Monday, March 18, 1968

USS JOUETT (DLG29)

FAMILY GRAM

18 March 1968

Dear Family and Friends of JOUETT,

In the month that has passed since my last letter to you, the days have been full of activity and have passed swiftly. I would like to tell you now of our duties of the past month.

On February 17, JOUETT arrived in the Tonkin Gulf and commenced operating as a Search and Rescue (SAR) unit of Task Force 77. In order to enhance our efforts, JOUETT is operating as one-half of a SAR team. The other member of this team is a UH-2A helicopter, which flew aboard the day we steamed out of Subic Bay, and has been operating off our deck since then. This helicopter carries a pilot, co-pilot, and crew of two, all of whom are expert swimmers and marksmen, skilled in rescue techniques and first-aid procedures. The helicopter itself, in its protective coloration of black and olive drab, presents a sleek and streamlined appearance, whether resting on JOUETT's deck or in flight. It is capable of proceeding to the locale of a downed aircraft at high speeds, hovering over the scene, locating survivors, lowering crew members to the ground or into the sea, and effecting a rescue that would have been otherwise impossible.

To further complement this DLG-UH-2A SAR team, JOUETT's Combat Information Center maintains close radio and radar contact with all aircraft flying into North Vietnam from the huge Seventh Fleet aircraft carriers to seaward. Should one of these planes encounter difficulty, the word is passed from CIC "SAR Alert--SAR Alert"; the CIC watch section is bolstered by the presence of additional officers and enlisted men who man JOUETT's highly sophisticated electronic search equipment. At the same time, our helicopter, affectionately known as "Clem II", is readied for immediate launch. As the Officer of the Deck turns the ship into the wind, pilots and flight crew dash to their places in Clem II; the ship's Helo Detail--deck handlers and firefighters--man their stations. Within minutes, Clem II is cleared for take-off and rises into the air, slowly at first, but then rapidly accelerating toward the SAR location.

Not all days, however, are filled with the drama of a SAR incident. A typical day on station would begin at 0600 as the Boatswain's Mate pipes "Reveille", and the crew turn out of their bunks to commence another day's routine. After breakfast--our Supply Department serves over 1200 hot meals each day--all hands fall in at their divisional quarters for "muster, inspection, and instruction." The Executive Officer informs Department Heads of special evolutions planned for the day's activity for each man in their division.

If the day happens to be a payday, the pay-line forms in the Crew's Mess immediately after quarters. JOUETT Sailors are paid every other week, on alternate Thursdays. The ship's Disbursing Officer distributes in check or cash, some $50,000 every payday. While the crew is being paid, officers assemble in the Wardroom with Commodore EMERSON and his staff, for the daily Intelligence Briefing. Here various topics concerning JOUETT's role in the Vietnam conflict are discussed--such topics range from weather forecasts to forthcoming flight plans.

When payday is completed, the Ship's Store and Post Office are opened for the convenience of the crew. Both store and post office conduct a booming trade: over $18,000 worth of money orders are purchased each payday to be mailed home; the Ship's Store, with a selection of merchandise extending from soap and razor blades to cameras and tape recorders, takes in $7,500 each pay period.

At 1000, "Flight Quarters" is sounded, and Clem II conducts a daily test flight; during this flight, mail and freight are carried from JOUETT to our "Shotgun", USS SOUTHERLAND (DD-743) who is steaming in company with us. After Clem II is recovered on board, another safe landing is entered in the log. At the present time, JOUETT has completed well over 100 accident-free helicopter landings, safety record which is a source of pride to all concerned.

Lunch is served at 1130, and all hands return to their tasks at 1230. During the afternoon, various training lectures or films may be presented to several divisions. At 1500 "Flight Quarters" is sounded again, and Clem II is launched rapidly. The lookouts watch a speck on the distant horizon grow until they report "Log Helo is in sight." Each day a logistics helicopter comes to JOUETT from one of the aircraft carriers on "Yankee Station". The Log Helo's arrival is eagerly anticipated by all, as it carries freight, which may consists of repair parts for an inoperative pump or radar set, visiting passengers from other units in the Tonkin Gulf, and, finally, first class mail. The last item is carefully taken to the Post Office, quickly sorted and distributed to all those fortunate enough to receive letters from home. Having observed the effect mail from home has on our men's morale, I can only urge you all to write frequently. Your letters are the best indication of your support of our endeavors.

At 1530, some recreational activity is in order. A movie may be shown on the Mess Decks, or a bingo game may be held. Many members of our crew visit the ship's library, while others utilize the punching bags and weight-lifting equipment in the hangar.

After supper is completed and Eight O'Clock Reports have been made to the Executive Officer, a movie is shown for those who were unable to attend the afternoon presentation. In the quiet hours before Taps, most men take time to write to their loved ones back in the States. Many men pursue some hobby in the evening; sketching, painting and leatherwork are popular; many musical instruments are carried on board, and it is by no means unusual to find several people gathered around a guitar or an accordion, singing some popular song or favorite ballad.

At length, "Taps" is sounded, lights are extinguished, and men rest to gather strength for their efforts the next day.

Although each day our tasks become more and more a matter of routine, morale remains high aboard JOUETT. It is extremely gratifying to note the interest and dedication displayed by our men. Our satisfaction lies in doing our assigned tasks to the best of our ability and in your continued support and understanding.

Sincerely,

ROBERT S. HAYES

Captain, U.S. Navy

Commanding Officer

JOUETT'S Helo Deck Crew

LT Hopkins - Officer in Charge

Crash Party

J. L. GERBER, DC3 - Asbestos Suit Firefighter

G. L. BRICKEY, SFM3 - Asbestos Suit Firefighter

M. G. BIVENS, SFM3 - Fire Hoseman

J. H. DAVIS, FN - Fire Hoseman

B. C. RASMUSSEN, FN - CO2 Equipmentman

R. B. EDWARDS, FA - CO2 Equipmentman

K. A. TOWLERTON, FN - Auxiliary Firefighter

F. R. CARROLL, FA - Auxiliary Firefighter

Fueling Detail

J. T. HETRICK, EN1 - Petty Officer in Charge

A. R. HARRIS, MR1 - Fueling Petty Officer

D. E. CARTER, FN - Telephone Talker

S. A. SCHELIN, EN3 - Assistant Fueling Petty Officer