George A Blust

Aloha, from that sunny tropical island of Oahu, in the heart of the beautiful, Hawaiian Islands. Today, VANCE returned to its homeport of Pearl Harbor after serving with the U.S. SEVENTH Fleet, in the Western Pacific, since January 18th.

We steamed proudly into the Pearl Harbor channel at 0845 AM with all engines on the line and all men eager with the anticipation of being reunited with their loved ones and friends. The ship rounded the last bend in the channel, passing the USS ARIZONA Memorial to port, and the destroyer piers came into sight. The Navy band played "Anchors Away", as VANCE's enduring engines came to all stop and the "Officer of the Deck" gave the command to "Go Over All Lines". Soon after the brow went over and the lines were doubled up, the Quarterdeck became a conglomeration of figures; for this was a long awaited moment for the men of VANCE. Many people laughed, some cried, and others watched with nostalgia imprinted on their faces. Confusion reigned supreme, but all in all, it was a joyous occasion.

When I last wrote on June 24, we were just finishing our second tour with the Taiwan Defense Forces, conducting neutrality patrol in the Taiwan Straits. While on our last five day patrol we received word from our Squadron Commander that our trip to Japan had been cancelled and we had been ordered to Vietnam. So, once again, on 6 July, we found ourselves heading west for the coast of Vietnam.

We arrive off Da Nang, South Vietnam, on 9 July and relieved the USCG CUTTER CAMPBELL. This patrol was 32 days and was the longest for the deployment. VANCE was able to add two more feathers to her cap while on this patrol. On several occasions, she provided naval gunfire support for I Corps. We also provided logistic support for many coastal surveillance units which included navy swift boats and Coast Guard WPB's.

The Squadron Chaplain, Chaplain Lawrence rode us during this patrol from 10 to 25 July. During this period he conducted Sunday church services and made himself available to talk to anyone who wanted to talk with him. He presented lectures on the duties of a navy chaplain and preparing for marriage. His presence on board and his spiritual leadership were a welcome addition to the normal daily routine.

On 10 August, we were relieved by the USCG CUTTER OWASCO and the ship set course for Subic Bay, in the Philippines. After a three day stop for fuel and last minute shopping, we got underway for the long junket home via the San Bernardino Straits. A short stop in Guam on the 20th of August broke up the monotony of the trip. There, our old friend "FORSTER" joined us and both ships steamed back to Pearl Harbor in company

During our Market Time Patrol and on the way home, two variety shows were held on the fantail. The shows were MC'd by Bob Imperial, RM3, who also sang. Others who took part were Larry Monteen, FN, and Joe Koutnik, RDSA, on the saxophone; .Monty Mansfield, EMFN, playing on the guitar and singing country and western music; Tom Gerczynski,ETR3, on the guitar, Ray Mongeau, CS3, singing rock and roll music; Jose Herrera, FA, singing Spanish/American songs and playing the guitar; Dave Ewing, RMSN, singing original songs; Gayland Wise, EN3, doing a reading with a music background; Gary Bitner, FA, as a joke teller; Ensign Dave Pinkham reading an original poem; and Glen Richoux who played "She", the star of the show,for whom we had to wait until the end. We couldn't get any real girls, and Glen was a really good sport. The shows provided a welcome respite from the day to day work of the cruise.

A survey of some interesting facts of the cruise are: While on Market Time VANCE stopped, inspected, or boarded over 2000 Vietnamese Junks while searching for contraband goods destined for the enemy ashore, some suspected Viet Cong were apprehended as a result of the boardings and turned over to RVN Officials for questioning.

The ship covered over 35,458 miles since leaving Hawaii in January. An over active engineering plant consumed 535,000 gallons of fuel. 800,000 gallons of fresh water were distilled from the sea. The always ready radio gang handled over 350 messages a day. VANCE resupplied from tankers, store ships, or cargo ships, a total of 43 times during the cruise, without a single mishap. In addition to these underway replenishment we rearmed 3 times from ammunition ships while in WESTPAC.

Since I last wrote, Ronnie D. Sullivan was advanced to EMFN and Roy T. Egeland was advanced to QMSN on 22 July. The following people will be advanced on 16 September: Joseph Koutnik to RDSN, Gary Bitner to FN, John Burnside to FN, Michael Knapke to RDSN

On 2 July Bernard Goo, IC2, became the father of a baby boy and Robert Deal, MM1, became the father of a baby girl on 25 July. The Executive Officer, LCDR George Crowninshield was relieved on 12 July by Lt William Fulton.

The ship will now enjoy a brief rest and relaxation period before entering the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard for a much needed upkeep.

Again, I would like to extend an invitation for you to visit VANCE in Pearl Harbor, and to correspond with me at anytime

Sincerely,
M.E. SEILER
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER, U.S. NAVY
COMMANDING OFFICER