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1980 Command Narrative
10 June 1981
B. E. ALLEN, JR.
Commanding Officer, USS WADDELL (DDG 24)
The Command History of USS Waddell for calendar year 1980 is divided into seven sections as follows:
A. Chronology of Events
B. Basic Narrative
C. Engineering Department
D. Weapons Department
E. Operations Department
F.Supply Department
G. Wardroom Roster
Chronology of Events
| Date | Events | |
| 01JAN-11SEP | Inport | - Regular Overhaul, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, WA |
| 01JAN-18JAN | Inport | - Drydock #4 Puget Sound Naval Shipyard |
| 19JAN | Inport | - Refloat the ship to Pier 5 |
| 06JUN | Inport | - LCDR PRICE assumes duties as Executive Officer |
| 10JUN-18JUN | Inport | - Sonar Certification |
| 12JUN-13JUN | Inport | - Light Off Exam for the After Engineering Plan |
| 16JUL-31JUL | Inport | - Move the crew aboard the ship from the barge |
| 24JUL-25JUL | Inport | - Light Off Exam for the Forward Engineering Plan |
| 30JUL | Inport | - Aviation Readiness Evaluation |
| 31JUL | Inport | - Aviation ASIR |
| 05AUG-06AUG | Inport | - Dock Trials I |
| 13AUG | Inport | - Dock Trials III |
| 18AUG-19AUG | Inport | - Fast Cruise |
| 20AUG | Inport | - Crew Certification II |
| 25AUG-29AUG | Underway | - Sea Trials I |
| 28AUG | Underway | - Ship-s 16th Birthday |
| 29AUG | Underway | - Change of Command, CDR B.E. ALLEN, JR relieves CDR B.G. MOYNIHAN |
| 4SEP-5SEP | Underway | - Sea Trials II |
| 11SEP | Inport | - Completion of Overhaul |
| 13SEP-16SEP | Underway | - Enroute to Long Beach, CA |
| 16SEP-19SEP | Inport | - Long Beach, SACS CRIB |
| 19SEP-20SEP | Underway | - Enroute San Diego, CA |
| 20SEP | Inport | - Return Homeport to San Diego, CA |
| 23SEP-24SEP | Inport | - Diesel Inspection |
| 23SEP-25SEP | Inport | - Mobile Training Team I |
| 23SEP-30SEP | Underway | - Systems Qualifications Tests/Weapons Systems Accuracy Tests |
| 02OCT | Inport | - Weapons Onload, Seal Beach |
| 07OCT-16OCT | Underway | - SQT |
| 21OCT-23OCT | Underway | - CSSQT |
| 27OCT-28OCT | Inport | - Dockside Underway Trainer |
| 03NOV-07NOV | Underway | - Engineering Casualty Control |
| 10NOV-15NOV | Underway | - Mobile Training Team II |
| 17NOV | Inport | - Training Readiness Evaluation |
| 01DEC0-05DEC | Underway | - Mobile Training Team III |
| 09DEC-11DEC | Underway | - ISE/Engineering Casualty Control |
| 12DEC | Inport | - Complete Training Readiness Evaluation |
| 15DEC-17DEC | Underway | - Operational Propulsion Plant Evaluation |
| 17DEC-31DEC | Inport | - Christmas Inport Period |
Basic Narrative
At the beginning of 1980 WADDELL was in drydock #4 Puget Sound Naval Shipyard where she had been for the past six months. Preparations were being made for refloating the ship by the middle of January. On the 19th of January the ship was refloated and moored to pier #5 where she would remain until sea trials. The remainder of the winter and spring were spent reinstalling the overhauled machinery, equipment and completion of preservation of interior spaces.
Of particular interest was the completion of the main spaces in preparation for the Light Off Examinations (LOE). Effort was intense in the area of engineering which paid off with two very successful LOE's. On June 6th LCDR John D. PRICE relieved CDR B. J. SCOTT as Executive Officer. Shortly thereafter Sonar Certification was conducted on the newly installed SQQ-23A pair sonar system and the after plant LOE was completed. Preparations for sea trials in all departments continued to gain speed during July, which climaxed in the completion of the LOE on the forward plant, the Aviation Readiness Evaluation and ASIR.
The crew also completed the move from the barge, YRBM-20, back aboard the ship during the last two weeks of July. Though equipment was continually being installed, preservation continued and the last minute tests and certifications were being completed. The month of August was devoted to final preparation and training for sea trials. Two dock trials pier side were conducted early in August followed shortly by Fast Cruise conducted by COMDESRON SEVEN which prepared the crew for the upcoming sea trials.
On
25 August 1980 the mooring lines were slipped and WADDELL was underway on her own for the first time in 13 months. On
29 August during the
first sea trial CDR B.E. ALLEN, Jr., relived CDR B. G. MOYNIHAN as Commanding Officer of the WADDELL. The Second sea trial was held in
early September to correct earlier deficiencies. The overhaul was officially completed on 11 September 1980 and WADDELL set sail for the Long
Beach Sonar Accuracy Check Site, SACS Crib, on the 13th. Being underway resulted in a definite improvement in morale even though the crew
faced a very intense schedule during the fall.
The WADDELL's return to homeport was completed on 20 September following a short transit from Long Beach. The pace of operations continued to intensify with the Diesel Inspection, the arrival of the first Mobile Training Team (MTT) in preparation for Operational Propulsion Plant Examination (OPPE), and then underway for the last week of September for the Systems Qualification Tests and the Weapon Systems Accuracy Tests. Upon the completion of the weapons onload in early October, the WADDELL was back to sea for completion of SQT/WSAT and the Combat Systems Ships Qualifications Trials. CSSQT was an unqualified success and was marked as one of the best efforts of any ship on either coast of the DDG class in recent history. WADDELL spent the last week of October inport utilizing the Dockside Underway Trainer in preparation for Refresher Training and future UNREPS. The First half of November was spent training for the OPPE scheduled for mid-December. Engineering Casualty Control (ECC) Drills were conducted constantly with the assistance of the second MTT. The second half of November was spent in a much needed upkeep period. The first half of December like November was again spent at sea honing the engineers into a finely tuned team. MTT was aboard continually conducting ECC Drills. On 12 December the Training Readiness Evaluation which affected the entire ship certified WADDELL as ready to commence Refresher Training. On 15 December the Propulsion Examining Board arrived on board and in three days of steaming certified the plant and the engineering team. Of special note is the fact that WADDELL was the first West Coast DDG to complete the OPPE on the first attempt in nearly a year. The Christmas leave and upkeep period commenced upon the return to port from the OPPE. The end of 1980 found WADDELL in a well deserved leave and upkeep period which was marked by intensified preparation for Refresher Training in early January of 1981.
Engineering Department
The Warship WADDELL began the intense year of 1980 undergoing ROH in drydock #4 of Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. With the completion of repairs to the hull, the ship successfully undocked 19 January and moved to pier #5 where the industrial effort to refurbish the ship continued. To assist the engineering department in preparing for the Light Off Examinations (LOE) of the forward and after plants, the Mobile Training Team (MTT) visited the ship in February. The assist visit was very successful and duly recognized the tremendous effort put forth by the engineering department in preparing for their visit As another milestone towards LOE, the ship received certification for implementing the coordinated phoshate boiler water treatment program in May. Although originally scheduled for April, the LOE of the after plant slipped 2 months as a result of shipyard delays during the course of WADDELL's overhaul. Due to this delay, the engineering department availed itself of another MTT visit in May. PSNS production work continued and the after plant was finally turned over to Ship's Force for one week of hands on training. The LOE of the after plant was conducted 12-13 June and the success of the engineering department was highlighted by COMDESRON SEVEN remarking that eh material condition of the after plant established a standard for other ships to follow. Along with the ongoing preparation for LOE forward, steam testing of the after plan commenced immediately. After a turnover of the forward plant from PSNS to Ship's Force for hands on training, LOE forward was conducted 24-25 July. Again, authorization to commence steam testing was granted. During this period, as well, the ship's CHT system was certified and the move from the living barge to the ship was completed. Following 2 weeks of doc trials and a fast cruise, sea trials commenced on 25 August. These were successfully completed 5 September and WADDELL's overhaul ended on 12 September.
The WADDELL transited to San Diego for a change of homeport and once there, the engineering department immediately commenced a large post ROH repair package in addition to preparations for OPPE. A pre-OPEE MTT assist visit and diesel inspection were successfully conducted 23-25 September. Following seventeen days underway, the second pre-OPPE MTT visit ws conducted 10-15 November. The final pre-OPPE MTT visit was held 1-6 December and emphasized engineering casualty control training. Following a week of ECC Drilling, OPPE was successfully conducted 17-18 December. The success of the WADDELL was again commended by COMDESRON SEVEN "WADDELL has set the Squadron DDG Standard of excellence." After completion of this major engineering milestone, on the first attempt, WADDELL commenced the Christmas leave and upkeep period and started a new year looking forward to an even more challenging operating schedule
Weapons Department
ASW. The year 1980 marked the beginning of the PAIR sonar era for Warchip WADDELL. The first eight months of the year were devoted to finishing the AN/SQQ-23A (PAIR) sonar installation and MK 114 UBFCS class "B" overhaul. In addition, the AN/BQR-20A spectrum analyzer was installed and the MK 32 torpedo tubes were overhauled by F-2 Division personnel. All divisional spaces were refurbished by F-2 and in the middle of August the ASW portion of regular ship's overhaul was complete. The new sonar was certified on 12 September and shortly thereafter the ship departed Bremerton for the Sonar Accuracy Check Site (SACS) in Long Beach, California. After completion of SACS the ship commenced Weapons Systems Accuracy Tests (WSAT) in the Southern California operating area near San Clemente Island. During WSAT, all ASW systems including underwater fire control, MK-16 ASROC launching group, MK-32 torpedo tubes and AN/SQQ-23A (PAIR) sonar were certified as operationally ready. This exhaustive testing culminated with two ASROC firings and two torpedo firings on 14 October, all evaluated as ship successful. After WSAT, the remainder of the year was spent making exacti8ng preparations for 1981-s upcoming Refresher Training and Nuclear Weapons Acceptance Inspection.
MISSILES. During the regular overhaul at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington, the missile system underwent extensive changes which included the addition of the HARPOON Weapon System and the phase IIB update of the TARTAR Modification Program. Many of the Warship crewman were afforded the opportunity to attend schools relating to the new installations and to improve their skills in other areas. Examples of schools attended were the 6 week MK-74 Missile Fire Control System Course, TARTAR MK-154 Computer Complex School and HARPOON Operator and Maintenance School.
Many problems were experienced during the testing phase of the yard period. this was expected due to the extensive changes and repairs to the missile system. After many arduous months, the Warship conducted sea trials in August. The missile fire control system performed to the maximum system capabilities. The fourteen months of extensive planning, and the hard work of the Warship crew finally paid off. The Warship was ready for operation.
Upon return to San Diego 20 September 1980 WADDELL commenced an intensive training period in preparation for WESTPAC in April 1981. One week after arrival in San Diego, Combat Systems Ship Qualification Trials (CSSQT) commenced. This period provided excellent training for the crew by technical experts in both the civilian community and shore based commands. CSSQT culminated in four successful missile firings in four attempts. WADDELL was cited by Naval Ship Weapon System Engineering Station as having one of the best and most successful CSSQT's in recent history on either coast. The remaining two months of the year were spent undergoing engineering propulsion plant examination preparations.
In summary, the year provided many opportunities for outstanding training and varied experiences. The missile system personnel spent long hours trouble shooting, studying, and learning their new equipment in preparation for WESTPAC '81'.
GUNS. During the fourteen month overhaul in Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, both 5"/54 MK42 MOD 10 gun mounts received class "C" overhauls. The MK116 starshell computer and the MK16 stable element of the gun fire control system received class "B" overhauls, and the MK47 fire control computer and AN/SPG 53A fire control radar also received class "C" overhauls. The after gun mount was reinstalled on the ship in February 1980 after structural modifications to the main deck were completed. The gun system was completed nearly three months early and was the first major system to be turned over to ship's force. The success of the overhaul of the gun system was demonstrated during sea trials when, after more than fourteen months since their last firing, the guns fired 115 rounds, including 40 rounds rapid continuous from mount 52, requiring only minor adjustments.
WADDELL onloaded over 200 rounds of ammunition and powders in Bangor, Washington to support sea trails. Once in San Diego, WADDELL undertook several minor onloads, including transfers of ammunition from other ships, to support its gunnery exercises. The exercises included surface firings for calibration and anti-aircraft firings during CSSQT/WSAT and a local shoot for spotting training. In December 1980 WADDELL conducted a major predeployment onload in Seal Beach, California taking on nearly 700 5"/54 projectiles and over 900 powders. Also onloaded were approximately 40,000 rounds of small arms ammunition and several hundred pyrotechnics, with the entire evolution being safely completed in approximately six hours.
DECK. 1980 dawned with the WADDELL reaching a point where the crew could begin to rebuild what had been to this point torn apart. It was a long and often tedious task for all hands and especially for 1st Division. The division was manned at about half strength yet work was completed at a steady pace. During the winter months work progressed on all interior spaces such as the berthing compartment, head, lounge, anchor windlass, bos'un locker and various other spaces. The cold and wet weather prohibited any preservation work topside. Work began on the Motor Whaleboat and Gig in late March when the weather allowed. The Gig was completed in late May and was used frequently. The Motor Whaleboat was rebuilt inside by ships force including the engine and was completed in late July. All the pieces began to fall in place late in June as the crew prepared to move back aboard. The last major job left to complete were the weather decks. Work began in the Middle of July and for the following four weeks 1st Division worked until sunset everyday to completely finish the 01 level and main weather decks.
Morale improved quickly as the ship took shape and sea trials drew near. With a very inexperienced crew the ship set out to test all equipment during late August. Every evolution such as mooring and anchoring became a major undertaking. Sea Trials for 1st Division went smoothly and all overhauled equipments worked well, especially the Whelin Gravity Davits. All hands were busy getting organized and oriented to shipboard life including the art and procedures of standing bridge watches. Morale was very good for the transit to Long Beach where the finishing cosmetic touches were applied to the exterior for our return to San Diego.
Upon the return to San Diego work did not slow down. Efforts were concentrated on preparing all equipment for evolutions that would be required during Refresher Training and WESTPAC shortly thereafter. All preps and inspections for WESTPAC had to be completed within the short period of 7 months.
Needless to say between training, rebuilding PMS, preservation and preparing for Refresher Training, 1st Division had very little time to enjoy the sunny Southern California weather. Frequent underway periods followed by two or three days inport hampered preservation, yet the work got done.
Operations Department
In April to June 1980 the AN/SPS-10B was replaced with the AN/SPS 10-F, the Omega was replaced by the AN/SRN-19 Satellite Navigation Set and in radio the NAVMACS A Plus System was installed.
A Postal Inspection was held on 24 March. No major discrepances were noted, the overall operations of the post office was considered to be excellent.
NAVMACS V2 Suite (Automated Communications Processing System) installed during the overhaul has made the radioman's job much easier and permits manning at a reduced level. A computer now performs duties that were previously done by 1 or 2 additional radiomen.
A second WSC-3 (Satellite Transceiver) installed in November 1980 gave us a Fleet Satellite Secure Voice capability.
The ship made extensive use of formal schools, especially while in overhaul and took advantage of over 100 opportunities to send personnel to a variety of schools - ranging from "A" Schools and Basic Fire Fighting to advanced Team Trainers and lengthy technical maintenance schools.
Supply Department
Calendar year 1980 was a year of constant motion for the Supply Department. The beginning of the year found the department in the midst of an overhaul at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington. The stores division was working on two fronts; one working with the SOAP team revising the COSAL and repair parts inventory, and the other on the ship's barge processing requisitions and keeping the paper work flowing. Meals were sold to the officer's on a cash sale basis from the Enlisted Dining Facility while the enlisted personnel were on COMRATS. The service outlets (laundry, ship's store and barbershop) were also in operation on the barge. All the while the Supply Department overhaul team was overseeing the refurbishing of the Enlisted dining Facility, galley and berthing spaces.
The completion of overhaul in September brought a drastic change in the way the department did business. The ship changed her homeport from Bremerton, Washington to San Diego, California bringing about a flurry of paperwork for the Disbursing Office; change of homeport travel, advance pay and career sea pay. While still in Bremerton all storeroom repair parts had to be transferred from the warehouse to the ship, the food service team began to work out of the galley and the ship's servicemen moved into their respective spaces providing the crew with an enthusiastic service attitude. Sea trials, working the bugs out of new systems, SQT/WSAT and Operational Propulsion Plant Examinations kept the schedule hectic to say the least. Throughout it all the Supply Department kept their "Service to the Fleet" attitude and provided all customers the best service available.
WARDROOM 1980
| CDR Benjamin E. ALLEN, Jr. | Commanding Officer |
| LCDR John D. PRICE | Executive Officer |
| LCDR Ronald R. MARTIN | Weapons Officer |
| LCDR Kevin J. TACKETT | Engineering Officer |
| LT Thomas BANFORD | Supply Officer |
| LT Lewis A. CAUSEY | Operations Officer |
| LTJG Forrest L. TOUCHBERRY | Main Propulsion Assistant |
| LTJG William A. DICKEN | Damage Control Assistant |
| LTJG Joseph E. ESTRADA | Electronic Material Officer |
| LTJG David L. WILKINSON | Navigator |
| LTJG Roy GIBBENS III | Auxiliaries Officer |
| LTJG David M. PERDUE | Fire Control Officer |
| LTJG Michael E. BRANNIGAN | CIC Officer |
| LTJG Paul K. REIMANN | M Division Officer |
| LTJG Basil E. MONCRIEF | ASW Officer |
| ENS Douglas S. MURRAY | Assistant CIC Officer |
| ENS David R. HOOKE | Communications Officer |
| ENS Carl A. HARRIS | First Lieutenant |
| ENS Erich P. SACKEN | Gunnery Officer |
| ENS Stephen C. ERTMAN | Electrical Officer |
| ENS John F. ERICKSON | Disbursing Officer |
| ENS Thomas A JORDAN | Boiler Officer |