History – 1955-1959 - USS Henry W .Tucker (DD-875)

History of theUSS Henry W. Tucker - DDR 875Section Three1955 ~ 1959Last Updated: October 19, 2009Miss Universe VisitGood Will Trip to AustraliaTaiwan Patrol

HISTORY OF THE USS HENRY W. TUCKER 1955 - 19591955Having welcomed the New Year in Sasebo, TUCKER got underway on 5 January in company with DESDIV 32 for 2weeks of type training. This included many observed Gunnery, Engineering, and CIC exercises. TUCKER had aweekend visit on 8 January to Nagasaki. TUCKER spent four days starting 17 January in Yokosuka repairing thedamage done from so much heavy weather operations.TUCKER’s tour in WESTPAC was now completed. She departed Yokosuka on 22 January, and proceeded to LongBeach via Pearl Harbor, in company with DESDIV 32 and 31, arriving there on 6 February. Five days later sheentered Long Beach Naval Shipyard for her regular 3 month overhaul.For this tour, in spite of evasive action against rough weather, TUCKER was affected by 10 typhoons of variousintensities. Timely action and good seamanship prevented the rougher ones, with gusts of wind exceeding 50 knots,from causing damage in excess of a few hull cracks and sprung hatches.Considered one of her hottest, roughest, yet most colorful cruises, TUCKER visited ports in China, Japan,Taiwan, Midway, Hawaii, the Philippines, and Okinawa, steaming approximately 40,000 miles andexpending more than one and a half million gallons of fuel oil.Returning to Long Beach in company with seven destroyers, TUCKER received a"Well-Done" from the Task Unit commander. Unknown to TUCKER, the TaskUnit Commander kept a log of radar contacts reported by the ships under hiscommand and in his dispatch he reported that for a two-day period, TUCKERrecorded 23 air radar contacts at “An extraordinary range”.After a welcome period of upkeep, leave, and dry dock, she again beganher training cycle with type exercises off the coast of California.This training period lasted untilSeptember 1955 when TUCKERgot underway again for the FarEast. In company with theremainder of DESDIV 32, TUCKERmoored in Pearl Harbor for fivedays of upkeep and liberty.Shown is the ship’s patchadopted for the 1955 – 1956 deployment. This black and whitepicture was scanned from the 1956 cruise book.The name “The Queen” was selected because the TUCKER radiocall sign at that time was “Madam Queen”. The TUCKER callsign was changed later to “Willow”.SECTION 3 - 1

HISTORY OF THE USS HENRY W. TUCKER 1955 - 1959Early October marked the arrival of DESDIV 32 to Yokosuka. The first of two typhoons headed northeast,and passed to the east of Yokosuka, while TUCKER was in port, But, TUCKER had to put to sea on 17October for one day to avoid the second typhoon, also heading northeast. This time the track was 300miles further west, bearing down on the Japanese island of Honshu.The remainder of October saw TUCKER operating in Japanese waters for gunnery, CIC and Engineering exercises.Also at this time, ASW exercises with various groups took place. Liberty was enjoyed in Sasebo, and there was astop in Okinawa for refueling.During November, TUCKER operated with the USS Hornet (CVA 12) practicing carrier operations. December foundTUCKER in Hong Kong for some Christmas shopping.While TUCKER was in HongKong, a Christmas party washeld on the mess decks forChinese orphans, complete withSanta Claus, a Christmas tree,presents for the children, and agood meal.Underway again until arriving in thePhilippines, TUCKER spent NewYears Day in Subic Bay.SECTION 3 - 2

HISTORY OF THE USS HENRY W. TUCKER 1955 - 19591956Leaving Subic after New Years Day, TUCKER operated with USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA 31) and headed forFormosa Patrol by way of Kaoshiung. The sea was rough all the way and the weather remained cold. Continuing onFormosa Patrol until February, TUCKER was released for a short visit to Nagasaki before arriving in Yokosuka for arepair period. It was still unusually cold in Yokosuka, but there was time for last minute shopping before the triphome.TUCKER had completed her exercises with Task Force "77", she left for her homeport of Long Beach in February.After brief stops at Midway and Pearl Harbor, TUCKER arrived at Long Beach Municipal pier in March.28 April 1956-- CDR Robert L. THIENES relieved CDR Robert M. ROSS,and became the TUCKER’s eighth commanding officer.From May through November 1956, TUCKER improved her state of battle readinessthrough various exercises with other units of the Naval Forces, training in the westcoast operating areas.In Mid-July, While TUCKER was in Long Beach, the 1956 Miss Universe pageant wasbeing held. At that time, this Pageant was held each year in Long Beach. Althoughthe pageant was actually held on July 20, in the days leading up to the pageant,there were a number of “outings”, in which the contestants would do public relationsand fun events. There were 30 contestants from various countries represented.There was even a Miss Alaska, as Alaska was not yet a state.1956 Miss Universe - Carol Laverne Morris - (Publicity Photo)While in the shipyard inLong Beach in July,TUCKER was visited by the15 finalists of the 1956“Miss Universe” pageantheld that year in LongBeach. The winner of thepageant was Carol LaverneMorris, Miss Iowa and MissUSA. She is pictured onboardTUCKER in bothphotos.SECTION 3 - 3

HISTORY OF THE USS HENRY W. TUCKER 1955 - 1959Plans for TUCKER’s first Christmas home in three years were scrapped on 7 November 1956, as TUCKER wasordered to prepare for another deployment to WESTPAC. Most of the crew expected it to happen, but as the weekshad gone by, there was a glimmer of hope that the deployment would not happen until after the Holiday season.Early in the morning of 13 November 1956, TUCKER cast off the lines and was underway for another Far East tour.TUCKER was underway with the other destroyers of DESDIV 11, DESDIV 32, USS Helena (CL 50), the carriersUSS Yorktown (CVS 10), and USS Shangri La (CV 38). DESDIV 32 consisted of TUCKER, USS Rupertus (DD851), USS Leonard F. Mason (DD 852), and USS George K. Mackenzie (DD 836).Exercises and more training continued, as the ships continued on their way toward Pearl Harbor. At one point,YORKTOWN reported a man overboard. TUCKER and USS Perkins (DD 877) broke off formation to recover theman from the water. PERKINS made the recovery.The Task Force arrived in Pearl Harbor on November 19, 1956. Thestay in the Pearl Harbor area consisted of 3 days at sea undergoingmore training, and 7 days of liberty in port. The training includedformation maneuvering, plane guard detail, UNREPs, and gunnerypractice. While TUCKER was in port, the deck force took aboardthe remainder of ships stores, and TUCKER was given a fresh coatof paint. By the time all this was completed, TUCKER sailors all feltlike “old hands”, and were ready for the WESTPAC tour to continue.DESDIV 32 broke off from the remainder of the Task Forceto continue their journey to WESTPAC. Encountering roughseas on the way to Midway, TUCKER and the other membersDESDIV 32 welcomed the calmer waters of the harbor forrefueling.arrived to a waiting dry dock for repairs.Once underway again, rough weather continued almost the entireway to Yokosuka. TUCKER sustained some hull damage, andThe stay in Yokosuka over the Holidays included aChristmas party given for underprivileged Japanesechildren. Generous donations by the crew allowedthe children to take with them their newly receivedclothes.Photo is of the children who were also given atour of the ship.SECTION 3 - 4

HISTORY OF THE USS HENRY W. TUCKER 1955 - 19591957TUCKER got underway for ASW and type training on 3 January 1957 with DESDIV 32, the carrier USS Boxer (CV21) and the participating submarines USS Caiman (SS 323), and USS Sea Fox (SS 402). There were bothsingle and dual ship attacks; often at night underdarken ship conditions. Some members of the crewwere able to go aboard the submarine to observetheir underwater evasive tactics.The “Hunted” - A photo of SEA FOX from theTUCKER cruise book.After 6 days of training, TUCKER headed forSasebo. TUCKER was in Sasebo for the weekendfrom 11-14 January.Underway once more on 15 January, TUCKERparticipated in more exercises with her DESDIV 32partners on the way to Yokosuka. There weredamage control exercises, high line transfers, andCIC exercises.(CA 133), TUCKER joined the Task Force in the North Philippine Sea foroperations on 24 January. TUCKER began carrier screen operations with USSBennington (CV 20).The camera crew that was aboard for the island survey was transferredoff TUCKER by helicopter.On 25 January, TUCKER practiced an UNREP by refueling, and taking onammunition from USS Passumpsic (AO 107), while the carrier BENNINGTONwas on the other side, also replenishing.TUCKER entered Subic Bay for Tender availability on February 1. A specialexcursion to Camp John Hay, a resort in the nearby mountains managed by theUS Air Force was arranged. Many of the crew signed up to take advantage ofthis opportunity to get out of the heat of Subic Bay.After this brief stay at Subic Bay, in company with DESDIV 32, TUCKERdeparted for patrol of the Taiwan Straits, starting on 13 February. DESDIV 32spent about two months on Formosa Patrol operating out of Kaohsiung, Taiwan.TUCKER alternated with two ships on patrol and two in port with about aneight-day cycle in each place. Good liberty, but the weather was bad most ofthe time in the Formosa Straits. The seas were very choppy with bitter-coldtemperatures.Arriving in Yokosuka 16 January, TUCKER stayed onlybriefly and then headed south. She refueled at BucknerBay on 20 January, and left again the same day for theisland of Daita Jima to survey the island for possibleinhabitants.This small atoll is part of the Bonin Islands, and is about200 miles south of Yokosuka, and about the same distanceeast of Buckner Bay. It was thought to be suitable for agunnery proving ground. The mission was completed on23 January. There were no Inhabitants.Shown is the “colorful” island of Daita Jima.After an underway-refueling operation with USS ToledoSECTION 3 - 5

HISTORY OF THE USS HENRY W. TUCKER 1955 - 1959TUCKER made a short visit to Hong Kong on 10-16 March 1957. Hong Kong proved to be as good as what had beenthought all along. The shopping, The liberty crew also enjoyed the sight seeing tours. Back at the ship in the harbor,Mary Soo’s paint crew put a fresh coat of paint on the ship’s sides.TUCKER once again was on her way home. She steamed for Yokosuka, and spent only 5 days there, departingYokosuka, Japan, on 23 March 1957.While in the company of DESDIV 32, TUCKER was requested to look for a downed Air Force pilot, but all effortsfailed to turn up the missing pilot or his aircraft. TUCKER arrived Midway Island on 30 March for refueling and mailcall. Departing Midway with DESDIV 32, TUCKER arrived in Pearl Harbor on 2 April 1957. TUCKER departed PearlHarbor on her final leg home to Long Beach, arriving 10 April 1957.TUCKER entered Long Beach Naval Ship yard foroverhaul, crew leaves and personnel training exercises.Upon completion of the yard period, she was once againready for sea trials and divisional type exercises.Once again TUCKER completed her training, and wasready for another WESTPAC tour with DESDIV 32.TUCKER departed Long Beach on 27 November 1957.Arriving in Pearl Harbor 2 December, she was refueled,took on rations, and got mail call.At this time, it was confirmed by Captain Thienesthat TUCKER, along with the remainder of DESDIV32, would make a goodwill visit to Brisbane,Australia.Heading southwest, TUCKER “Crossed the Line” on 5December 1957. This was TUCKER’s first time across the equator, and it was at this time that Navy tradition wasupheld with the crossing of the Equator. The Pollywogs became baptized in the shellbacks ritual, a certificationprocess that's dear to the hearts of every TUCKER crewmember alike. The crew, now shellbacks all, continuedsouthwest.TUCKER arrived in Pago Pago, American Samoa on 10 December 1957, for a brief fuel stop before proceeding"Down under".TUCKER arrived at beautiful Brisbane on 17 December 1957, and thereception was overwhelming. The men of TUCKER enjoyed thehospitality of the "Aussis". A mutual friendship was shared by all."They sure can put away their beer."The photo shows TUCKER preparing to moor outboard of USSRupertus (DD 851) in Brisbane Australia on 17 December1957.The stay in Brisbane lasted only 5 days, TUCKER and the rest ofDESDIV 32 got underway north on 22 December. Christmas 1957found TUCKER at sea headed for Manus Island in Northern PapuaNew Guinea. Crossing back to the Northern Hemisphere on 26December, TUCKER arrived the next day at Manus Island for a brieffuel stop.SECTION 3 - 6

HISTORY OF THE USS HENRY W. TUCKER 1955 - 19591958After arrival in Subic Bay 2 January 1958, the local establishments held over their Christmas trees and decorationsso the crew of TUCKER could celebrate the Christmas they had missed at sea. TUCKER remained for Sonar repairsand ship inspection, then departed on 14 January. From Subic, TUCKER made another fuel stop at Buckner BayOkinawa,She arrived at Yokosuka on 29 January for a brief two-day stay and then made rendezvous with TASK GROUP 77.6,TUCKER participated in radar picket operations and patrol duty. A week later on 5 February, TUCKER made a portof call at Yokohama Japan for 3 days.February 5, 1958—CDR Kay S. IRWIN, USN relieved CDR Robert L. THIENES,and became the TUCKER’s ninth commanding officer.TUCKER departed Yokohama on 8 February 1958 for gunnery exercises and sea trials. All during this deployment in1958, TUCKER was attached to Destroyer Division 32 and operated with USS George K. MacKenzie (DD 836),USS Leonard F. Mason (DD 852), and USS Rupertus (DD 851).During the period 16-22 February 1958, TUCKER was in Sasebo, Japan, after rendezvousing with TG 71.6 forOPERATION STRONGBACK, a major 7th Fleet amphibious assault exercise at Dingalen Bay, Luzon, Philippines.Dingalen Bay is about 120 miles north of Subic Bay. The US Marines in concert with Philippine military personneljointly practiced a major amphibious landing in a remote area similar in terrain to what might be found in manyplaces in southeast asia. Destroyers, cruisers, and helicopter carriers took part in screening, gunfire, and air supporttasks. TUCKER was picket during exercise air attacks.It was during the period 6 to11 March 1958, TUCKER was back in Subic Bay for a little rest and relaxation and thenproceeded to Yokosuka on 17 March for repairs. Once again, commencing 1 April, TUCKER was assigned to TaiwanPatrol.The TUCKER crew visited the Port of Hong Kong on 26 April until 1 May 1958. All enjoyed many fine shoppingsprees.TUCKER started her trip home, departing Yokosuka on 14 May, arriving at Midway Island on 19 May 1958, PearlHarbor on 24 May, finally, after 6 months away from home, arriving Long Beach, California on 30 May 1958.Statistics from TUCKER’s 1958 cruise book for the 1958 6-monthWESPAC deployment:Total miles steamed-- 54,809Farthest North --Farthest West --Biggest Roll --Days in Port -- 6835 o 27’ N (Yokohama)114 o 10’ W (Hong Kong)37 o (Philippine Sea)Gallons of fuel used -- 2,810,170Farthest South --Highest Temperature--Days Underway -- 115Rounds fired --UNREPS -- 827 o 19’ S (Brisbane)115 o (Manus)375 ea 3 inch, 200 ea 5 inch.SECTION 3 - 7

HISTORY OF THE USS HENRY W. TUCKER 1955 - 1959TUCKER returned to plane guard duty for USS Ticonderoga (CVA 14) off the California coast on 30June 1958, but this was practice exercise while the ships steamed toward San Francisco.From 3 to 7 July 1958, TUCKER was in San Francisco, California, for the 50th Anniversary of the “Great WhiteFleet", celebrating the Navy’s 1907-1908 cruise around the world. TUCKER was opened to the public and visited by1660 people.50 TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE “GREAT WHITE FLEETIn 1907, Theodore Roosevelt, 26th president of the United States, sent a portion of the Atlantic fleeton a world tour to test naval readiness, establish global presence and generate internationalgoodwill. The fleet consisted of 16 cruisers and some support vessels. On Dec. 16, 1907, the GreatWhite Fleet departed Hampton Roads, Va., marking the first global naval voyage in America's younghistory. The voyage continued from San Francisco in July 1908, until the completion of the worldtour back at Hampton Roads in February 1909. Theodore Roosevelt's Great White Fleet deploymentunderscored the Navy's commitment to sustaining a Navy and Marine Corps responsive to thechallenges of the 20th century.TUCKER returned to sea off the California coast for more readiness exercises.THE SECOND TAIWAN CRISISDuring the period of 23 August through October of1958, the Communist government resumed a massiveartillery bombardment of Quemoy and Matsu, andthreatened invasion. Chinese patrol boats blockadedQuemoy and Matsu against Chinese Nationalist resupplyefforts This was accompanied by an aggressivepropaganda assault on the United States, threatsagainst American naval ships, and a declaration ofintent to "liberate" Taiwan. Quemoy, which lies about10 kilometers (6 miles) from the mainland, had beenused by the Nationalists to mount raids on MainlandChina.The Seventh Fleet ships in the area were called upon toassist nationalist Chinese efforts to defend and resupplythe islands while carefully avoiding the three-mile limit, and without confrontational moves.The U.S. Senate and Eisenhower’s Cabinet were divided over the importance of defending theseIslands for the new government of Taiwan.On 13 October 1958, TUCKER participated in OPERATION BARNSTORM, and performed picket duty.TUCKER received a distress call on 18 November 1958 from the yacht "Stardust". Food and two members of theStardust crew were transferred aboard and Stardust was taken in tow. Two TUCKER crewmen, R. E. Lane BM1 andRitchey BM2 were on board the Stardust to steer while she was under tow until USCG Perseus (WPC 114) showedup. The yacht's master claimed she had rolled completely over, but Commanding Officer CDR Kay S. Irwin thinksnot.SECTION 3 - 8

HISTORY OF THE USS HENRY W. TUCKER 1955 - 19591959ALASKAN STATEHOODOn 3 January 1959, while TUCKER was in port in Long Beach, Alaska officially became the 49thState of the United States.TUCKER made a dependent cruise throughout the Long Beach Harbor areaon 23 January 1959.From 1 February to 31 June 1959, USS Henry W. Tucker (DDR 875) wasin company with DESDIV 32. TUCKER deployed for WESTPAC on 27February 1959 and reported for duty with Commander Task Force 72 onTaiwan Patrol. The US Navy demonstrated a “Show of Force” in the straitsby creating vapor trails from the aircraft. This was to ensure that they werebeing seen very clearly in large numbers by the Communist Chinese.Shown is the ship’s patch adopted for this WESTPAC deployment.During the months of March and April, in addition to the normal duties of thepatrol, the division participated in training exercises with Chinese Nationalistforces, and upon departure from Task Force 72 took part in additional antisubmarineexercises with the Nationalist Chinese Navy.Operations for the remainder of the mission were with TASK GROUP 77.2, afast carrier-striking group including USS Ranger (CVA 61). Here, thedivision acted as anti-submarine screen for the attack carrier and also asdestroyer plane guard during flight operations. While performing this latterduty, TUCKER rescued the crew of a downed aircraft in record time and received congratulations from Task GroupCommander. In late May, the division as a part of TASK GROUP 77.2 also participated in operation “GRANITECREEK”, an extensive 7th Fleet readiness exercise.TUCKER returned to Long Beach on 31July 1959 after this 6-month tour to theFar East, and entered the shipyard forregular overhaul and repairs. It was atthis time, a few “new” electronicsdevices were added. TACAN (Tactical AirNavigation) was installed on TUCKER.TACAN allowed aircraft to travel straightlines between homing beacons fromselected ground stations, thus allowingTUCKER to be a “ground” station formilitary aircraft.RADARLISTENINGDEVICETACANHOMINGBEACONDOMESPS-8HEIGHTFINDINGRADAROther additions were the larger SPS-8height finding radar, which replaced theolder SP-8 radar. TACAN replaced theSP-8 on the tripod mast, and the newSPS-8 radar was mounted further to therear.This newer and larger X-band radar forthe fire control director replaced theolder MK-25 radar. The conical antenna atop the fire control station above the pilothouse became much larger. Thismajor enhancement for the fire control radar allowed it to also be used as a very sensitive “listening” device. In apassive “listening mode, it could record frequency signatures of missiles, and aircraft at double the trackingdistance. This would then allow FT crewmembers to detect and record the signature of airborne “bogies” at muchlonger distances, with distance determined altitudes of up to 60,000 ft.SECTION 3 - 9

HISTORY OF THE USS HENRY W. TUCKER 1955 - 1959Also installed was the long range SSB radio transmitter. Normally, a destroyer operating in a squadron, or carrierops, would transmit their radio messages through the local flagship or the squadron command ship. Long range SSBradio transmissions could be used when operating independently, for direct communication to other militaryfacilities, or even to Washington DC if necessary.HAWAIIAN STATEHOODOn 21 August 1959, while TUCKER was in the shipyard, Hawaii officially became the 50th State ofthe United States.The yard period was complete in mid-November 1959, TUCKER once again commenced intensive training inpreparation for the forthcoming deployment.To continue the History of USS Henry W. Tucker (DDR 875), select History years 1960-1964.SECTION 3 - 10