Famous Murders In Jacksonville, Fl, Dakota Sausage Recipe, 1989 High School Basketball Player Rankings, 6 Dasher Dies, Articles U

OS2 DEL. Plankowner USS Spruance DD-963 First an Best. In addition, the NATO exercise "Unified Spirit" ran concurrently with the JTFEX, with forces from Canada, Denmark, France, Germany and the United Kingdom playing major roles. Bring on the Red Banner Fleet! The 40B rotor had a two-speed motor, slow for long-range mode (LRM) and faster for Low Flyer Detection Mode (LFDM). Ill be going to her last XOs funeral this Thursday in Arlington. Officers and crew watch from their underway replenishment stations aboard the destroyer USS STUMP (DD 978) as their ship takes on fuel from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69). I was part of the commissioning crew USS Ingersoll DD-990. McDonald, Commander in Chief Atlantic Fleet, embarked in March 1985 for CARIBOPS '85. The Commanding Officers. USS Stump and USNS Kanawha on 30 March 2001. USS Deyo after her ASROC was removed and replaced with the 61-cell VLS. A bit of a story first, Capt., then a thought about what you wrote. approx Age? I honor this class on my facebook page. Radioman. Went through a yard period overhaul and upgrade in Pascagoula, MS. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Ex USS Paul F Foster DD-964, SDTS Self Defense Test Ship EDD-964, the last Spruance class Destroyer, decommissioned in 2003, still working, departing San Diego after refueling, December 3rd 2021 as captured on San Diego Webcam. In early 1945 he supported the operations at Lingayan, Philippines. I served on the USS F B Parks DD-884(Gearing class destroyer). 1983 1984 George R. Aguilar as Commanding Officer of the aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) during a ceremony May 19, 2022. Did that Spy thing and looking for Gun Runners on the USS Coontz DDG-40 in 81/82. Plankowner, Shellback and Suez Canal transit certificates proudly hang on the wall in my home office to this day, I did Med & North Atlantic trips on her I learned my trade on The Count, Finished 24 years active duty as an ICC(SW/AW), I knew it was time to retire when I was invited to the Decom for her, and I was still active duty Never thought Id out live that glorious ship. I was on Her from 91 until 93 as a CTM1 up in outboard on 03 level you never made it that high I am sure nose bleeds and all. Sure was ashame to see her sunk! Seems he They were great ships and it broke my heart to see them be tossed aside like they were. All of you will always stay with me. I never thought I'd miss the Stump untill I got to the Enterprise. Cruise books are created for private distribution. Didnt see your name listed there. I was her first Navigator and XN Department Head. Rota Spain, Ibiza Spain, Marseilles France, Cavaliere France, Genoa Italy, ASU Bahrain, with a brief stop for Suez Canal traffic in Port Said Egypt and a brief stop for fuel in Djibouti. Some 24 ships of the class swapped out their ASROC launcher for a 61-cell Mk41 VLS system like on the Ticonderoga class cruisers (which were based on the Spruance hull). At sea, she served as the Strike Officer in USS VELLA GULF (CG 72), Reactor Electrical then Reactor Controls Division Officer in USS NIMITZ (CVN . I was also CO of USS RENTZ (FFG 46) and USS HORNE (CG 30), both great ships. USS FIFE/DD 991 Stump then deployed for UNITAS XXVI/WATC '85. Served in this Destroyer? I dont know anything about the Haylers SPS-49, but the Kidd class (4 ships originally ordered by the Shahs Iran) were equipped with the more capable SPS-48 series used by our older CGs and CGNs. Now retired in North Bend, WA. What you said was honest and well thought out. Both were fine ships. Patch: Unit Details: Strength Destroyer Type Surface Vessels Existing/Disbanded Decommissioned Year 1975 - 2003 Description. My first ship was USS TURNER JOY (DD 951), which was the last USN DD before the Spruances came along. Stump was able to assist in rescuing the crew and provide safe passage back to Norfolk, VA. (Images on the right) Sir, while I respect your overall conclusion that Spru-cans combat systems were their downfall, I disagree that they should have been scrapped at that point. As more and more AEGIS-equipped vessels came online, the antiquated NTDS systems of the class were unable to keep up. Hey, George! You wonder what our planners are thinking?? I was on the Briscoe, Did you go to Drubroknic, then Yugoslavia? This would have given those ships another 20 years of life. HWkOG_1'~(M# Evidently the Goodyear rubber dome window had irregularities and caused flow noise. Anne, Tom, Kosovi. In November 1992, Stump deployed to the Persian Gulf and Northern Red Sea as part of MEF (193) to serve as a ready strike platform. (I spent lotsa time in the LBNS drydocks too) So if you have any recollection of a lil redhead aboard, running poor exhausted junior sailors all over the ship, that was me!!! HullNumber.com does not retain your payment information if you make a purchase. Also a SPRUANCE plank owner. Identifying the Best Training, Tools, and Tactics for the Armed Civilian! Weather the decision makers meant that or not It did affect the Navy force composition. Great memories!!! My First Ship was DD-977 Briscoe. Kyle P. Higgins as the commanding officer of USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) during a change of command ceremony aboard the . My first ship was also the Briscoe .all the spru cans were hungout to dry prematurely. DD964 USS Paul F Foster plank owner, EM2. Then dad failed the sonar gears performsnce and we went back to LB instead of San Diego. In 89, the U.S. only had 12-15 Ticos up and running (Chancellorsville was commissioned 11/4/89) and they still had 5 years left. But in order to build all those new Burks you have to get rid of the cheap fix. They whipped up a bogus hostile and even sounded some alarms for my benefit. My husband, MAC Frank Pierce was also a plankowner on Cushing. USS Comte de Grasse (DD-974), 1987-1991 it never quit, we were asea forever. :p8\Z`x\. He completed the war as Commander Carrier Division 24 embarked in MARCUS ISLAND (CVE-77) in 1945 at Okinawa. (Later on ships had gray railings in the 90s). Even the Sink-ex ships took a pounding before going down. First paragraph.Five inch/thirty eight caliber gun.there is no such critter as a five inch/fifty eightthat would wind up with a barrel three hundred inches long or so. First name Ricky or Richard? I served on USS Oldendorf DD 972. What a comedown. Too bad we had to end it all so soon. Both Capt. Nice article on the ships, they were built for speed. It still pisses me off to think of it. In January 1998 Stump commenced work-ups for its upcoming Sixth Fleet deployment by participating in COMPTUEX and JTFEX as part of the Eisenhower carrier battle group. Made rank on her and met some friends for life and took em to Japan w/me. About the Destroyers Name, about Admiral Felix B. Stump: They were a fast, maneuverable ship. Both Capt. He was Chief of Naval Air Technical Training Command from May 1945 to December 1948, after which he served successively as Commander in Chief, Pacific and U.S. Pacific Fleet, with headquarters at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on July 10, 1953. Cheers, Portraits are generally organized alphabetically by surname within each division or department. Anyway its good to see that you Dont get me wrong; I hated to see my old ship and all the other ships of the class go away. Was great ship and crew to serve with. I served aboard USS Cushing (DD-985) from 1990 to 1993, and she was one of the best in the fleet. A waste of fineships! The namesake of the destroyer, Admiral Felix Budwell Stump, was a native of West Virginia. In October 1982, STUMP deployed to the Persian Gulf as a part of the Middle East Force to conduct radar picket operations. I had the privilege of being part of something special and have some truly amazing memories. She has been in use since 2004 as an unnamed and non-commissioned test ship for the US Navy as the Self Defense Test Ship (SDTS). In 80 to 81, I was 11-12 yrs old and was in St Lucia while my dad was working thereWe took a tour of the USS Peterson when it came in for a port visit. @ Tom Honda I guess I could be considered an Honorary plankowner of OBrien!!! i worked as an electrician at ingalls on the first few of these. Served on Elliot 967 from July 76 till 79. The Navy said Nordeen is being reassigned to Commander, Naval Force Atlantic, while Capt. Loved my division those of you I called friends there! and a missile launcher on the fantail. He graduated and was commissioned an Ensign in March 1917. Crew List:This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS STUMP. Home Join Now About Hullnumber Before You Register Tell A Shipmate FAQs Related Links Contact Us. Terrific to hear from you and Id like to get your summary of life after the Hill as well. Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Mississippi. In February 1995, STUMP deployed to the Caribbean Sea in support of Counter Drug Operations, transiting the Panama Canal. The Spruances, unlike the Burkes, was dedicated to ASW, ASuW, and land strike with both naval gunfire and cruise missiles. While I really liked the ship and its crewthe ship itself was a piece of crap! I served on the USS Moosbrugger DD-980 from May, 1984 to Nov, 1986. The U.S. Army Distinguished Service Medal, received for exceptionally meritorious services as commander of a combined operations center during the early part of the war, is represented by the colors scarlet, white and blue, the colors of the suspension ribbon of the medal. | Had I not been forced to rotate, I would gladly have spent another year or two on 979! Ive always told myself that I would have remained in the Navy if the Hill and her officers were my first tour! 1958 edition | laststandonzombieisland, Goula Sub Sighting (of Sorts) | laststandonzombieisland, VS22 Looking Flat | laststandonzombieisland, Sprucan Desert Shield Watercolors | laststandonzombieisland, Bring back the Garcias! In January 1942 he was transferred to the Staff of the Commander in Chief, Asiatic Fleet for which he was awarded the U.S. Army's Distinguished Service Medal. I remember when I first got there she was going through an availability. The year 1986 was significant for two reasons. CPO Quarters 360.315.2393 Ship's Office 360.315.2393 . As a result of her outstanding performance, Stump was awarded the "Hookem Award" for USW excellence by the commander of the U.S. 6th Fleet. %PDF-1.7 % Navy made a big mistake not at least mothballing at least 20 of them! Over 30 per cent of the gators were deommissioned, all of the CLF ships were decd or sent tot the MSC, and8 1/2 USARMY DIVSIONS (out of 18 2/3eds) WERE DECATIVATED. I REALLY MISS THE STUMP! DN-SC-90-04015. After the war he served in the pre-dreadnaught battleship ALABAMA (BB-8). The enlisted on this ship taught me a lot. My last ship I also put in commission was an Aegis Cruiser the USS Vincennes (CG-49) another great ship with a great crew. MORE USS Topeka Arrives in Hawaii for Change of Homeport It is sad that these fine ships were scrapped or sunk with just 20 or so years of service. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for "exceptionally meritorious serviceas Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet; United States Military Advisor to the Southeast Treaty Organizations." but the Spruances were in such bad shape that they ended up replacing them instead and the OHPs stuck around as glorified gun boats a lot longer than desired. The ship is underway near Norfolk, Virginia, 07/02/1984 DN-SN-85-09104. Words fail me. Even non-mechanical artsy-fartsy stuff. Served on USS FLETCHER DDDD992 from 91 to 95. The combination of these two systems makes STUMP the most formidable destroyer of its kind in the world today. The end of service life for them was being discussed in NAVSEA back in the early 90s shortly before I retired. aft fire room brovo 3. Not even her 127mm guns, standard issue on US Navy destroyers, were salvaged. We tagged yall down off the coast of Gulf of Fonseca. In October 1989, STUMP again deployed to the Mediterranean as part of the FORRESTAL Battle Group (MED 1-90). Its a shame they went away so soon. Stump, as part of Destroyer Squadron Two, joined five other nations and other U.S. Navy warships in the central Mediterranean for the execution of SHAREM 125, from 9 to 15 July 1998. USS Stump DD 978 entering Gibraltar on 10th May 2001. Same base platform, different mission package, I object to your use of the term, bankrupt Carter military.. Meanwhile, worked at Mobil, Nike, Intel and then Microsoft because I moved to the Pacific Northwest. First, STUMP was chosen to become the test platform for the Navy's newest Hull Mounted Sonar, the AN/SQS-53C. Back to the USS Stump (DD 978) page|Crew List main page| The four KIDD class of upgraded Spruance destroyers were neither scrapped nor sunk. STUMP conducted Black Sea operations, port visits and extensive USW operations. I still want to see a Littoral Combat Ship sometime look s neat in a spaceship kind of way. https://polldaddy.com/js/rating/rating.jsMy Dad was on DD 974 during that time. Coming from the USS Forrestal crew I was determined to do it right the first time. Second ship was USS John Hancock DD-981 October 1987- November 1991 Made one MEF cruise and a North Atlantic cruise, Served as Senior Enlisted Engineering Programs Manager. . and eventually San Diego on her.I feel the same wayheart-broken to hear the fate of the Spruance class. FOURTEEN to USS STUMP, all ships fired on the Afloat Training Group roboski for the SUW-5 Exercise. Copyright 2023 HullNumber.com. CG69 Loved every minute of it sad to hear they are being scrapped. The career politicians let us down again, surprise surprise. Some of the best times of my life were spent during my time assigned there. would have been able to serve another 10 or 15 years and update the engines and to get better has milage, Served on USS Yorktown CG48 and USS Stump DD978 in late 80s through mid-90s. And Carson I served on the Fletcher Dd-992 from 1993-1996. in April 1995. I spent nearly 2 years of my 6 in the Navy on USS Oldendorf DD972. I do believe that generation of ships will prove to be the best all around ship designs any NAVY has floated, so far. The Spruance with Class March 1984 was highlighted by STUMP's adoption as state Flagship of West Virginia. USS STUMP took part in the Fleet Battle Experiment Hotel (FBE-H) which was conducted by units of the 2nd Fleet and personnel of the Navy Warfare Development Command (NWDC) from August 28 to September 12, 2000 off the Virginia Capes and in the Gulf of Mexico. USS STUMP (DD-978) - a Spruance-class destroyer. Paul F. Campagna relieved Capt. Sketch in the 1973-4 Janes Fighting Ships on the planned Spruance class, Artists conception of the Navys DD-963-class destroyer. USS OBannon DD987 85-88, her sinkex is on youtube and the only thing I can say when I watched it was, those doing the sinking would be crapping themselves if I was still on board her shooting back, sad to see the young lady go down without a fight, and yes she could fight hard. I believe the spru-cans could have been refurbished to another decade or more. USS LEXINGTON (CV-16) (later CVA-16, CVS-16, CVT-16 and AVT-16) Commanding Officers: NS-cv16-co01: CAPT Felix Budwell Stump: USNA 1917: 17 February 1943 - 10 April 1944: ADM: CAPT Ernest Wheeler Litch: USNA 1920 : 10 April 1944 - 30 January 1945: VADM: CAPT Thomas Hinckley Robbins, Jr. I was precom for USS John Hancock DD-981 in 1978 went TAD on the Peterson and Stump, sorry to see. But what hurt was the De commissioning before I retired from the navy. The Dealey-class destroyer escort USS Evans (DE-1023) was named in honor of Lt. Cmdr. Assigned DD968 USS AW Radford during Desert Shield/Storm, Pingback: Warship Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020: Hannah on the Beach | laststandonzombieisland, Pingback: Warship Wednesday, April 15, 2020: The Winged Spinach Can | laststandonzombieisland. Range: 6 000 nautical miles . Capt. Stump subsequently rescued four civilians about 65 nautical miles off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. 1994 1995 The big secret to this whole thing is that it was cheaper to up grade then build a new ship. I suoi incarichi in mare includono la USS Roark (FF-1053) come ufficiale di artiglieria / antisommergibile e navigatore; USS Stump (DD-978) come ingegnere capo; e come ufficiale esecutivo a bordo della USS Hercules (PHM-2) e della USS Yorktown (CG-48) . You probably know this, but Capt.Harbrect, Capt Lash, and Master Chief Huggins are still around Pascagoula, actually I think Capt Harbrect is in Fairhope, Alabama, https://polldaddy.com/js/rating/rating.jsThen commander Lash was the best officer I ever had the honor to serve with. Yes, the 51s replaced the Spurances and the 1970s vintage CGNs of the South Carolina and Virginia-class in so much as AAW is concerned, but they did not fully replace their capability in ASW and NGFS. Stump re-visited eight South American nations, as well as completing another transit of the Chilean inland waterway. <3 AND, I MISS SOME OF YOU GUYS LOL. endstream endobj 100 0 obj <>stream 2 tours onboard the Stump 87-91 and 95-98 loved that ship and I know the Russians hated the 53C sonar that popped tall outta the water one time and pissed off the Admiral incharge of the med when we busted his sub before she found us damn the bad luck. Capt. I too served on the Connolly DD-979, 85-90. I served as an ET onboard the USS Comte De Grasse DD974 from 1983-1986 . FC2. We found drugs in South America. Whenever we got underway, we would announce, The Moose is Loose! he had a set of moose antlers on the fwd superstructure, on the mess decks, the ward room and the chiefs mess. 1979 1980 Well these ships were fun to drive and both of them shot a lot of Tomahawks when I was on them. Then, starting in 1998, these hardy destroyers that were at the top of their game, began to retire. From 1938 to 1939 he served as Navigator of LEXINGTON (CV-2). 1981 1982 The blue silhouette cross refers to the Navy Cross twice awarded him while in command of Carrier Division 24; the white central star denotes the Silver Star Medal awarded "for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action" against enemy-held islands. The ship's commanding officer oversees all operations of the ship and its crew. Throughout the deployment, the battle group also participated in numerous international exercises, including Arabian Gauntlet, an 11-nation exercise that involved more than 20 ships. I did however find one mistake that you made. He was awarded the Silver Star Medal for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against Japanese-held islands" from September to December 1943. They were great ships to drive and their ASW and aviation capability was first rate. Somehow the helicopters were on Sumner and Gearings. and retired from the Naval Reserve as well. The focus of FBE-H was the application of network centric operations in gaining and sustaining access in support of follow on joint operations. 1992 1993 Looking for US Navy memorabilia? The only big drawback that I can think of is that the superstructure was aluminum. Hey shipmate I also broke my cherry on the jolly Rodgers from 1985-1989 as an HT than a D.C. left there as a DC2. We had HTs constantly chasing cracks in our starboard side helo hanger. After his retirement, he was appointed to the position of Vice Chairman of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. They were sitting ducks to anti-ship missiles, could not carry helicopters, and packed almost 400 sailors into a tin can made to all the best specs of 1942. Yn3 Morris here mar 90- Sep 92. USS Jimmy Carter SSN 23. Richard McCandless relieved Cmdr. Bill DuVal here. The ship suffered a fire last month while pierside, causing six sailors to seek treatment at an area hospital for smoke inhalation. They were great ASW platforms but not much else. In March 1998 the Sara Ann (a fishing trawler) was operating off the Virginia Capes when the seas became too much and she started taking on water. Stump was the first Spruance class ship to traverse the inland waterway of Chile. He held that post until June 1953. Albatross (MSC-289) Albert David (DE-1050) Albert T. Harris (DE-447) Alcor (AK-259) Aldebaran (AF-10) Alexander Hamilton (SSBN-617) Alfred A. Cunningham (DD-752) Algol (AKA-54) Allagash (AO-97) Alstede (AF-48) Altair (AKS-32) Aludra (AF-55) Alvin C. Cockrell (DE-366) America (CVA-66) Amherst (PCER-853) Ammen (DD-527) Amphion (AR-13) Surely the Spurances would now be long in the teeth, ranging from the 1975-commissioned DD-963 to the 1983-dated DD-997, they would all be over thirty years old. Photo by Malcom Muir, January 1 1988. From 1797 to today, over 70 individuals have commanded USS Constitution. Did you know Ray Harner, a DS from Pennsylvania? The FRAMs had 5/38s, but that could just be a typo. Next duty station was Fleet Training Group Guantanamo Bay, Cuba from November 1991-June 1995 as a shipboard instructor on Perry class Frigates, Spruance class Destroyers, and Ticonderoga class Cruisers. Ex-XO Harry W Hill, Hey there XO!!! In some warped wayI miss those daze. I was a Nicholson Plankowner, 1979-1984. s5lOVW` p: Josh Echt, on the elliot DD967 forward engineroom. Following the return from her Middle Eastern Force deployment in February 1997, Stump conducted an extensive dry-docking selected restricted availability and immediately commenced a training cycle which culminated in a final evaluation period. Richard Zamberlan, left, and his. I will approve you. Perhaps you can contact the Orleck museum for more info on that scheme. I served on 2 SpruCans: USS PAUL F FOSTER (DD 964) as OPS Boss and USS OBRIEN (DD 975) as XO. Catalog #: USN 1144349 Copyright Owner: National Archives. It was surreal. While in the Gulf, STUMP completed over 40 boardings in support of Maritime Interdiction Operations and participated in 11 Arabian Gulf Tomahawk exercises, including one as Launch Area Coordinator. 1940s complement for the Sumners as designed was 336 Officers and Enlisted while some wartime designs (such as DMs) were 363 http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/0834.htm . Sadly, while their chronological age would have suggested they had another decade of service remaining, most of the SPRUCANs I ever set foot on were begging to be retired (of my two, 982 more so than 989)obsolescent and limping along from a materiel standpoint. Admiral Stump's great grandson, John Stump III served on the decommissioning crew in 2004. Login| This changed over time and by the late 1980s, they were pretty capable ships. I was Pre-com Connolly DD-979 and then regular ships company, 78-81. US. Bauernschmidt, who previously served as the carrier's executive officer from 2016-2019, relieved Capt. The Republic of China Navy now operates the four Kidd class DDGs. Like Megatron and Osama Bin Laden, most of the Spruances were sunk in deep water. Lots of blurry nights I don't remember. The latest was the captain of the nuclear submarine USS Scranton. loved that ship. Specifically, FBE-H further developed NWDC's draft Access Concept entitled "Poseidon's Presence". well!!! True, the newer Burks have the firepower and technology, but those old hulls (both the Spruences/Ticos, and the OHP) could take a pounding. Email: Reunion@dd973.org for more info. We had some good times Sullivan. What a waste to systematically rid the Navy of so many great ships. Add yours! A mainstay during this deployment, Stump remained underway for over eighty percent of the time she was in the Persian Gulf. Bow of the destroyer USS OBannon (DD-987), a Spruance-class destroyer, showing the ships Mark 16 8-cell ASROC anti-submarine rocket launcher, foreground, and a Mark 45 5-inch/54-caliber gun. Commanding Officer, USNS Comfort. I was a plank owner on USS Paul F Foster DD-964. During the deployment, Stump showed the flag in port visits to eight South American nations and six West African nations. STUMP then deployed for UNITAS XXVI/WATC '85. You waited for the price to come down and technology to mature some and got the HD LCD TV and then you still held onto the tube set for a while and put it in the guest room until a better deal came along and you got an even better primary set. The Pete was my last ride 9/86-8/88. Have you checked out the websites Stump was Commanding Officer of USS SARATOGA (CV-3)'s Scout-Bombing Squadron 2 (VSB-2) in 1936-1937. Admiral W. L. McDonald, Commander in Chief U.S. Atlantic Fleet, embarked in March 1985 for CARIBOPS '85. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. We have rooms blocked for this event beginning 03/25 thru 03/29. I wont go any farther than that. USS JOHN YOUNG, DD 973 Reunion 2018, Mobile Alabama. In November 1992, STUMP deployed to the Arabian Gulf and North Red Sea as part of MEF (1-93) to serve as a ready strike platform. Look up operation Operation Nimble Archer for some good spurance class reading. I hope everyone is doing good. I have fond memories of Pascagoula Ms. and the commissioning of her. Pingback: Dragging out that Navy Naming Conventions Soapbox | laststandonzombieisland, Your email address will not be published. I then became a quasi-expert on the Middle East and oil issuessince I landed a job at Mobil Oil Corp in 1980 for 12 years. Granted, the US Navy doesnt have to go to war with the Soviets anymore ala-Red Storm Rising, but there is still a global need for surface combatants from the South China Sea to the HOA to the Med and the Persian Gulf. Argenis. Dawley is Hopper's second commanding officer to be relieved in the last three years. Moreover, the class had an enormous RF reflectivity, making them huge targets. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Devine Johnson and Command Master Chief Earl. It went through a number of changes while I served(70-72) including but not limited to a helo deck. Capt. Deck:Work hard play hard!!! After returning from the Gulf Stump was dispatched to meet and escort the Mighty Savant II carrying the damaged Samuel B. Roberts from the Suez canal to Rota Spain during part of its return journey to the US for repairs. What a waste!!! It was a great ship, and I'll miss all the great people on board. NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. -- The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Albany (SSN 753) conducted a change of command at Naval Station Norfolk, Oct. 30. Started as an IBM, and struck for OS, 1976-1979. Commanders of Constitution. A lot of good memories tied up in both those old girls. Stump the dumpLots of great memories onboard. The crew was great, chaperoning me all over the ship, since dad was busy testing the sonar, amd Ieven got to play on a radar console in CIC. Instead, all 31 Spruances were rapidly decommissioned and mothballed between 1998 and 2005, when the ships were all in their 20s. Capt. Your my boy and lawyer, Blue! HEY YOU GUYS ITS GENTLEMAN JACK U.S. Navy photo by PH1 D.E. Made CPO. Hull number DD-972: 793 Members Who Served in This Unit . The SPRUANCEs served long and with honor. https://orleck.org/, https://polldaddy.com/js/rating/rating.jsWhen we commissioned the USS David R. Ray (DD-971) we had grey bottom rails, and White TOP rails, so crew members could see them at night; at least from 1977 to 1981. Best Regards Dave Stangland STG3 Plankowner USS John Young DD973, Pingback: Bring back the Garcias! I served on two other ships and several shore commands before I retired as a BM1 (SW) in 2004.