To all hands

If any of you on the List KNOW (No guessing or rumors please) of any other commendations our ship has received, please send such information to Mike Lanier
at mikel@uss-newport-news.com who maintains the "History Pages" and he will see that it get added to History pages.
 

                                                               VietNam
     One or our shipmates who just found our web site has supplied me with the following points of history that I am sure that a lot of us older sailors of previous years had no idea that the Newport News was involved in, I know I sure didn't. Richard Reith (Rich) of Atlanta, Georgia, RM2 in Communications on board from 11/71 to 10/73 has supplied all the following articles off history about the Newport News, to him I am very grateful, I always knew that our ship was capable of doing these things I just never knew that it acutely did them. Makes me very proud to have served on board such a great ship,thanks Rich!

Jim Sollee Administrator of the Mail List

LAST OF THE LEVIATHANS
From the China Morning Post

     The USS NEWPORT NEWS, now moored in Hong Kong Harbor, is the last of her breed, an anachronistic reminder of the days when ships with big guns ruled the seas and proudly showed the flag on goodwill cruises 'round the world. Gone are the days when the cruiser was the Navy's maid of all work, the symbol in distant ports of a nation's strength and ability to maintain its rights anywhere on the high seas. Now that the battleship has gone the way of the ship of the line, the mantle of seaborne power has passed from aircraft carriers to missile carrying submarines. But neither class of vessel can match the eye appeal of a ship carrying big guns. They were designed to awe, and awe they could and did when necessary. They could hit hard and travel far and fast. It was their long lean barrels that bespoke a nation's will. And while they no longer match the destructive power of carrier-borne jets or a missile launched from under the sea, it was guns that carried the flag to victory in battles from the Armada to Surigao Strait. When the gun went into decline, so did the ships that carried them. Electronics took over and today's men o'war carry a tangle of aerials in their fighting tops, helicopters amidships, and missile-launchers on quarterdecks. None of these modern marvels gives to a fighting ship that special arrogance that big guns did. Those ships are almost gone and soon the last of them will go out of commission and end in the breaker's yards. Till then, men who love the sea and respect that sea power won and exercised by the authority of big guns, will relish the rare glimpse of such ships as the NEWPORT NEWS. All too soon they will live only in the minds of old sailors and on the dry pages of history books.
    
 

U.S.S Newport News CA-148 Viet Nam 1972
From CNO - April 1972
     WESTPAC DEPLOYMENT: THE INTENSIFIED AGGRESSION OF THE NORTH VIETNAMESE HAS REQUIRED EXPEDITIOUS AUGMENTATION OF YANKEE STATION FORCES TO PROTECT U.S. LIVES IN SOUTH VIETNAM. THE ENEMY HAS INCREASED THE LEVEL OF HOSTILITIES AND HAS EMBARKED ON A CAMPAIGN DESIGNED TO DISRUPT VIETNAMIZATION EFFORTS AND WEAKEN OUR POSITION AT THE PEACE TABLE. IT IS OUR JOB TO HOLD THE LINE. THE FOLLOWING WEEKS WILL DEMAND THE FULLEST OF YOUR PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE. MANY TEAMMATES ARE ALREADY IN POSITIONS AND AWAIT YOUR ARRIVAL.
     I AM AWARE OF THE MANY DIFFICULTIES ATTENDING AN UNEXPECTED AND UNPLANNED DEPLOYMENT. I AM MOST PLEASED WITH NEWPORT NEWS POSITIVE AND TIMELY REACTION TO OUR NATIONS NEEDS. WHEN CALLED YOU RESPONDED. THE SHIPS AND THEIR CREWS WHICH ARE NOW DEMONSTRATING THE U.S. DETERMINATION TO REMAIN FIRM IN SEEKING A SATISFACTORY TERMINATION OF THE CONFLICT ARE IN EVERY SENSE PROFESSIONALS. I AM PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH YOU. E.R. ZUMWALT, JR., ADMIRAL, U.S. NAVY,
CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS.

From CINCPAC, June 1972
WELL DONE
As you take a well-earned respite in Subic Bay after 37 days of the highest tempo combat operations off the coast of Vietnam, the officers and men of USS NEWPORT NEWS can take deep pride in their important contributions to the prosecution of the war. Undeterred by intense fire from a determined enemy, NEWPORT NEWS has carried out her vital gunfire support and strike missions in an outstanding manner. I want to ensure all hands that the efforts and achievements of NEWPORT NEWS are recognized and appreciated. Admiral B.A. Clarey, USN, Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet

Drom CTU 70.8.9 August 1972
PERFORMANCE
It is hard to pick out which function NEWPORT NEWS performs best. She has been our AH, AD, AFS, COMMSTA, Crypto Repair, Receiving Station, BQQ, Heavy Gun, Small Gun, and more, all with equal proficiency. Sometimes she looks like the Statue of Liberty, warmly and silently extending her welcoming arms to the small and needy. We get the feeling that there is no end to her resources, though we know better. Humbly and efficiently, with nothing but a positive attitude, she takes on every job. She gives us a confidence that no ill can befall us when she is here, and she permits us to be more effective and daring because of her presence. Thank you for the many favors.

From COMCRUDESLANT, DECEMBER 1972
PERFORMANCE ON DUTY
Your return from extended operations in support of our nations maritime strategy marks another major achievement in the illustrious career of USS NEWPORT NEWS and denotes a professionalism in which each of your cruisermen can justly take pride. You have shown anew that there is no substitute for individual determination and courage essential in molding a ready ship capable of carrying out the varied tasks you so ably performed while assigned to SEVENTHFLT. The sacrifices made in terms of separation from family and loved ones have not gone unnoticed. Each of your men who has unselfishly placed service to country above personal desire has clearly demonstrated his dedication and sense of purpose. You have been a part of the big picture in shaping the future of the nation directed towards a lasting peace and your contributions have been truly significant. Your high tempo of combat operations off the coast of Vietnam marked by intense gunfire support and strike missions have been the hallmark of your Southeast Asia operations, often steaming for long periods of time and often at General Quarters, clearly indicated the professional ability and stamina of your crew and the material readiness of your ship. As you look ahead to a well deserved reunion with loved ones and a well earned stand down, please accept our best wishes for the happiest of homecomings. You have our admiration and respect, and probably the speed record from WESTPAC to Norfolk. Well Done. Weschler

 

Norfolk Ledger-Star
April 12, 1972
3 NAVAL SHIPS TO LEAVE NORFOLK FOR HUGE BUILDUP OFF VIETNAM
By Jack Kestner
Ledger-Star Military Writer

NORFOLK- Three warships will leave Norfolk in the next two days and steam for the waters off Vietnam - the destroyers Biddle and Mullinex on Wednesday and the heavy cruiser Newport News on Thursday, reliable sources say. The three are a part of a massive sea and air build-up being hastily put together in an obvious response to President Nixon's decision not to commit ground troops in support of the embattled South Vietnamese but to throw in everything else but the kitchen sink. Wire service accounts reveal that at least nine warships sailed from California Monday, with an overall count of 21 ships departing recently for unconfirmed destinations. Even at the height of the build-up in Vietnam, warship departures were not occurring at this rate - a further indication that President Nixon is determined to blunt the offensive thrust of the North Vietnamese without breaking his troop withdrawal pledge. The aircraft carrier Saratoga departed Mayport, Fla. today to join other carriers operating in the Gulf of Tonkin. Three Oceana-based aircraft squadrons - plus a detachment of distant early warning aircraft from Norfolk Naval Air Station will join her at sea.

 

From the NN Familygram, 25 June, 1972. The Familygram was sent to family members by the captain.

Dear Families and Friends of Newport Newsmen,
     In my last letter to you, we were on station in the Tonkin Gulf off the coast of North Vietnam - veterans of the Vietnam conflict. Since then, we have returned to Subic Bay, Philippines for a seven-day upkeep period, during which the barrels of the ship's eight-inch guns were relined
and other much-needed maintenance was accomplished. The process of relining the gun barrels is one unique to Newport News. After a period of heavy firing, the rifling inside the barrels wears down. On other Navy ships, the entire barrel is replaced; but Newport News replaces only the worn linings, saving time and money in keeping the ship battle-ready. We left Subic Bay on the 25th of June, skirted the edge of a typhoon, and reported to the gunline, south of the Demilitarized Zone, near Quang Tri City. We have been supporting South Vietnamese troops in the Quang Tri area as they move north to recapture the province which was overrun by the Communists in late April. (Then talks about the Navy Relief fund drive and the sailor of the month....)
    I regret to inform you that a tragic accident befell one of our Newport Newsmen, Storekeeper Third Class Steven Michael Brumfield, who died during a rearming operation on July 4th. He was known and loved by all Newport Newsmen as "Mountain Mike", a name he used on his Newport News (WBLC) radio show. His loss left me and all on board with a deep feeling of sorrow, but his memory will remain with us forever.
(Then talks about people who have reenlisted.....)
    Again, or rather still, our long range plans and schedule are uncertain. At this time, we are hoping to be home, in Norfolk, by mid-November, but that can be changed. We will let you know at the earliest possible moment when a definite decision is made on our return to Norfolk. I wish to thank you again for your patient cooperation and understanding, as your Newport Newsmen are separated from you such an extended period of time. Your concern for the men and your understanding have contributed greatly to the morale of all crewmembers. Your letters have been the greatest asset, though, so keep those cards and letters coming. Sincerely,
Captain Walter F. Zartman, USN

From the NN Familygram, August 1972. The Familygram was sent to family members by the captain.

Dear Families and Friends of Newport Newsmen,
     It seems that only the dates have changed in my letters to you, as our activities and the general situation differ little from those at the time of my last writing. The port visit we had hoped for in August had to be postponed due to the need to again reline our 8" guns.
(Then general chat about off-time activities, promotions, re-enlistments, children born to crewmembers)
     Upon departure Subic Bay on August 15, we were once again ready to resume combat activity. We expect to spend most of this at sea period supporting South Vietnamese troops as they continue to push north to the Demilitarized Zone and recover occupied territory. However, there will be periodic operations against North Vietnam to destroy military targets and to restrict the movement of supplies to South Vietnam. One such occasion was on August 17 when Newport News in company with other ships and coordinated with tactical aircraft, bombarded coastal defense antiaircraft artilleries and radar sites in the vicinity of Hon La. Most recently on the night of 27 August, with Vice Admiral Holloway, Commander of Seventh Fleet on board, Newport News and three other ships struck military targets in the area of Haiphong and the Do Son Peninsula. While retiring from the area we were engaged by, and destroyed, some North Vietnamese Navy torpedo boats. It was a most exciting evening to say the least. I have seen many well executed operations in my career, but I have never seen professionalism, teamwork and calm courage so inspiring as those shown by every man on board on that occasion. The activities and achievements of your Newport Newsmen over the past four months have been widely recognized within and without the Navy. We have twice appeared on national network television new broadcasts as well as the NBC-TV "Today" show. There have been many news stories and feature articles including some appearing in the most widely distributed newspapers in the United States. I had hoped in this letter to inform you when we would be returning home, but that date is yet to be fixed. Much depends on or is influenced by actions of the North Vietnamese, but those responsible for determining the number of ships required and schedule necessary are weighing all factors and I am
optimistic our schedule will be announced soon. Finally, I want to sincerely thank all of you, wives, parents, and friends of Newport Newsmen, for supporting your men in the manner which you have.
Sincerely,
Captain Walter F. Zartman, USN

 

Associated Press, May 12, 1972
Attack on Haiphong Called Smooth
By Mort Rosenblum
Associated Press
ABOARD USS NEWPORT NEWS - The biggest cruiser strike since World War II, an attack on Haiphong five hours before the harbor was mined May 9, was "very smooth" but very harrowing, the men who made it said today. Three US cruisers and two destroyers raced in darkness to within a few miles of Haiphong's docks and opened fire five hours before American planes began mining North Vietnamese harbors. "I was nervous just like everyone else," said Capt. William Zartman of the 21,000 ton Newport News. "Man, I was singing the Star Spangled Banner and everything to keep my cool," said 21 year old signalman Steve Schlemmer of Placentia, Calif., aboard the cruiser Providence.
ASSAULT DESCRIBED
     Navy men described the assault to newsmen for the first time, talking in between booms from the batteries shelling the South Vietnamese coast. They said gunners at Haiphong opened up four to five minutes after the cruisers first shot, scattering about 200 shell through the flotilla. Once they lobbed rounds just ahead and behind the Newport News, bracketing the ship, but they didn't correct their aim further and hit the cruiser. There was no opposition from enemy aircraft. Marine Capt. Frank Thomas of Elberton, Ga., an exposed gun spotter 80 feet up, felt the spray splashed up by a near miss. Seaman sweating in the boiler room heard shrapnel pinging on the eight-inch armored hull. "That 15 minutes on the gun line was the longest time I have ever spent," said Lt. Ronald Wools of Terre Haute, Ind., deck officer on the Providence. Officers said the ships approached in a line. Using map coordinates, each cruiser fired about 60 rounds from its main battery of 8-inch guns while the destroyers 5 inch guns took on the shore batteries that opened up. "You could see the flashes on shore," Schlemmer said. "I thought we were catching these guys in their sleep, probably draftees getting it before even heading south." Targets included troop barracks, petroleum storage areas and coastal guns. Zartman said he saw a secondary fires from an ammunition dump. "It was extremely effective, very smooth," said Capt. Kenneth Haynes of the Providence.
STRIKE A FIRST
     A Navy spokesman said the action was the first multi-cruise strike since World War II. "I was doing what the ship was built for and what I was trained to do," Zartman said. "I wouldn't have guess 10 months ago I would be doing it." The men said the only ship they could see in Haiphong Harbor was a Soviet ship, "lit up like a Christmas tree," one sailor recalled. After the shooting started, all the lights in the harbor area went out except for one lighthouse beacon. "Haiphong was exciting," one young sailor said, "but we sure saw a lot of deck. Everyone was too scared to stand up and look much."

 

San Antonio Light
October 26, 1972
SHIP SENT BACK TO VIET
WASHINGTON (UPI) - The Navy has declared the cruiser Newport News fit for battle and ordered it back to Vietnam without repairing the heavy damage to one of its main gun batteries caused by an explosion Sept. 30, it was learned today. Twenty sailors were killed in the   accident. A Navy spokesman confirmed that the ship was "considered operational" but refused to comment on whether it was headed back to the war zone. Informed sources, however, said the ship had left Subic Bay in the Philippines last week bound for Vietnam. Sources said there was no crew safety hazard involved in returning the ship to its battle station without repairs. "It's not all you'd like to have this way, but it beats the hell out of tying it up for a long time to get it fixed," one source said. Asked about the ship's status, the Navy issued a three-sentence official statement. "Damaged spaces aboard the Newport News have been rendered safe, and the ship is considered operational with her remaining two 8-inch (gun) turrets," the statement said. "Repairs will be made after her deployment. The Newport News is available for North Vietnamese operations." If the Newport News follows a normal 6-month deployment schedule, I would return to the U.S. in mid November or early December. Then its wrecked gun turret would be repaired.

 
(Blurb)
Washington Daily New, Friday, April 14, 1972
Bound for Vietnam
NORFOLK, Va. (UPI) - The Newport News, a heavy cruiser with eight-inch guns that can hit a target 13 miles away, left port here yesterday apparently for Vietnam.