The first half of 1970 saw NEWPORT NEWS undergoing a regular overhaul at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, Virginia. During this overhaul NEWPORT NEWS received probe fueling capability with the installation of two new fueling stations. Two of the four boilers were completely retubed and the remaining two were partially retubed. In order to reassess the stability of NEWPORT NEWS an inclining experiment was also conducted. Also during the overhaul, a MK 28 MOD O chaff rocket launching systems was installed by ship's force. This evolution involved the complete transfer of the production model system with its quick disconnect features for the prototype launcher system which had initially been installed at Subic Bay in January of 1969. A high volume of material preservation which included virtually 100% of exterior spaces as well as the major portion of below decks spaces rounded out the overhaul.
During the period 5-29 AUG, NEWPORT NEWS underwent refresher training at Guantanamo Bay. Although only receiving a short modified version of REFTRA, a great deal of training was received which resulted in the development of effective general quarters teams in all department.
The months of August and September were devoted to the planning and accomplishment of relining the ship's main battery, her eight-inch guns. Due to budgetary limitations, this job was deleted from the shipyard work package. The absolute necessity, however, of having to reline the guns prompted the Weapons Department to attempt the previously unattempted and unaccomplished. The successful relining, completed in mid-September, marked the first time such an undertaking had been accomplished, unassisted, by ship's force. This task was accomplished at a saving of approximately $75,000 to the government on the estimated shipyard price.
During October, NEWPORT NEWS made port visits to New York City and Newport, RI. The remainder of the year was spent in port with the exception of a four day underway period in November for type training in the Virginia Capes Operating Area, and participation in a Communications exercise in December.
SUMMARY OF INVESTIGATIONS HELD IN 1970
1 Injury
0 Automobile accidents and/or resulting injuries
0 Fire
1 Ship's store robbery
0 Classified material compromises
0 Motorcycle accidents
0 Apprehension and maltreatment
1 Fraudulent enlistment
3 Total Investigations
NUMBER OF CLAIMS AGAINST THE US NAVY = 0
NUMBER OF SHIPBOARD INJURIES NOT REQUIRING INVESTIGATION = 243
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF INDEBTEDNESS LETTERS RECEIVED BY THE SHIP = 460
Including those for men who have since been released and also transferred.
SUMMARY OF ADMINISTRATIVE DISCHARGES GIVEN IN 1970
6 Narcotics or other drugs
18 Personality disorders
9 Discreditable involvement with military and/or civil authorities
2 Indebtedness
COURT-MARTIALS HELD
7 Total
7 Special
2 Assault
6 Unauthorized absence
2 Communicating a threat
2 Disobedience of a commissioned officer
1 Robbery
1 Disrespect toward a commissioned officer
1 Creating a disturbance
NON-JUDICIAL PUNISHMENT
439 Total
211 Unauthorized absence
7 Disobedience of a superior petty officer
30 Dereliction of duty
37 Failure to obey a lawful order
34 Absent from appointed place of duty
4 Fighting
25 Disrespect to a superior petty officer
11 Assault
4 Drunk and disorderly
2 Damaging government property
3 Wrongful urination
2 Disrespect to a commissioned officer
1 Disobedience of a commissioned officer
2 Provoking words and gestures
7 Making a false official statement
4 Drunk
2 Wrongful use of another man's liberty card
5 Having alcoholic beverage onboard ship
1 Failure to observe reveille
21 Dismissals
7 Out of uniform
2 Failure to observe colors
4 Breaking restriction
12 Missing ship's movement
3 Communicating a threat
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