Histories

Admiral John H. Towers: The Struggle for Naval Air Supremacy

1964

U.S.S. TOWERS (DDG-9)
FLEET POST OFFICE
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
96601

DDG9:CLM:hrj

5750

Ser: 03/51
1 Feb 1965

From: Commanding Officer, USS TOWERS (DDG-9)
To: Chief of Naval Operations (Op-291SH)

Subj: Ship’s History; annual revision to

Ref: (a) OPNAVIST 5750.7

1. In accordance with reference (a) the following annual revision to the ship’s history is hereby submitted.

From 1 January to 15 May TOWERS followed a routine schedule of operations in the San Diego area and commenced preparations for a mid-year overhaul. The ship satisfactorily completed her INSURV inspection, held on 17-18 February.

On 16-17 May TOWERS visited the inland port of Stockton, California playing

host to a local orphan’s home tour and providing general visiting hours for
2000 San Joaquin Valley citizens.

The ship experienced her first overhaul during the period 19 May – 21 September. During this time TOWERS operational capabilities were increased with the addition of first-class air control modernized communication equipment.

The remainder of the year was spent in refresher training, holiday leave periods

and in preparation for a January 1965 deployment.

On 23 December, CDR H.C PENNY, USN relieved CDR C.E. SWALLOW, Jr. as Commanding Officer.

H.C. PENNY

Copy to:
COMCRUDESPAC

1965

USS TOWERS (DDG-9)
FLEET POST OFFICE
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
96601

DDG9:JRY:crp

5720
Ser: 31/36
20 Jan 1966

From: Commanding Officer, USS TOWERS (DDG-9)
To: Chief of Naval Operations (Op-2915H)

Subj: Ship’s History; annual revision to

Ref: (a) OPNAVIST 5750.7

In accordance with reference (a) the following annual revision to the ship’s history is hereby submitted:

On 5 January TOWERS departed San Diego for her third WESTPAC deployment.

a. From February to 10 May TOWERS participated in all phases of operations in the South China Sea including plan guarding, CVA Missile Support, Tonkin Gulf SAR, DESOTO patrol, MARKET TIME and associated operations. These operations established the ships
eligibility for the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal. TOWERS served as flagship for Commander Destroyer Squadron SEVEN from 2 February until 10 May. Ports visited included Subic Bay, Yokosuka and Hong Kong.

During the week of 14 June TOWERS participated in Operation “SAILOR HAT”, a special blast test in the Hawaiian Islands to determine ship construction deficiencies.

TOWERS returned to San Diego on 26 June for leave and upkeep.
The Operations and Engineering Departments were awarded department “E’s” for competitive year 1965.
On 26 July TOWERS began type training and local operations in the San Diego

Area. Operations included ASW School Ship, a demonstration of senior SEATO officers, missile firing exercises and participation in ASWEX 17-65.

TOWERS rescued a downed pilot from USS KEARSARGE (CVS-33) on 23
September while night plane guarding.

The remainder of the year was spent in routine operational training, upkeep and
tender availability, a dependents’ cruise on 16 December, and holiday leave period.

The undersigned commander TOWERS throughout the entire year.

H. C. PENNEY
Copy to:
COMCRUDESPAC

1966

U.S.S. TOWERS (DDG-9)
FLEET POST OFFICE
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
96601

~~SECRET~~

(Unclassified upon removal of enclosure)
DDG9:JRD:cjr
5750
Ser: 01/001
17 Feb 1967

OPNAV Report 5750-1

From: Commanding Officer, USS TOWERS (DDG-9)
To: Chief of Naval Operations (Op-09B9)

Subj: Command History, USS Towers (DDG-9); submission of (U)

Ref: (a) OPNAV INST 5750.12

CINCPACFLTINST 5750.2

Encl: (1) Ship’s History, USS Towers (DDG-9) for period 1 Jan 1966
to 31 Dec 1966

In accordance with references (a) and (b), enclosure (1) is submitted.

/s/ S.T. Counts
S.T. Counts

Copy to:
CINCPACFLT

DECLASSIFIED
OP09BH 3/18/77

~~SECRET~~

Chronology of Highlights (C)

4 June – Deployed for WESTPAC
2-17 July – Expended 3,266 rounds in Naval Gunfire Support, South Vietnam
6 July – Commander Stanley T. COUNTS, USN relieved Commander Harmon C.
PENNY, USN as Commanding Officer

1. 1. 1. Aug – Assigned to TU 77.0.1 AAW Picket/SAR DD Unit, Gulf of Tonkin
    2. Oct – Assigned to TU 77.0.1 AAW Picket/SAR DD Unit, Gulf of Tonkin
3 Dec – Arrived in San Diego after six month deployment

Operations

The month of January 1966 was a quiet one in San Diego for TOWERS with many of the crew on holiday leave during the first part of the month. Upkeep of the ship and preparation for upcoming exercises occupied the crew the rest of the time. From 31 January to 6 February TOWERS participated in the joint U.S. – Canadian “Operation Buttonhook,” an ASW exercise encompassing the entire west coast of the United States and Canada. Later in the month the ship was again underway for COMPTUEX 4-66, an ASW exercise off of San Diego. March was spent at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard for a repair availability.

In preparation for her upcoming Search and Rescue mission in WESTPAC, TOWERS participated in “Operation GRAY GHOST” off the coat of California, April 12-22. Here the crew trained in PT Boats, air control intercept and Anti-air warfare exercises to become proficient in their role as one of the two northernmost ships in the Gulf of Tonkin – always in danger of attack by North Vietnam based MIG’s.

“GRAY GHOST” was followed by another in-port period until 16 May when the ship got underway for COMPTUEX 15-66, lasting four days. On 4 June TOWERS with COMDESDIV 72, CAPT J.K. LESLIE, USN embarked, deployed for WESTPAC in company with USS BUCK and USS WILTSIE with brief stops at Pearl Harbor, Midway and Guam. After a short period in Subic Bay, during which COMDESDIV 72 shifted his flag to BUCK as TOWERS joined TG 70.8.9 on 1 July off the III and IV Corps area and Rung Sat special zone and participated in Naval Gunfire Support Operations. During this period on 6 July 1966 CDR S.T. COUNTS Relieved CDR H. C. PENNY as Commanding Officer. Ordered to return to Subic Bay, the crew divided the period 20 to 25 July between liberty and type training around Luzon, P.I. While in Subic COMDESRON SEVEN Shifted his flag to TOWERS and TOWERS proceeded with WILTSIE to Danang, South Viet-Nam for counter PT Boat training, arriving on Northern SAR Patrol on 1 August.

Enclosure (1)
-1- ~~SECRET~~

~~SECRET~~

TOWERS remained on station for thirty days with COMDESRON SEVEN, CAPT R.R. LAW embarked at CTU 77.0.1 and CTE 77.0.1.1; TE 77.0.1.1 consisted of TOWERS and WILTSIE. During this period, operations often took the ship within visual range of the area around Haiphong Harbor and the North Vietnam coast. After a month on station, TOWERS and WILTSIE were relieved on Northern SAR by USS HOEL (DDG-13) and USS GURKE (DD-783) and proceeded to Hong Kong for 5 days of well deserved liberty from 4 to 8 September. Proceeding from the British Crown Colony, the ship headed for Subic Bay for a tender availability alongside USS Bryce Canyon (AD-36) where the ship made ready for another long patrol in the Gulf of Tonkin. Following four days of type training around Luzon, TOWERS with COMDESRON SEVEN embarked, and WILTSIE proceeded to Northern SAR station, again with a brief stop at Danang. TOWERS and WILTSIE became TE 77.01.1 for the previous patrol, although air activities were somewhat less, due to poor flying conditions much of the month. TOWERS and WILTSIE were relieved as TE 77.0.1.1 on 31 October by USS HOEL (DDG-13) and USS Southerland (DD-743). The ship returned to Subic Bay a last time on 3 November where COMDESRON SEVEN departed to his normal flag ship, USS HALSEY (DLG-23) and COMDESDIV SEVENTY-TWO, CDR J. E. FINNERAN, USN broke his flag. En route to EASTPAC on 13 November, TOWERS stopped at Yokosuka between 16 and 21 November where she was visited by her type Commander, COMCRUDESPAC, RADM W. H. BAUMBERGER. On the return crossing in company with USS CONSTELLATION (CVA-64), USS BUCK (DD-761), USS PRITCHETT (DD-561), USS WILTSIE (DD-716) and USS FRANK KNOX (DD-742), the task group ran into several days of heavy weather resulting in some damage to the CVA and the DD’s. TOWERS experienced only minor storm damage. TOWERS arrived in her homeport, San Diego, on 3 December and the crew commenced holiday leave with their families.

Enclosure (1)
~~SECRET~~

-2-

~~SECRET~~

Special Topics

1. 1. a. Operational Statistics: During naval gunfire support missions in South Viet-Nam from 2 to 17 July, the ship expended 3266 rounds of five inch ammunition in two weeks. The following confirmed damage was done:

17 structures destroyed
118 structures damaged
3 sampans destroyed
11 Viet Cong personnel killed
1 bridge destroyed

1. 1. (CONF) Performance of Material and Weapons and Engineering Performance:

The following casualties occurred:

CASREPTS EQUIPMENT CASCOR HOURS

011032Z Jun #1B S/S GEN 021142Z Jul 190
101306Z Jul Mt. 52 210534Z Jul 251
120836Z Jul AN/SPS-39 210620Z Jul 209
260202Z Jul AN/SQS-23 151138Z Aug 456
041026Z Aug AN/SPG-51B 091336Z Aug 140
081218Z Aug Steering Gear 120624Z Aug –
181312Z Aug Mt. 51 221034Z Aug 88
161214Z Aug Feed Pump 020846Z Oct –
190330Z Sep #2B Boiler 210428Z Sep –
211400Z Sep AN/SPG-51B 271410Z Oct 120
030910Z Sep AN/GRC-27 161230Z Oct 264
040350Z Oct AN/SPS-39 051534Z Oct 35
100158Z Oct AN/URC-32 230140Z Oct 240

1. 1. (UNCL) Major Conversions and Modifications: None

1. 1. (UNCL) Port and Base Developments: Not Applicable

1. 1. (UNCL) Development in Command and Control Systems: None

1. 1. (UNCL) Development in Tactics and Doctrines: None

~~SECRET~~

1. 1. (S) Summary of Major Intelligence Collected: Intelligence collected on SAR was of an ECM nature. Twelve master EOB sights were confirmed. One emission of an unknown nature was recorded and forwarded to ELINT center for further evaluation. Pictures and video tape recordings of all signals were made. PACOM ELINT CENTER awarded Towers a “Well Done” for the month of August and a “Very Good” for October.

1. 1. (U) Communications: During the period January-December 1966 the following number of messages were sent/received, and daily averages are given:

MONTH

SENT/RECEIVED

DAILY AVERAGE

1. 1. (U) Supply and Logistics: During 1966, TOWERS went alongside for 32 underway refuelings and 16 underway replenishments.

1. 1. (U) Major Policy and Planning Developments: Not Applicable

1. 1. 1. (U) Casualties of Men and Equipment: No personnel casualties were incurred.
For CASREPTS see subpara b.

1. 1. (U) Personnel: During 1966 there were three first-term enlistments, five career reenlistments and fifty-none discharges. Manning level is adequate.

~~SECRET~~
~~SECRET~~

1. 1. (U) Medical and Dental Activities: Not Applicable

1. 1. (U) Activities of the Chaplain: Not Applicable

1. 1. (U) Community Relations and Civic Action: Not Applicable

1. 1. (U) Foreign Agreements: Not Applicable

1. 1. (U) Reservist Special Training: None

1. 1. (U) Research and Development Projects: None

1. 1. (C) Rescues: TOWERS took part in 8 SAR missions in the Northern Gulf of Tonkin during the month of August, including 3 rescues behind enemy lines. All rescues utilized SAR helicopters controlled by the TOWERS.

~~SECRET~~

1. 1. 1. (U) Awards, Communications , and Special Congratulatory Messages:
The following message was received from the Senior Army Advisor of IV

1. 1. (U) Results of Oceanographic of Port Surveys: Not applicable.

1. 1. (U) Notable Records or “First”: None.

1. 1. 1. (U) Articles and Radio or Television Programs Relating to the Command:
The thrilling rescue in Haiphong Harbor of a downed pilot, LCDR Thomas

1. 1. 1. (U) Distinguished Visitors: During October, Mr Jim LUCAS, Pulitzer Prize
winning journalist, and member of Scripps Howard Staff, came aboard

1. 1. (U) Special Ceremonies: None.

~~SECRET~~

-6-

1967

U.S.S. TOWERS (DDG-9)
FLEET POST OFFICE
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
96601

DDG9:GSM:jws
5750
Ser: 17/028
22 Feb 1968

~~CONFIDENTIAL~~ (Unclassified upon removal of enclosure)

From: Commanding Officer, USS TOWERS (DDG-9)
To: Chief of Naval Operations (Op-09B9)

Subj: Command History, Report Symbol 5750-1; submission of (U)

Ref: (a) OPNAV INST 5750.12

Encl: (1) Command History, Report Symbol 5750-1

Pursuant to reference (a), the USS Towers (DDG-9) history for

1967 is hereby submitted as enclosure (1).

/s/ S.T. Counts
S.T. Counts

DECLASSIFIED
OP09BH 3/18/77

~~CONFIDENTIAL~~

CONFIDENTIAL

CHRONOLOGY OF HIGHLIGHTS

JAN – MAR Local Operations, Southern California Areas.
14 APR – 19 OCT Overhaul San Francisco Bay Naval Shipyard.
NOV – DEC Local Operations. Preparation for Missile Project D/S 454.

OPERATIONS
The month of January, 1967, began with the ship still enjoying the post deployment leave and upkeep period. Sea operations began late in the month and continued through the middle of March. Highlights during the period were two SECNAV guest cruises, a week of plane guard duty for USS CONSTELLATION (CVA-64), and a dependents day cruise.
On 11 April the ship departed San Diego for overhaul at Hunters Point Site, San Francisco Bay Naval Shipyard. The overhaul began 14 April and ended 18 October after several extensions. The major work accomplished consisted of Ship’s Service Turbo Generator shipalts as replacement generators were not yet available, new antenna for AN/SPS-39 radar, installation of automatic Daily Systems Operability Test (DSOT), conversion of AN?SQS-23 sonar via TRAM, conversion of AN/SPG-51B Missile Fire Control Radar to AN/SPG-51C, addition of a magazine for the ASROC system, addition of 25 tons air conditioning, and major rebuilding of all communications spaces. Late in the overhaul it was decided to add the Standard Missile capability.
During this overhaul, in the late spring, the Commanding, CDR S. T. COUNTS, USN, learned that he had been early selected for the rank of Captain. Also, in mid October, just before departing the shipyard, TOWERS received a new Executive Officer, LCDR W. E. OLSEN, USN.
TOWERS departed San Francisco after her long stay arriving in San Diego 20 October. The remainder of October was spent in local operation and in port San Diego in preparation for the Standard Missile evaluation project D/S 454, the object of which are:

To demonstrate the capability of the Medium Range (MR) Standard Missile at significant points within the missile performance envelope at various targets including single and multiple aircraft, aircraft with electronics jamming, and surface craft.
To evaluate the capability of the assigned ship’s weapons systems to fire Standard Missile as well as current TARTAR Missiles.

November and the first half of December were spent conducting local operations with maximum effort on the missile system in preparation for the project. Mid December found TOWERS in a leave and upkeep status anticipating the D/S 454 project to begin in January 1968.

COMMAND ORGANIZATION AND RELATIONS

Commanding Officer: CDR S. T. COUNTS, USN, C.O. throughout 1967.
Homeport: San Diego, California
Mission and Function of Command: AAW, ASW, Gunfire Support

Enclosure (1)
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL

SPECIAL TOPICS

Operational Statistics: None of significance
Performance of Material and Weapons and Engineering Performance:

CASREPT EQUIP CASCOR
21 OCT AN/SPG 51C 30 OCT
14 NOV MK118 16 NOV
22 NOV MK 474 24 NOV
22 NOV AN/SPG 51C 28 DEC
30 NOV MK 47 Computer 9 DEC
22 DEC AN/SPS 39 30 DEC
3 NOV 5″54 4 DEC
22 NOV GMLS MK11 30 NOV
30 NOV Missile Magazine 18 DEC
Sprinkling System
7 DEC GMLS Carriage MK 6 26 DEC
10 JAN Gyro Compass 4 FEB

6 FEB Personnel Boat 12 FEB
21 MAR Gyro Compass 29 MAR
9 NOV Gyro Compass 15 NOV
24 OCT 1B Turbo Generator 28 OCT
27 OCT Motor Whaleboat 5 NOV
7 NOV Main Feed Booster Pump ———
5 DEC 1B Boiler 11 DEC
17 NOV 60 KW Motor Generator ———
15 DEC Gyro Compass ———

Major Conversions and Modifications: Modifications to WDE and installation of automatic DSOT to missile fire control system. Conversion of MK 74 directors to AN/SPG 51C radars and GMLS MK 11. Installation of Standard Missile capability.
Port and Base Developments: Not applicable
Development in Command and Control Systems: None
Development in Tactics and Doctrines: None
Summary of Major Intelligence Collected: Not applicable
Communications: Communication records are kept for six month periods.

During the last six months of 1967 the following number of messages were

Sent/received:
July 23/432 October 75/512
August 28/440 November 137/472
September 19/458 December 100/500
Total traffic for the last six months was 2814 received and 379 sent.
Enclosure (1)
-2- ~~CONFIDENTIAL~~

~~CONFIDENTIAL~~

Supply and Logistics: During 1967, TOWERS conducted three underway refuelings.
Major Policy and Planning Developments: Not applicable.
Casualties of men and Equipment: No personnel casualties were incurred.

For CASREPTS see (d).

Personnel: During 1967 there were fifteen reenlistments on board and sixty eight transfers to receiving stations for discharge.
Medical and Dental Activities: Not applicable.
Activities of the Chaplain: Not applicable.
Community Relations and Civic Actions: Not applicable.
Foreign Agreements: Not applicable.
Reservist Special Training: None
Research and Development Project: D/S 454 Phase I, development assist Standard Missile.
Rescues: None
Awards, Commendations and Special Congratulatory Messages: 11 February 1967, RADM A. S. GOODFELLOW, COMCRUDESFLOTNINE presented Bronze Star with Combat V to CDR S. T. COUNTS, Navy Commendation medals to LT J. L. TURNBULL and GMGC G. C. UHLER, CINCPACFLT Letter of Commendation to YNC J. L. COFFEY, and COMSEVENTHFLT Letter of Commendation to LCDR W. A. REISTER, LTJG J. C. Gallahan, LT B. ROBBINS, LT D. L. BRIDWELL. In November 1967, the Navy Unit Commendation was presented by RADM J. B. Davis, JR., COMCRUDESFLOTNINE, to USS TOWERS for achievements in Anti-Air Warfare for the period August to November, 1966.
Results of Oceanographic or Port Services: Not applicable.
Notable Records or Firsts: First ship on West Coast with complete Standard Missile Capability.
Articles and Radio or Television Programs Relating to the Command: None
Distinguished Visitors: 19 FEB 1967, Chief of Communications, Los Angeles Fire Department, Darwin J. Nielson. General Manager of Colter Caddilac, Phoenix Arizona, Jack E. Chaplin. These visitors were guests of the Secretary of the Navy.
Special Ceremonies: 08 November 1967, CDR. S. T. COUNTS, Commanding Officer, presented the Navy Achievement Medal to LTJG F. A. Burman for advancement in Naval communications awarded for service at Naval Communications Headquarters, Washington, D.C.

Enclosure (1)

~~CONFIDENTIAL~~

-3-

SHIP’S ROSTER

OFFICERS

NAME RANK

1. BRIDWELL LT
2. COLE LTJG
3. COUNTS CDR
4. DENICKE ENS
5. DISCH ENS
6. GROSTICK LTJG
7. FOSTER LT
8. MARSHALL ENS
9. McDONOUGH LT
10. MENO LT
11. MICHELS ENS
12. OLSEN LCDR
13. PARKS LCDR
14. PETERSON LT
15. QUINNEY LT
16. SPAUSTAT LTJG
17. VIRNIG ENS

Enclosure (1)

-4-

USS TOWERS (DDG-9)

ENLISTED
DIVISIONAL MUSTER LIST

WEAPONS DEPARTMENT

FIRST DIVISION

SN ANNABOLLI SN HALLIS BM1 NADEAU
SN BEEDE SA HAMMONS SN OSTERMEYER
SN BERMUDEZ SN HARBIDGE YN3 PHARES
SN BLACKWELL SN KELLY SA PLOUFEE
SN BLAND SN KWISZ SA PURDUE
SN BOBIS SN LANG SN ROBINSON
SN CHAVEZ SN LANGE SN SANFORD
BM3 COFIELD SN LAWRENCE SR SERVANCE
BM3 COOK SN LONGWORTH SA D. G. SHINNEMAN
SN COULSTON SN MARTIN SA R. D. SHINNEMAN
SN CRADLEY SN MATTHEWS SN L. J. SMITH
BM1 DAWES SN MCDOWELL SN THOMPSON
BMC DIXON SN MENDEZ SN TURK
SN ELLERMAN SN MIGLIAVACCA SN USSERY
SN FLANDNAGAN SN MILLER SA WILLIAMS
SN GARZA SN MOORE SN WORTHINGTON
SA GURULE SN MOURAIN SN G. E. SMITH

TOTAL: 51

SECOND DIVISION

SN BEASLEY SN JONES SA PIERSON
GMG3 BERGMAN GMM3 KLINECT GMG3 RYAN
GMG3 BOADO GMG2 LAWRENCE SN D. A. SMITH
SN CASTRO SN MALOTT GMG1 R. H. SMITH
GMM2 DEMERON GMMCS MENDOZA GMG2 TILTON
GMM1 FRYAR GMG3 MOORE GMGC UHLER

TOTAL: 18

FOX DIVISION

FTM3 ANDERSON FTMC HAACK FTM2 MCLAUGHLIN
FTM3 BAKER FTM3 HASTINGS FTM2 OLLER
FTM1 BARROW FTGSN HILDRETH FTG2 RICE
FTM1 BELL FTM3 HUDAK FTM3 SHEPARD
FTM3 BLACKWELL FTG1 HURST FTM3 SIZEMORE
FTM2 BLAKE FTM3 HUSBAND FTG3 TELEIS
FTM3 EARLY FTM3 KARSTEN FTM2 THORPE
FTM3 FERRIBY FTM2 KITCHEN FTM2 WARNOCK
FTM2 FITZGERALD FTM2 KOLLER FTMCS WEDERMAN
FTM3 FRAZIER FTM1 MATTHEWS FTG 2 ZACK

TOTAL: 30

ASW DIVISION

STG3 AVERITT STG3 FIELD STGSN RODGRIGUEZ
STG3 BELT STGSN HENKA SN SANTISTEVAN
STG3 BUTCH STG3 HILLER GMGC STRUKEL
STC CARR STGSN HOUGHTON STG3 TAYLOR
GMG1 CHAVIS GMG2 KAPEGHIAN SN WHEATON
SN D’AMROSIO STGSN KONGS STG3 WOLD
TM3 DAVIS SN LAWSON STG2 YANCEY

TOTAL: 21

OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT

OC DIVISION

RM3 COLLIER RM3 ISAACS SM2 SLOAN
RM3 CONLON SN MAYS SN TENEN
RM1 EASTERBROOK RM2 MCGEE RM3 THOMAS
RMSN GELB SMC NELSON RMSN VERALL
SM3 GOUGE RM3 POMPA SM3 WELZIEN

RMSA HERTWIG SM1 RALEIGH SN WHITE
RM2 HYSON RMSN RUMP
TOTAL: 20

OI DIVISION

RD3 BENNY RDC HOWATH SN OTTO
RD1 BRANDON RD3 JACKSON RDSN SHEK
RD2 CROOKS RD2 LARSEN RD1 SKROBACKI
RDSN DEKKER RD3 LIPKE RDSN SNYDER
RDSN DELOSRIOS RDSN MOORE SN WILLIAMS
RD2 HALL SN W. E. MOORE RD3 WOODFIN
RDSN HAMILTON RD2 MORISSETTEE RD3 YBARRA
RDSN HERSTOL RD3 NEEDLES
TOTAL: 23

OE DIVISION

ETR2 ADSIDE ETRSN HAZZARD ETR2 RODGERS
ETN3 AUGHENBAUGH ETR3 HOLK ETN3 SCHIERMEYER
ETR2 CAMPBELL ETR3 KELLEY ETN2 SMITH
ETR3 DERISE ETR3 MAHEW ETN2 VAN RYZIN
ETN3 FRIEL ETN3 MCDERMOTT ETCS WEBER
ETN2 CAREY ETRSN MOFFAT
TOTAL: 17

NAVIGATION DEPARTMENT

N DIVISION

QM1 ADKINS PC3 LUPTON YN3 ROBERTS
QMSN DANIELS YN3 PETERSON QM2 WILSON
YN1 DUNN SN SMITH
YN3 GIANGROSSO PN1 SNELLGROVE
HMC HART HM3 TULLESU
QMC HOLLOWAY QMSN RAWLINS
TOTAL: 14

ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

M & B DIVISION

BT2 ANDREWS MMC HAYES BT2 PFEIFER
FN BALL FN HARRIS BT2 PRUETY
MM3 BRILINSKI FN JACKSON BT1 RIST
BTC BROWN MM3 JOHNSON BT3 ROBERTSON
FN COCORES FN KEEN FN SHAFER
FN COPPLE FN KLECHNER MM2 STEVENS
BT3 DAVIS FN LOCKHART BT3 TAYLOR
MMFN DAY FN D. MEDLEY FN TEMPEL
FN DORN FN E. MEDLEY FN TERRY
FN DIMITRIADIS FN MILLER MM3 THOMAS
FN DYSON FN MITCHEL FN TRUJILLO
BT2 EADES MM1 MORENO FN VANNES
FN EBERT FN MORGAN FN WALSH
FN ELLIS FN NAGEL BTFN WELSON
FN EDWARDS MM2 NEEL FN WHEATON
BT1 FRANCISCO FN NEIMI BT2 WILLIAMS
MM3 FRANKLIN MM2 NELSON BT3 WILRICH
FN FULLER MM3 OUDIN BT3 ZAJAC
BT3 GILLILAND MM2 PAYNE BT2 WILSON
FN HAFTERSON BT3 PEETS
TOTAL: 59

R DIVISION

MM1 ACOSTA EM3 GARVIN EMFA NEWIDOMY
EM2 ANDERSON MM2 GILBREATH MMC NOVOTNY
EMC ADEMA IC2 HAMBRIGHT SF1 PADILLA
IC1 BANKS FN HARTZOG EM3 PARDUE
EMFN BOSLEY FN HIATT ICFN PINKERTON
ICFN BRANDT IC1 JENKINS DC3 RENNER
SF1 BREDEMEYER IC3 KROGOL MR3 ROBERTSON
DC1 BULLENS EN3 LEMMONS FN ROWE
EM3 BURKETT DCFN LOWE EM1 SHADIK
EM2 CALDWELL ICFN MARKEL EN2 SHEDD
FN CONNER FN MCGEE MM3 THOMPSON
SFP2 DAVIS SF3 MCPHAIL EM3 THORPE
IC3 DAVIS MM2 MESSNER FN WILLIAMS
FN EDLIN MRFN MORGAN EM2 WRIGHT

TOTAL: 42

SUPPLY DEPARTMENT

TN ABEN SK2 GARCIA CS2 PUCETA
SN ALLEN TN GRATIL CSC REEVES
SN ALTIZER SD1 GUANGA CS3 ROBERTS
TN ALVAREZ SKSN HAND SN ROBERTS
SD3 AQUINA SA HERSEY SK1 ROSARIO
TN BAUTISTA SKC HITCHCOCK SKSA RUSSELL
TN BINUYA SH3 HORN SN SCHJEI
SN BOYD SN JENSEN SHSN SHEPPARD
SK2 BROWN SN KINSLER SN SITTON
DK1 BROWNING SK3 KYTOLA SN SMITH, K.
SN BUGARIN SD2 OLAES SN THOMPSON
SH1 CROUSE SA MASSIE CSSA WILBRON
SN DAVIS SN OLDHAM
SK2 EDMONDSEN SN PRYMEK
TOTAL: 40

MESS COOKS

STG2 YANCEY (MESS DECK MASTER-AT-ARMS) FOX DIV
EMFN BOSLEY R DIV
SN ELLERMAN 1^ST DIV
RMSN GELB OC DIV
SA GURULE 1^ST DIV
FN HAFTERSON M & B DIV
STGSN HOUGHTON FOX DIV
FN KEEN M & B DIV
SN KELLY 1^ST DIV
SN LAWRENCE 1^ST DIV
SN MALOTT 2^ND DIV
FN MILLER M & B DIV
SN PURDIE 1^STDIV
SN D. G. SHINNEMAN 1^ST DIV
FN WILLIAMS R DIV

1968

USS TOWERS COMMAND HISTORY FOR THE YEAR 1968

SUBMITTED 11 FEB 1969 by E. W. Carter, III Commanding

Officer USS TOWERS DDG-9

DECLASSIFIED 18 MARCH 1977

(U) Chronology of Highlights:

1 January – 4 May 1968

Development – Assist test of the Standard Missile: D/S 454.

6 May – 29 June 1968

Restricted availability in Long Beach Naval Shipyard.

15 – 19 July 1968

COMTUEX 12-68; an exercise involving air, surface, and subsurface

Units.

29 July – 2 August 1968

ADVANTEX 1-68; operations with USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62).

14 – 21 August 1968

STRIKEX 3-68; fleet exercise under operational control of Commander

First Fleet.

5 September – 1968

Departed San Diego for WESTPAC deployment.

29 September – 5 October 1968

Conducted NGFS operations in company with USS NEW JERSEY

(BB-62), I Corps, South Vietnam.

6 – 14 October 1968

Conducted Sea Dragon operations in company with USS NEW JERSEY

(BB- 62), North Vietnam.

15 – 22 October 1968

Conducted NGFS operations in company with USS NEW JERSEY

(BB-62), I Corps, South Vietnam.

6 – 8 November 1968

Yankee Station operations in company with USS CONSTILLATION

( CVA- 64).

.
10 – 16 November 1968

Conducted NGFS operations in support of Amphibious Operation

DARING ENDEAVOR, I Corps, South Vietnam.

17 – 30 November 1968

NGFS operations, I Corps, South Vietnam.

22 – 24 December 1968

Yankee Station operations in company with USS INTREPID (CVS-II).

27 December – 31 December 1968

NGFS operations, IV Corps, South Vietnam.

2. (C) Basic Narrative

a. Command Organization and Relations:

(1) Commanding Officer: CDR S.T. COUNTS, USN. Commanding Officer

Through 19 July 1968. CDR E. W. CARTER , III, USN, Commanding Officer 20 July

1968 to present.

(2) Homeport: San Diego, California.

(3) Mission of Command: To operate offensively with strike forces with

hunter/killer groups, in support of amphibious assault operations and screen support forces

and convoys against submarines, air and surface threats.

(4) Composition of Command: Officers – 19 , Enlisted – 319.

b. Operations

(1) The TOWERS spent the first four months of 1968 in the development assist

test (D/S) 454 of the standard missile with the Tartar Weapons System on the Pacific Missile Range. The primary objectives of D/S 454 included:

(a) Demonstration of SM-LA (MR) and weapons system capability at significant points of the performance envelope.

(b) Evaluation of the capability of the ship’s weapon systems to fire standard missile as well as Tartar missiles.

In the course of these test, thirty-one standard missiles were fired. There were twenty failures ,two duds, and eleven successes. The basic compatibility of standard missile to the Tartar weapon system and modifications to the Tartar weapons system to support standard missile were successfully demonstrated.

During May and June, Towers underwent restricted availability in the Long Beach Naval Shipyard for repair and modification of the ship’s four Westinghouse Service Turbo-Generators. Because of this unscheduled availability ,the pre-deployment refresher training period was cancelled. An intensive ISE/TYT was conducted the following month.

Towers began her sixth WESTPAC deployment on September 5. this was highlighted by a transpacific cruise in company with the Navy’s only active battleship, USS New Jersey (BB-62). There were brief stops at Pearl Harbor and SUBIC Bay before arriving in the I Corps TACTIAL Zone on 29 September for gunfire support. On 5 October, as escort for NEW JERSEY, Towers was assigned shore bombardment missions in Sea Dragon operations. The gunfire damage assessment for the period 30 September through 21 October was: two artillery sites, three AAA sites,43 bunkers and structures destroyed or damaged, 55 meters of trench destroyed, two

Water borne logistics craft destroyed, ten probable enemy killed in action

And 19 secondary explosions were observed. During this period, TOWERS

Rescued a Marine pilot and his gunfire spotter, when their A4F spotter

Aircraft was shot down. This rescue was effected in the waters off the DMZ.

The ship returned to Subic Bay on 23 October for a ten day upkeep

Period. The next assignment was as plane guard for the USS CONSTELLATION (CVA-64) on 6 November in Yankee Station.

The schedule was interrupted when TOWERS was recalled to I Corps to

Provide gunfire support for Operation Daring Endeavor, an amphibious

And vertical assault just south of Da Nang. CO, USS TOWERS was

Assigned additional duty during this operation as Commander, Naval

Gunfire Support Unit. The operation was highly successful. TOWERS

Was commended for it’s role during the operation. I corps remained the

Scene of operation for TOWERS from 17 to 30 November. As a gunfire

Support ship, TOWERS provided anti-rocket protection in Da Nang Harbor

On21,22,24 and 25 November. TOWERS also provided gunfire support to the Second Brigade, Republic of Korea Marines on 23 and 26-29 November, 20 miles south of Da Nang. Gunfire damage assessment for the

Period 9-30 November, was: 14 bunkers destroyed, 87 structures destroyed

Or heavily damaged, and three enemy confirmed killed in action, and a total

Of 2,476 rounds were expended.

An upkeep period in Subic Bay from 2 – 13 December was followed by

Rest and recreation in Singapore. Enroute to Singapore, TOWERS traveled

South of the Equator and on 15 December received a visit from Davy Jones

And Neptunus Rex

On 20 December, the ship departed Singapore and proceeded to Yankee Station

Arriving 22 December. TOWERS assumed the role as screen commander for the

Destroyer screen operating with USS INTREPID (CVS11). After two days with INTREPID, TOWERS was sent to the West Coast of Vietnam on the Gulf of Siam

For assignment to IV Corps. Year’s end found TOWERS engaging the enemy in that

Area with night harassing fire.

c. Special Topics

(1) Operational statistics

(a) Underway Replenishments:

JAN-1 refueling

JUL- 3 refuelings

SEP- 5 refuelings

OCT- 6 refuelings

6 rearmings

3 replenishments

Nov – 7 refuelings

6 rearmings

1 replenishment

2 vertical replenishments

Dec- 2 refuelings

1 rearming

1 vertical replenishment

(b) Ammunition expenditures for shore bombardments (5”/54)

NGFS 30 September – 5 October: 1267

Sea Dragon 5 – 14 October: 477

NGFS 15 – 21 October 1071

NGFS 10 – 30 November 2483

NGFS 27 – 31 December 309

(2) Communications: Messages sent/received:

MAY 441/81

JUN 597/86

JUL 971/ 281

AUG 919/347

SEP 1189/540

OCT 1482/372

NOV 253/1047

DEC 265/779

(3) Casualties to equipment:

CADREPT EQUIP CASCOR

13 Jan 68 MK 474 Test Set 26 Jan 68

18 Jan 68 An/SPG 51C Radar 26 Jan 68

19 Jan 68 GMLS MK II 29 Jan 68

22 Jan 68 SQS-23 Sonar Cool Pump 30 Jan 68

24 Jan 68 2B Boiler 21 Jun 68

05 Mar 68 Motor whale boat 15 Apr 68

06 Mar 68 MK 118 Computer 11 Mar 68

09 Mar 68 1 B boiler 27 Mar 68

26 Mar 68 SRC 20 transceiver 20 May 68

23 Mar 68 2A SSTG 27 Jun 68

28 Mar 68 MK 73 director 28 Mar 68

29 Mar 68 WDE MK 1 01 Apr 68

29 Mar 68 GMLS MK 11 01 Apr 68

03 Apr 68 AN/ SPG 51C radar 05 Apr 68

05 Apr 68 AN/ SKQ 1 telemetering 12 Apr 68

05 Apr 68 GMLS MK 11 09 Apr 68

23 Apr 68 26 FT personal boat 04 Sept 68

26 Apr 68 GMLS MK 11 20 May 68

28 May 68 GMLS MK 11 06 JUN 68

29 May 68 WRC 1 transceiver 23 Jul 68

02 Jul 68 2 A boiler 12 Sep 68

02 Jul 68 GMLS MK 11 09 Jul 68

10 Jul 68 URC 9 Transceiver 27 Aug68

10 Jul 68 SPS 39 Radar 14 Aug 68

13 Jul 68 GMLS MK 11 10 Aug 68

13 Jul 68 ASROC Attack Console MK 38 MOD O 30 Aug 68

15 Jul 68 T-MK 6 Fanfare 13 Aug 68

19 Jul 68 SRA 22 Antenna Coupler 27 Aug 68

31 Jul 68 WRC 1 Transceiver 23 Aug68

01 Aug 68 MK68 Director 08 Aug68

05 Aug 68 1A Boiler 09Aug68

14 Aug 68 ULQ-6B (port) 05Sep68

14 Aug 68 ULQ-6B (stbd) 05 Sep68

17 Aug 68 UPX 1 IFF 23 Aug68

30 Aug 68 1A Boiler 30 Aug68

07 Sep 68 AN/SRN-6A 24 Sep68

08 Sep 68 AN/SQS-23 10 Sep68

17 Sep 68 AN/SQS-23 24 Sep68

17 Sep 68 2B2 Forced Draft Blower 25 Sep68

20 Sep 68 2A Boiler 24 Sep68

21 Sep 68 MK118 Computer No. 2 23 Sep 68

29 Sep 68 AN/UQC 1A 14 Oct. 68

03 Oct 68 MK 118 Computer No.3 13 Oct. 68

03 Oct 68 AL/UQC 1A 14 Oct 68

03 Oct 68 MK118 Computer NO. 3 13 Oct 68

03 Oct 68 AN/ULQ 6b (stbd) 04 Oct 68

05 Oct 68 Fwd 5”/54 Mount 16 Nov 68

09 Oct 68 Aft 5”/54 Mount 16 Nov 68

09 Oct 68 TSEC/KY-8 12 Oct 68

10 Oct 68 AN/SRN 6A 15 Oct 68

11 Oct 68 GMLS MK 11 MOD 0 13 Oct 68

15 Oct 68 1b Boiler 03 Nov 68

03 Nov 68 Fwd Gyro Compass MK 19 MOD 3A 07 Dec 68

06 Nov 68 AN/URC 9 01 Dec 68

10 Nov 68 AN/SRC 21 11 Nov 68

23 Nov 68 Fwd 5”/54 Mount 25 Dec 68

11 Nov 68 AN/SPG 51c 10 Dec 68

13 Nov 68 1b Boiler 09 Dec 68

18 Dec 68 1b Boiler 20 Dec 68

20 Dec 68 SRC 21 UHF Transceiver ———-

22 Dec 68 R-1051 HF Receiver ———-

(5) Personnel: During 1968 there were 20 reenlistments on board and 66

Transfers for discharge.

(6) Special training: Two reserve officers of the rank of LCDR and LT, and

two enlisted personnel of rate E-7 were assigned to the TOWERS for the period 12-23

August 1968.

TOWERS embarked two Republic of South Vietnamese Ensigns, Va Van Tinh

And Nguyen Tan Dat for orientation and indoctrination training cruise from 1 November

To 31 December.

(7) Research and development projects: The Development/Assist Test of the

Standard missile; Project D/S 454, from January through April.

(8) Rescues: On 1 October, in the seas just south of the DMZ, TOWERS

rescued two airmen, pilot Captain James Spaith, USMC and gunfire spotter, 1st

LT U.S. Grant, USMC, after their A4F plane was shot down while on a spotter

Mission for the USS NEW JERSEY. TOWERS and NEW JERSEY were each conducting

Gunfire support missions for elements of the Third Marine Amphibious Force at this

Time.

(9) Awards, commendations or special congratulatory messages received.

(a) Subsequent to the completion of D/S 454 ( Development/

Assist Test of TARTAR missile) TOWERS received the following

Commendation dated 20 May, 1968 from Commander, Cruiser-

-Destroyer Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet:

“The high order of professionalism… is in keeping with the past

performance of USS TOWERS (DDG-9) and represents a worthwhile

goal for future efforts.” Mason Freeman.

(b) For participation in Falling Echo 69-1, a joint continental U.S.

AA defense exercise, the following message of DTG 231600Z JUL

68 was received from 27th NORAD Division, Luke AFB, Arizona:

“Navy box score in subject exercise, two first kills, one overkill….Your

participation….make a significant contribution to overall success of

of missions. Well done.”

Exercise, TOWERS received the following commendation dated 30

August, 1968, from Commander, First Fleet:

“ I was impressed by your successful missile shot against the target hull

on 17 August. The enclosed photographs were taken before and after

your bird hit the mark – they speak for themselves, Good shooting:

keep up the good work.” Bernard F. Roeder

(d) The following message was received from the USS NEW

JERSEY after TOWERS rescued tow USMC airmen from the

Waters off the DMZ, Vietnam on 1 October 1968:

“Your expeditious approach and rescue of a downed pilot and NFGF

spotter today was truly outstanding. It is comforting to note our

shotgun not only has a steady eye, but also a quick steady hand

under emergency conditions. Well done to all hands.” J. Edward

Snyder, Jr.

(e) The following message addressed to the TOWERS, DTG

080945Z Oct 68 was received incident to a visit by the Secretary

of the Navy to Seventh Fleet Units on 8 October 1968:

“Regret I was unable to get aboard your fine ship today. However, I

have heard many complimentary comments on the outstanding

performance of TOWERS, My best wishes for a successful cruise.”

Paul R. Ignatius

(f) At the completion of Operation Daring Endeavor, a combined

Amphibious/helicopter assault against Viet Cong units in I Corps,

The following message DTG 190433Z NOV 68 was received

From Commander, Amphibious Ready Group BRAVO addressed

To TOWERS:

“Your overall provision of NGF in support of Operation Daring Endeavor was

nothing less than outstanding. The Marines depended on your firepower and

your performance justified their trust. Air support was extremely limited

throughout the operation and your powerful salvos necessarily had to fill the

gap several times. On D-Day, in particular, due to lack of air support, you

were called on to prep the landing zone on extremely short notice. In fact,

landing zone target coverage throughout the operation had been determined to

be 90 percent. The helos took no hostile fire, either going into or leaving the

landing zone further attesting to your accuracy and effectiveness. You have

always responded rapidly when needed despite sometimes complex com-

munications and impressed with your extremely fine performance. Regret our

spotters were unable to provide you with more complete gun damage

assessment information.

As CTU 76.5.1 you performed an outstanding job coordinating the efforts,

Including UNREPS, of the GFS ships. Your being closer to and always on

Top of the NGFS ship’s needs and problems contributed significantly to the

Ease by which the seaward phases of the operation were conducted. It has

Been a pleasure to serve with you. God speed and good hunting in your

Future operations.” Captain L. Savadkin, USN

(10) Notable records or firsts: First ship on the West Coast with complete

Standard Missile

(11) Special ceremonies

(a) On board TOWERS while in San Diego, a change of command

ceremony took place on 20 July 1968. CDR S.T. COUNTS,

USN was relieved by CDR Edward W. Carter, III, as

Commanding Officer.

(b) On 15 December, 1968, at Lat, 0, 00’ N, Long 108,18’E

TOWERS was directed to heaveto by his Royal Majesty, Neptune

Rex, who subsequently boarded this vessel with his Royal Court

And with assistance from 42 venerable shellbacks duly initiated 307

Pollywogs into the Solemn Mysteries of the Ancient Order of the

Deep.

1969