naval Hospital, Oakland, CA for duty.

Wednesday, 19 August.  Moored as before. 1110 B.G. Billingsley EM2(T) was transferred to the USS Orga AVP 49 for emergency leave. 1201 Underway from Buoy B-2 Hong Kong enroute to Boko Ko, Pescadores Islands.  1405 Joined USS Boxer CVA 21 and took station 2000 yards ahead.  1620 Went alongside Boxer to refuel.  1807 Completed refueling.

Thursday 20 August.  Steaming in company with USS Boxer CVA 21 enroute Hong Kong to Boko Ko, Pescadores Islands. 0641 Took plane guard station on Boxer.  0953 Commenced air operations.  1036 Ceased air operations. 1134 Commenced air operations. 1147 Ceased air operations.  1428 Set plane guard detail.  1450 Secured plane guard detail.  1556 Set plane guard detail.  1638 Secured plane guard detail.  1644 Released by Boxer to rendezvous with O'Bannon. 2040 Alongside O'Bannon starboard quarter fro transfer of O.M.M. mail. 2107 Transfer completed. 2230 Set Typhoon condition 1, this area critical.  Changed course and speed to avoid Typhoon Phyllis.

Friday 21 August.  Steaming in accordance with CTF 72 message to take typhoon evasion action. 1347 Ordered to resume patrol by CTF 72. 1502 Changed course to secure deck cargo which had broken loose due to excessive rolling. 1521 Cargo secured, resumed course.

Saturday, 22 August. Steaming independently to assume patrol station assigned by CFT 72.  0745 Commenced southern Formosa Straits patrol.

Sunday, 23 August. Steaming as before on southern Formosa Straits patrol.

Monday, 24 August. Steaming as before on southern Formosa Straits patrol. 0825 Passed Republic of China ship Nan Whu 314 abeam to starboard. 1535 Entered Takao harbor, Kaohsiung Formosa. 1619 Went alongside USS Chikaskia AO 54 for refueling. 1800 Ceased refueling, received 60,357 gallons NSFO.

Tuesday, 25 August.  Moored starboard side to USS Chikaskia AO 54 in Takao harbor, Kaohsiung Formosa. Various foreign vessels present SOPA was ComCortDesRon One aboard Chikaskia. 0930 ComCortDesRon One shifted his flag to Fletcher.

Wednesday, 26 August.  Moored as before.

Thursday 27 August.  Moored as before. 0710 LT R.F. Keough was detached and ordered to report to USS Rizzi DE 537 for duty. 0730 M.W. Brinkman MM1, was transferred to Receiving Station San Francisco for 30 days emergency leave. 0825 Chinese Nationalist Naval trainees reported aboard for training.1105 Chinese Nationalist trainees left the ship.  1405 Chinese Nationalist trainees reported aboard for training. 1525 Commenced refueling from Chikaskia. 1547 Ceased refueling. 1548 ComCortDesRon One shifted his flag to Chikaskia.  1549 B.L. Linamen FA, L.D. Lynn SA, R.D. Williams SA, R.L. Winchester SAA and J.W. Young SA reported aboard for duty.  1828 Took on fresh water from barge.

Friday 28 August.  Moored as before. 0300 Power failure due to loss of auxiliary condenser vacuum.  0310 Power restored using emergency diesel generator. 0320 Power failure due to casualty to diesel lubricating system. Power restored by #1 generator using main condenser. 0705 Underway from alongside Chidaskia, and proceeded out of Kaohsiung Formosa harbor. 0746 Relieved USS Carpenter DDE 825 as escort to USS New Jersey BB 62. Patrolled New Jersey to seaward. 1000 Departed New Jersey and stood into Toshien Harbor entrance to pick up CTF 72 should New Jersey helicopter be unable to pick him up in Tainan. 1100 Returned to New Jersey, took screening station 2000 yards ahead. 1452 Commenced screening New Jersey to seaward.  1540 Slowed to 5 knots and lowered boat to receive spare parts from New Jersey. 1445 Changed speed to 10 knots.  1606 Recovered motor whale boat.  1708 Took screening station ahead of New Jersey. 1830 Changed course to avoid fishing nets. 1906 Took station 3000 yards ahead of New Jersey.

Saturday 29 August.  Steaming as before in company with USS New Jersey BB 62 off the coast of Formosa in the Straits of Formosa.  SOPA was Com 7th Fleet in New Jersey. 0926 Exercised crew at general quarters for AA defense. 1032 Patrolling around New Jersey. 1110 Took station 3000 yards ahead of New Jersey.  1438 Exercised crew at general quarters except engineering spaces for air defense exercises with Chinese Nationalist aircraft.  (In addition to shipboard air defense, U.S. Naval aircraft from a carrier ran intercepts on the Chinese aircraft.  Fletcher was air control for this operation.  U.S. aircraft were jets, and the Chinese aircraft were F47 Thunderbolts.) 1607 Secured from general quarters.  1613 Released by New Jersey, proceeded to Northern Formosa patrol.  2015 Challenged contact, identified as Haig Court of the British colonies.

Sunday 30 August.  Steaming independently in the Straits of Formosa to assume Northern patrol. 0038 Passed through point Oboe.  1427 Proceeded alongside USS Aludra AF 55 for replenishment. 1535 Secured replenishment.  1733 Sighted ship at 10,000 yards, changed course to investigate.  Contact identified as merchant vessel Rosita of British registry.

Monday, 31 August. Steaming independently in the Straits of Formosa on northern patrol.

September 1953

Tuesday, 1 September.  Steaming independently in the Straits of Formosa on the Northern Formosa Patrol.  1025 Sighted ship at 13,700 yards.  Changed course to investigate.  Ship was identified as merchant vessel San Eduardo, British registry, Bound from Tsing Tao, China to Foochow, China.  1103 Returned to patrol.  1358 Took evasive action to avoid Typhoon Rita. 1953 Changed course and speed to investigate small vessel. Unable to identify by light. 2012 Resumed base course.

Wednesday, 2 September.  Steaming independently in the East China Sea off the coast of China, proceeding to resume Northern Patrol after having taken evasive action to clear Typhoon Rita.

Thursday, 3 September. Steaming independently in the Straits of Formosa on the Northern Formosa Patrol.  0733 Departed Northern Patrol to rendezvous with USS Chikaskia AO 54. 1147 Changed course to investigate object in the water.  Identified as 55 Gallon oil drum. Sunk with small arms fire.  1200 Completed deballasting.  1505 Went alongside USS Radford DDE 446 for highline transfer. 1535 Went alongside Chikaskia and commenced refueling. 1651 Completed refueling and cast off lines.  1910 Investigated object in the water.  Identified as fishing net float.

Friday, 4 September. Steaming independently in the Straits of Formosa on the Northern Formosa Patrol.  0426 Held radar contact 007T, 9 2 miles on course 203 at 15 knots.  0456 Changed course to 220T and speed to 17 knots to investigate. 0459 Changed speed to 18 knots.  0515 Changed course to 200T 0533 Changed speed to 15 knots. 0615 Identified contact as Chinese Nationalist Ship Chu Chen SG 102.  0625 Resumed patrol.  1020 Held man overboard drill and launched and recovered motor whale boat. 1218 Sighted Royal Canadian Ship ST. Bridges Bay PF 600.1616 Challenged ship bearing 050T at 12,000 yards.  Identified as Chinese Nationalist Ship DE 24.  2149 Changed course to challenge surface contact. 2217 Contact identified as Chinese Nationalist Ship Chu Chien SG 102. Resumed patrol.

The Republic of China Ship ChuChen SG 102 refused to identify itself by flashing light in the dark. Fletcher paralleled its course while it skirted between islands and Fletcher, on the Chinese coast.  At sunrise, Fletcher ran up it's colors and ChuChen did likewise.  They then sent a message by light that they were sorry to not identify themselves in the dark, but that out there "one had to be very careful". At that time, they had a blockade of the Chinese coast.

Saturday, 5 September. Steaming independently on Northern Formosa Patrol in the Straits of Formosa. 1048 Relieved of patrol duties by USS Frank E. Evans DD 754. 1408 Joined with USS Radford DDE 446 enroute to Kobe Japan.1946 Casualty to Boiler No. 1 due to water in the fuel.  1951 Casualty restored.

Sunday, 6 September. Steaming in company with USS Radford DDE 446 enroute to Kobe Japan from the Straits of Formosa. 0011 Steering casualty, rudder 6 degrees right.  Turned on breakdown lights.  0024 Casualty restored, returned to station 2000 yards astern of Radford. 1225 Passed Iwo Jima abeam to port at 6 miles. 1243 Passed Take Shima abeam to port at 6 miles.

Monday, 7 September. Steaming as before.  0434 Maneuvered to avoid many small fishing craft.  0537 Commenced to enter channel entrance to Kobe, Japan. 0807 Put motor whaleboat and gig in the water.  0817 Moored port side to USS Caliente AO 53 in the man of war anchorage, Kobe, Japan. 0829 Commenced refueling.  0928 Completed refueling, received 74,530 gallons NSFO.  0939 Underway.  Moored port side to USS Radford DDE 446, in berth J, Pier 2, Kobe Japan. USS Carpenter DDE 825 moored inboard of Radford. Vessels present included various members of the US Pacific Fleet, Japanese National Navy, and merchant ships.

Tuesday, 8 September.  Moored as before. USS O’Bannon DDE 450 is moored outboard. SOPA was CTG 96.7 in USS Sicily CVE 118. 1135 C.W. Walters JOSN, was transferred to USS Radford DDE 446 For TAD. 1406 T.M. Turville SKSN, was transferred to MSTS officer Kobe Japan for further transfer to CONLUS for discharge.

Wednesday, 9 September.  Moored as before. 0601 USS O’Bannon DDE 450, got underway. 0608 Fletcher got underway from alongside Radford, and cleared harbor entrance.  0805 Joined column formation with CortDesDiv 11. 1140 Rendezvoused with USS Sicily CVE 118 and formed bent line screen. 2010 Fletcher and Carpenter released to carry out scheduled event.

Thursday, 10 September.  Steaming in company with USS Carpenter DDE 825 off east coast of Honshu, Japan on Hunter/Killer exercises.  0800 Begin conducting ASW exercises with USS Pomfret SS 391.  1138 Ceased exercise and formed on starboard quarter of Pomfret at 2000 yards. Fletcher fired 16 rounds of 7.2" plaster loads during exercise. 1300 Commenced ASW exercises. 1655 Ceased exercise and Fletcher surfaced Pomfret.  1707 Sighted yellow flare from submarine. 1715 Submarine surfaced and Fletcher took station on starboard quarter.  2029 Commenced ASW exercises. 2205 Surfaced submarine.

Friday. 11 September.  Steaming in company with CortDesDiv 11off east coast of Japan enroute to rejoin TG 96.7. 0640 Joined TG 96.7 and formed circular screen with USS Sicily CVE 118 in the center.  0909 Formed 9 ship horseshoe screen.  0924 Proceeding to go alongside USS Taluga AO 62 for refueling. 1003 Changed base course due to heavy seas.  1030 Alongside Taluga.  1107 Completed refueling having received 37,649 gallons NSFO.  1517 Joined USS Small DDR 838 to form SAU. 1622 Sonar contact 500 yards ahead.  Commenced making coordinated attacks with Small.  1655 Attacks completed. 1659 Submarine on surface. Rejoined screen ships. 1956 Commenced air operations. 2014 Ceased air operations.  2130 Turned off navigation lights and turned on truck lights for air operations. 2147 Commenced air operations. 2200 Detached as target ship for scheduled exercise.

Saturday, 12 September.  Steaming in company with TG 96.7 off the east coast of Honshu, Japan. Fletcher was detached from main body and steaming at a point 16 miles east of the main body to act as ECM target. 0228 Took station 3 of 8 ship circular screen. 0650 Sonar contact, Fletcher, Radford and Small formed SAU.  Commenced coordinated attacks on submarine. 0750 Attacks completed, Fletcher and Radford cleared the area, and Small surfaced the submarine.  0810 Submarine surfaced and SAU rejoined TG 96.7 in bent line screen. 1956 Took station 5 in concentric circular screen.  2140 Took plane guard station 3 on USS Sicily CVE 118.  2145 Returned to screen.  2225 Secured all radars.

Sunday, 13 September.  Steaming in company with Task Group 96.7 off the east coast of Honshu, Japan. 0000 Turned on navigation lights.  0158 Turned on radars.  0246 Turned off navigation lights and turned on truck lights.  0518 Took station 10 of bent line screen. 0644 Emergency turn to starboard due to sonar contact.  0715 Resumed screen station.  0930 Took plane guard station on USS Sicily CVE 118. 1011 Secured plane guard detail and returned to screen station.  1215 Took pouncer station 1C. 1323 Submarine contact.  Emergency turn to port.  1342 Fletcher detached as part of 3 ship SAU with HMCS Iroquois D-217, and HMCS Athabaskan D-219.  1545 Streamed FXR gear. 1555 FXR gear removed from water.  Conn shifted between bridge and CIC during attacks on submarine.  1635 Returned to formation. 1823 Joined circular screen.  1920 Took plane guard station 3 on Sicily.  2007 Returned to screen station 7.   2130 Fletcher ordered to assume command of TU 96.7.1 with USS Small DDR 838, and HMCS Iroquois D-217 and vector 118T, 21 miles for submarine contact. Held by patrol aircraft.  2233 Sonar contact evaluated as probable submarine. 2245 Lost contact. 2300 Commenced Operation Radish.  2322 Small attempted to surface submarine.  2330 Submarine on the surface. 2340 Formed column with Small and Iroquois.

Monday, 14 September.  Steaming in company with SAU1, TG 96.7.1 off the east coast of Japan on Hunter/Killer exercises.  0124 Took station 7 of 8 ship circular screen with USS Sicily CVE 118. 0528 Turned off navigation lights. 0627 Went alongside port side USS Platte AO 24.  0705 Completed refueling and returned to screen station 2 of 8 ship bent line screen.  0735 Took plane guard station 1 on Sicily. 0758 Commenced air operations. 0801 Completed air operations.  Returned to screen station 5. 0905 Detached as SAU commander with O'Bannon and Small, of submarine contact 090T 40 miles. 1035 O'Bannon reported submarine contact.  Commenced multi-ship attacks.  1146 Surfaced submarine and secured from attacks. 1203 Proceeded to rejoin the formation. 1302 Took screen station 7 of bent line screen.  1321 Emergency turn to port, exercise torpedo reported fired in the center of the formation.  1454 Fletcher assigned to SAU with USS Hubbard DD 748, and USS Radford DDE 446, with Hubbard as OTC.  1500 ON station on starboard beam of Hubbard, proceeded to contact area where aircraft held submarine contact.1619 Commenced spiral search plan 1G and commenced coordinated anti-submarine attack. 1644 Ceased attacks  1650 Commenced search plan. 1653 Commenced coordinated anti-submarine attacks.  1758 Submarine surfaced.  1813 Took station in bent line screen.

Tuesday, 15 September. Steaming in company with Task Group 96.7 off the east coast of Japan in Hunter/Killer exercises.  1053 Formation made emergency turn to port to avoid submarine.  1145 Took plane guard on USS Sicily CVE 118. 1242 Resumed screen position.  1442 Designated a unit of SAU 1 with Small and O'Bannon to investigate submarine contact. Conducted ASW exercises and search plans.  1611 Ordered to recover exercise torpedo fired by one of the submarines. 1630 Stopped dead in the water, whaleboat launched to recover torpedo. 1652 Torpedo aboard whaleboat and boat hoisted to the rail.  Underway to transfer personnel to Small. 1707 Stopped all engines, whaleboat in water to transfer personnel.  G.J. Turek TM2, and K.L. Butler TM3 transferred to Small TAD.  1726 Whaleboat aboard.  1802 Rejoined the screen.  1854 Reoriented screen as two SAUs were detached. 2010 Took plane guard station 2 on Sicily. 2019 Turned on truck lights, and turned off navigation lights. 2025 Turned off truck lights and turned on navigation lights.

The ship in plane guard station would turn off navigation lights and turn on the red truck lights so that the landing planes could align with the flight deck.

Wednesday, 16 September. Steaming in company with Task Group 96.7 from the east coast of Japan, to Yokosuka, Japan. 0713 Ordered to proceed independently to buoy B-11, inner harbor, Yokosuka, Japan  0807 Moored to buoy B-11. 0830 Received USS Carpenter DDE 825 alongside to starboard.  0838 Received USS O’Bannon DDE 450 alongside to port. 0849 USS Radford DDE 446 alongside to port outboard of O’Bannon.  1640 Commenced taking on fresh water from barge.1725 Completed taking on fresh water, 10,000 gallons. 1750 Carpenter breasted out to allow LCM to come alongside to recover torpedo.

Thursday, 17 September.  Moored as before. 0122 Took on fuel, 42,318 gallons NSFO.  0625 Carpenter got underway.  0632 Radford got underway.  0649 O’Bannon got underway. 0653 Fletcher got underway enroute to Sasebo, Japan.  0723 Passed through submarine nets. Took station 2 in column with CortDesDiv 11.

Friday, 18 September.  Steaming as before.

Saturday, 19 September.  Steaming as before enroute Yokosuka to Sasebo, Japan. 0439 Turned left to avoid fishing craft. 0604 Entered Sasebo harbor channel.  0628 Passed through submarine nets.  0755 Moored starboard side to O'Bannon in nest consisting of Fletcher, O'Bannon, Radford and USS Jason ARH1.  SOPA was Com7thFlt. In USS New Jersey BB 62.  0805 Carpenter moored to port.  1130 J.R. Rogers SN, returned aboard for duty.  2045 W.D. Huss SN, reported back aboard for duty.

Sunday, 20 September.  Moored as before with HMTF Tachin PF 1 moored outboard of Carpenter. 1000 R.L. Holland left the ship on emergency leave.  1208 HMTF Tachin got underway from alongside Carpenter. 1540 HMTF Tachin moored portside to the Carpenter.

Monday, 21 September.  Moored in nest alongside USS Jason ARH 1 at buoy 16 in Sasebo, Japan.

Tuesday, 22 September. Moored as before.  0940 Lost pressure in fresh water pumps.  1000 J.E. McIntyre MMC, was transferred to COMNAVFE for a normal tour of overseas duty. 1020 Regained fresh water pressure.

Wednesday, 23 September. Moored as before.  1420 Lost electrical power from the tender. 1450 Electrical power restored.

Thursday, 24 September.  Moored as before.

Friday, 25 September.  Moored as before. 0755 USS Carpenter DDE 825 got underway. 0927 Steam line from tender secured.  1145 Took HMTF Tachin alongside to port.  1810 Completed taking on 15,000 gallons of fresh water.

Saturday, 26 September.  Moored as before.

Sunday, 27 September.  Moored as before. 0810 Com7thFlt in USS New Jersey BB 62 assumed SOPA.  2315 C.T. Pirtle BT3, received laceration one-half inch on little finger left hand while not at work due to stumbling while carrying coffee cup causing cup to break and resulting in this injury. Wound cleaned, one suture taken and bandaged.

Monday, 28 September.  Moored as before. 1330 HMTF Tachin PF 1 got underway from port side.

Tuesday, 29 September. Moored as before.  1627 USS Evans DD 754 moored alongside to port.  1745 USS Cunningham DD 752 Moored outboard of Evans.  1813 USS Blue DD 744, moored outboard of Cunningham. 1825 USS McKean DD 784, moored outboard of Blue.

Wednesday, 30 September. Moored as before.  0810 Secured auxiliary steam from Jason.  1357 Shore power from Jason secured.

October 1953

Thursday, 1 October. Moored at buoy 16, inner harbor, Sasebo, Japan.  Moored in a nest with USS Jason ARH 1, USS Radford DDE 446, USS O’Bannon DDE 450, USS Fletcher DDE 445, USS Evans DD 754, USS Cunningham DD 752, USS Blue DD 744, and USS McKean DD 784.  Ships present include various units of US and UN Forces, merchant ships, and local craft. SOPA was CTF 95 in USS Prairie AD 15.  0720 O’Bannon got underway for engine trials.  0820 secured all power to the mast to allow repair to radar antenna.  0845 Repair completed and power to mast restored.

Friday, 2 October. Moored as before.  0801 CortDesDiv 11 got underway. 0821 Cleared the harbor.  0846 Passed through the submarine net.  0910 Formed column astern of USS Carpenter DDE 825 with CortDesDiv 11 to rendezvous with Task Force 77. 1502 Exercised crew at general quarters for A/A firing at sleeve target.  1650 Secured from general quarters. Expended 86 rounds of 5"/38 and 60 rounds of 3"/50 ammunition.  1645A.S. Wren BM3, was injured while at work in the forward handling room of 5"/38 mount. Contusion left finger 5th, phalanges, 3rd "M" digit, finger nail mangled.  Injury occurred while taking projectile out of hoist in hoist chain.  Wound cleaned, binacin dressing, splint applied. Returned to duty.  1652 Carpenter left the formation. 1837 Carpenter returned to formation.

Saturday, 3 October. Steaming as before enroute Sasebo, Japan to Sea of Japan operating area to join TF 77. 0543 Turned on navigation lights while passing through a fishing fleet.  0703 detached from CortDesDiv 11 to join TF 77 which was in formation 52 while replenishing.  1233 Went alongside USS Caliente AO 53 to refuel. 1301 Completed fueling and took screen station 10.  0444 Commenced anti-aircraft firing at target sleeve. Expended 45 rounds 5"/38 ammunition. Formation consists of USS Kearsarge CVA 33, USS Yorktown CVA 10 and USS Quincy CA 71, plus 10 screening destroyers.  0702 Yorktown and DesDiv 301 detached from the task force.  1215 O'Bannon had unidentified sonar contact at 6000 yards.  1218 Radford assigned as assisting ship.1240 Radford and O'Bannon returned to formation.  Screen consisted of Carpenter, Fletcher, Radford, O'Bannon, USS Walke DD 723, USS Robinson DD 562, USS John Hood DD 656, USS Sigourney DD 643, USS Small DDR 838 and USS Healy DD 672.  Kearsarge CVA 33 in station 1 and USS Boxer CVA 21 in station 2.

Sunday, 4 October. Steaming as before in TF 77 off Korea in the Sea of Japan. 0619 Fletcher went alongside USS Quincy CA 71 to refuel. 0645 Completed refueling.  0703 Detached to rendezvous with USS Lake Champlain CVA 39.

Monday, 5 October. Steaming independently enroute to rendezvous with USS Lake Champlain CVA 39.

Tuesday, 6 October.  Steaming as before. 1513 Test fired 30 caliber machine gun on starboard wing of the bridge.

Wednesday, 7 October.  Steaming as before.

Thursday, 8 October. Steaming as before.  0525 Rendezvoused with USS Lake Champlain CVA 39 south of Formosa and took plane guard station on Lake Champlain.  0651 Went to 27 knots for air operations.  0900 Completed air operations.  0949 Took plane guard station.  1001 Commenced air operations.  1018 Completed air operations.  1028 Received helicopter on fantail. 1127 Proceeded to investigate 500 yards off starboard quarter of Lake Champlain. 1130 Sighted object.  1146 Sunk object, submersible net buoy. 1147 Returned to plane guard station.  1256 Commenced air operations. 1309 Completed air operations. 1453 Completed air operations.  1548 Commenced air operations.  1610 Completed air operations. Fletcher took anti submarine screening station 2000 yards ahead of Lake Champlain.

Friday, 9 October. Steaming as before in company with USS Lake Champlain. 0615 Detached from Lake Champlain and took screen station 10 of Task Force 77. 0705 Commenced air operations.  0916 Took station 2 in 6 ship circular screen.  1249 Took station on starboard quarter of USS Kearsarge CVA 33 for personnel transfer.  1303 Took plane guard on Kearsarge. 1314 Commenced air operations. 1333 Secured air operations. 1341 Proceeded to go alongside Kearsarge.  1415 Completed personnel and light freight transfer.  1417 Returned to screen station 2.  1510 Air defense warning. General quarters.  1550 Secured from general quarters.  1626 Detached from formation for refueling. 1703 Alongside USS Boxer CVA 21 for refueling. 1823 Completed refueling.  Returned to station 2 of 10 ship screen.

Saturday, 10 October.  Steaming as before with TF 77 in the East China Sea.  0156 Changed course to avoid small fishing craft. 0656 Lost steering control, shifted steering to after steering.  0714 Kearsarge commenced air operations. 0730 Completed air operations. 0732 Took life guard station on Kearsarge.  0738 Shifted steering to bridge.  0740 Lost steering control, broke break down flag. Rudder locked 4 degrees right. 0742 Shifted steering to after steering. 0749 Took life guard station 500 yards astern of Kearsarge. 0750 Shifted steering control to the bridge.  0810 Released from TF 77, proceeded with CortDesDiv 11 to conduct individual ship exercises. 0837 Conducted highline transfer to USS O'Bannon DDE 450.  0942 Conducted engineering and other drills.  1206 Rejoined column formation with CortDesDiv 11.  Commenced division tactics. 1356 Rejoined TF 77 in station 10 of 10 ship screen. Screen formed column starboard of Kearsarge for AA firing.  1554 AA firing cancelled. 1600 Took station 5 of circular screen.  1644 Took waiting station astern of Kearsarge.  1712 Maneuvered to stay clear of Radford while she received helicopter on fantail.  1741 Went alongside Kearsarge.  1747 Conducted personnel transfer.  1803 Proceeded to station 4.

Sunday, 11 October.  Steaming with TF 77 in the East China Sea.  0911 Went alongside Radford for highline transfer. 0923 Transfer complete. Returned to station. 1115 Kearsarge commenced air operations.  1117 Completed air operations.  1402 Went alongside Carpenter for personnel transfer.  1436 Transfer completed, returned to screen station.  1615 USS Boxer CVA 21 and USS Lake Champlain CVA 39 joined the formation.  Fletcher took station 4 of 10 ship screen.

Monday, 12 October.  Steaming as before with Task Force 77 in the Sea of Japan.  0600 Rendezvoused with Task Unit 92.1.1.  Fletcher took waiting station on USS Mt. Katmai AE 16.  0720 Alongside Mt Katmai, commenced receiving ammunition forward and aft.  Received the following ammunition; 125 rounds 5"/38 ammunition. 0801 Took waiting station astern of O'Bannon on USS Pector AF 54.  0853 Commenced taking on provisions.  0903 Completed replenishment and took screen station 8 in 15 ship circular screen.  0930 Took waiting station astern of USS Passumpsic AO 107. 0945 Went alongside Passumpsic.  1005 Commenced refueling.   1030 Secured from fueling.  1036 Took screen station 6. 1051 Changed to station 8. 1115 Changed to screen station 10. 1316 Radford came alongside for personnel transfer.  1325 Completed transfer.  1630 Took station 8 of 13 ship screen.

Tuesday, 13 October. Steaming in company with Task Force 77 off the east coast of Korea in 13 ship screen with carriers Kearsarge and Boxer, and USS Helena CA 75. 1245 Fletcher took plane guard station on Kearsarge.  1252 Commenced air operations.  1300 Completed air operations.  1423 Plane guarding on Kearsarge, commenced air operations. 1521 Took screen station 13 ship screen with Fletcher in station 8. 1600 Commenced air operations. 1637 Completed air operations.

Wednesday, 14 October. Steaming in company with Task Force 77 in the Sea of Japan.  0623 Commenced air operations.  0730 Took screen station 8 in 9 ship screen.  1237 Took station 8 of 11 ship screen.  1406 Changed to 13 ship screen. 1425 Conducted anti aircraft firing exercise.  1549 Commenced firing at large drone to port.  1550 Ceased firing. 1630 Completed A/A firing exercise.  Expended 16 rounds of 5"/38 and 16 rounds of 3"/50 ammunition.  1634 Took plane guard station on Kearsarge.  1653 Returned to station 8 in 13 ship screen.

Thursday, 15 October.  Steaming as before with TF 77 in the Sea of Japan.  0622 Detached from TF 77 with CortDesDiv 11 enroute to Buckner Bay, Okinawa.  0900 All ships detached from formation to conduct individual ship exercises.  0915 Commenced engineering drills.  1115 Fire on the fantail from smoke generator.  (Fire was from diesel oil spraying on the depth charges on the stern).  1117 Fire out.  1156 Took station 2 in column open order. 1402 Commenced divisional tactical drills. 1509 Completed drills.

Friday, 16 October.  Steaming as before enroute with CortDesDiv 11 from TF 77 to Buckner Bay, Okinawa.  0334 Casualty to boiler #3. Hauled out of formation. Boiler #3 had a boiler tube carried away.  No personnel casualties. 0353 Took station 4 in the column. 0400 Lighted off boiler #4 0450 Cut in boiler #4. 0900 Detached to conduct individual ship exercises.  0920 Conducted mooring drills.  1154 Rudder was caught in port stops. 1155 after steering took control. 1202 Rudder returned amidships.  1203 Shifted control to the bridge. 1205 Bridge lost steering control, shifted control to after steering. 1206 After steering lost control.  Broke break down flag. Rudder locked left 15 degrees. 1220 Steering casualty restored to after steering. Hauled down break down flag. 1348 Shifted steering control to bridge. 1351 Shifted steering to after steering.  1353 Shifted steering control to bridge.  1605 Joined CortDesDiv 11 and took station 2 in column. 1610 Completed taking on 15,000 gallons of ballast.

Saturday, 17 October.  Steaming as before. 0700 Proceeded independently into Buckner Bay, Okinawa. 0815 Anchored in berth B-189 Buckner Bay, Okinawa. Other ships present included various units of the US Pacific Fleet. SOPA was CTF 72 in the USS Salisbury Sound AV 13.

Sunday, 18 October.  Anchored as before. 0843 Fletcher got underway and went alongside the fuel dock. 1607 Completed refueling, received 97,341 gallons NSFO.

Monday, 19 October.  Moored starboard side to fuel pier #1 in Buckner Bay, Okinawa.  0738 Escort Division 111 stood into the harbor and anchored.

Tuesday, 20 October. Moored as before.  0647 Underway from fuel pier. 0653 Stopped starboard screw due to vibration in reduction gears. 0654 Put starboard screw back in operation.  0700 Had steering casualty to bridge, shifted steering to after steering.  0706 Anchored in berth B-190. 1449 Moored starboard side to USS O'Bannon DDE 450 at fuel docks, Buckner Bay, Okinawa.

Wednesday, 21 October. Moored as before.

Thursday, 22 October.  Moored as before. 0255 Took on fresh water from the pier.  0605 Fletcher got underway and cleared the harbor.  0701 Formed up in column with CortDesDiv 11.  1306 Lost power on #1 generator. Power on #2 generator. 1544 Radford and O'Bannon detached for ASW exercises.  1615 Detached with Carpenter. 1751 Commenced ASW exercise.  1900 Completed exercise.  2000 Submarine on surface.  Took station astern of Carpenter.

Friday, 23 October.  Steaming in company with USS Carpenter DDE 825 southwest of Okinawa.  0813 Submarine submerged off port bow. 0814 Commenced ASW exercises.  1123 Secured from exercises, having expended 18 rounds 7.2" plaster loaded rockets. 1321 Took station on starboard quarter of submarine and commenced ASW exercises.  1625 Ceased exercises with submarine USS Ronquill SS 396. 1649 Ronquill surfaced.  Took station on Ronquill's port quarter. 1828 Took station astern of Carpenter. 1906 Commenced ASW exercises.  2233 Ceased exercised and Carpenter surfaced the submarines.  2251 Submarine on surface.  Took station astern of Carpenter.

Saturday, 24 October.  Steaming in company with USS Carpenter DDE825 southwest of Okinawa. 0106 Radford and O'Bannon joined the formation. 0200 Took station 1 of 8 ship circular screen with USS Sicily CVE 118 in the center. 0530 Formed bent line screen with Fletcher in station 4. 0815 Took waiting station astern of USS Tolovana AO 64.  0825 Life guarding for Carpenter and Tolovana. 0901 Went alongside Tolovana for refueling.  0957 Completed refueling. Took station 3 of 8 ship bent line screen. 1020 Left formation with O'Bannon and Radford as Search and Attack Unit.  1043 Commenced operation Duet.  1122 Detached from SAU, returned to station 5 in bent line screen.  1140 Shifted to circular screen Fletcher in station 7. 1347 Fletcher assumed screen commander.  1407 Took station 7 in bent line screen. 1416 Three ship SAU detached, Fletcher took station 5 in 5 ship bent line screen. 1522 Took screen station 2.  1606 Took station 3 in screen.  1635 Took station 1 of 2 ship bent line screen. 1606 Took station 3 of 5 ship bent line screen.  1653 Took station 2 o 2 ship screen.  1708 Took station 1 of 1 ship bent line screen.  1810 Turned on red truck lights for air operations. 1811 Took station 2 of 2 ship screen.  1911 Turned off truck lights. 1852 Turned on truck lights. 1858 Turned off truck lights.  1915 Turned on truck lights.  1918 Turned off truck lights. 2013 Took station 4 of 5 ship bent line screen. 2040 Took plane guard on Sicily. 2055 Commenced air operations.  2058 Secured air operations.  Returned to station 4.  2116 E.C. Patapas ET3, was injured while proceeding down unlighted ladder during darkened ship; wound cleaned, placed 2 sutures in 1 inch opening in forehead.

Sunday, 25 October.  Steaming in company with Task Group 96.7 northwest of Okinawa.  0809 Took station 4 of 8 ship screen. 0910 Took station 4 of 6 ship screen. 1229 Detached with Carpenter and O'Bannon as SAU. 1237 Commenced operation Duet with O'Bannon. 1307 ceased ASW attacks and returned to formation.  1313 Sighted flare from submarine at 1500 yards. 1318 Submarine identified as USS Queenfish SS 393.1319   Took station 5 in 5 ship screen.  1345 Detached from formation as SAU commander with O'Bannon and Carpenter.  1520 Ceased SAU search and returned to formation.  1611 Rendezvoused with TG 96.7. Took screen station 1.  1655 Detached O'Bannon and Carpenter to form SAU. Contact at 005T 20 miles, held by aircraft. 1814 CIC took conn.  1815 Yellow flare from submarine sighted off starboard at 4000 yards. 1820 USS Queenfish SS 393 surfaced.  1822 Bridge took conn.  Rejoined formation.  1919 Took plane guard on Sicily.  1943 Turned on truck lights.  2017 Took screen station 8.  2025 Detached with Carpenter and USS McGinty DE 361 to investigate sonar contact at 14 miles. 2105 Took station on fence.  2109 Designated attack ship, conducted attacks on the submarine.  2137 Ceased attacks and ordered to surface the submarine. 2143 Ordered submarine to surface.  2157 Sighted yellow flare at 4600 yards.  2200 Submarine surfaced and was identified as USS Queenfish SS 393. 2301 Rejoined formation.

Monday, 26 October.  Steaming in company with Task Group 96.7 northeast of Okinawa.  Maintaining beam to beam sonar search. 0225 Ordered to investigate oil slick for possible debris. 0235 Passed through oil slick, no debris sighted, returned to screen station 7.  0803 Commenced ASW operations.  0939 Emergency turn to starboard. Radford had sonar contact. 0946 CIC took conn. Radford attack ship, Fletcher assist ship. 0956 UB plot took conn.  0957 CIC took conn.  Fletcher attack ship, Radford assist ship.  1009 UB Plot took conn. 1014 CIC took conn.  1030 Detached from SAU.1040 Took station 4 in 8 ship screen. 1048 Captain took conn.  1137 O'Bannon had sonar contact.  Fletcher detached to assist. 1145 CIC took conn.  Fletcher attack ship, O'Bannon assist ship.  1150 O'Bannon attack ship, Fletcher assist ship.  1212 Formed on O'Bannon starboard beam for search line. 1302 Took station 9 in formation.  1518 Detached as SAU with Radford and O'Bannon. Datum 122T, 18 miles.  1602 Received mail helicopter on fantail. 1604 commenced operation Duet with Radford.  1632 Ceased operation Duet, commenced operation maple.1650 Ceased operation maple and cleared area as O'Bannon surfaced the submarine.  1703 Took station 3 in bent line screen.  1821 Took station 5 of 8 ship circular screen. 1821 Took station 5 of 8 ship circular screen. 2001 Turned on truck lights. 2112 Turned off truck lights.  2240 Detached as SAU commander with USS Walton DE 361, and USS Munro DE 422. 2331 Fletcher gained sonar contact, CIC took the conn. 2346 UB Plot took the conn, steering by indicator. 2347 CIC took the conn.  2358 Walton attack ship, Munro assist ship.

Tuesday, 27 October.   Steaming as before as part of SAU attached to TG 96.7, investigating a sonar contact 10 miles from the formation. 0001 Munro designated attack ship and commenced attacks on submarine.  0012 Proceeded to rejoin the formation while Walton surfaced the submarine. 0055 Took station 5 of 8 ship circular screen. 0630 Changed course to avoid merchant vessel crossing the formation.  0712 Took waiting station astern of Carpenter on USS Tolovana AO 64.  0808 Alongside Tolovana, commenced refueling. 0850 Completed refueling, having received 50,448 gallons NSFO. 0852 Took plane guard on Sicily.   1212 Emergency turn starboard. Proceeded to investigate sonar contact held by USS Sicily CVE 118. Fletcher attack ship, USS Silverstein DE 534 assist ship.  1226 CIC took conn. 1308 OOD took conn, commenced spiral search plan.  1400 Proceeded to rejoin formation. 1447 Proceeded independently to station 1 of 4 ship bent line screen. 1452 US Navy P2V aircraft 127764 in distress, ditched in water approximately 12000 yards from Fletcher.  Fletcher proceeded at 27 knots to crash.  Executive officer took conn.  1502 Lowered motor whaleboat. 1507 Whaleboat took aboard from rubber raft, Ensign W.E. Wainwright, J.L. Tereskerz ALC, H.E. France AT3, and J.S. O'Reilly AN.  1510 Survivors aboard Fletcher. 1512 Motor whaleboat aboard. 1515 Began searching area for 1 missing man.  Captain took conn.  1555 Commenced organized search of the area ComCortDesRon One was OCE. 1621 ComCortDesRon One relieved of search command. Fletcher assigned search commander with Radford. 1745 Lighted all 12 inch signal searchlights to illuminate surrounding water during search.  2048 Fletcher with Radford commenced search of 3 mile square area centered by datum marked by floating wreckage of downed aircraft.

The P2V was out of Japan and was running a search pattern around TG 96.7.  The pilot reported to Fletcher that he had lost one engine and could not maintain altitude.  Fletcher gave him a steer toward the formation, advised CTF 96.7, and advised the pilot we would pick them up if they ditched.  The plane approached with the nose high while it continued to lose altitude. It hit in the water, and broke in two pieces.  The navigator who Fletcher picked up said he was sitting with his back to the bulkhead above the wing, and that it broke right in front of him. The crew thought they had seen the pilot climb out the hatch above his seat, but he was not accounted for.  Other ships picked up the rest of the crew of about 10.

Wednesday 28 October.  Steaming in company with USS Radford DDE 446, conducting search for pilot of USN P2V aircraft which crashed at sea.  0140 Changed course to investigate object off port quarter.  0155 Stopped in area where object was seen. 0212 Unable to locate object.  0755 Abandoned search and returned to formation. 0956 Took screen station 2 of bent line screen on USS Tolovana AO 64. 1524 Rendezvoused with TG 96.7 and took station 2 of 6 ship bent line screen.  1625 Changed to station 2 of 8 ship screen. 1810 Took station 4 in screen.  2025 Radford and O'Bannon detached to Sicily.  Fletcher took station astern of Carpenter.  2045 E.S. Eubanks GMSN, was injured proceeding down a ladder. Three quarter inch wound was cleaned and 1 suture inserted. 2110 Escort Division 111 formed column formation.

Thursday, 29 October.  Steaming with elements of TG 96.7.4 enroute to Yokosuka, Japan. 0756 Proceeded independently. 0850 Moored to buoy B-7 in the inner harbor of Yokosuka, Japan.  0909 Carpenter moored alongside to starboard.  1125 Radford moored alongside to port and O'Bannon moored outboard of Radford.

Friday, 30 October.  Moored as before. 0819 Fletcher got underway.  )824 Formed column with CortDesDiv 11. 0849 Cleared the harbor.

Saturday, 31 October.  Underway with CortDesDiv 11 enroute Yokosuka, Japan to Sasebo, Japan. 0925 Left station for independent ship exercises.  1300 Rejoined CortDesDiv 11.

November 1953

Sunday 1 November. USS Fletcher DDE 445 was steaming in company with CortDesDiv 11 enroute from Yokosuka, Japan to Sasebo, Japan. ComCortDesRon One was embarked in USS Carpenter DDE 825. 0413 Bridge lost steering control. 0414 After steering took control. Casualty found to be inoperative rudder angle indicator. Cleared to starboard side of formation until casualty repaired. 0506 Shifted steering control to the bridge, rejoined the formation. Rudder angle indicator repaired. 0628 Maneuvered to starboard to avoid small fishing craft. 0725 Released to proceed independently into Sasebo, Japan inner harbor to refuel at fuel dock 2. SOPA was Com7thFlt in USS Wisconsin BB 64. 0814 Moored port side to USS Radford DDE 446 alongside fueling docks, inner harbor, Sasebo, Japan.  1053 USS Carpenter DDE 825 moored to starboard. Nest consisted of USS Carpenter DDE 825, USS Fletcher DDE 445, USS Radford DDE 446, and USS O'Bannon DDE 450.

Monday, 2 November.  Moored as before. 0830 Carpenter got underway. 0835 O'Bannon got underway.  0840 Radford got underway.  0845 Fletcher got underway to clear the harbor. 0947 Formed formation column. Order of ships Carpenter, Fletcher, O'Bannon and Radford.  1357 Commenced engineering drills.  1438 Completed drills.  1442 Held smoke laying exercise on boiler #4. 1501 Exercised crew at general quarters.

Tuesday, 3 November. Steaming as before in the Straits of Tsushima. 0815 Radford and O'Bannon detached for gunnery exercises. 0917 Fletcher went alongside Carpenter for light freight transfer.  08930 Cast off all lines and took position for independent ship exercises.  1218 Formed column. 1241 Detached with Radford for exercises.  1551 Formed column. 2231 Carpenter lost steering control momentarily. Fletcher assumed guide. 2243 Carpenter resumed guide.

Wednesday, 4 November. Steaming as before in the Straits of Tsushima. 0830 Commenced exercises for the secondary battery. 0959 Completed exercises having expended 49 rounds of 3"/50 ammunition.  1036 Conducted man overboard drills.  1304 Commenced various exercises. 1946 Formed column formation.

Thursday, 5 November.  Steaming as before with CortDesDiv 11 in the Straits of Tsushima. 0739 Ships detached for independent ship exercises. 0817 Conducted general quarters exercises for engineering, damage control, and sonar.  0908 Fired mount 32.  0918 Fired mount 31.  0927 Secured general quarters.  1025 Held general quarters on bridge, after steering, mount 51 and 52.  1050 Fired Mt 52 to port.  1104 Fired mounts 51 and 52 to starboard. 1213 Formed column with Radford astern. 1642 Completed all exercises and formed column astern of Carpenter.

Friday, 6 November.  Steaming as before with CortDesDiv 11 in the Straits of Tsushima. 0650 Took life guard station for personnel transfer from O'Bannon to Carpenter. 0724 Transfer completed. 0730 O'Bannon came alongside for personnel transfer. 0749 Transfer completed. 0753 Went to general quarters and conducted firing exercises at sleeve towed by aircraft.  1014 Joined Carpenter to search for sleeve dropped by aircraft. 1054 Completed search and formed column.  1404 Proceeded independently into Sasebo, Japan.1421 Passed through the anti-submarine net.  1502 Moored starboard side to Radford in berth B-3, Sasebo harbor, Sasebo, Japan. O'Bannon moored to port. Carpenter moored to starboard of Radford.

Saturday, 7 November.  Moored as before. 0555 Took on fresh water from water barge. 1105 Took on fuel from YO 59 alongside Carpenter. Received 65,774 gallons NSFO.

Sunday, 8 November.  Moored as before. 2135 Loaded on ammunition, 200 rounds 3"/50.

Monday, 9 November.  Moored as before. 0736 O'Bannon got underway0743 Fletcher got underway.  0821 Took station in column.  1257 All ships detached to conduct individual ship exercises. Conducted man overboard, steering casualty and fire drill. 1658 Rejoined CortDesDiv 11 in column formation.

Tuesday, 10 November.  Steaming in company with CortDesDiv 11 in the Sea of Japan.

Wednesday, 11 November.  Steaming as before. 0742 Exercised crew at general quarters. 0810 Commenced firing at towed sleeve for anti-aircraft practice. 0935 Ceased anti-aircraft practice.  1128 Detached to conduct independent ship exercises. 1337 Conducted engineering drills. 1628 Formed column on Carpenter.  2120 Maneuvered to avoid underwater object detected by Carpenter sonar.

Thursday 12 November.  Steaming in company with CortDesDiv 11 in the Sea of Japan. 0700 Proceeded independently, maneuvering as approaching Shimonesake Straits. 0722 Station special sea detail, Captain took conn. 0815 Passed buoy 1 to port.  0818 Passed buoy 2 to starboard.  0819 Passed buoy 3 to starboard. 0820 Passed black buoy t port. 0823 Passed red and black channel buoys. 0831 Cleared Shimonesake Straits.  0845 Formed column on Carpenter.  1205 Set the anchor detail. 1225 Secured anchor detail.

Friday, 13 November. Steaming in company with CortDesDiv 11 enroute from operating area in Sea of Japan to Yokosuka, Japan. 1241 Radford detached to enter port.  1246 Detached to enter port.  1304 Passed through anti-submarine nets.  1336 Moored portside to Radford at buoy 1 in Yokosuka harbor, Yokosuka, Japan.  1350 Carpenter moored to starboard. SOPA was ComPhibGru 1 USS El Dorado AGC 11.   1359 O'Bannon moored to port of Radford. 1843 Took 1500 gallons fresh water from Carpenter.  2200 Took 15,000  gallons fresh water from yard water barge.

Saturday, 14 November. Moored as before.  0055 R.W. Anderson GM3, returned aboard from TAD with shore patrol in Yokosuka, Japan.  0748 Carpenter got underway.  0800 Fletcher got underway.  0826 Moored starboard side to Carpenter at buoy 6.  0837 O'Bannon moored to port.  1100 Began receiving steam and electric power from USS Bryce Canyon.  1300 R.W. North SO2, departed ship for TAD with Senior shore patrol officer, Yokosuka, Japan.  1755 Took on fuel from YO 174.  Received 69,100 gallons NSFO.

Sunday, 15 November. Moored as before at buoy 6 in Yokosuka harbor, Yokosuka, Japan.  1350 While working in the steam drum, number 1 fire room, A.J. Kemp FA, received a concussion of the left hand when a light bulb exploded.1940 Auxiliary steam hose broke loose while trying to secure it. Secured steam from the tender immediately.  No damage reported. 2115 steam from USS Bryce Canyon AD 36, was restored.

Monday, 16 November. Moored as before in a nest of Carpenter, Radford, and O'Bannon alongside USS Bryce Canyon AD 36 at bout 6, Yokosuka, Japan. 1615 Secure all power to stacks to put on stack covers.

Tuesday, 17 November.  Moored as before. 0545 Took on 1800 gallons fresh water from O'Bannon.  1140 Began taking on fresh water. 1253 Completed taking on 14,640 gallons fresh water.

Wednesday, 18 November.  Moored as before. 0245 Steam line from tender broke loose from its connection.  Secured steam from the tender.  0346 Commenced taking steam from the tender.  0930 Offloaded 112 rounds 5"/38, 182 rounds 3"/50 ammunition, and 71 rounds 7.2" plaster load rockets.

Thursday, 19 November. Moored as before.  0815 Jacked over main engines.  1100 Took on fresh water from Fleet Activities water barge. 1340 Secured all services from Bryce Canyon.

Friday, 20 November. Moored as before.  0700 Captain R.V. Hull, ComCortDesRon one, broke his flag on the Fletcher.  0821 O'Bannon got underway. 0828 Fletcher underway from alongside Carpenter. Cleared the harbor.  0842 Anchored outside breakwater in 16 fathoms of water with a rocky bottom.   0848 Anchor dragged.  Got underway and shifted anchorage. 0856 Anchored in 24 fathoms of water with mud bottom. 1040 Fletcher got underway and cleared the anti-submarine nets. 1220 Formed column open order, Fletcher guide. 1425 Commenced barrier patrol.  1503 USS El Dorado AGC 11 main body passed through point "O". Fletcher took station 7 in 7 ship concentric circular screen.  2200 USS Leonard F. Mason DD 852, and USS Henry W. Tucker DD 875 were detached to proceed to stations for exercise.  Changed to 5 ship circular screen.

Saturday, 21 November. Steaming in company with TU 36.3.9 composed of USS Eldorado AGC 11, DesDiv 32 and CortDesDiv 11 less Carpenter enroute Yokosuka, Japan to Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1300 Screen ships detached to conduct individual ship exercises until 1700.  1702 Took station 3 of bent line screen.  2200 USS Stembel DD 644, and USS Rupertus DD 851 detached to proceed ahead for next event.

Sunday, 22 November. Steaming as before.  0748 Alongside Radford for personnel transfer.  0757 completed transfer. 2200 Detached from formation to take station 36,000 yards from guide for tracking drill.

Monday, 23 November. Steaming as before. 0808 Took station 1000 yards astern of El Dorado.  1302 Detached with O'Bannon and Radford to conduct exercise Dog. 1426 Completed exercise. Expended 10 3"/50 and 10 5"/38 VT rounds to test the VT fuses. 1700 Returned to formation, formed bent line screen.

Tuesday, 24 November.  Steaming as before. 0647 Radford and USS Tucker DDR 875 returned to formation. 0810 Took station 1000 yards astern of El Dorado.  1620 Took on ballast.2201 USS Stembel DD 644, and USS Mason DD 852 detached from formation. 2346 Lost fuel oil suction in after fireroom. 2347 Lost speed and sheered out of station to starboard. 23487 Regained full power to both engines and started to resume station. 2350 Lost suction in after fire room, secured both engines to maintain steam pressure.  Sheered out of station to starboard and slowed.  Turned on breakdown lights. 2357 Changed course to avoid ship astern.

Wednesday, 25 November.  Steaming as before to clear formation during engineering casualty.  0035 Regained all power, turned off breakdown lights.  Casualty was due to air in fuel oil lines.  0047 Returned to screen station. 0753 Mason and Stembel returned to formation.  0801 Took station 1000 yards astern of El Dorado.  1200 CortDesDiv 11 less Carpenter plus Stembel detached to proceed to Midway Island for refueling.  1901 Ship's speed was reduced to 15 knots due to throttleman's error.  Turned on breakdown lights. 1906 Turned off breakdown lights and resumed station 1 as guide.  2248 deballasted C-8 and C-9.

Thursday 26 November.  Steaming as before in column of Fletcher, O'Bannon, Radford, and Stembel enroute to Midway Island.  0540 Commenced to enter Midway Island harbor. 0623 Moored starboard side to pier 2 at Midway Island.  0717 Commenced taking on fuel.  0945 Completed taking on fuel.  1603 Underway from pier 21625 Cleared harbor. Formed column double standard distance, Fletcher, Radford, Stembel and O'Bannon in order.

Friday, 27 November. Steaming as before.  0600 Commenced full power run.  1100 Water in the fuel tank was sucked up into the fuel oil line and injected, causing fire under #3 and #4 boilers to be extinguished.  Stopped port engine and reduced speed on starboard engine to 320 rpm. 1146 Port engine back on line. 1200 Completed full power run. Maximum speed reached was 33 knots. 1304 Took screen station 7000 yards on starboard quarter of El Dorado.  1400 Test fired 10 rounds 5"/38 VT and 10 rounds 3"/50 VT ammunition.  1600 Stopped for swim call. 1655 Secured from swim call.  1658 Took screen station 3 of bent line screen.

Saturday, 28 November. Steaming as before.  1300 Screen ships less Mason detached for squadron tactics.  2203 USS Rupertus DD 851 detached to open out ahead of formation.

Sunday, 29 November. Steaming as before as part of Task Unit 36.3.9 enroute from Yokosuka Japan to Pearl Harbor, T.H. via Midway Island. 0650 Rupertus rejoined the formation in station 7. 0807 Took waiting station astern of Radford. 0815 Went alongside Radford for personnel transfer.  0833 Transfer completed.  1030 Proceeded alongside Radford for personnel transfer.  1041 Transfer completed. 1600 Took station 4 of 7 ship circular screen.

Monday, 30 November. Steaming as before.  0613 Marked center of barrier patrol and commenced crossover barrier patrol.  0631 Ceased barrier patrol. 0711 Proceeded to enter Pearl Harbor, T.H. 0759 Moored Starboard side to berth B-25.  0816 USS Rupertus DD 851 moored alongside to port.

December 1953

Tuesday, 1 December. Moored starboard side to berth B-25, Pearl Harbor, P.H.  USS Rupertus DD 851 was moored to port. Ships present were units of U.S. Pacific Fleet, United Nations war vessels, yard and district craft.  SOPA was CincPacFlt.

Wednesday, 2 December. Moored as before.  1025 USS Rupertus DD 851 got underway and stood out of the harbor.

Thursday, 3 December.  Moored as before. 0842 Underway from berth B-25, and proceeded to berth B-13, U.S. Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, T.H.  0903 Moored starboard side to berth B-13.  Shifted to shore power.

Friday, 4 December.  Moored as before. Receiving all services from the pier.  0818 USS O'Bannon moored alongside to port.

Saturday, 5 December.  Moored as before.

Sunday, 6 December.  Moored as before.

Monday, 7 December.  Moored as before.

Tuesday, 8 December. Moored as before.

Wednesday, 9 December. Moored as before.  1010 D.A. Johnson ENSN, was injured in ice machine compartment, I-400-E, while at work repairing compressor.  Patient was gassed by an unknown element when he removed plug from the crankcase of the compressor. Patient was removed from compartment to open air and given 9 liters of oxygen. Disposition: bed rest for 4 hours.

Thursday, 10 December. Moored as before.

Friday, 11 December. Moored as before.

Saturday, 12 December. Moored as before.

Sunday, 13 December. Moored as before.

Monday, 14 December. Moored as before.  2159 E.S. Eubanks Jr. GMSN, was taken to Tripler Army Hospital for an emergency appendectomy.

Tuesday, 15 December.  Moored as before.

Wednesday, 16 December.  Moored as before.

Thursday, 17 December. Moored as before.

Friday, 18 December. Moored as before.

Saturday, 19 December. Moored as before.

Sunday, 20 December. Moored as before.

Monday, 21 December. Moored as before.

Tuesday, 22 December.  Moored as before. 0800 Captain R.V. Hull ComCortDesRon One shifted his flag from Fletcher to USS Carpenter DDE 825.

Wednesday, 23 December.  Moored as before.

Thursday, 24 December. Moored as before.

Friday, 25 December. Moored as before.

Saturday, 26 December. Moored as before.  1300 Secured taking fresh water from the pier due to contamination.

Sunday, 27 December. Moored as before.

Monday, 28 December. Moored as before.

Tuesday, 29 December.  Moored as before.

Wednesday, 30 December.  Moored as before. 1025 Shore power was secured.  Ships boilers and generators put in service. 1700 Secured fresh water from the pier.

Thursday, 31 December. Moored as before.  1242 Received pilot R.W. Card on board. 1259 O'Bannon got underway from port side.  1344 Underway from berth B-13 Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1404 Moored port side to O'Bannon at berth M-1, U.S. Naval Base, Pearl Harbor, T.H.1530 Commenced refueling and taking on fresh water.  1730 Completed refueling.