1975 Command Narrative

PRE-OVERHAUL The first 3 weeks of 1975 found USS WADDELL (DDG-24) in her home port of San Diego, preparing for the upcoming overhaul at Long Beach Naval Shipyard. Preparation for the overhaul included removal of ASROC launcher, gun mounts, and director; removal of air and surface search radars; as well as marking accesses for cutting into the ship's decks and sides for removal of major machinery; and a final offload of ammunition at Seal Beach.

On 7 January 1975 USS WADDELL officially shifted home ports, arriving in Long Beach Naval Shipyard under tow on 23 January. due to extensive cannibalization of ship's parts during the preparation phase for overhaul. USS WADDELL then spent 5 days in Long Beach in final coordination of job orders as well as establishing liaison with the various shops in the shipyard. On 28 January 1975 USS WADDELL officially began her extended overhaul at Long Beach Naval Shipyard.

POST-OVERHAUL  Upon completion of overhaul USS WADDELL on 5 December 1975 transited across Los Angeles Harbor to Anaheim Bay, site of the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station.  During the course of that day a major weapons onload was accomplished including the onload of 925 rounds of 5"/54 gun ammunition, 31 TARTAR missiles, as well as torpedoes, ASROC, and small arms ammunition.  USS WADDELL then returned to Long Beach in preparation for Ship Qualification Trials (SQT).

On 8 December 1975, USS WADDELL commenced a 2 phase Weapons Systems checkout with the aid of the Ship Qualification Assistance Team (SQAT), at the Sensor Accuracy Check Site (SACS) and the Fleet Operability Readiness Accuracy Check Site (FORACS).  The SACS/FORACS program is part of SQT, which is designed to aid the ship concerned in the operation of the missile systems, 2D and 3D search radars, support elements (dry air and coolant systems), gun systems, and anti-submarine warfare.  The primary objective of the program is to demonstrate weapons/support systems performance as operated and maintained by ship's personnel.  USS WADDELL completed the SACS/FORACS phase of SQT on 11 December 1975 and commenced preparations for the return to San Diego.

On 12 December 1975, USS WADDELL left Long Beach returning to her original home port of San Diego.  For the remainder of 1975, USS WADDELL remained inport in San Diego, conducting the Engineering MTT Phase I on 15-19 December 1975, and then commencing a Christmas Holiday leave and upkeep period 20-31 December 1975.

7 June 1976
D. R. ANDERSON
Commanding Officer USS Waddell DDG-24

Major Milestones of overhaul

WEAPONS DEPARTMENT.  During the overhaul period at Long Beach Naval Shipyard, the Weapons Department received a major update in the Gunnery System.  The old 5"/54 caliber MK 42 MOD 7 and 8 gun mounts and their accompanying loading systems were entirely removed, being replaced in overhaul by 2 new 5"/54 caliber MC 42 MOD 10 gun mounts with their upgraded electronics and micro-switches.  The installation of the MOD 10 gun mounts progressed smoothly culminating in a record gun shoot during sea trials with 233 rounds fired in all modes without a casualty.  In addition the onboard MK 68 GFCS recieved a major overhaul complete with new director as well as restoration of the existing MK 47 and MK 116 computer, MK 76 amplifier, and 53A radar.

In addition, the ASW systems received a major updating during the overhaul.  The old AN/SQS-23F sonar system transmitting banks were replaced with solid state transmitters while the MK 112 ASROC launcher was completely refurbished.  A technical library and F-2 division study room were established in the spaces vacated as a result of the old transmitter equipment removal.

During the ROH, the surface missile system underwent extensive repairs and alterations.  The system was updated to the ARM/ACTIVE baseline configurations, and a new equipment, the Target Acquisition Console MK 105, was installed.  These changes make possible employment of the Standard ARM (Anti-Radiation Missile), as well as previously available semi-active missiles.  Overhauls were completed on the AN/SP5-39A 3D air search radar, guided missile fire control radars and directors, and guided missile launching system.  The SMS overhaul terminated with two days of sea trials, which demonstrated system operation to design specifications.

OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT.  During the regular overhaul nearly all Operations electronic equipment was either overhauled or replaced.  In addition, four major ship alterations were accomplished.

The Communications capability was modernized after installation of SHIPALT DDG2-312.  This ship alteration updated the communications spaces by modernizing and rearranging equipment to improve message processing and the operating capabilities.  SHIPALT DDG2-425 updated the antenna system, making it compatible with the new equipment installed.  USS WADDELL also received a Satellite Communications capability with the installation of SHIPALT DDG2-478.

The new Mark XII (AIMS) IFF system was installed during this overhaul.  Technically known as Ship Alteration DDG2-309, this system incorporates a crypto device into the IFF system for secure Mode 4 unit identification.  This system also provides for digital readout of identification codes.

SUPPLY DEPARTMENT.  As a result of the overhaul the Supply Department was able to refurbish its Enlisted Dining Facility (EDF) and have new equipment installed in the galley, officer, and chief petty officer pantries, laundry, and ship's store.

The EDF was completely refurbished with new table tops, deck tile and bulkhead sheathing.  In addition, a second ice machine was installed and the ice cream machine was relocated to the EDF.  New terazzo decks were laid both in the scullery and galley.  In addition to the new deck, a new dishwasher was also installed in the scullery.

In the ship service area, a new washer and dryer was installed in the laundry increasing laundry output and improving service.  A complete new ship's store facade was also designed and put in.

The officer and chief petty officer messes were not forgotten.  Two new dishwashers, two improved reefers, a freezer, and milk dispenser were added to these spaces.

ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT.  WADDELL's Engineering spaces received a large percentage of the funding during ROH 75 in addition to the expenditure of large quantities of manhours from both shipyard and ship force personnel.  The boiler package alone was $3 million.  A major effort was expended toward achieving PEB-LOE standards in all engineering spaces.

Major equipment replaced included forward and aft emergency diesels, installation of NR 7 air conditioning unit (75 ton capacity), cathodic protection system, replacement of all 500 KW SSTG sets with renovated 750 KW SSTG sets.  All boilers were reworked to manufacturers' specifications and all fireroom auxiliary equipment received class Bravo overhauls.  Engineroom pumps received similar treatment and the ship's service air system was renewed with the addition of three Ingersol-Rand air compressors to upgrade the system throughout the ship.

All work progressed on schedule culminating with successful completion of PEB-Light Off examination on each's first attempt in both forward and after plants in September and October 1975.  Ship successfully completed flexibility tests on all 4 boilers and achieved full power status without restrictions during ROH Sea Trials; enabling the ship to establish a record for DDG overhauls at Long Beach NSY by completing overhaul in record time.  In the past year, the USS WADDELL has met every operational commitment assigned by high authority.  Moreover, during this period, USS WADDELL's Engineering Department received its fourth consecutive excellence award.

Operations Schedule