U.S.S. KENNEBEC (AO-36)
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California 9661
A036/TAK:ao
9 November 1965
Dear Families & Friends of the KENNEBEC,
We are now well into our deployment as a member of the U. S. 7th Fleet.
After departing from San Francisco on the 20th of August, we joined with
the USS NAVASOTA (AO-106) and Destroyer Division 92 to make our transit 4c
WESTPAC in what is known as a Group Sail. A few of the reasons for a group
sail is to be able to train and practice our "trade" while enroute to the
Far East and to make the best possible time by eliminating the need for fuel
stops. Although it was a long transit, maximum training was afforded and all
equipment and gear was verified to be completely up to snuff.
One high light of our transit was the provisioning of the USNS GENERAL
MANN. She had been on station north of the Hawaiian Islands for quite some
time and was running low on food. Provisioning was accomplished by placing
six of our sailors in our small motor boat, transferring them to the General
MANN, rigging a line between us, and then transferring needed food to the
MANN. Another KENNEBEC first. The whole evolution took only 3 hours and
provided a good topic for conversation the rest of the way East. It was a
unique task, skillfully executed by KENNEBEC, and greatly appreciated by
USNS GENERAL MANN.
After changing to the operational control of Commander 7th Fleet on
2 September 1965, the group split up with KENNEBEC proceeding independently
to Sasebo, Japan. Prior to the splitting, KENNEBEC was instrumental in
saving the life of a young sailor on board one of the destroyers in company.
This young lad was stricken with appendicitis. Because KENNEBEC was much
larger than the destroyers in company, we were able to provide a more stable
ship for the operation. The patient and the Destroyer Division doctor. were
transferred at night to KENNEBEC where the operation was performed. At fist
light the patient and the doctor were transferred back to a Destroyer which
speeded him to the Naval Hospital in Yokosuka, Japan. Gratefully, our last
report on this young man was that he was well on the road to recovery.
On 6 September KENNEBEC arrived in Sasebo, Japan where all hands had
their first opportunity to get ashore since departing from San Francisco.
While in Sasebo, crew members took advantage of seeing that part of Far
East at first hand. I'm sure many stories and pictures will attest to the
pleasant stay in Sasebo.
KENNEBEC departed Sasebo on 12 September 1965 for operations in the
South China Sea, but instead we stayed in the Japan area in support of the
USS BENNINGTON and her escorts. Typhoons VIRGINIA and TRIX made life
interesting, and fuelling these ships was a tricky operation. Although we
had some anxious moment KENNEBEC carried out her assignment without mishap.
Upon completion of these services, KENNEBEC proceeded to Yokosuka to refuel
and to complete a short maintenance period.
We departed Yokosuka for the South China Sea and, for the most part,
have been operating in support of the 7th fleet in this area ever since.
We entered Subic Bay, on the Island of Luzon, Philippines on the 11 of
October and remained until the 17th. While in Subic, Division parties,
tours to manila and softball games were held. One really hard fought
game was between the crew and the officers and chiefs. Score: Crew - 9
Officers and Chiefs - 7 where youth not skill was the deciding factor.
Upon return to Subic on 27 October, Captain MORTON's relief was
waiting on the pier. Six days later on 2 November Captain MORTON was
relieved by Captain ALMY. Captain MORTON is now enroute to a bigger (but
certainly not better) command - the USS BOXER (LPH-4) homeported in Norfolk,
Virginia.
Because of the last minute rush getting all the little details squared
away, Captain MORTON did not have the opportunity to complete this letter.
I therefore have taken the liberty to finish it for him.
Best wishes,
T. A. KELLEHER Jr.
Lieutenant Commander, U. S. Navy
Executive Officer
P. S.
Upon relieving Captain MORTON two days ago, I have been primarily
concerned myself in getting acquainted with both the ship and the crew. I
must say that I am very favorably impressed with both. Although KENNEBEC
is one of the oldest fleet oilers, she seems to run beautifully, is
squared away and cleaned up as is possible for an elderly lady, and she
enjoys a remarkable reputation for doing her job reliably and smartly. I
think Captain MORTON did a magnificent job as Commanding Officer of
KENNEBEC and I shall certainly try to maintain, and if possible improve,
her record for performance and her reputation. I am just getting to know
the crew members (your husbands, sons, or close friends) and am delighted
with their competence and enthusiasm.
We are now on our way to replenish SEVENTH FLEET ships operating off-
shore in the vicinity of South Vietnam. Upon completing our duties in
about ten days, we are looking forward to visiting Kaohsiung, Taiwan,
Republic of China. This promises to be a welcome break in the routine and
an excellent opportunity get better acquainted with the Orient.
As you can appreciate, I am relatively new at writing in this vein,
and consequently, may not be giving you the information you want or need.
In case I am missing the mark, why don't you drop me a line and ask the
questions you feel I should answer? In advance, I can assure you that we
will be home as soon as possible and that I know it generally won't be as
soon as you would like. However, we are out here doing our duty to our
country as best we can. When we have accomplished our tasks and done our
share, KENNEBEC will steam for home making as much speed as practicable.
A good planning date is 20 May 1966 but this of course is subject to
change and so we have to keep our fingers crossed. In the meantime be
assured that our hopes and longings are the same as yours.
With best regards to you and with concern for your loved ones.
Sincerely,
Charles B. ALMY
Captain, U. S. Navy
Commanding Officer