Master Document Index - Military Locator and Reunion Service

Transcription

History of the
U.S.S. Bryce Canyon (AD-36)
1945-1982
Compiled and Prepared by:
Bruce A. Campbell
Publication Date November 27, 2013
History of the U.S.S. Bryce Canyon 1945-1982
Table of Contents
Cover Photo by: Matt Neill, ET2 ................................................................................................................. 3
Acknowledgements, Contributions, Credits, and Sources .................................................................... 3
U.S.S. Bryce Canyon (AD-36) Namesake .................................................................................................. 4
st
U.S.S. Bryce Canyon (AD-36) 1 Commanding Officer ........................................................................... 5
Bryce Canyon's General Characteristics.................................................................................................. 6
Type: Shenandoah Class-Destroyer Tender ........................................................................................ 6
Complement ............................................................................................................................................ 6
Rates on Board as of 1950-51 ............................................................................................................... 6
Armament ................................................................................................................................................ 6
Propulsion ............................................................................................................................................... 7
Bryce Canyon Commissioning News Article ....................................................................................... 8
Bryce Canyon Commissioning Ceremony Photos ............................................................................. 9
Commanding Officers of the U.S.S. Bryce Canyon .......................................................................... 12
Chronology of the U.S.S. Bryce Canyon (AD-36) .............................................................................. 15
WestPac Ports of Call—Maps .................................................................................................................. 17
Republic of the Philippines-Subic Bay-Olongapo ............................................................................. 17
Taiwan-Kaohsiung ................................................................................................................................ 17
Japan-Nagoya-Osaka-Sasebo-Tokyo-Yokohama-Yokosuka ........................................................... 17
Photos—U.S.S. Bryce Canyon in Pearl Harbor ...................................................................................... 18
Photos—Bryce Canyon Re-configuration June 1957 San Francisco Naval Shipyard ....................... 19
Photos—Fire Aboard the U.S.S. Oriskany (CVA-34) ............................................................................. 20
Photos—Aerial Shots of Subic Bay, Cubi Point .................................................................................... 22
Photos—Bryce Canyon out of Pearl Harbor .......................................................................................... 23
Photos—Bryce Canyon in dry-dock—Todd Shipyard, Terminal Island, San Pedro, CA ................... 26
Decommissioning—Final Days of the Bryce Canyon ........................................................................... 27
ALL HANDS Magazine Article ............................................................................................................. 27
Photos—U.S.S. Bryce Canyon (AD-36) Decommissioned ............................................................... 28
A Sailor’s Memories ............................................................................................................................. 29
Appendices: ............................................................................................................................................... 31
Appendix A: Awards, Citations, and Campaign Ribbons ................................................................. 31
Appendix B “Navy Times Ship In the Spotlight” Decommissioning Certificate ............................ 32
Appendix C List of Crewmembers 1950-1951 .................................................................................... 33
Appendix D: Bryce Canyon Cruise Book Covers ............................................................................. 38
Appendix E: U.S.S. Bryce Canyon Web Sites .................................................................................... 40
Appendix F: Non U.S.S. Bryce Canyon Web Sites-Destroyers-Guided Missile Destroyer-CarrierBattleship .............................................................................................................................................. 40
U.S.S. Bryce Canyon Sea Cadets ........................................................................................................ 40
Premier Locator Services (aka Military Locators) ............................................................................. 40
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Cover Photo by: Matt Neill, ET2
Photo made in Pearl Harbor 1968. Ships in the photo are L-R: U.S.S. Bryce Canyon (AD-36), the
U.S.S. Waller (DD-517), U.S.S. Forster (DE-334), U.S.S. Vance (DE-387), and the U.S.S. Taylor
(DD-468)
Acknowledgements, Contributions, Credits, and Sources

History, awards, citations, and ship’s data provided by NavSource Online, Gary P. Priolo,
Web Master

LTJG Dick Leonhardt for the use of his image of the U.S.S. Bryce Canyon he made in Pearl
Harbor 1968

Captain’s names and ranks provided courtesy Wolfgang Hechler and Ron Reeves from
NavSource Online

Blue Bryce Canyon patch is courtesy of Mike Smolinski-NavSource Online

Bryce Canyon Rubber Ducky patch, Bryce Canyon shoulder patch, and photos, courtesy of
Bruce Campbell, MA3

Gold E patch courtesy of Bill Stroyan, SK3

"A Sailor's Memories" was inspired by a writing from: E. A. Hughes, FTCM (SS), USN
(Retired), rewritten and edited by Bruce A. Campbell

A portion of the Bryce Canyon history was provided courtesy of Wikipedia, the online Free
Encyclopedia

Selected photos in collage are courtesy of Matt Neill, ET2, Jim Janes, SK3, and
NavSource Online, Gary Priolo, Web Master

Photos from Matt Neill, ET2

Photos of the Bryce Canyon in dry dock courtesy of Arthur Willenbrecht, QM1

Aerial photos of Subic Bay from public domain

Bryce Canyon commissioning news article and related photos are courtesy of Jim Janes,
SKG3

Bryce Canyon decommissioning article, “Time to Say Goodbye” story by JO2 Deborah F.
Longo and JO2 Stacey Huesmann, Photos by PH1 Harold J. Gerwien; from the December
1981 issue of ALL HANDS magazine courtesy of Don Procknow, TMT1

Photo, page 29 courtesy of Chris Howell, Southland Ship Stores Limited, Port of Bluff, N.Z
and NavSource.com

Bryce Canyon historical information was obtained in part, from the below cruise books:
st
o 1951 1 Anniversary Booklet courtesy of Harry Heppler, ET2
o 1956 Cruise book courtesy of Ancestry.com
o 1957-58, and 1959 Cruise book courtesy of Bill Stroyan, SK3
o 1966-67 Cruise book courtesy of Bruce Campbell, MA3
o 1967-68 Cruise book courtesy of Greg Kruszka, MR2
o 1969-71 Cruise book courtesy of John Shepherd, QM2
o 1972-73 Cruise book courtesy of William Barrows, RD2
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U.S.S. Bryce Canyon (AD-36) Namesake
Figure 1 U.S.S. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Figure 2 Bryce Canyon-photos from 1st Anniversary Booklet courtesy of Harry Heppler, ET2
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U.S.S. Bryce Canyon (AD-36) 1st Commanding Officer
Figure 3 1st Captain of the U.S.S. Bryce Canyon (AD-36)
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Bryce Canyon's General Characteristics
Type: Shenandoah Class-Destroyer Tender
Displacement: 8,091 Long Tons (8,221 tons)
Length: 492 feet (150 m)
Beam: 70 feet (21 m)
Draft: 28 feet (8.5 m)
Complement
59 officers
918 enlisted personnel
Rates on Board as of 1950-51
Boatswain’s Mates (BM)
Navy Diver (ND)
Boiler Technician (BT)
Opticalman (OM)
Comissaryrmen (CS)
Patternmaker (PM)
Damage Controlmen (DC)
Personnelmen (PN)
Dental Techs (DT)
Photographer’s Mate (PH)
Disbursing Clerks (DK)
Pipefitter (FP)
Electronics Technicians (ET)
Postal Clerk (PC)
Electricians Mates (EM)
Printer (PI)
Enginemen (EN)
Quartermaster (QM)
Firemen (FM)
Radarmen (RD)
Fire Control Technicians (FT)
Radiomen (RM)
Gunners Mates (GM)
Shipfitter (SF)
Hospital Corpsmen (HM)
Ship’s Servicemen (SH)
Internal Communications Technicians (IC)
Signalmen (SM)
Instrumentmen (IM)
Sonarman (SO)
Lithographers (LI)
Storekeeper (SK)
Machinist Mates (MM)
Stewards (SD)
Machinery Repairmen (MR)
Telemen (TE)
Master At Arms (MC)
Torpedoman’s Mates (TM)
Metal Smiths (ME)
Utilitiesmen (UT)
Molders (ML)
Yeomen (YN)
st
Note: The rates were from the 1 Anniversary Booklet courtesy of Harry Heppler, ET2
Armament
2-5”38s (130 mm) guns, bow and fantail
4-twin 40 mm AA guns, mounted behind the 5”38’s, two for’d, two aft
The stern 5”38 gun was removed and a Helo deck was added June 1957
The 40mm and 20mm guns were removed in June 1957 during 60 day overhaul in San
Francisco shipyard.
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Propulsion
Westinghouse geared steam turbine
Two Foster and Wheeler D-type boilers, 435psi 740°
Double Westinghouse Main Reduction Gear
Speed: 18.5 knots trial (33 km/hr; 21 mph)
Horse power 8,500
Single propeller with a 21 feet diameter
Largest cargo boom capacity: 30 tons
Figure 4 1966-67 Bryce Canyon Cruise Book
Figure 5 1951-52 Japan photo courtesy of Bryce Canyon crew member
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Bryce Canyon Commissioning News Article
The Bryce Canyon was placed in commission
at Charleston Naval Shipyard by Rear Admiral
R.W. Hayler, USN, Commandant of the Sixth
Naval District, with Captain M.H. Gerin in
Command 15 September 1950
Commissioning article courtesy of Jim Janes, SKG3
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Bryce Canyon Commissioning Ceremony Photos
Figure 6 Bryce Canyon Commissioning Photo
1950-15 September 1950, the Bryce Canyon was placed in commission at the Charleston Naval
Shipyard, by Rear Admiral R.W. Hayler, USN, Commandant of the Sixth Naval District, Captain
M.H. Gerin in command. See list of Commanding Officers and newspaper article.
Photos courtesy of Jim Janes, SKG3
Figure 7 U.S.S. Bryce Canyon "underway"
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Figure 8 U.S.S. Bryce Canyon leaving port
29 November 1950 the Bryce Canyon received orders to steam from Norfolk for duty with the Pacific
fleet
Photos courtesy of Jim Janes, SKG3
Figure 9 U.S.S. Bryce Canyon leaving port
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Figure 10 U.S.S. Bryce Canyon (AD-36) circa 1952 Photo by John Hurst
Figure 11 DD-517 U.S.S. Waller, DE-334 U.S.S. Forster, DE-387 U.S.S. Vance, DD-468 U.S.S. Taylor
Above photo by: Matt Neill, ET2 1967-68, Pearl Harbor
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Commanding Officers of the U.S.S. Bryce Canyon
(In order of service)
CAPT. Gerin, Marcel Raymond, 15 September 1950 – 8 March 1952
CAPT. Williamson, Delbert Fred, RADM, 8 March 1952 – 10 July 1953
CAPT. Duryea, Harold E., 10 July 1953 – 24.July.1954
CAPT. Hamm, Mann, 24 July 1954 – 19 July 1955
CAPT. Davis, J. W., 19 July 1955 – 28 October 1955
CAPT. Ovrum Jr., Allan. Alfred, 28 October 1955 – 25 September 1956
CAPT. Shilson, James Starr, 25 September 1956 – 30.January 1958
CAPT. Archer, Stephen Morris, 30 January 1958 – 7 February 1959
CAPT. Steinmetz, Everett Hartwell, 7 February 1959 – 9 December 1959
CAPT. Moore, Ernest, 9 December 1959 – 6 December 1960
CAPT. Crutcher, William Rolston, 6 December 1960 – 4 December1961
CAPT. Salzer, Robert Samuel, VADM, 4 December 1961 – 23 January 1963
CAPT. Compton, Oliver Doty, 23 January 1963 – 9 July 1964
CAPT. Davis Jr., Lewis Edwin, 9 July 1964 – 27 September 1965
CAPT. Galvani, Amadeo Henry, 27 September 1965 – 2 March 1967
CAPT. Ferguson, William Prather, 2 March 1967 – 8 November 1968
CAPT. Friedman, Robert, 8 November 1968 – 1 June 1970
CAPT. Ward, Raymond E., 1 June 1970 – 29 August 1972
CAPT. Warriner, Victor G., 29 August 1972 – 31 May 1974
CAPT. Baker, James George, 31 May 1974 – 18 June 1976
CAPT. Stevens, Jack Donald, 18 June 1976 – 15 June 1978
CAPT. Sullivan, John Grover, 15 June 1978 – 29 October 1979
CAPT. Rieder, Albert E., RADM, 29 October 1979 – 30 June 1981
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Commanding Officers of the U.S.S. Bryce Canyon
Note: Not all of the Captains photos were available
Captain’s names and ranks provided courtesy Wolfgang Hechler and Ron Reeves from NavSource
Online.
CAPT. Gerin, Marcel Raymond,
15 September 1950 – 8 March 1952
CAPT. Ovrum Jr., Allan. Alfred,
28 October 1955 – 25 September 1956
CAPT. Shilson, James Starr,
25 September 1956 – 30.January 1958
CAPT. Archer, Stephen Morris,
30 January 1958 – 7 February 1959
CAPT. Steinmetz, Everett Hartwell, 7
February 1959 – 9 December 1959
CAPT. Davis Jr., Lewis Edwin,
9 July 1964 – 27 September 1965
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CAPT. Galvani, Amadeo Henry,
27 September 1965 – 2 March 1967
CAPT. Ferguson, William Prather,
2 March 1967 – 8 November 1968
CAPT. Ward, Raymond E.,
1 June 1970 – 29 August 1972
CAPT. Warriner, Victor G.,
29 August 1972 – 31 May 1974
Figure 12 U.S.S. Bryce Canyon in port-courtesy of Jim Janes, SKG
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Chronology of the U.S.S. Bryce Canyon (AD-36)
1945-1982
1945-7 Jul 1945 the keel was laid. Little or no work was completed on the Bryce Canyon until the
outbreak of hostilities in Korea.
1946-7 Mar 1946 the Bryce Canyon was launched by Charleston Naval Shipyard, sponsored by Mrs.
William J. Carter, wife of Rear Admiral Carter.
1950-27 Jun 1950 -27 Jul 1954 Awarded National Defense Service Medal.
1950-15 Sep 1950, the Bryce Canyon was placed in commission at the Charleston Naval Shipyard, by
Rear Admiral R.W. Hayler, USN, Commandant of the Sixth Naval District, Captain M.H. Gerin in
command. See list of Commanding Officers and newspaper article.
1950-30 Sep 1950 the Bryce Canyon went to sea on her maiden voyage and preliminary sea trials.
1950-16 Nov 1950 the Bryce Canyon reported for duty to the Chief of Naval Operations and to the
Commander in Chief, United States Atlantic Fleet, sailing to Norfolk Virginia, to load ammunition.
1950-29 Nov 1950 the Bryce Canyon received orders to steam from Norfolk for duty with the Pacific fleet.
1950-5 Dec 1950 the Bryce Canyon transited the Panama Canal, and reported to the Pacific Fleet 13 Dec
1950 in San Diego. The Bryce Canyon’s homeport was changed from San Diego to Long Beach, where it
remained for the next eighteen years.
1951-26 Mar 1951 Bryce Canyon departed San Diego for the Far East, arriving in Yokosuka, Japan, 12
Apr 1951. She spent the next seven months in Japanese waters repairing and servicing vessels based at
Yokosuka and Sasebo. Bryce Canyon departed Japan 4 November 1951 and arrived at San Diego 18
Nov 1951.
1951-Korean Service Medal with One Engagement Star awarded. Engagement Dates: 12 Apr 1951 to 4
Nov 1951, 15 Jul 1953 to 28 Jan 1953, and 16 Oct 1953 to 30 May 1954. Engagement Star Dates: 11
Sep 1952 to 12 Sep 1952. Korean Service Medal Fall of 1952, 1 May 1952 to 30 Nov 1952. Bryce
Canyon was also awarded the Navy Deployment Sea Service Ribbon and United Nations Service Medal.
1952-27 Jun 1952, Bryce Canyon got underway from Long Beach via Pearl Harbor, for her second
Western Pacific Cruise. 16 Feb 1953 she returned to Long Beach.
1953-26 Sep 1953, Bryce Canyon again sailed for Sasebo where she arrived 16 Oct 1953. She provided
tender service in Sasebo, Yokosuka, Nagoya, and Kobe during this tour. 17 Jun 1954, the Bryce Canyon
returned to Long Beach.
1955-25 Feb 1955 Bryce Canyon departed on her fourth Western Pacific tour of duty. She serviced
vessels at Subic Bay, RP, between 16 Mar and 28 Apr; she then proceeded to Yokosuka, arriving 11 May
1955. Bryce Canyon returned to Long Beach 11 Aug 1955.
th
1955-56-9 Dec 1955 Bryce Canyon departed Long Beach on her 5 Western Pacific tour which ended at
Long Beach 26 Oct 1956. Between Far Eastern cruises Bryce Canyon operated along the west coast.
1957-58-20 May 1957 the Bryce Canyon departed Long Beach to San Francisco Bay, Port Chicago to
off-load ammo; 28 May returned to San Francisco shipyard for a two month overhaul/repairs; on 3-7 Aug
1957, returned to Port Chicago to reload ammunition, returned to Long Beach 9 August 1957. 30 Aug
1957 departed Long Beach, arrived in Pearl Harbor 6 Sep 1957, then on to: Japan, Kobe, Sasebo,
Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Yokosuka, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Republic of Philippines (RP), Manila, Subic Bay,
Olongapo, and returned to Long Beach.
rd
1958-30 Mar 1958 Bryce Canyon won their 3 Battle Efficiency “E.”
1959-WestPac Cruise, Pearl Harbor, Guam, Subic Bay, Olongapo, Manila, RP, Hong Kong, Taiwan,
Kaohsiung, Okinawa, Buckner Bay, Japan, Kyoto, Nagasaki, Sasebo, Kobe, Yokohama, and returned to
Long Beach.
th
1959-2 Aug 1959 the Bryce Canon won their 5 Battle Efficiency GOLD “E.”
1961-1965 The Bryce Canyon did not operate west of Hawaii.
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1962-Commencing Jan 1962 Bryce Canyon made four deployments to the Mid-Pacific providing repair
th
service and logistical support to ships in Pearl Harbor, HI. Bryce Canyon won their 6 Battle Efficiency
“E” award.
1965-3-month cruise to Pearl Harbor, HI in preparation for upcoming WestPac cruise, retuned to Long
Beach 20 Dec 1965.
1966-Prior to WestPac deployment, a full day dependent’s cruise outside Long Beach Harbor.
1966-67-1 Aug to 1 Mar 1967 WestPac Cruise via Pearl Harbor, Taiwan, Kaohsiung, Subic Bay, RP,
Olongapo, Cubi Point, Hong Kong, Yokosuka, returned to Long Beach 1 March 1967. Mid-Oct 1966, ship
moved to the carrier pier at Cubi Point, Subic Bay, RP, with the Bryce Canyon moored outboard of the
U.S.S. Oriskany (CVA-34) to affect repairs after a fire. This is the only known occurrence of a destroyer
tender servicing a carrier.
1967-Prior to WestPac deployment a full day dependent’s cruise outside Long Beach Harbor.
1967-68-WestPac Cruise from Long Beach to Okinawa, Subic Bay, RP, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Hong Kong,
Yokosuka, returned to Long Beach.
1969-In Jul 1969, the Bryce Canyon arrived in Pearl Harbor for a long stay. In Sep of 1969 Bryce
Canyon’s homeport was permanently changed to Pearl Harbor.
1970-Sep 1970 R&R cruise to Hilo. In Nov 1970, this was a Dependent’s Cruise.
1970-Mar 1971 R&R cruise to Lahaina, a historical Hawaiian whaling port
1971-15 Apr 1971 the Bryce Canyon departed Pearl Harbor to Long Beach. 4 Jun 1971 Bryce Canyon
steamed to San Francisco for R&R. 8 Jun 1971 the Bryce Canyon left San Francisco and returned to
Pearl Harbor, HI Pier 24.
1972-73-10 Aug 1972 WestPac Cruise; Subic Bay, RP, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Hong Kong, back to
Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Yokosuka, Japan. The Bryce Canyon returned to Pearl Harbor 16 Mar 1973.
1974-1977-No known cruises between 1974 and 1977.
1978-Aug-Sep of 1978 the Bryce Canyon steamed to San Diego, then on to San Francisco.
1981-Apr Bryce Canyon departed Pearl Harbor for a cruise to the general area of the Pacific to deplete
remaining fuel. The cruise lasted 6-7 days.
1981-Bryce Canyon operated with the Pacific Fleet until being decommissioned at Pearl Harbor 30 Jun
1981.
1981-Dec-Article in ALL HANDS Magazine appeared detailing her decommissioning.
1982-6 Apr 1982 the ex-tender was sold for scrap to National Metal and Steel, towed to San Pedro,
Terminal Island, CA.
Figure 13 1970 R&R cruise to Lahaina, a historical Hawaiian whaling port
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WestPac Ports of Call—Maps
Republic of the Philippines-Subic Bay-Olongapo
Taiwan-Kaohsiung
Japan-Nagoya-Osaka-Sasebo-Tokyo-Yokohama-Yokosuka
Korea
Subic BayOlongapo
Tokyo
Yokohama
Yokosuka
Kyoto
Nagoya
Sasebo
Osaka
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Photos—U.S.S. Bryce Canyon in Pearl Harbor
Figure 14 U.S.S. Bryce Canyon and U.S.S. Nicholas (DD-449) Pearl Harbor, November 1968,
permission to use photo by LTJG Dick Leonhardt
Figure 15 Bryce Canyon in Subic Bay photo from the 1966-67 Cruise Book
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Photos—Bryce Canyon Re-configuration June 1957 San Francisco Naval Shipyard
For the third time since commissioning, the Bryce Canyon entered a shipyard, this time in San
Francisco, CA, June 1957. Two months, 7,500 productive man-hours, and $480,000 later, she left,
ready for deployment to WestPac. Included in major alterations and repairs accomplished was
modernization of the mess hall and scullery, laundry, flag quarters and Combat Information Center
(CIC); renovation of the anti-submarine warfare and repair shop, and overhaul of the ship’s generators.
External changes included: removal of all 20mm and 40mm gun batteries and directories, and removal
of about two feet from the top of the smoke stack.
San Francisco Naval Shipyard June 1957
Information and photos obtained from the 1957-1958 WestPac
Cruise Book, courtesy of Bill Stroyan, SK3
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Photos—Fire Aboard the U.S.S. Oriskany (CVA-34)
Figure 16 U.S.S. Oriskany (CVA-34) ablaze in the Tonkin Gulf
Below from the 1966-67 Bryce Canyon Western Pacific Cruise Book
Subic Bay, Cubi Point, October 1966. The USS Bryce Canyon (AD-36) wrote a new page in the Western
Pacific history by going alongside the USS Oriskany (CVA-34). The event was occasioned by a serious
fire which had broken out on the Oriskany while operating in the Tonkin Gulf off of the Vietnam coast. As
soon as the ships were moored together, Bryce Canyon's repair personnel swarmed aboard the carrier,
and commenced around-the-clock operations. First on the agenda was the immediate recharging of 107,
CO2 fire extinguishers, which had used in fighting the blaze. At the end of six days, all repair work was
completed. All 70 ventilation and heating systems, as well as all electric motors damaged in the fire had
been inspected and restored to order. During this period, working parties from the tender had also
pitched in with Oriskany sailors and personnel from the Ship Repair Facility (SRF) in Subic, cleaning up
the fire and smoke damaged areas to make them habitable. Elsewhere aboard the tender, skilled
technicians worked on countless other jobs not immediately associated with the fire damage, giving the
carrier a tender availability the likes of which she had never seen. On conclusion of work, Bryce
Canyon's modern Electronic Accounting Machine (EAM) installation tallied the result of her 6-day effort.
In all, a total of 6,019 man-hours had been expended; the equivalent of a two week availability for four
destroyers
As both ships got underway at the crack of dawn on the sixth day, Oriskany sent the following visual
message to the tender: "Your outstanding service and voluntary assistance in removing our scars
is greatly appreciated. The willingness to work and your speed and efficiency helped us leave
Subic Bay in outstanding shape for our transit home. Well done to all men aboard the BRYCE
CANYON!!
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26 October 1966, while on-station in the Tonkin Gulf, the U.S.S. Oriskany (CVA-34) experienced a fire in
which 43 sailors perished.
Figure 17 U.S.S. Bryce Canyon moored next to the Oriskany
Bryce Canyon was moved to Cubi Point, Subic Bay, RP, where she tied outboard of the U.S.S. Oriskany
(CVA-34) to affect repairs after a fire. This is the only known occurrence of a destroyer tender servicing a
carrier. Photos from the 1966-67 WestPac Cruise Book, courtesy of Bruce Campbell, MA3
Figure 18 U.S.S. Bryce Canyon moored next to the Oriskany
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Photos—Aerial Shots of Subic Bay, Cubi Point
NAS Cubi
Point
Subic Bay Ship
Repair Facility (SRF)
Bryce Canyon
in Subic Bay
Dungaree
Beach
Where Bryce
Canyon performed
work on Oriskany
NAS Cubi
Point
“Po” River
Olongapo
City
Grande
Island
Subic Bay Ship
Repair Facility (SRF)
NAS Cubi
Point
Where Bryce
Canyon performed
work on Oriskany
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Photos—Bryce Canyon out of Pearl Harbor
Photos by Don Procknow, TMT1
Bryce Canyon out of Pearl Harbor
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Photos by Don Procknow, TMT
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Figure 19 Photo courtesy of Gary Priolo, NavSource Online--Return from WestPac Cruise 1 Mar 1967
Figure 20 return to Long Beach from WestPac Cruise 1 March 1967 Photo by Matt Neill, ET2
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Photos—Bryce Canyon in dry-dock—Todd Shipyard, Terminal Island, San Pedro, CA
Figure 21 Photos by Arthur Willenbrecht July 1967
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Decommissioning—Final Days of the Bryce Canyon
ALL HANDS Magazine Article
Figure 22 December 1981 issue of ALL HANDS magazine courtesy of Don Procknow
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Photos—U.S.S. Bryce Canyon (AD-36) Decommissioned
Figure 23 Courtesy of Bryce Canyon Crewman
Figure 24 Photo from "ALL HANDS" Magazine
Figure 25 U.S.S. Bryce Canyon’s Final Cruise Photo by Chris Howell, Southland Ship Stores
Limited, Port of Bluff, N.Z
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A Sailor’s Memories
I enjoyed the feeling of excitement and adventure when the word was passed, “Now hear this:
the Special Sea and Anchor Detail, man your stations, all hands to quarters for getting
underway cast off the bow lines, cast off the stern lines,” and finally, “underway-shiftcolors.”
I liked standing on deck at sunrise, the salt spray in my face, the smell of the ocean, the brisk
head winds, the brightly colored signal flags flapping and snapping from their halyards, the
sound of the waves slapping against the ship’s hull, watching the flying fish as they skimmed
across the wave tops; a pair of albatross trailing our ship’s wake.
I enjoyed the serenity of the sea, the sunsets and sunrises, the clear night skies and shooting
stars; the rain squalls and rainbows, the high-running seas; the pitch and roll of the deck
beneath my feet.
I remember the peacefulness of the ship at night as she steamed through the darkness, the
sparkling phosphorescence of the ship’s wake, the red and green port and starboard lights, the
radar antenna, silently spinning, searching, and watching the skies and horizon for us.
I remember the peaceful and quiet mid-watches and the aroma of strong coffee from the galley.
I enjoyed the sounds of the Navy, the ear-piercing sound of the Boson’s pipe, the clang of the
ships bell on the quarterdeck, the squawk of the 1MC and the salty language and laughter of
sailors at work.
I remember the sound of taps, and drifting off to sleep with the ship’s sounds, the creeks and
groans of the bulkheads, the sound of the compartment-watch making his rounds, keys jingling
at his side, flicking the switch on the red compartment night-light as he stepped through the
hatch, from one berthing compartment to another.
I liked the sound of reveille being piped through the ship, the shrill sound of the Boson’s pipe,
and the word being passed; “reveille, reveille, all hands heave out, and trice up, the
smoking lamp is lighted in all authorized spaces, sweepers, man your brooms, give the
ship a clean sweep-down fore and aft, sweep down all ladders and passageways. Sick
call to commence at 08:00 hours.” All-hands, turn-to, commence ships work.”
I remember the sound of the claxon, and the word being passed, “General Quarters, General
Quarters, all hands, man your battle stations,” feeling that sudden jolt of adrenaline, followed
by the sounds of the crew racing through the passageways to their GQ stations, sliding down
the smooth brass rails of the ladders, the soles of our shoes barely touching the ladder steps,
scrambling through the watertight doors, and the resounding thump-clang as they are slammed
and dogged shut, in a few brief seconds the ship is transformed from a peaceful workplace to a
man-of-war.
I enjoyed the uniforms of the Navy, the comfortable dungarees, and the well-worn boondockers,
the crisp feel of the starched Tropical Whites, the warmth of the 13-button Dress Blues, the
warm pea coat with its large collar pulled up around my neck, the wool watch cap, the leather
gloves, the traditional Dress Whites, the square knot in the silk neckerchief, and the white Dixie
cup hat, jauntily on my head, my dress shoes polished to a high gloss.
I remember Liberty Call being piped over the 1MC: “Knock off ship’s work, Liberty Call,
Liberty Call,” the excited voices and chatter of the liberty parties as they prepared to go
ashore. I remember standing at attention, snapping a salute to the Petty Officer of the Deck;
flashing my Liberty Card and ID, and requesting permission to go ashore, snapping a salute to
the Ensign as I headed down the after-brow!!
Yes, I liked liberty call, the water taxis, and the liberty boats, the harbor breeze in our faces as
we headed towards the pier, riding in the rickshaws, pedi-cabs, and jeepneys, excited to see
and experience the sights, sounds, and scents of a foreign port, experiencing the different
cultures.
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Those familiar and foreign sounding names of the countries, ports, and cities:
Hawaii, Oahu, Pearl Harbor, Ford Island, Hickam Field, Barbers Point, Rabbit Island,
Diamond Head, Waikiki, and Fort DeRussy
Taiwan: Kaohsiung and Taipei
Republic of the Philippines: Subic Bay, Olongapo, Po River, Cubi Point, Grande Island,
Baguio, Manila Bay, Corregidor Island, and the Bataan Peninsula
Midway Island, Okinawa
Japan: Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Mount Fuji, Sasebo, Tokyo, Yokosuka, and Yokohama
Hong Kong: Kowloon Harbor, Tiger Balm Gardens, Victoria Peak; the Floating
Restaurant of Aberdeen
No longer are they just names in a history book or pictures on a postcard, but a reality.
Like a child on Christmas morning, I remember the “channel fever,” those “butterflies of
excitement” we all felt as we steamed into our homeport, seeing the familiar landmarks, and
smelling the familiar smells.
Manning the rails in our dress-blues that windy and cold March morning, I remember seeing the
Harbor Pilot’s boat coming out to the break water to meet us. I watched in amazement as he
scaled the Jacob’s ladder, scrambled aboard the main deck, and then hustled up to the bridge
to assume his navigational duties; guiding us through the channels of the harbor, the tug boats
nudging, pushing, and shoving us to our final berthing place at the pier.
I remember watching the Boatswains Mates, both fore and aft, swinging the “monkey’s fists” in a
circle, like a lariat, then heave them towards the line-handlers on the pier; perfect toss! I can
still hear the 1st Class Boatswain’s Mates barking orders! The giant hawsers secured to the
bollards, rat guards attached, the cranes lifting the fore and aft gangways into place. HOME AT
LAST!! HOME AT LAST!! LIBERTY CALL!! LIBERTY CALL!!
I remember scanning and searching the crowd on the pier for loved ones, and finally finding
them. The Navy Band was playing “Anchors Aweigh” and “Stars and Stripes Forever,” and
feeling a genuine sense of pride and patriotism, knowing that we were America’s best.
In years to come I will remember, as if it were yesterday, the ocean in all of its moods, the
shimmering, and smooth-as-glass surface, the bright night skies and shooting stars, the high
running seas, the rain squalls and rainbows, the warmth of the trade-winds on my face, the
angry, storm–tossed ocean as it surged over the ship’s bow, the pitch and roll of the deck
beneath my feet.
Having gone ashore for my final liberty call, I grow wistful about my Navy days, when the sea
belonged to us, and a new port-of-call was just over the horizon.
Remembering this, we stand taller and say:
I was a Sailor once.
I was part of the United States Navy.
Rewritten and edited by Bruce A. Campbell
Inspired from a writing by: E. A. Hughes, FTCM (SS), USN (Retired)
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Appendices:
Appendix A: Awards, Citations, and Campaign Ribbons
National Defense Service Ribbon
Korean Service Medal with one battle star
Navy Deployment Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal (retroactive)
1955-59 Bryce Canyon won 5 consecutive Battle Efficiency awards (E)
2 August 1959 the Bryce Canyon won THE GOLD “E” for battle efficiency
th
1962 the Bryce Canyon won her 6 Battle Efficiency “E”
Awards, Citations, and Medals
National Defense Service Medal
27 Jun 1950 – 27 Jul 1954
Korean Service Medal with one engagement star
Medal Dates:
12 Apr 1951 – 4 Nov 1951
15 Jul 1953 – 28 Jan 1953
16 Oct 1953 – 30 May 1954
Engagement Star
11 Sep 1952 – 12 Sep 1952
Navy Deployment Sea Service Deployment Ribbon 1952
United Nations Service Medal 1952
Korean War Service Medal
Fall 1952
1 May 1952 – 30 Nov 1952






st
1955-56 Bryce Canyon won 1 “E”
nd
1957 Bryce Canyon won their 2 “E”
rd
1958 30 Mar Bryce Canyon won their 3 Battle Efficiency
awards (E)
th
1959 Bryce Canyon won their 4 “E”
th
2 August 1959 the Bryce Canyon won THEIR 5 GOLD “E”
for battle efficiency
th
1962 the Bryce Canyon won their 6 Battle Efficiency “E”
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Appendix B “Navy Times Ship In the Spotlight” Decommissioning Certificate
Figure 26 Navy Times Ship In the Spotlight
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Appendix C List of Crewmembers 1950-1951
Note: From the 1951 1st Anniversary Booklet. Those names with an asterisk (*) are “Plank Owners.”
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Appendix D: Bryce Canyon Cruise Book Covers
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Note: Full versions of the above cruise books may be viewed at this site: https://brycecanyoncruisebooks.shutterfly.com/
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Appendix E: U.S.S. Bryce Canyon Web Sites
U.S.S. Bryce Canyon Site List: https://ussbrycecanyonad36sitelist.shutterfly.com/
U.S.S. Bryce Canyon History Site: https://brycecanyonhistory.shutterfly.com/
U.S.S. Bryce Canyon Site: https://ussbrycecanyonad36.shutterfly.com/
U.S.S. Bryce Canyon at Sea: https://brycecanyonatsea.shutterfly.com/
U.S.S. Bryce Canyon-Home Port Long Beach: https://brycecanyonhomeportlongbeachca.shutterfly.com/
U.S.S. Bryce Canyon-WestPac Ports of Call: https://westpacportsofcall.shutterfly.com/
U.S.S. Bryce Canyon Cruise Books: https://brycecanyoncruisebooks.shutterfly.com/
Boot Camp Cruise Books-San Diego: https://bootcampcruisebook64411.shutterfly.com/
Boot Camp Cruise Books-Great Lakes: https://greatlakesbootcampcruisebooks.shutterfly.com/
Appendix F: Non U.S.S. Bryce Canyon Web Sites-Destroyers-Guided Missile Destroyer-Carrier-Battleship
U.S.S. James E. Kyes (DD-787) https://ussjamesekyesdd787.shutterfly.com/
U.S.S. Stickell (DD-888) https://ussstickelldd888.shutterfly.com/
U.S.S. Stoddard (DD-566) https://ussstoddarddd566.shutterfly.com/
U.S.S. Lassen (DDG-82) https://usslassenddg82.shutterfly.com/
U.S.S. Tennessee (BB-43) https://usstennesseebb43.shutterfly.com/
U.S.S. Shangri-La (CV-38) https://ussshangrilacv38.shutterfly.com/
U.S.S. Bryce Canyon Sea Cadets
Bryce Canyon Sea Cadet: http://www.brycecanyondivision.org/
Premier Locator Services (aka Military Locators)
Premier Locator Services: http://www.mlrsinc.com/brycecanyon/#Newsletters
Return to Top
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Master Document Index - Military Locator and Reunion Service

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