Date: Sun, 6 Dec 1998 13:49:05 EST
Author: DWMASSOC@aol.com
Subject: Newport News Chronicles -Part 1--The Beginning
   The Newport News chronicles show only a few of the events in the life and times of the Newport News and her crew in the early years. I will be able to provide only a cursory report on the happenings. If any one else can augment the reports (Sea Stories) keep us better informed, you are encouraged to do so.
   At the end of WorldWar II, it was projected that by the powers to be that the Aircraft Carrier and their on-board aircraft would be main stay in future naval engagements. The production of Battle Ships had ceased, some 13 BB'S had been placed in mothballs or scraped and the high maintenance and support cost for the fourth remaining BB'S limited their longevity. In addition, the existing Battle Force commanders flag ships (AGC's) were never efficient and would have to be replaced. For example, the USS Eldorado AGC-11 was scheduled to be the command flag ship for the invasion of Japan. The Eldorado was constructed on a merchant marine class "C" hull. Her maximum speed was 15.7 Knots and had only a single 5 inch open mount for protection. To insure the safety of the most valuable asset, the multi flag command, the Japan Battle Plan called for 6 to 8 battleships to provide protection for the Flagship. This resulted in the Navy's decision to build a ultra modern air conditioned ship Class with sufficient space and a communications capability to support a deployed Fleet Commander. This would also including massive automated rapid-fire weaponry systems for defense against enemy ships/aircraft and fire support for troops ashore. This ship came to light as the SALEM Class Cruiser.
     The Newport News (CA-148) is unique as far as the SALEM Class cruiser is concerned. Since the Newport News Shipbuilding and dry Dock Company built a Cruiser with their name sake, the builder made her about three feet longer than in other in her class. She was indeed unique. There is a retired Philadelphia police officer, who attends all of the reunions, who will be able to give us the exact dimensions. This will be a factor in the development of the model that is under consideration.
     In mid 1948 the crew for the USS Newport News (CA-148) was formed as unit "X" at the Naval Station, Norfolk, Virginia. This new crew comprised mainly new sailors who were going to sea for the first time. With a few experienced petty officers to take them in tow, keep them out of trouble and teach them our new trade, the Newport News would grow and achieve there cognition that we all know. The rigorous ships training would include not only individual rate proficiency but an integrated ship battle readiness. Remember these were the days of the "Rocks and Shoals" where life was considered hard and rigid. The crew attached to unit "X" were sent over to the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company across the bay to install tiles and trice up the racks.
     The Newport News (CA-148) was a show boat from the very beginning. Her first Skipper was Captain Roland N. Smoot-- a senior Captain in the US Navy. With his seniority he asked for and was assigned as the first skipper. With his seniority, it gave the ship a leg up. The ship always had first choice on all support services (tug/entry sequence) and the best berth on arrival in port---RANK had it's privilege. NN sailors soon learned that they had the best ship and skipper in the Navy, but we would have to tow the mark to earn all privileges -- those that we though came automatically. We want to keep this in mind as it will raise it's head in the following Saga.
     After the ship was commissioned, the Captain held a meeting with all hands on the fan tail. The Captain explained that he was going to make Admiral in the near future. There was no doubt that the performance of the USS Newport News (CA-148) and her crew would directly reflect on his advancement. He provided in very concise terms as what is expected from Newport News sailors. This included inspections (personnel and material) battle readiness conditions and last but not least conduct of personnel ashore. He also made it very clear that once the ship was able to meet his very high expectations that the crew would be given all of the privileges they could handle. The Friday Plan of the Day called for Personnel Inspections at 0800 followed by Material Inspection at 1000 with liberty call to commence at 1600 or when the ship was ready -- that was the key words "when ready" The Captain personally inspected every officer, enlisted man and material spaces. During personnel inspection, the yeoman walked behind the Captain with a pad and a book of serialized chits. Any discrepancy detected during personnel inspection would require another inspection one after liberty call had been sounded. These were real sounds as bugle calls were used for all ships evolution at that time. During personnel inspection, if there was a problem with hair cuts you were really in trouble. The chits the yeoman kept were numerically sequenced and a letter applied. If you had a discrepancy letter was added to the chit -- Letter "A" got you a trim; Letter "B" a little more off and Letter "C" you were skinned. At the completion of your division being inspected, those personnel with a hair cut chit were immediately released to report to the barber shop for a make over. Don"t forget these chits were numbered so no one could juggle the line. The ship's barbers were not really happy to have to give hair cuts to errant sailors just prior to their liberty call. At week two, I only supported a crew cut and never got called for a discrepancy. The Captain held the material inspection in white gloves, and the spic and
span material conditions of our spaces was put to the test. All the Captain said after each space inspected was -- Pass or Unsatisfactory. At 1600 hours, a few enlisted personnel had assembled on the fan tail and officers on the forward brow waiting for the bugle to sound liberty call. On the pier was an assembly of wives and girl friends waiting. When the XO and a few of the junior officers started down the gang way as the ship's bells toll 1600 hrs, the Captain leaned over the side of bridge and informed all hands that liberty call had not been sounded and that liberty would commence for all hands when the ships material condition was satisfactory. On that first week inspection the crew, Officers and Enlisted to ashore on Sunday at 1545--a very unpleasant weekend. It was now thought that we knew exactly what the Captain expected. The second week liberty call was sounded for all hands on Saturday at 1400. By this time the crew fully understood the Captain's requirement and if you expected to go ashore we would have to meet his requirements and not our own. From then on, liberty was based on division performance vice total ship which starting a competition between divisions and departments. From week three and there after, liberty commenced 1100 for those personnel and divisions who passed inspection. If you could look into the divisions lockers you would probably be able to find for each man 1) a sharply creased set of dress blues, 2) a loose rolled neckerchief and 3) a new pair of highly spit shined shoes. Since we were "new" inexperienced sailors, it only took us two weeks of reduced liberty to understand the basic requirements.
     That's the way it was in the beginning. The Newport News had come to life along side the pier at NAVSTA NORVA.

Date:Thu, 7 Jan 1999 15:03:48 EST
Author:DWMASSOC@aol.com
Subject:Newport News Chronicles - Part Two--The News Letter
     The Newport News commissioning has been completed and all hands knew where to eat, sleep, and the location of the liberty gangway. There was a two week period for local OPS prior to departing for GITMO for the ships initial shake down. The first week was spent on general drills (many) and establishing the speed runs to validate ships speed versus turns of the screw. Since the NN was new and had a very clean bottom, a speed in excess of 34 knots was achieved during these runs.
     The second week of local OPS consisted of more drills and special gunnery exercises. The NN was unique as the main battery (8") was fully automated with various projectiles and cased (not bag) powder. At the push of a button the main batteries could load and be prepared to a fire full broadside in less than 13 seconds. Utility Squadron 8 provided drone aircraft for our first big shoot. The drone is placed some 40 miles from the ship the vectored in. For normal firing runs, the control aircraft, some 5 miles off center of the drone, keeps the drone at 10-12 thousand feet until 18 miles from the firing ship. At this point the drones speed is maximized noses over and commences evasive maneuvers. Ships usually are able to commence firing at about 10 miles. The control aircraft got the surprise of his life for the NN provide deviating anti-aircraft fire with the main battery at the 20 mile mark. Turret 3 brought the drone down with a total of 9 rounds at a range greater than 18l.5 miles. The five inchers missed out on this shoot. The control aircraft informed the ship that it was their first experience with a ship that was able to provide such accurate and rapid fire salvos at those ranges. The term passed on from the control aircraft to its counterparts when you service the Newport News in gunnery exercises be aware of her ability to provide rapid fire salvos very accurately at extreme ranges (20 Miles). With this reputation the Newport News Newsletter acquired the name of RAPID FIRE.
     That's how it was for the Newport News first two weeks at sea. Please add your own reflections to this chronicle. I know that all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I will see you all at the NN reunion to provide you with more on the first two weeks at sea.

    

Date:Thu, 28 Jan 1999 16:46:16 EST
Author:DWMASSOC@aol.com
Subject:Newport News Chronicals- Part Three-Shakedown Training
    The Newport News was finally underway for controlled training with the fleet training group at Gitmo Cuba. All the old salts keep telling the new - non sea leg sailors that the normal underway training was from three to five weeks when the orders came out that we would depart on 5 April and would return to Norfolk about 20 June -- (Ten Weeks) we were dumb founded.
      We arrived at Gitmo and as usual for all ships reporting in for underway training received a low proficiency mark which would be brought up to a satisfactory grade prior to our departure. The UW training was arduous but all hands knew that it was a very necessary as we were really a bunch of highly skilled individuals but not a proficient integrated team to carry out the requirements of a man of war. At the end of the fourth week of training the Newport News sailed for Kingston, Jamaica for a little R&R. This was probably the first experience (visit) in a foreign country for the majority of the Newport News sailors.The break in the training routine was a welcomed and a good time was had by all.
     At the end of our seventh week, the final battle problem was completed and the Newport News achieved a high (95.5%) proficiency rating. The high score was mainly due to the gunnery exercises as they were based on older test routines.The FTG Gitmo in future years would have to make changes in the scoring criteria to accommodate the new ships that were under construction and coming down the pike.Upon the completion of the basic training at Gitmo, we were informed that we would proceed to the Panama Canal for exploratory (training) operations and from there proceed to the Island of Culebra (near Puerto Rico) for and intensified shore bombardment training exercise. This was to enhance our training for possible future operations. These visits were always part if the over all master plan but not released to the crew in general till the last moment. The Panama visit again provided for a little R&R for the over worked crew.
     The Newport News arrived at the island of Culebra early Monday morning and the FTG personal came aboard to explain the rules and conditions of firing. Basically they would provide a spotters position on a chart and direct your fire to a specific location.You knew the spotters position and you had to insure that you knew your exact position in the off shore waters.This required coordination between CIC, Main Battery Plot and the navigation department--The team after two and a half days of intensive shore fire including night illumination, the fire missions were going to be on the reverse slope of the mountain where only the gun spotter on the beach would be able to see the effects of the fire and direct future fire to the assigned target. On the first reverse fire mission the spotter assigned the target and asked for two rounds from the main battery to validate accuracy of the fire prior to firing full broadsides. Turret one and barrels 1 and 3 were loaded with high explosive rounds and reduced powder charges to lob shells over the top of the mountain range onto the target.The spotter authorized the firing of the initial two rounds from which he would adjust the fire prior to firing for effect (destruction of target). Turret one fired the two rounds and after over 30 seconds the spotter informed the ship that he was less than 3000 yards from the target site and nothing (hits) was observed. He also inquired if whether we were playing some sort of joke on him. Another initial firing was ordered. The spotter reported that the fire was directly on target and released all batteries to fire foe effect. In less than three minutes the Newport News had destroyed every target in the assigned area. We got a "Bravo Aulu" from the spotter. The spotters came aboard to debrief the Captain and Officers on the results of our firing prior to our return to Norfolk. Even before the spotters departed the ship, we had a "Flash" message from CINCLANTFLT that there had been a complaint by civilian rancher on the north side of the island that two of his prize milk cows had been killed from some gunfire. 1st  Lt. Sparks Commanding the Marine detachment onboard and the ships legal officer was assigned the investigation task When arriving at the ranch they determined that there was indeed two big holes in the ground but could not find any remains such as hair, blood or bones. The rancher insisted that these two prize cows gave almost 10 gallons of milk with 10% cream daily. He estimated the cows worth to be $850 and could never be replaced. After a close investigation, it was determined that the first two rounds fired by turret one, had been accidentally loaded with full charged powder cartridges, vice reduced charges. In order not to have an international incident the Newport News recreation fund bought the two prize cows but never got a drop of milk.
     That's the way it was for the first underway training for the Newport News.

    

Newport News Chronicles— Part Four - Northern Cruise
    Basic shakedown training was over and the GREY GHOST was preparing to take her place in 8normal fleet activities. Reserves were brought aboard for their two weeks of training and we headed for Halifax Nova Scotia. Upon arrival inport a Navy Commander from the American Legation, United States Navy Attache (ALUSNA HALIFAX) came aboard to provide us the do's and don't for our visit. After providing all the places that were "out of bounds" and potential trouble spots, he suggested to Captain Scoot that liberty should be curtailed at midnight as there were an exceptionally large number of merchant ships in port and there might a conflict. The Captain had the word passed that liberty would commence immediately and expire on board at 0730 hours. The ALUSNA Rep ask the Captain if he heard his recommendations about liberty. Capt SMOOT answered affirmative but the day I took Command of the NN, I promised my men that when they were able to meet my high standards they would be given all of the privileges they could handle. The personnel of the Newport News have achieved that goal. Therefor maximum liberty would be granted. There was not a single incident during the stay that would reflect badly on our reputation.
     Our first major Fleet Operation was to participate in a Northern Cruise to the Arctic Circle with some twenty fleet units. We took on 12 sailors with either a cook or radioman rating badge (today known as Communication Technicians(CT's) with the Naval Security Group) and four snow sleds. Two of the sleds were motorized but the other two had a nine dog team. In addition with the dogs there were two Eskimo handlers. All of the dogs and sleds were stored below deck in the boat area. The Task Force upon arriving adjacent to Newfoundland, we met our first taste of winter weather---Temperature well below zero, 80-100 knot winds, Seventy foot swells with about 90 foot intervals. The ship was completely covered with a thick coat of ice. It was announced that the outside of the ship would have to be deiced or it was possible that the ship could capsize( turn over). We below deck personnel kind of laughed to think of that extra work was being placed on the deck divisions. The laughing did not last long as every man, 2nd Class and below, in addition to his normal watch standing duties was assigned to a one hour, twice a day, ice removal detail. The "K" division covered the main deck around frame 100 from the 01 level bulkhead across the main deck to the water way and to the raised platform for the 40MM( later replaced with 3" guns) stations.
     The Newport News detached from the task force to proceed as far north in the Arctic Circle that was navigational-- to the ice cap. It was here that we learned of a covert mission. The Russians had developed a very narrow radio communication beam across the north pole for their special secure operations. The Security group had established an intercept site within that narrow beam and was relaying the intercepted signals to their base in Maryland. The personnel and sleds were going to relieve an on station group which we would return to the states with us.
     After arriving at the solid ice pact, we moored port side to the ice, off loaded the CT, Eskimos and the dogs and sleds. We would lay next to the solid ice for about three days until the relieved team came back. While along side the ice pact the weather was ideal-- very cold, clear skies and no wind to speak. The crew played several football games d on the ice during our stay.
     The relived team returned in two motorized sleds and were brought aboard. It was at this point that we knew we had a small problem. With our three day stay along side the ice shelve , the shelve had surrounded the ship and hardened for about one and a quarter miles down the channel. The ship, with full power was unable to escape the ice. We had three choices 1) stay there till the ice loosened in the next summer and pray the hull wold not crush; 2) Call the Coast Guard to provide an ice breaker to get us out or; 3) come up with another alternative. There is no doubt the first two were really unacceptable. A plan was developed to use Mount 51 to blast the solid ice and break up a path down the channel and be on our way. The engines were ready for full power as soon as the ice was cracked from the 5" round (s). Remember when you were a kid and you took a stone a skipped it across the water and saw it bounce several times before it sank The same situation happened here. When mount 51 fired the rounds they skipped across the ice(we never saw the impact) and we were back to ground zero. The motorized sled was off loaded , an ordinance team placed heavy charges along the proposed channel path. The sled was reloaded, the charges detonated and with full power the Newport News was just barely able to underway.
     The Newport News returned to Norfolk Virginia and all hands received their famous ‘BLUE NOSE" card. If you chipped ice on this trip you really earned that card.
     That's how it was on the Arctic Circle cruise.
Don (Moose) Miller

Date:Sun, 21 Feb 1999 13:35:22 EST
Author:DWMASSOC@aol.com
Subject:Newport News Chronicles - Part five--First Med Cruise
     The Newport News was heading for the Med to become, the first of many times, flagship for ComSixthFlt. On this deployment we were going to hit many good liberty ports but the two that would remain in our minds forever were Barcelona Spani and Venice Italy.
     A aggressive young second class Machinist Mate by the name of Bill Minnick formed a Country western band and provided entertainment for the whole crew during our deployments. Not bragging but this group were quite good and always drew a large crown when the played. The band was name the Newport News Ramblers. MM2 Minnick composed the theme song for the ship--"Its Only a
Cruiser in Old Villa Bay".
     They announced that we were going to visit of Barcelona Spain. The Newport News was to be the first American man-of-war to visit Spain since Teddy Roosevelt's WHITE FLEET in the early 1900's. Upon arrival in port we were greeted by massive crowds and high dignitaries. Music and dances were provided on the pier and the were two trucks with massive kegs of Spanish wine. Any sailor, in Dress Uniform, going ashore on liberty was given all of the wine that they desired. I must say that this was the first time that I saw many sailors repeating putting trash on the pier wearing Dress Blues. The liberty in Barcelona was probably the best in the Med-- people friendly, prices low (very) and great sites to see. We were going to be in port for four days (Thursday-Monday) On Saturday the USS Midway (CV- 41) arrived for a two day stay. The prices for every thing just about doubled after that.
     The Newport News Ramblers, while in a jam secession aboard ship, was over heard by visiting dignitaries The Mayor ask the Admiral if they would be permitted play at the local radio station. Permissions granted . It was to be a 15 minute cession but it turned out to be about three hours instead. The band was wined and dined and served by the most beautiful senioritis in all of Spain. En route to Venice, while adjacent to the coast of Albania, the lookouts  kept reporting logs floating in the water with large spikes. On closer inspection in was determined that the floating objects were bottomed moored mines that had broken loose during a recent earth quack. The marines were broke out and they had a field day detonating (or trying to) the mines. A notice to mariners was put out and we continued on our way. Upon arriving in Venice we proceeded up the Grand Cannel to Gebee point, turned around and headed towards the sea. The Newport News anchored fifty yards from the landing to St. Marks Square. On the turn around in the channel at Gebee point there was less than 50 feet for and aft between the ship and the shore. When liberty commenced half of the liberty party went to Mass at St Marks and the other half visited the House of Diana to observe the marble statues and other great works of art.
     While I was TAD in the early 80's to Rota Spain I visited El Goucho, a quasi western type bar. To my amazement, over the radio came the announcement that the next song was by the ever popular "Newport News Ramblers". The Newport News Ramblers music was still being played some 30 years after first be recorded in Barcelona in 1950.
     By the way, While station on the USS Eldorado AGC-11 in San Diego in the mid 60's and older LCDR Bill Minnick(NN Rambler) came aboard as the Engineering Officer.
That's the way it was for our first Med deployment.

Date:Thu, 1 Apr 1999 14:52:27 EST
Author:DWMILER@aol.com
Subject:Newport News Chronicles Part 6--The Enemy
      The Newport News had just finished four day visit to the Wheeler Air Force Base in Libya in preparation for our next join exercise. We got underway at 1800 hrs and were proceeding independently to join-up with the Carrier Group west of Sicily. The shipping traffic in that area was very light. The Mid watch in CIC had been tracking ,on radar, a very small intermittent contact that appeared to be steering erratic courses. The Lookouts had been scanning the area very closely but could not find the contact. On our present course and speed, the unidentified contact would pass within 4000 yard of the ship. The signal Bridge with the big eyes identified a ship, without navigation lights showing, approaching from our starboard bow. It was possible that since we were in a war gaming mode, this vessel might be part of the opposing force and an attack was imminent. The ship went to condition one--just in case. The signal Bridge made repeated attempts to contact the vessel via flashing light with no results. Out of the blue came a flashing light message from the unidentified vessel -- I am the non capitalistic North Korean Gun Boat --Yhen Che (spelling) .All hell broke loose. The OOD/CDO Officers were prepared to blow that ship out of the water. All the 5" guns were brought to bear just waiting for the order to open fire The Captain came to the bridge with the Flag chief of Staff right behind. The Captain took the wind out of our sails. Since we were in international waters and were not officially at war with North Korea, we could not take any aggressive action. The ship's search lights illuminate the North Korean vessel. It is not a standard protocol to illuminate the bridge of other vessels,at sea, during periods of darkness but the Captain determined that it was in the best interest of he ships safety to monitor their deck activity. The vessel only carried a 3 pounder gun forward with a canvass cover  The following guidance was provided by the Captain "If that vessel manned and unhooked the gun barrel from the "Y" tie down that would be an act of aggression against us and we would be forced to defend ourselves. With the high anxiety among the troops, there were many reports that it looked is if there was some sort of traffic near the gun. In reality they stood clear of any possible actions that were considered hostile--nothing ever came about--only wishful thinking. The surveillance of the vessel was transferred to an air units in our vicinity and the Newport News proceeded on to out next fleet rendezvous. The North Korean vessel proceeded to Albania under the watch watchful eye allied forces.
     That's how it was on the Newport News first encounter with an enemy vessel.

    

Date:Fri, 16 Apr 1999 14:46:32 EDT
Author:DWMILER@aol.com
Subject:Newport News Chronicles-part 7-Palma Majorca
     The Newport News was finally returning to Spanish territory. Every one remembered the  previous visits to Valencia and Barcelona Spain as the best liberty ports in  the Med. We ere head for a four day stay to Palma Majorca. As the Newport News entered the harbor, we passed to port a sleek ebony yacht, Black Swan, with gleaming white sails. The yacht a caught every ones attention but most of all was the five or six girls sunbathing on the deck. The liberty in Palma was as  expected -- Outstanding. A group of sailors attended the Saturday Bull Fights in honor of our visit.  Since we were a group of twelve, one of the three VIP boxes was procured up front and center of the Bull Fight arena. In the box next to ours was occupied by eight beautiful women and a single  man. After a closer look, the man was Errol Flynn the actor and the Black Swan was his yacht. He was very cordial and made the comment that since the fleet had pulled in he was having a hard time finding enough females to support the sailing of the yacht He passed a bottle of gin over to our box   and said drink to your good health. After watching most of the Bull Fight Errol said that he was planning a Sunday morning cruise on the yacht and would like to know if any of the sailors here knew about sailing and would like to go out with him. As you guessed it, every one of the twelve sailors  in our box were expert yachtsmen. . . . On Sunday morning the Black Swan got under sail with Errol Flynn, seven beautiful girls and four Newport News sailors as a crew.. The Black Swan returned to port early in the evening. You remember what three things a good sailor gets on liberty--well they did all but the TATTOO. Upon leaving port on Monday morning, Errol Flynn and his female girl crew manned their rail to wish us a Bon Voyage.
     That was the way it was for the Newport News second year visit to Spain.

Date:Tue, 27 Apr 1999 14:19:08 EDT
Author:DWMILER@aol.com
Subject:Newport News Chronicle Part 8--The Balkans
     After three arduous weeks in multi- nation sea operations, the Newport News, with several other naval vessels were going to visit Athens Greece.. Greece was in a turmoil at that time in the western area with the communists trying to overthrow the King. The mountains area made communications with the government field units suppressing the communist almost impossible. The Newport News diverted from the Athens visit to Thesalslonka (Slonika )Greece. All hand were pleased as we would be the only ship in port for great rest and relaxation.
     Upon arrival the Newport News established a Communication relay link , from the American Embassy,for the Royal Hellenic forces Commanders to communicate with the dispersed anti-communist field units. An eight man(me one of them) watch team set up and manned this system on a 24 hour basis. Our four day expected stay turned into a nine day stay. After the eighth day the rebels were
overcome. On the ninth day there was ,for the standby liberty section ,a mandatory (liberty) field trip(tour) by train and motorcade to the northern border area to show the unity between Greece and the USA. The first part of the trip was by train and followed on later by trucks as the terrain was too
rough.. The King of Greece and a number of other dignitaries were in the first two cars with over 120 sailors in the last four train cars. There was a Greek soldier stationed every one hundred yards along the path traveled. We arrived at the Yugoslavia boarder (mountains area), had a great lunch and
picture taking experience. This was a no cost tour for the standby section but in reality it was political ploy in support of the King of Greece an anti-communist effort ---.
     That's how it was on the Newport News's first direct support of s NATO country against a Balkan enemy. .Shades of KOSOVO today.

    

Date:Wed, 28 Apr 1999 16:14:41 EDT
Author:DWMILER@aol.com
Subject:Newport News Chronicles -Part 9--In The Movies
     As 6th Fleet flagship, the Newport News has many honors that the other ships in the fleet were not privileged to have. Our home port was Villa France(VF) in the middle of the French Rivera. VF was a deep water anchorage area with the capability to hold two ships, one the Newport News and the other for a destroyer or submarine. In my six years in the Med, only twice was there ever another ship
anchored there. It was our private playground. Since seventy percent of the flag personnel, including the Admiral, had their families with them the return to V F was often and most pleasing. The Admiral detached TG60.0(the flagship) to proceed as he directed and that indicated that we were going to
go into our home port two days earlier than expected. Upon exiting from the liberty boat at fleet landing, in front of Ma Germaine's restaurant you had the choice of catching a bus eastward to Monte Carlo (Via Cape Ferrets Nudist Colony) or westward to Nice, Cannes or Gulf Juan . .The Newport News  cleared the Cape for a straight in shoot to our anchorage. As we were completely inside the harbor all hell broke loose. There were about 12 small boats and one medium sailing vessel emerging from the shore. They were filming from seven different locations , the last segments of the movie ,
Captain Horacio Hornblower. . The movie company was two days behind in the filming because of bad weather and the fact that we came in two days early caught them by surprise. The movie company (Gregory Peck and cast) reset their staging and the Newport News had to retreat. It did not look too good for a modern 17,000 ton cruiser to be in an era 1800 film. Instead of being anchored by
0930, the Newport News dropped the hook at 1500 hrs. Personnel who went ashore at first
liberty call mingled with the movie cast at the local establishment. The stars of the movie and main characters had retired to the Negressco Hotel in Nice. A few of the officers on liberty in Nice were invited to a " post shoot party". Well we were a movie star in our own right if even for day..
     That's the way it was for our first Movie shoot.. ....

Don (Moose Miller) 1948-1955

    

Date:Sun, 9 May 1999 13:49:00 EDT
Author:DWMILER@aol.com
Subject:Newport News Chronicles-Part 10-The Ambassador
    In 1953, Claire Luce Booth was appointed Ambassador to Italy. The Newport News was  selected as the host for the celebration in her honor. It was to be attended by not only the diplomatic corps but major military commands. The Newport News would be in full dress with the flags flying from stem to stern. The uniform of the day was dress blues.
     During our underway replenishment prior to returning to Naples we took on our normal ration of supplies and a little more ear marked for he celebration. In addition , there was a special Vertical replenishment via helicopter for some 40 cases of champagne. The were not handled by the normal working party but by the steward mates and stowed in officers country for safe keeping.Upon arriving in port, the stewards were preparing all of the delicious for the party when it was discovered that some 40 pounds of liver Pate and 60.pounds of boneless chicken had been miss placed during the storage of
supplies that were brought aboard the last replenishment. An inspection of all spaces was made for the missing food. All that was recovered was 5 cartons of crackers and 2 five pound tins of corned beef. The supply department made a quick trip to the local stores and procured the missing  food for of the party. They were very lucky the stewards and not the normal all hands working party loaded the Champaign.
     The Ambassadors party was a great success. All's well that ends well. The Newport News was again underway for standard operations. It was said that those personnel coming on or going off the mid-watch were served boneless chicken and liver Pate on crackers in the sand locker. We did enjoy the party..
     That's the events surrounding the Ambassador celebration.
Don (Moose) Miller 1948-1955

Date:Tue, 11 May 1999 13:02:51 EDT
Author:DWMILER@aol.com
Subject:Newport News Chronicles Part 11-The Finale
     The Korean war was not coming to a fast conclusion and the longer we were involved, other communist countries were becoming a little restless. Russia has made known her displeasure with the actions of the United States and her Allies. It was a time of tension through out the Med. Major units of the 6th Fleet , were going to Istanbul Turkey for an extended(7 days) port visit. The famous news commentator, Walter Winchell said that with the situation in WESTPAC and the tension with Russian, that those ships leaving Istanbul would never get out of the Straights much less reach the Med.
     The Newport News crew had been almost intact for four years and were considered to be a highly trained, proficient crew. A number of enlisted personnel, who were original Newport News plank owners , had reached the end of their tour (4yr) and were going to be replaced while in port. Having new shipmates come aboard would mean a slight loss in proficiency and a new start in grooming A few of the new men, who had no at-[sea experience, were having a hard time distinguishing between fact, sea stories and scuttle but which placed them in a precarious position.
     Finally underway--not in a normal navigation or steaming watch but at an alert condition three watch. The USS Midway (CVA-41) with CTF60.2 onboard was the force commander. The weather was clear with a brisk breeze blowing from the west. I was making my way down from Flag Plot to CIC and had made note of the High wind velocity as it would effect CIC's actions in case the
helicopter was to be launched.The sound powered phone ( JA) between the bridge and CIC permitted the Bridge talker to maintain a summary plot for pertinent Air and Surface contacts and the relaying of other information between CIC and the Bridge. At this moment CIC had picked up a very large air contact at some 200 mile to the west and designated it as Bogey Delta 1 for tracking purposes. This was displayed boldly on the bridges summary plot. At the same time, I noticed that the anemometer (direction/speed of the wind) was reading zero. I informed the CIC watch officer of a possible problem with our unit. The CIC Watch officer directed that a comparison of readings between the Bridge and
CIC anemometer be made. The CIC JA talker said to the bridge "Bridge Combat standby for an anemometer check". The answer back from the bridge was standby-- changing phone talkers. The new Bridge JA phone talker was a brand new QMSA standing his first watch. The CIC JA talker made the comment that this was going to a great watch as the new talker was so nervous that he  didn't even know proper protocol on this sound powered circuit. The CIC JA talker repeated "Bridge Combat standby for an anemometer check. . This new QMSA watch stander reached over and tugged the coat tail of the OOD and said nervously "Stand by for and atomic bomb attack. Condition 1AA was set and the air target (Bogey Delta 1) some 200 miles to our east was designated as the possible atomic bomb carrier . COMSIXTHFLT in flag plot, responding to the information receive by sound powered phones set the entire 6thFlt via radio to Condition Purple One-(-Prepare for an atomic bomb attack). The force commander ordered Midway to launched the ready aircraft (two jet fighters)  with maximum armament and minimum fuel to intercept and neutralize the threat. With the past performance between the ships CIC, Bridge, and Flag plot all reactions were instantaneous and without question. The Newport News CIC was assigned as he Air Intercept control ship for the fighters that had just been launched to intercepted the "atomic bomber. Some 12 minutes later and at a range of 140 miles from the task force ,the fighter group reported "Tally-Ho"--one BOAC British commercial airliner en route to Greece from Gibraltar and was asking where is the real enemy. They also reported that their fuel supply was so low that safe return to the Midway was not possible. Luckily there was a second U.S. Carrier that was underway in the Aegean Sea and was able to take them aboard under an emergency condition. The happening to those planes and pilots prior to return to the Midway is another story in its self. After a closer review of the situation, the Flag canceled " Condition Purple One" and the fleet returned to a condition three watch. The flag chewed out the bridge for inaccurate information that caused them to set an atomic attack condition, , the Bridge chewed out CIC for inaccurate information but CIC stood its ground. The Captain ordered all personnel to returned to the exact stations they manned prior to the fiasco. It was determined that the QMSA was standing his first watch, nervous and had never heard of anemometer. The policy for watch standing was changed immediately--Only PO2's and above would man command oriented (JA/JF) sound powered phones between Flag Plot, Bridge and CIC.
     This will conclude the Newport News (CA-148)  Chronicles. They are presented from an operational standpoint. There are many more Sages out there to be told such as 1) smuggling of jewels from France; 2) Covering the Lucky Luciano funeral in Italy, and 3) Drug trafficking Turkey. Please add your own reflections on this chronicle and add your own.
Moose Miller1948-1955
                            

                        Well Done Moose