USS Mullinnix DD-944

50 Years Ago Today - Mux Enroute to Baltimore, Maryland

2012-05-17T09:56:00.001-05:00

Excerpt from “The Last Gun Ship - History of USS Mullinnix DD-944” - A Historical Novel By Frank A. Wood On 17 May the ship was underway for Baltimore, Maryland in accordance with CINCLANTFLT Deployment Schedule 03120, arriving at Anchorage “C”, Annapolis Roads, Annapolis, Maryland later in the day. On the morning of 18 May, she made her way to Broadway Pier, Baltimore. Other ships present included USS Vulcan AR-5 and USS Threadfin SS-410. Early on the morning of 21 May the ship was making preparations for getting underway though she was a bit undermanned. At the 0730 muster a total of 10 sailors were AWOL. A few minutes before the ship got underway at 0758, four seaman and 1 fireman managed to stagger on board. What a night it must have been in Baltimore. She made a brief stop at Bloodsworth Island, Maryland at 1309 to take on gun fire support observers. Once at sea, the ship commenced firing to port for calibration. With the calibration completed, the ship commenced firing competitive shore fire support exercises expending 49 rounds of 5” / 54 AA common projectiles with no casualties. On 22 May Mullinnix was steaming with Task Unit 83.2.4 consisting of USS Stormes DD-780 and USS Norfolk DL-1. USS Norfolk was designed and built following WWII as the concept vessel for a new class of Light Cruisers designed principally to be submarine hunter-killers, capable of operating at sea with fast Carrier groups for extended periods. However by the time USS Norfolk commissioned into US Navy service on March 4th 1953, rapidly advancing military technology in the Cold War had made her intended purpose more suitable for smaller ships like Destroyers and Destroyer Escorts, and the Norfolk was re-classified as a Destroyer Leader. Comparatively speaking she was a very large ship: displacement 8315 Tons, Dimensions, 540' x 53' 6" x 19', armament 8 x 3"/50 RF (4x2), 8 x 20mm (4x2), 4 Weapon Alfa ASW Systems, 8 x 21" Torpedo Tubes. Machinery, 80,000 SHP; Geared Turbines, 2 screws Speed, 33 Knots, Range 6000 NM@ 20 Knots. During her first few years of service, the Norfolk performed well in the numerous exercises she took part in with the US Atlantic fleet, but her large size and large crew (546) made the ship quite expensive to operate. This combined with her offensive capabilities equaled or exceeded by other ships (life the 5” 54s on the Forrest Shermans) in active service at the time caused the US Navy to cancel the rest of the planned four-ship Norfolk class and redesignated USS Norfolk as a test and trials ship for new technology and weaponry. In this new role, the USS Norfolk continued to serve the US Navy for 17 years before she was decommissioned and placed into reserve in 1970. It is hard to imagine a ship of this size with its biggest gun only a dual mount 3” 50 rapid-fire. Within 32 months of her 4 March 1953 commissioning the first of the Forrest Shermans (USS Forrest Sherman DD-931) was commissioned on 9 Nov 1955. With Norfolk’s overall length and extended fantail it is easy to imagine two 5” 54 rapid-fire mounts forward of the bridge and three (maybe four) aft on the fantail and 01 level. What a shore bombardment machine she could have been. This type of configuration could have extended this classes’ life by ten, maybe even twenty years. In 1974 the ex-USS Norfolk was stricken from the Naval Register and sold for scrapping. To be continued... Woody

50 Years Ago Today - Mux Leaves Dry Dock

2012-04-18T11:00:00.000-05:00

Excerpt from “The Last Gun Ship - History of USS Mullinnix DD-944” - A Historical Novel By Frank A. Wood

At 1400 on 18 April, flooding commenced in the dry dock. By 1637, the ship’s stern passed over the sill, steaming towards D&S Piers under power from 1B and 2A boilers, #2 ships service generator, and under the watchful eye of Navy pilot W. D. Rice. After refueling at D&S Piers, the ship loaded 4 Mk. 32 Mod 2 warshots and 3 Mk. 32 Mod plus 2 exercise shots from USS Shenandoah.

The next day, the ship set off to sea for the coast of North Carolina to rendezvous with Task Unit 81.8.2 in accordance with COMASWGRU ALFA Op-Order 5-62. She exercised with ship from COMDESON 32 including sister ship USS Jonas Ingram DD-938. The Jonas Ingram has the distinction of being sunk by the first live fire test of the Mark 48 ADCAP torpedo during a SINKEX on 23 July 1988.

Saturday, 21 April, found the ship performing sonar calibration exercises with USS Sirago SS-485. During ASW exercises on 24 April, the ship fired hedgehogs and torpedoes. The ship returned to D&S Piers on 3 May.

To be continued...
Woody

50 Years Ago Today - Mux Leaves Wilmington enroute to Norfolk and Dry Dock

2012-04-09T14:07:00.000-05:00

Excerpt from “The Last Gun Ship - History of USS Mullinnix DD-944” - A Historical Novel By Frank A. Wood

The ship steamed from Wilmington on 9 April, enroute to Norfolk, arriving at 1057 on 10 April. A few days later, she entered dry dock for routine maintenance. The following report was provided the CO on 16 April:

“The underwater body paint appears in good condition, only a few areas are peeling away in the vicinity of overboard discharges. The paint on the rudders is almost entirely removed. All spots left by the previous docking will be touched up and the defects noted will be corrected during this availability. There are several bolts missing from the retaining rings around the port and starboard rudder posts. These will be replaced by the shipyard at this time. The cavitation previously noted and repaired by the shipyard during the interim availability is again present but does not seem serious enough to warrant additional expenditures for repairs at this time. The fairing strip on the sonar dome is being renewed by the shipyard. All sea valves and sea chests appear in excellent material condition and no work will be done on these at this time.”

To be continued...
Woody

50 Years Ago (Yesterday) - Mux Leaves Norfolk for Exercises

2012-01-29T20:18:00.000-06:00

Excerpt from “The Last Gun Ship - History of USS Mullinnix DD-944” - A Historical Novel By Frank A. Wood

She left port for yet more exercise on 29 January with USS Strong DD-758, USS Stribling DD-867, USS R.K. Huntington DD-781, USS Randolph, USS Stomres, USS Nantahala Ao-60, USS Skate SSN-578, USS D. H. Fox DD-779, USS Meredith DD-890, USS Lowry DD-770, and US Sirago SS-485. After this extensive training period at sea, Mullinnix moored port side to Pier D in Berth J3D, Charleston, South Carolina next to USS Vogelgesand DD-862, USS Ellision DD-864, and USS Everglades AD-24. After a short liberty visit, Mullinnix steamed out of Charleston on 14 February and returned to Norfolk on 16 February.

On 27 February, the ship steam towards Virginia Capes Operations Areas 9 and 15 in accordance with Virginia Capes Ops AREA Coordinator Message 262224Z of 4 February, returning pier side later the same day on to return to sea on 28 February. Mullinnix exercised with USS Bearss DD-654 and USS Sirago. She returned to D&S Piers on 9 March.

The ship was once again at sea on 22 March with her old steaming mate USS Randolph CVS-15. The surface ships were exercising with USS Grampus SS-523 while conducting sonar searches.

To be continued...
Woody

50 Years Ago (Yesterday) - Mux Rhyming Midwatch Deck Log

2012-01-02T09:01:00.001-06:00

Excerpt from “The Last Gun Ship - History of USS Mullinnix DD-944” - A Historical Novel By Frank A. Wood

Mullinnix stayed moored through the Christmas holiday but was once again at sea on 28 December, exercising with USS Randolph CVS-15 and USS Laffey DD-724.

The ship spent her first New Years Eve at sea and the traditional rhyming midwatch deck log reflected that:

Steaming in company with Task Group 81.8,
Off the coast of North Carolina, is our New Year’s fate.
In a six ship circular screen, we’re number six,
USS Randolph CVS-15 is guide, on her position we fix.
Bearing 000, istance 4000 yards,
The JOOD says station keeping in not very hard.
Other ships present include Lowry and Blandy,
Perry, Stormes, and the Laffey.
Base course is 315, speed is one two.
Condition of Readiness 5 is set, plus Material Condition Yoke too.
Boilers 1A and 2A are on the line.
And 1 and 3 generators are running fine.
SOPA is CTG 81.8 in Randolph embarked,
While COMDESRON 32 on this vessel is parked.
Our movements are stated in COMASWGRU ALFA OP-ORDER 13-61,
So I’ll review 1961’s history, just for fun.

In January we were sitting at the D and S Piers,
At Norfolk we welcomed a happy New Year.
In February, we left for a long deployment,
Six months in the Med for the crew’s enjoyment.
March found us in Naples, Cannes, and Black Sea.
All were interesting places, and fun to see.
April and Barcelona, we’re sure to remember,
Bull fights and senioritis, we’d have stayed thru December.
In May we saw Taromina, Sicily, and Ancient Athens,
The city is modern now, not as tall as back then.
June and the French Rivera, a good combination.
With the pretty madamemoiselles we ahd friendly relations.
July in La Spegia with its surrounding beaches,
Made the summer days comfortable with the soft sea breezes.
August in St. Jean we’re not likely to forget,
As our last port it scored a big hit.
September was spent back at the D&S piers,
Re-united with our families and giving cheers.
But alas October found us busy at Key West,
Working for TEVDET, we were doing our best.
November found us in the Norfolk Naval Shipyard,
To repair our shop we all had to work hard.
And at last in December, our ship all mended,
To the ASW Force ALFA, we were appended.
It’s been a busy year, you’re sure to agree,
We’ve had two skippers, and commodore’s three.
But back to this watch, we’ve been busy,
If I don’t’ get started, I’ll be here ‘til Tuesday.
At 0025 boiler 2B was brought on the line
And changed course to 045 at the same time.
Time 0037, came to course one three five
Speed is 4 knots, the BT is taking a dive.
0047, BT on deck, speed is fifteen,
And back to our station we start to steam.
Secured fires under 2A boiler, 0050 is the time
Now all machinery is running just fine.
0109 changed speed to one two,
The JOOD has more station keeping to do.
At time 0302, a signal by flashing light.
To course 225 we came by turning right.
And then at 0306, a voice on the radio.
Said to course 315, the whole task force must go.
This watch is almost over for my relief is in sight,
So I’ll say Happy New Year to all and to all Good Night!

LTJG, C.M. Garverick

To be continued...
Woody

50 Years Ago Today – Mullinnix Leaves Dry Docks

2011-12-07T08:40:00.000-06:00

Excerpt from “The Last Gun Ship - History of USS Mullinnix DD-944” - A Historical Novel By Frank A. Wood

20 years after Pearl Harbor, at 1410 on 7 December, shipyard personnel commenced flooding the drydock. With Mullinnix once again floating, the dry-dock doors were opened at 1705. She was moved to Pier 3, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, Virginia, alongside USS Dahlgren DLG 12. On 11 December she headed to NAVWEAPSTA. At 0700 on 12 December, the ship experienced a casualty in the main pump of 2B boiler. Late, she was moved along side of an ammunition pier in heavy fog. Once the ammo was loaded, the ship steamed towards VACAPES OPAREA COORDINATOR EXSKED 24-61.

She conducted firing exercise the following day expending 14 rounds of 5” 54 AA Common. She returned to D&S piers on 14 December.

Mullinnix stayed moored through the Christmas holiday but was once again at sea on 28 December, exercising with USS Randolph CVS-15 and USS Laffey DD-724.

To be continued...
Woody

50 Years Ago Today – Mullinnix Heads Towards The Dry Docks

2011-11-16T17:14:00.001-06:00

Excerpt from “The Last Gun Ship - History of USS Mullinnix DD-944” - A Historical Novel By Frank A. Wood

In the early morning hours of 16 November, the ship was underway from Berth 8 and with the aid of YTB 232, headed towards Dry-dock Four. By 1030, Mullinnix was resting on hull blocks.

On 17 November, the members of the Hull Board met and reported the following:

• The underwater hull paint is in poor condition and require sand blasting and repainting
• The struts and shafting are in good material condition and the shaft’s protective coating is in excellent condition
• The struts need preservation and will be painted
• Screws are in good condition with only minor dents (which will be removed) and spoons in the trailing edges
• There is considerable cavitation on the port screw on the face of the blades in the aeas of the hub. These areas will be filled in with DEUCON plastic steel and smootled off
• The starboard screw has two areas of extreme cavitation on the back of the blades near the hub. They will be corrected in a similar manner as the port screw
• The protective zincs are approximately 50% deteriorated and will be replaced by a new type zinc anode
• The sonar dome was inspected and found to be in sound material condition
• The fairing stripe on the starboard side is loose but will not vibrate under operating conditions
• The dome will be sanded and polished by shipyard personnel. There are several large areas of cavitations on the hull in the vicinity of the dome. It is considered that this discrepancy is a result of the low frequency of the dome.
• There is excessive rust in all areas around the riveted seams on the hull
• The fathometer transducer is rusted and there is a bolt missing
• The hydrophone opening is clogged
• The welds on the bilge keels will require a close inspection for cracks and failures

To be continued...
Woody

50 Years Ago Today – Mullinnix Leaves Key West, Florida

2011-10-19T09:39:00.000-05:00

Excerpt from “The Last Gun Ship - History of USS Mullinnix DD-944” - A Historical Novel By Frank A. Wood

The ship left Key West again on 19 October in accordance with COMOPTENFOR OPORD D/S 147-0-1 for submarine operating area.

Aircraft completed their buoy drop at 0808. With USS Spikefish SS-404 watching at 4,000 yards, Mullinnix maneuvered to retrieve buoys with motor whale boat. At 0950 HSS 52 was launched and cleared Mullinnix. By 0956, with Mullinnix steaming into the wind, HUL 35 was landed on the fantail. Later, HUL 35 was launched from Mullinnix and commenced attacks on submerged submarine using buoys. She returned to Key West the evening of 20 October only to return to sea on the 21st. But this time, headed north – home to Norfolk, arriving at 0913 on 23 October.

The ship was underway the following morning for Naval Weapons Station, Yorktown, Virginia. While maneuvering alongside pier at Yorktown, the ship’s port screw came in contact with wooden pilings. The screw guard was unable to protect the screw due to height of tide. Nor did the screw guard protect the OOD from the livid CO.
Divers later confirmed that all leading edges of the port screw had tooth effect on edge. Trailing edges showed signs of ‘spoon effect’, possibly resulting from contact with wooden piling. All other shafting and strut supports were found sound and in good condition. Engineering Officer completed inspection of port reduction gear and found no damage. The ship returned to D&S piers on 25 October.

To be continued...
Woody

50 Years Ago Today – Mullinnix Dodges Hurricane

2011-09-20T03:02:00.000-05:00

Excerpt from “The Last Gun Ship - History of USS Mullinnix DD-944” - A Historical Novel By Frank A. Wood

On 19 September, Mullinnix left D&S piers for Chesapeake Bay Hurricane Anchorage amid fog, mist, and low visibility. AT 2000, she set the special heavy weather anchor detail. The storm, hovering in the low gray clouds all day, broke in earnest. The wind was shearing the tops off the swells and laying lashes of spray across the heaving glossy backs of the swells. By the midwatch on 20 September, engineering department was on 15 minutes notice ‘for getting underway’. Heavy weather plan was in put into effect. Weather reports indicated possibility of winds up to 40 knots by 0500. The ocean began to turn a color of glassy iron. A vast swell began to move vertically, like the rocking of the sea’s cradle.

At 0215 on 21 September, verbal orders were received COMDESFLOT 4 to return to Norfolk. Undamaged, the ship returned to D&S at 0805.

To be continued...
Woody

50 Years Ago Today - Mullinnix Heads Home From Med (Headed to Norfolk)

2011-08-16T12:53:00.001-05:00

Excerpt from “The Last Gun Ship - History of USS Mullinnix DD-944” - A Historical Novel By Frank A. Wood

The ship arrived at Golfo Di Palmas, Sardinia at 1649 on 14 August. The following morning at 0830 US Newport News CA-148, USS Intrepid CVA-11, USS DuPont DD-941, USS Henley DD-762, USS Ault DD-698, USS Putnam DD-757, and USS Keith DD-775 stood into the anchorage and anchored. In accordance with BUPERS Message 101629Z, Captain I. C. Kidd, Jr. relieved Captain J. H. Carmichael, as COMDESRON 32 and COMDESDIV 321.

Headed home, finally… At 1418, Mullinnix pulled up anchor and headed home to Norfolk, Virginia.

To be continued...
Woody

Last U.S. Ground Forces Withdraw From Vietnam – 39 years ago yesterday

2011-08-12T09:16:00.002-05:00

With the deactivation of the 3rd Battalion of the 21st U.S. Infantry, the last American ‘ground’ combat units were pulled out of South Vietnam. The 1,043 man unit had been assigned to the U.S. airbase at Da Nang. However, sea operations continued and more than 40,000 U.S. servicemen remained in Vietnam.

Turn you sound on, and check out http://www.ussmullinnix.org/1972Vietnam.html to see if the war wa really over.

Also, this link will take you to about 10 pages worth of pictures from the coast of Vietnam, circa 1972: http://www.ussmullinnix.org/1972Pictures.html.

And of course, the crew of Mullinnix --- my shipmates: http://www.ussmullinnix.org/ShipCrew72.html

Drink one of us,
Woody

50 Years Ago Yesterday – Mullinnix leaves St. Jean

2011-08-07T13:39:00.000-05:00

Excerpt from “The Last Gun Ship - History of USS Mullinnix DD-944” - A Historical Novel By Frank A. Wood

She left St. Jean on 7 August back to fleet operations. Where to? More firing exercises were conducted on 8 August, expending 52 rounds of 5”. Mullinnix engaged the replenishment group on 9 August, taking on fuel from USS Mississinewa AO-144 followed by ammunition transfer from USS Shasta AE-6. She commenced vertical replenishment from USS Altair AFS-32 at 1025 and by 1301 Mullinnix was transferring ammunition to USS Mississinewa.

She spent the next several days steam with USS Franklin D. Roosevelt CVA-42. The Roosevelt was the second of three Midway class aircraft carriers. To her crew, she was known as the "Swanky Franky," "Foo-De-Roo," or "Rosie," with the last nickname probably the most popular. Roosevelt spent most of her active deployed career operating in the Mediterranean Sea as part of the Sixth Fleet. The ship was decommissioned in 1977 and was scrapped shortly afterward.

At 1418 on 11 August, the ship lost the electrical load while shifting from 1 and 3 ship’s service generators to 2 and 4. She reshifted the load back to 1 and 3 but at 1428 a electrical fire broke out on the reefer decks. The ship immediately went to general quarters, setting material condition ZEBRA throughout the ship. The fire in the No. 2 reefer motor was quickly extinguished.

To be continued...
Woody

50 Years Ago Yesterday – Mullinnix leaves La Spezia, Italy

2011-07-22T12:48:00.000-05:00

Excerpt from “The Last Gun Ship - History of USS Mullinnix DD-944” - A Historical Novel By Frank A. Wood
While in Naples, on 3 July 1961, Commander William H. Shaw USN, relieved Commander Hill as Commanding Officer, to become the ship’s third skipper. She was once again underway on 5 July to rejoined the fleet. She was ordered from operations in the Western Mediterranean to La Spezia, Italy in accordance with CTF 60 OP-ORDER 55-61 on the midwatch of 10 July, mooring starboard side to USS D.H. Fox DD-779 and USS Shenandoah AD-26 at 0803.
At 2008 on 22 July, Mullinnix slipped away from the pier, enroute to Aranci Bay, Sardinia, anchoring at ZULU 17 in Aranci Bay at 0618 the following morning. She left her berth at 1830 later the same day.
Mullinnix participated in NATO exercise “South Wind” air and anti-submarine operations on 27 July, focusing on anti-submarine attacks. After day after day of long never ending exercises, refueling, and what the crew felt was a general ‘screwing around’ in the Med, the ship was ordered to head to St. Jean, France on 29 July, anchoring at 0801.
To be continued...
Woody

50 Years Ago Yesterday – Mullinnix Anchors At Cannes, France

2011-05-29T09:23:00.000-05:00

50 Years Ago Yesterday – Mullinnix Anchors At Cannes, France
Excerpt from “The Last Gun Ship - History of USS Mullinnix DD-944” - A Historical Novel By Frank A. Wood

COMDESLANT, RADM Weakley joined Mullinnix on 28 May via a helicopter ride from Roosevelt. The ship anchored in Gulfo De La Napoule, Cannes, France with Roosevelt, Little Rock, USS Salamonie AO-26, USS Shasta AE-6, USS Hawkins DDR-873, USS Johnson DD-821, and US Rush DDR-714.

While in Cannes, vaudeville was relived on the torpedo deck one afternoon when George Jessel boarded the ship and presented a 45-minute show of music and comedy to the assembled ship’s company.

She left Cannes on 9 June to continue plan guard duty for Roosevelt. Between plane guard duty and gunnery exercise, the crew was kept busy through 14 June, when Mullinnix anchored in Golfo di Palmas, Sardinia. With two passengers from USS Johnston DD-821 (LTJG James S. Person Jr and BT2 James B Oliver, left steamed out of Sardinia, enroute to Palermo, Sicily. The ship moored starboard side to Pier Piave, Palermo shortly after 0800 on 16 June.

BT2 “H.G.” Roundtree and the rest of the Shore Patrol detail returned to the ship at 0120 on the morning of 17 June. She left the harbor at 0650 and by 0730 had exercised the crew at general quarters. Following the setting of the ASW attack team and securing same, Mullinnix took up plane guard detail fro USS Roosevelt CVA-42. USS Rush DDR-714 relieved Mullinnix at 1555.

At 0043 the ship identified radar contact bearing 315 at 17 miles as USS Springfield CLG-7. At 0600 on 18 June, she was released by OTC to proceed to station in special formation fro AF South Tenth Anniversary Naval Parade.

Midwatch on 19 June found Mullinnix operating of the coast of Italy in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The following day she positioned herself approximately 3000 yards northwest of Filfla Rock and at 1147 commenced shore bombardment exercise, firing to starboard. On 22 June, the ship headed to Augusta Bay, Sicily arriving at 0832 and anchoring in anchorage Z-12 in 10 fathoms of water with 45 fathoms of chain to the port anchor. By 1412 she was underway once again as a unit of Task Unit 60.2.9 in compliance with COMCARDIV 4 OP-ORDER 55-61.

Shore bombardment was again the order of the day on 23 June. She conducted direct fire, in direct fire, and D-day fire gunnery exercises. On the afternoon of 24 June the Navy added a little wrinkle to the exercises. The crew was called to general quarters at 1343 – SOP (standard operating procedure). But at 1408, the ship commenced surprise AA gunnery exercises. This required the mounts to first fire to port for 3 minutes. Eight minutes later, the mounts were ordered to fire to starboard for 2 minutes. Cease fire for 6 minutes. Commence fire – cease fire – commence firing to port – cease fire. By 1717 the ship had expended 115 rounds of 3”/50 cal VT non-frag, 12 rounds 5”/54 cal VT frag, and 82 rounds 5”/54 cal VT non-frag with no casualties.

During exercises in the early morning of 25 June, the ship’s visibility decreased to 75 years due to heavy fog. Fog description. She commenced sounding fog signals and stationed lookouts in the eyes of the ship.

To be continued...
Woody

50 Years Ago Today – Mullinnix Departs Athens, Greece

2011-05-22T19:44:00.001-05:00

Excerpt from “The Last Gun Ship - History of USS Mullinnix DD-944” - A Historical Novel By Frank A. Wood

The ship steamed out of Athens on 22 May.

At 1403 on 22 May, Mullinnix sighted jet aircraft launched from USS Roosevelt’s port catapult crash about 100 yards ahead of carrier. The captain to the conn as he had observed a partly opened parachute about 20-30 feet above the water and about 100 yards astern of Roosevelt. A Navy helicopter raced to the scene and hovered over the parachute. Mullinnix proceeded to position of helo while she dropped the helo crew member into the water to assist the downed pilot. All engines stopped was ordered at 1413 while the helo crew recovered the pilot and left area to resume rescue helo station on carrier. Mullinnix was directed to undertake rescue of downed pilot. She lowered the motor whale boat to search area of crash. The pilot’s parachute was no longer visible. She proceeded to search the crash area steering various courses and speeds. The Mux’ whale boat recovered small pieces of aircraft debris, but their was no evidience of the pilot. Roosevelt ordered carrier propeller aircraft to assist in the search. At 1530, USS Little Rock CLG-4 and USS Laffey DD-724 joined in the search. At 1550, Mullinnix recovered her motor whale boat. The pilot was never recovered.

Mullinnix continued to participate in flight ops with Roosevelt until 24 May. That afternoon at 1512, following a successful full power run at 32 knots, she intercepted a message on fleet broadcast that said a passenger aboard SS Atlantic, 100 miles east of Malta, required assistance due to a possible perforated ulcer. Roosevelt dispatched a helicopter and Mullinnix steamed toward the stricken ship, spotting her at 1530. Ready to lower the whaleboat, the Navy decided to transfer the patient via helicopter.

To be continued...

Cheers,
Woody

50 Years Ago Today – Mullinnix Departs Barcelona, Spain

2011-04-26T15:20:00.001-05:00

Excerpt from “The Last Gun Ship - History of USS Mullinnix DD-944” - A Historical Novel By Frank A. Wood

With the majority of the crew well rested (some had trouble walking), she steamed out of the harbor on 26 April, heading back to Sardinia. In the wee hours of the midwatch an unidentified surface contact turned out to be USS Grant County LST-1174, a De Soto County-class tank landing ship commissioned in late 1957 and named after counties in fifteen states. She will be the only U.S. Naval vessel to bear the name Grant County. USS Fremont APA-44 and USS Waldo County LST-1163 joined the formation a couple hours later. That afternoon she anchored in Sardinis near:

• USS Pocono AGC-16
• USS Seal Owl SS-405
• USS Exploit MSO-440
• USS Observer MSO-461
• USS Affray MSO-511
• USS Alacrity MSO-520
• USS McCard DD-822

At 1500, USS McCard reported a fire aboard but required no assistance. Mullinnix got underway at 1658. By 28 April, Task Force 61 had grown to almost 30 ships. The group practiced ASW exercise for most of the morning. Mullinnix anchored back in Porto Scudo Bay at 1155 only to leave again at 1442 in order to patrol gunfire support area, returning to Sardinia at 1715. She left and returned twice to Sardinia on 29 April. The crew begin to wonder if they were practicing the Navy’s version of ping-pong. After several days of extensive fleet exercises Mullinnix anchored at Taormina Harbor, Taormina, Sicily at 0802 on 3 May.

To be continued...

Cheers,
Woody

50 Years Ago Today – Mullinnix Experiences a “Hang Fire” in MT 51

2011-04-07T07:38:00.000-05:00

Excerpt from “The Last Gun Ship - History of USS Mullinnix DD-944” - A Historical Novel By Frank A. Wood

While conducting drone firing exercises on 7 April, the ship experienced a hang fire (a round stuck in the barrel) in MT 51. Hang-fire occurs when there is a delay beyond the normal ignition time after the initiating action is taken (eg. the gun fires 15 seconds after the firing key is closed). The mount had been firing for only 2 minutes, therefore it was considered a “cold gun" condition, where the gun barrel and chamber wall temperature have not been raised by prolonged firing to a point where “cook-off” can occur.

Extensive testing of the 5"/54 under continuous sustained firing conditions had shown cook off temperature is achieved in approximately 3 minutes.

Cook-off occurs when components of the gun reach a temperature high enough (e.g. “hot gun”) to cause some form of explosive reaction in the projectile. As long as the breech is closed, cook-off will cause the round to be fired in a near normal manner. However, with the breechblock open, cook-off usually results in personnel injuries/fatalities and major equipment damage.

Regulations require that the gun mount remain idle for two hours in a safe firing bearing to preclude danger to other craft and friendly forces in the event of a cook-off. With fully charged fire hoses at the ready, MT 51 was fired to starboard at 1253, with the casualty restored.

To be continued...

Cheers,

Woody

50 Years Ago Today – Mullinnix Leaves Eregli, Turkey / Arrives Samsun, Turkey

2011-03-27T03:37:00.004-05:00

Excerpt from “The Last Gun Ship - History of USS Mullinnix DD-944” - A Historical Novel By Frank A. Wood

The following morning, with the anchor aweigh at 0925 and the Captain on the conn, the ship headed to Samsun, Turkey, dropping anchor in this port at 0743 on 27 March.

At 0830, The Chief of Security, Samsun, Turkey, representig the Governor, made an official call on Captain John H. Carmichael, USN, COMDESRON 32. As customary, Mullinnix rendered honors. At 0921, COMDESRON 32 left the ship to call officially on the Governor, Samsun, Turkey and to lay a wreath at the monument of Ataturk. Later in the day, the Governor of Samsun returned the official call of COMDESRON 32.

Samsun, a relatively small village, is the provincial capital of Samsun Province and a major Black Sea port. Samsun is a long city that extends along the coast between two river deltas which jut into the Black Sea. It is located at the end of an ancient route from Cappadocia: the Amisos of antiquity lay on the headland northwest of the modern city. To Samsun's west, lies the Kızılırmak ("Red River", the Halys of antiquity), one of the longest rivers in Anatolia and its fertile delta. To the east, lie the Yeşilırmak ("Green River", the Iris of antiquity) and its delta

The US Air Force Radar site detachment invited Mullinnix for dinner and a softball game. The detachment was somewhat surprised to learn (the hard way) that the Mighty Mux had one hell of a softball team. A team, that would be invited to the All European Softball tournament in Naples, Italy later that year

The detachment’s surprised the Mux team when they brought out their mascot – a huge brown bar named Ivan. Ivan, like the service men, was fond of beer. Between softball, beer, and Ivan, the crew had a couple hours in which home was just a little closer in their hearts and minds.

The ship was underway the following morning for Istanbul, Turkey. Darkened ship was ordered with the exception of navigational lights, typical operations in this part of the world. Their Russian escort picked them up just outside the harbor and accompanied the ship back to the Straights. Before entering Istanbul harbor, the ship refueled from USS Salamonie AO-26. She anchored in Istanbul Harbor at 1121

To be continued...

Cheers,

Woody

50 Years Ago Today – Mullinnix Steams into the Aegean Sea

2011-03-18T15:03:00.000-05:00

Excerpt from “The Last Gun Ship - History of USS Mullinnix DD-944” - A Historical Novel By Frank A. Wood

With multiple daily sonar contacts, Mullinnix steamed into the Aegean Sea during the midwatch on Saturday, 18 March. After receiving fuel from USS Pawcatuck AO-108, Mullinnix spent the afternoon simulating attacks on US Trutta SS-421.

She began transit of the Dardanelles at 1408 on 23 March. Uyasbaba Burnu light was bearing 358, distance 1.7 miles. By the midwatch on 24 March, she had entered the Sea of Marmara.

At 0010 she suddenly changed her course to avoid an unidentified radar. A Russian cruiser - began ‘escorting’ Mullinnix literally side-by-side. If she slowed, the Russia ship slowed, if Mullinnix sped up, so did the Russians. Late in the afternoon, the Mux skipper decided to perform a little ‘research’. The CO called the engine room and ordered them, “stand by to answer all bells!” Slowly the skipper started increasing speed until the ship was near flank speed, with the Russian still welded by her side. Then the captain ordered, “all back and hard right rudder!” Mullinnix started shuddering and shaking but came to a screeching halt as she turned around a full 180 degrees and steamed at flank speed the other way. The larger, heavier Russian ship was caught off guard, flying past Mullinnix. It took the Russians a 5-mile wide turn and almost 45 minutes to regain thier station ‘shadowing’ the US destroyer side-by-side once again.

This sort of ‘exercise’ does wonders for ship moral, hence the Mullinnix CO performed the maneuver several more times.

At 0408 the Yesilkos Aero beacon was sighted and at 0425 the Yesilkey Light was sighted. By 0650, the Captain was maneuvering the ship into Istanbul Harbor. With the aid of a local navigator on the bridge, she bypassed Istanbul and completed transit of the Bosporus Straight, entering the Black Sea at 0918 on course 034, speed 15 knots. Within 2 minutes, USS Hawkins DD-873 and Mullinnix were performed a light line transfer. Hawkins and Mullinnix anchored in Eregli Harbor, Eregli, Turkey at 0801 on 25 March.

To be continued...

Cheers,

Woody

50 Years Ago Today – Mullinnix Departs Cannes, France

2011-03-10T13:00:00.000-06:00

Excerpt from “The Last Gun Ship - History of USS Mullinnix DD-944” - A Historical Novel By Frank A. Wood

Mullinnix left Riviera good times, new female friendships, and even a couple broken hearts, as she got underway at 0701 on 10 March, enroute to Augusta Bay, Sicily as a unit of TU 60.21 in accordance with COMCARDIV 4 OP-ORDER 52-61.

Saturday, 11 March found Mullinnix proceeding to rendezvous with the replenishment group. First up was replenishment by helicopter from USS Altair AKS-32, receiving 6 net loads. This was followed by fuel transfer from USS Salamonie AO-26 and then an ammunition transfer drill with USS Shasta AE-6. At 1427 she took on provisions from USS Rigel AF-58 and finally a light line transfer with USS Moale DD-793.

While steaming in the Tyrrhenian Sea, LTJG D. M. Whitt returned aboard to resume his regular duties afer completing his TAD at Key West, Florida. On 13 March the shipped anchored at 0736 in Golfo di Catonia Bay, Sicily in 15 fathoms of water. MMI K. Reid was transferred to USS Shangri-LA CVA-38 with appendicitis. Mullinnix was back underway by 2030 for fleet operations and enroute to Istanbul, Turkey.

Operating in the Ionian Sea of the coast of Sicily, the ship had to suspend training to investigate an intermittent radar and ECM contact. The ASW attack team was stationed at 1343. As is common, the vast majority of these contacts never materialize into much. However, with the Russian in the same waters performing the same type training, you have to treat each one as real. No one ever knows, but this contact could have been Russian that managed to slip away at the last minute due to their training and drills. More than likely it was the USS Sea Cat SS-399 playing cat-a-mouse with her own destroyers. Mullinnix secured the ASW team and shut down the steam to the port shaft, a maneuver called “port shaft trailing”. This changes the sonar-marking that is unique to every ship in the world.

To be continued...

Cheers,

Woody

50 Years Ago Today – Mullinnix Departs Naples, Italy

2011-03-03T16:06:00.001-06:00

Excerpt from “The Last Gun Ship - History of USS Mullinnix DD-944” - A Historical Novel By Frank A. Wood

With the aid of civilian pilot Captain Cocorulio, she got underway from Naples at 0715 on Friday, 3 March. Before the end of the midwatch on 4 March, Mullinnix was operating in the Tyrrhenian Sea. At 0915 she transferred two German officers from USS Little Rock CLG-4.

“Here come the Krauts”, announced FTG3 Smythe as twin-trails of smoke leaked from his nostrils.

“Yep, just think. Less than 16 years ago, we were kick’in their ass all the way back to Berlin”, figured Smythe’s buddy McGhee.

GQ was sounded at 1300, setting material condition ZEBRA. At 1339, the ship conducted ABC defense drills.

“I don’t know about you, but these drills scare the shit out of me”, said Smythe.
“Why’s that?” asked McGhee.

“Spooky. They’re just damn spooky. You know what ABC stands for, right?”

“Atomic Bacterial Chemical attack. Why?” Answered McGhee.
“Tell me somethin’. We’re on a ship with 3 5” guns, 2 double-barrel 3”, and a couple torpedo tubes.”

“So?”

How in the fuck are we suppose to survive a fuck’in A-bomb? Or a fuck’in bug attack or some fuck’in-ass chemical, huh? Tell me that.”

“We don’t.”

“What?”

“We don’t. We take one for the bigger ships – like the carrier”, said McGhee.

“Fuck me. Fuck me. Fuck me. I need a smoke”, Smythe answered.

“Smoking lamp is out.”

“Like a said, spooky. Here I am practice’n how to turn green inside, or out, or both, and the Navy tells me I can’t smoke. Fuck me…”

To be continued...

Cheers,

Woody

50 Years Ago Today – Mullinnix Arrives In Naples, Italy

2011-02-23T17:19:00.000-06:00

Excerpt from “The Last Gun Ship - History of USS Mullinnix DD-944” - A Historical Novel By Frank A. Wood

Upon receiving 52, 462 gallons NSFO from USS Severn on 23 February, Mullinnix steamed towards Naples, Italy arriving at 0920 being Mediterranean moored at berth 72, Molo Angioino, Naples.

Much has been said about the hurricane bow of the Forrest Sherman Class. Many Tin Can Sailors stationed on older ships noticed as well. Sonny Walker, VP, Laffey Association (USS Laffey DD-724), recalls the 1961 Med Cruise, stated, “We were in DESRON 32 and the Mullinnix was our flag ship. We envied that high bow when the weather got rough.”

USS Laffey is significant because of her action on 16 April 1945, when she fought one of the most famous destroyer-kamikaze duels of the Pacific War. She was attacked by 22 Japanese kamikazes and bombers in the span of ninety minutes. She managed to shoot down 11 of the attacking planes while being hit by five kamikazes and two bombs killing 32 and wounding 71 of her crew. For this action she was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation

To be continued...

Cheers,

Woody

50 Years Ago Today – Mullinnix Experiences Low Water Casualty in 2B Boiler

2011-02-18T13:56:00.000-06:00

Excerpt from “The Last Gun Ship - History of USS Mullinnix DD-944” - A Historical Novel By Frank A. Wood

On a ship, problems are never fixed. Ships are like a marriage – you’re never done making it better. While on exercises on 18 February, Mullinnix experienced a low water casualty in 2B boiler. She had to reduce speed to 20 knots with the fires were secured under the boiler. The engineers quickly cross-connected the main engineering plant while the BTs relit the fires under 2B. Once the boiler was brought back on line, the ship returned her speed to 27 knots. That evening she supported the Forrestal while the carrier performed flight operations.

Chaos theory attempts to explain the fact that complex and unpredictable results can and will occur in systems that are sensitive to their initial conditions. A common example of this is known as the Butterfly Effect. It states that, in theory, the flutter of a butterfly's wings in China could, in fact, actually affect weather patterns in New York City, thousands of miles away. In other words, it is possible that a very small occurrence can produce unpredictable and sometimes drastic results by triggering a series of increasingly significant events. On Monday, 20 February, Mullinnix and Fox had just taken up their plane guard stations astern of Forrestal, when at 1713 one of Forrestal’s fighter aircraft crashed into the sea off the port bow and sank. Was a butterfly responsible? Or was it insane to imagine that a single flap of a single seagull's wings would be enough to change the course of all future weather systems on the earth, and therefore Naval in-flight technical problems? Inevitable. Fate. Terms used by the Navy when carrying out their mission. The pilot, thankfully, was recovered by helicopter six minutes later.

In the early dawn light of 21 February, Mullinnix took on 64,035 gallons NSFO (Navy Special Fuel Oil) from USS Severn AO-61. Several hours later, a second special sea detail with USS Severn delivered mail to the Mux crew. Later, as the sun dipped below the horizon, USS Forrestal commenced flight operations with Mullinnix standing plane guard detail.

Shortly after midnight the ship passed through the Straits of Bonifacio enroute to rendezvous with units of Task Force 60 in accordance with COMCARDIV 6 OP-ORDER 51-61, followed closely by USS M.C. Fox DDR-829 and USS Forrestal. At 0744 she anchored in Golfo degli Aranci, Sardinia with the following ships:

• USS Springfield CLG-7
• USS Forrestal CVA-59
• USS Shangri La CVA-38
• USS Little Rock CLG-4
• USS Mississenewa AO-144
• USS Neosho AO-143
• USS Severn AO-61
• USS Shasta AE-6
• USS Suribachi AE-21
• USS Bigelow DD-942
• USS Mitscher DL-2
• USS Sumner DD-692
• USS D. H. Fox DD-799
• USS Corporal SS-346

To be continued...

Cheers,

Woody

50 Years Ago - Mux Pulls into Rota, Spain

2011-02-11T14:50:00.000-06:00

Excerpt from “The Last Gun Ship - History of USS Mullinnix DD-944” - A Historical Novel By Frank A. Wood

At 1221 on 11 February, the ship proceeded to Rota, Spain for a brief refueling stop, mooring starboard side to a fuel pier. At 1935, the ship was once again underway for Pollensa Bay, Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain. Shorty after the midwatch on the 12th, the ship passed through the highly congested Straits of Gibraltar, joining an Attack Carrier Striking Group which lay at anchor in Pollensa Bay at the northwest corner of Mallorca.

That morning, the fog lookouts were stationed at 1042. The bank rolled in like melted marshmallows on a never ending black-jack branch, appearing like a horizontal strip made by an artist’s #3 brush. Mullinnix crept through the fog as the visibility was practically zero. Occasionally the lookouts could hear a foghorn from one of the other ships. While still immersed in the fog, the ship stationed the ASW attack team at 1144 to pursue a detected sonar contact bearing 037, distance 4500 yards. She broke off the search about one hour later as the contacted was evaluated to be non-submarine.

On the morning of 13 February at 0758 she was anchored in Pollensa Bay in eight fathoms of water with a seaweed bottom. Her sister ship USS Davis DD-937 was received alongside to starboard a short time later. Mullinnix took on 15 rounds 5”/54 BL and P projectiles and 20 rounds VT non-frag from Davis. By 1614 she was underway once again to refuel from USS Truckee AO-147 then to rendezvous with USS Springfield CLG-7. Later that day, in conjunction with USS Saratoga CVA-60, the ship participated in ECM exercises.

At 0435 on 15 February, the ship was ordered to turn off all navigational lights. While darkened, she corrected course to 180 degrees by sinuous course clock, cam 1 and commenced turn count masking while Springfield and Shenandoah stood by.
At 0823, the crew was treated to a rare eclipse of the sun. As the sun ebbed behind the moon, the resultant shadow raced towards the Mullinnix like a blanket. In moments, the sun was three-quarters gone and the sea was sucking up the remaining light. The ship was in near darkness. The surface of the water was the color of tarnished bronze. The glow of the dying sunset filtered dimly onto the decks.
By early Thursday, 16 February, Mullinnix was steaming with Task Unit 60.1.9 that was composed of Springfield, Saratoga, USS Des Moines CA-134, USS O’Hara DDR-889, USS Stickell DDR-888, USS Cecil DDR-835, USS Steinaker DDR-863, USS Corry DDR-817, USS Wood DDR-715, and USS Leary DDR-879. At 0410, Mullinnix and O’Hara were detached from the group to conduct an ASW sweep. Midwatch until pre-dawn, with the aroma of strong coffee, the lifeblood of the Navy, permeated everywhere.

There’s nothing like the feeling on a ship at sea at night - the masthead lights, the red and green navigation lights and stern light, the pulsating phosphorescence of radar repeaters - they cut through the dusk and join with the mirror of stars overhead. The drifting off to sleep (assuming you’re not on watch) lulled by the myriad noises large and small that tell you that your ship is alive and well, and that your shipmates on watch will keep you safe.

When finished with the exercises a few hours later, she was anchored back in Pollensa Bay by 0803. She spent the night at anchor with various ships of the Sixth Fleet including USS Mississinewa AO-144, USS Dewey DLG-14, and USS Forrestal CVA-59, steaming once again at 1414 the following day.

To be continued...
Cheers,
Woody

50 Years Ago (Yesterday) - Mux Heads For the Med

2011-02-03T07:48:00.001-06:00

Excerpt from “The Last Gun Ship - History of USS Mullinnix DD-944” - A Historical Novel By Frank A. Wood

Thursday, 2 February – a day that single, divorced, and unhappy sailors live for. The same day that makes family men, and their families, gloomy. Can anyone say, “Med Cruise?” In accordance with CDS 32 OP-ORDER 1-61, as a unit of TG 25.2, Mullinnix pulled away from her berth at D&S piers headed for Rota, Spain, entering international waters at 1145. She would be gone 7 months as the flagship of Destroyer Squadron Thirty Two. Seaman Recruit Jack Rothwell would have to catch up with his ship at a later date having been AWOL since 4 January.

These operations by the U.S. Sixth Fleet were such that peaceful and progressive relations were furthered with countries bordering the sea. European and Middle Eastern areas were stabilized by the sea based defensive forces, and the crew was ready to assist these neighbor nations in distress or too retaliated in defense of the United States.

Shore visits as well as underway periods for Mullinnix were utilized in support of these objectives. Diverse visits by the ship to major ports in France, Italy, Spain, Greece and Turkey assisted the President’s “People to People” Program, as well as providing time for relaxation in preparation for the extensive at-sea periods.

While underway, Mullinnix participated in all phases of air defense, anti-submarine, gunnery, amphibious and replenishment operations, as well as innumerable drills and competitive exercises in communications, engineering and damage control. Repeated participation in those activities led to increased operational readiness and better individual performances by the ship and he crew. While deployed to the Sixth Fleet, Mullinnix won excellence awards from Commander Destroyer Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet for outstanding performance in communications, operations, gunnery, and anti-submarine warfare.

By the next day, Task Group 25.2 was completed and included Mullinnix, USS Shenandoah AD-26, USS Suribachi AE-21, and DESRON 32 less USS Lowry DD-770 and USS Stormes DD-780.

The Atlantic in February just might be the ugliest sailor-unfriendly sea in the world. Howling wind, driving rain and sleet, mountainous waves of icy salt water coined the phrase, "pity the poor sailor on a night like this!"

McGhee and Smythe were grabbing a quick smoke on the 01 level, just forward, and above, the aft 3-in gun mount. It was a gray, raw morning with low clouds beginning to spit frozen rain. Two long banks of dark clouds with serrated edges straddled the horizon towards the sea. The sea was a heavy chop and the water was gray-green. Glancing down at the twin barrels of MT32, Smythe commented, “Fuck, there’s icicles hanging off the barrels.” With Mullinnix running more or less with the wind, McGhee pointed to the dimpled surfaces of snow that were started to form on the decks of the ship. A snow storm at sea - you didn’t see that every day. Within two drags of their smokes, it started snowing so hard the pair couldn’t see MT53 from where they stood. Smythe squinted against the stinging cold and took in the vague halos of the running lights. Taking a final drag and flicking his butt overboard, McGhee said, “Let’s get the fuck inside. It’s time to hit the maintenance schedule on the radar. Chief wants it completed before we see Spain.” They walked to the starboard hatch, opening it to a gust of warm air so heavy with moisture it seemed to have come from a humidifier, not the ship’s insides.

To be continued...

Cheers,
Woody