Deck Log Book

Of the U.S.S. Ashland LSD-1

Commanded by

A.W. PRICE, Jr., CDR,USN

Attached to

COMPHIBRON FOUR SQUADRON

U.S. ATLANTIC FLEET

Commencing 0001, 1 January 1962

At U.S. Naval Amphibious Base ,Little Creek, Va.

Ending 2400, 31 January 1962

At U.S. Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

 


Monday 1 January 1962


00-04 The first of the year and see where we are, Moored portside to and not in a bar. Alas, for here north side of pier 14, Where ships company longs for a cup and a queen. At the U.S. Naval Amphibious Base she lay, Little Creek, Virginia on this brand new day. The mooring lines are standard, and doubled you know, With a one inch spring lay forward, tied in a bow. The spring lay aft is larger by half, And the knot it makes is bigger than a raft. Services from the pier are various and sundry, Which is just fitting for a holiday Monday. The Chief Engineer is quite a toiler, He is making coffee in the number one boiler. Number two generator is on the line, The AC and DC are coming in fine. Present are ships of particular devotion, Various units assigned to this ocean. This is the fleet that rules the Atlantic, And with us yard,district craft, small and gigantic. SOPA is Vice Admiral A. G. WARD--By lunus and sol. Happy New Year, COMPHIBLANT, The Fleet, and to all.

H. FOREHAND ENS,SC, USNR

04-08 Moored as before.

J. R. TRAVIS
CWO USN

08-12 Moored as before. 0800 Mustared the crew on stations. Absentees: SAMPSON, Robert L.,FA, USN AWOL since 0730, 26 December 1961; PORTER Leroy F., FA, USN, AWOL since 0730, 26 December 1961; SINK, Roger D., FA, USN, AWOL since 0500, 29 December 1961; KECK, Marvin R., BTFA, USN, AWOL since 0530, 30 December 1961; PATTERSON, Norman (n), RD3, USN AWOL since 0730, 30 December 1961. 0925 Lighted fires under number two (2) boiler. 1115 Number two (2) boiler placed on auxiliary line. 1122 Secured number one (1) boiler. 1123 Secured number one (1) auxiliary stop valve.

R.C. DRAKE
EMC USN

12-16 Moored as before.

R.J. ZANESKI
ENS USNR

16-20 Moored as before.

J.A. FRIEL
BOSN USN

20-24 Moored as before.

C.E. WILSON
BTC USN  


Tuesday 2 January 1962

 

00-04 Moored port side to pier 14, U.S. Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, Virginia, with standard mooring lines doubled, a one (1) inch spring lay forward, and a one and one half (1 ½) spring lay aft. Receiving miscellaneous services from the pier. Ships present include various units of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet, yard and district craft. SOPA is Vice Admiral A.G. WARD, COMPHIBLANT.


C.A. LYNN
ENS USNR

04-08 Moored as before. 0455 SINK, Roger D, FA, USN returned on board having been AWOL since 0500, 29 December 1961. 0540 PATTERSON, Norman (n), RD3, USN, returned on board having been AWOL since 0730, 30 December 1961.

R.C. DRAKE
EMC USN

08-12 Moored as before. 0800 mustered the crew at foul weather parade. Absentees: GANSERT, Warren, J. HM3, USN, AWOL since 0730 this date; SWANSON, Paul E., HA, USN, AWOL since 0730 this date; PORTER, Leroy, FA, USN, AWOL since 0730 this date; McKEON, Michael A., FA, USN, AWOL since 0730 this date; SAMPSON, Robert L., FA, USN, AWOL since 0730, 26 December 1961; KECK, Marvin R., BTFA, USN AWOL since 0530, 30 December 1961; YACAVONE, Richard D., SA, USN, AWOL since 0730 this date. 1115 KECK, Marvin R., FA, USN, was returned on board bt the shore patrol having been AWOL since 0530, 30 December 1961. 1130 SWANSON, Paul E., HA, USN, returned on board having been AWOL since 0730, this date.

R.G. PHILLIPS
SFCS USN

12-16 Moored as before. 1205 MATERS, John W., FA, USN returned on board having been AWOL since 00730, this date.

D.B. PENKERT

SKC USN

16-20 Moored as before 1612 GANSERT, Warren J., HM3, USN, returned on board having been AWOL since 0730, this date.

J.L. LYON
CWO USN

20-24 Moored as before.

H. FOREHAND
ENS,SC USNR

Wednesday 3 January 1962

 

00-04 Moored port side to north side pier 14, U.S. Naval Amphibious Base, Little creek, Virginia,with standard mooring lines doubled, a one inch (1)spring lay forward, and a one and one half (11/2) inch aft. Receiving miscellaneous services from the pier. Ships present include various units of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet, yard and district craft. SOPA is Vice Admiral A.D. WARD, COMPHIBLANT.

 

R.G. PHILLIPS
SFCS USN

 

04-08 Moored as before. JACKSON, Martin E., SA, USN was returned aboard by shore patrol for being out of uniform and failure to obey an order.

 

D.B. PENKERT
SKC USN

 

08-12 Moored as before. 0800 Mustered the crew at quarters. Absentees: McKEON, Michael A, FA, USN AWOL since 0730, 2 January 1962; SAMPSON, Robert L., FA, USN AWOL since 0730, 26 December 1961; YACOVONE, Richard D., SA, USN AWOL since 0730, 2 January 1962; PORTER, Leroy F., FA, USN, AWOL since 0730, 26 December 1961. 0845 YACOVONE, Richard D., SA, USN returned on board, having been AWOL since 0730, 2 January 1962. 0900 Commenced fueling from YO-227, draft forward 17 '7" , aft 17' 3". 0910 The Commanding Officer held Mast and issued non-judicial punishment as follows: KECK, Marvin W. BTFA, USN, Offence: AWOL Punishment: Two (2) weeks restriction and two (2) weeks extra duty, commencing 3 January 1962; MATERA, John W. FA, USN, Offence: AWOL from 0730 2 January 1962 to 1207, 2 January 1962, a peroid of 4 hours and 52 minutes. Punishment: Reduced to next inferior rating. FR, and one (1) week extra duty, commencing 3 January 1962. 1130 Fire in Captain's Cabin. Called away fire party. 1133 secured fire party.

 

J.M. BOLING
BMCA USN

 

12-16 Moored as before. 1200 Secured from receiving fuel oil from YO-227. Received 89,712 gallons of NSFO. YO-227 got underway from starboard side.

 

W.J. DUNGAN
MMCA USN

 

16-20 Moored as before.

 

J.W. GREGORY
LTJG USN

 

20-24 Moored as before.

 

H.B. MERKIN
ENS USNR

 

Thursday 4 January 1962

 

00-04 Moored port side to north side pier 14, U.S. Naval Amphibious Base, Little creek, Virginia,with standard mooring lines doubled, a one inch (1)spring lay forward, and a one and one half (11/2) inch aft. Receiving miscellaneous services from the pier. Ships present include various units of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet, yard and district craft. SOPA is Vice Admiral A.D. WARD, COMPHIBLANT.

 

C.A WOLF
ENC USN

 

04-08 Moored as before.

 

J.M. BOLING
BMC USN

 

08-12 Moored as before. 0800 Mustered the crew at quarters. Absentees: McKEON, Michael A, FA, USN AWOL since 0730, 2 January 1962; SAMPSON, Robert L., FA, USN AWOL since 0730, 26 December 1961; PORTER, Leroy F., FA, USN, AWOL since 0730, 26 December 1961. 0830 Exercised at General Quarters. 0845 Commenced taking on diesel fuel from pier. 0939 Held abandon ship drill. 0957 Secured from abandon ship drill. 1002 Secured from General Quarters. 0927 Completed taking on diesel fuel. Received 7,327 gallons.

 

R.R. SPIVEY
SMC USN

 

12-16 Moored as before.

 

J.E. WILLIAMS
GMCA USN

 

16-20 Moored as before.

 

H. FOREHAND
ENS,SC USNR

 

20-24 Moored as before.

 

J.R. TRAVIS
CWO USN

 

Friday 5 January 1962

 

00-04 Moored port side to north side pier 14, U.S. Naval Amphibious Base, Little creek, Virginia, with standard mooring lines doubled, a one inch (1)spring lay forward, and a one and one half (11/2) inch aft. Receiving miscellaneous services from the pier. Ships present include various units of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet, yard and district craft. SOPA is Vice Admiral A.D. WARD, COMPHIBLANT.

 

R.R. SPIVEY
SMC USN

 

04-08 Moored as before. 0645 Mustered the crew at quarters .Absentees: SAMPSON, Robert L., FA, USN, AWOL since 0730, 26 December 1961; McKEON, Michael A, FA, USN AWOL since 0730, 2 January 1962; PORTER, Leroy F., FA, USN, AWOL since 0730, 26 December 1961. 0700 Set the special sea and anchor detail. 0735 Pilot came aboard the ship.

 

V.P. MCDONOUGH
LT USN

 

08-12 0800 Underway in accordance with SOPA ADMIN LCREEK MSG 042315Z. Maneuvering at various courses and various speeds to clear Little Creek harbor. 0828 Captain has the conn. Pilot departed ship. Maneuvering on various courses at various speeds proceeding to anchorage LA-16. 0855 Conducted steering tests. 0908 Completed steering tests. Proceeding to anchorage LA-16 c/c to 130T. Maneuvered at various courses at various speeds to anchor at LA-16. 0914 All stop. 0915 Let go the starboard anchor. Anchored in Lynnhaven anchorage 16, in 29 feet of water, mud bottom, with 25 fathoms of chain to the waters edge on the following anchor bearings: Buoy 9 -075 T, Buoy 11- 340T. 0928 Secured the special sea and anchor detail, set the regular underway watch. 0937 Exercised at General Quarters. 0952 Material Condition ZEBRA set. 0955 Secured from General Quarters drill. Set the regular underway watch. Manned all ballast stations. 1010 Set condition YOKE above the main deck. 1021 Lowered stern gate, commenced ballasting.

 

V.P. MCDONOUGH
LT USN

 

12-16 Anchored as before. 1210 Completed ballasting: commenced deballasting. 1220 Completed test of steering system. 1347 Set the special sea and anchor detail. 1355 Received draft report: 16'4" forward, 17'6" aft. 1403 LT MCDONOUGH has the deck. 1408 Material condition YOKE set throughout the ship. 1429 Anchor's aweigh. 1429 Underway in accordance with SOPA LCREEK ADMIN MSG 143215Z. 1429 LT MCDONOUGH has the conn. 1430 Captain has the conn. 1430 Maneuvering on various speeds and courses to navigate Thimble Shoals channel. 1500 Lost steam in number one (1) boiler. 1505 Number one (1) boiler restored. 1528 LT MCDONOUGH has the conn. 1529 Cleared Thimble Shoals channel. Maneuvering on various courses at various speeds while conducting engine and steering tests. 1533 Entered international waters.

 

V.P. MCDONOUGH
LT USN

 

16-20 Steaming as before. Maneuvering at various courses at various speeds while conducting engine and steering tests. 1624 Fathometer inoperative. 1627 Lost lube oil pressure on starboard engine. 1628 Lube oil pressure restored on number one (1) engine. 1636 Entered inland waters. 1657 Executed sunset. 1703 Left 20 rudder. 1731 c/c to 213T. 1736 c/c to 183T. 1736 Pilot aboard. 1738 Pilot has the conn. Maneuvering at various courses at various speeds to navigate Little creek channel and harbor. 1808 Moored port side to pier 14 North, U.S. Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, Virginia, with standard mooring lines doubled with a one inch (1) spring lay forward and a one and one half (1 1/2) spring lay aft. 1812 Cast off tug, Pilot left the ship. 1820 Secured the special sea and anchor detail. 1825 Secured fires under number rwo (2) boiler.

 

R.J. ZANESKI
ENS USNR

 

20-24 Moored as before.

 

J.A. FRIEL
BOSN USN

 

Saturday 6 January 1962

 

00-04 Moored port side to north side pier 14, U.S. Naval Amphibious Base, Little creek, Virginia, with standard mooring lines doubled, a one inch (1)spring lay forward, and a one and one half (11/2) inch aft. Receiving miscellaneous services from the pier. Ships present include various units of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet, yard and district craft. SOPA is Vice Admiral A.D. WARD, COMPHIBLANT.

 

C.E. WILSON
BTC USN

 

04-08 Moored as before.

 

C.A. LYNN
ENS USNR

 

08-12 Moored as before. 0800 Mustered the crew at quarters Absentees: SAMPSON, Robert L., FA, USN, AWOL since 0730, 26 December 1961; PORTER, Leroy F., FA, USN, AWOL since 0730, 26 December 1961. 0900 Made weekly tests of magazines and sprinkling systems, conditions satisfactory. 1015 The Commanding Officer held Mast, and imposed the following non-judicial punishment: MCKEON, Michael A., FA, USN, Offence: Violation of Art. 86, UCMJ, AWOL from 0730, 2 January 1962 until 6 January 1962. Punishment awarded: Two (2) weeks extra duty. 1028 Commenced Captain’s Lower Deck Inspection.

 

C.A. WOLF
ENC USN

 

12-16 Moored as before.

 

J.M. BOLING
BMCA USN

 

16-20 Moored as before. 1800 Doubled lines with a one and one half ( 1-½) inch wire aft, and a one (1) inch wire forward in preparation for heavy weather.

 

J.W. GREGORY
LTJG USN

 

20-24 Moored as before.

 

W.J. DUNGAN
MMCA USN

 

Sunday 7 January 1962

 

00-04 Moored port side to north side pier 14, U.S. Naval Amphibious Base, Little creek, Virginia, with standard mooring lines doubled, a one inch (1)spring lay forward, and a one and one half (11/2) inch aft. Receiving miscellaneous services from the pier. Ships present include various units of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet, yard and district craft. SOPA is Vice Admiral A.D. WARD, COMPHIBLANT.

 

H.B. MERKIN
ENS USNR

 

04-08 Moored as before.

 

C.A. WOLF
p>

 

12-16 Moored as before.

 

J.W. GREGORY
LTJG USN

 

16-20 Moored as before

 

H.B. MERKIN
ENS USNR

 

20-24 Moored as before.

 

C.A. WOLF
ENC USN



J.W. GREGORY
LTJG USN

 

16-20 Moored as before

 

H.B. MERKIN
ENS USNR

 

20-24 Moored as before.

 

C.A. WOLF
ENC USN