On February 15, 1964 the the USS Calvert and the USS Catamount (LSD-17) attempted a refueling exercise in rough seas while enroute to Yokosuka, Japan. Here are the Calvert’s deck log entries for this exercise:
- 0800 Stationed the fueling detail.
- 0812 Catamount commenced her approach to starboard side for refueling.
- 0845 First line over.
- 1000 Commenced pumping fuel. Fuel hose parted. Ceased pumping. Maneuvering at various courses and speeds to regain station.
- 1009 Canceled fueling exercise. Maneuvering at various courses and speeds to regain station.
The Calvert’s log book entry for this day is available here: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/220441141?objectPage=57
Steve Straka (MM2, “A” Division, 1962-1965) provided these photographs from his personal collection, which he took while aboard the Calvert. Thanks also go to Wasey Broussard for providing the name of the Catamount. Thanks to other contributors’ comments below, helping to set additional details for these photographs.
Click on a picture to open a full resolution copy in a new window.
That ship we were transferring with was the USS Catamount LSD-17. Not sure if it was fuel we were transferring, because she was not a tanker. May have been a practice drill.
Thanks Wasey! I really appreciate the information on the CATAMOUNT, and the correction on the transfer. Making the corrections and additional information available to the original post now.
I was on the Calvert as a 19 year old Marine in early 64 during Operation Backpack. I used to have pictures that looked just like these. I remember refueling in rough seas but I thought it was a tanker or maybe Oiler is proper, Not an LSD. I have great memories of the Calvert. We were in very high seas and to this day I always tell friends that I know what it’s like to look up and the ocean. I never felt in danger and in the end we were fine. I went from Japan to Taiwan on the Calvert and returned on the LSD Fort Marion in calm seas.
A search turned up the following information on Operation Backpack:
Wikipedia: Operation “Backpack,” was a joint American-Taiwanese practice amphibious assault which took place at Che Cheng, Taiwan, in the late-February (1964) to early-March (1964) timeframe.
Beatrice Daily Sun (March 11, 1964): Operation Backpack was a coordinated U.S. – Nationalist Chinese amphibious exercise conducted off the coast of Taiwan. Backpack was an exercise to test the amphibious capabilities and readiness of the forces of the Seventh Fleet and the Nationalist Chinese Navy. Prior to the assault, aircraft of the Seventh Fleet “softened” the beach defense. In addition, support ships conducted anti-submarine warfare exercises and the area surrounding the beachhead was cleared of obstructions and mines. “Backpack” was similar to exercises conducted periodically of the Seventh Fleet with SEATO and other allied nations in the Far East to improve proficiency in coordinated amphibious warfare operations and to maintain working relationships with allied nations.
That is essentially the way I remember it. I went to Taiwan on the Calvert and returned on the
LSD Fort Marion (LSD 22 I think) to Japan. Of the four ships I was on during my tour I remember the Calvert as being the most historic because of all the campaigns it had taken part in during WWII and Korea.
Thanks Charlie!
Pingback: Operation Backpack – WEST PAC ’64 | USS Calvert (APA-32)
I got on the Calvert in San Diego and climbed down the cargo nets in Okinawa, 28 days later mid 1965.
Thanks John!
I was on the Fort Marion during Operation Backpack. Had to drive a 2 1/2 ton truck off and onto a landing craft. Turned the truck around ON the landing craft. Took about 45b minutes.
We may have been on the Fort Marion together. I was part of a gaurd company at Ping Tung South Airbase in 64 and we were the last Marines out of Tiawan because things still needed to be guarded during the breakdown. The last few nights we slept under the stars in sleeping bags because even the tents were gone. There were only a handful on Marines on the Fort Marion which must have been one of the last ships to leave for Yokusuka. We didn’t have any duty on the ship and I remember a trio of sailors who played guitar and sang at night on deck. They were very good and we enjoyed listening to them.
Sorry, I know this site is about the Calvert but it kind of runs together. By the way for all you sailors who always reminded us Marines that we were just a small part of the Navy I’d like to say thanks. I am so proud to have been part of the greatest navy ever to sail the high seas. Sailors and Marines were and we remain a great team.
In Marines on Catamount Japan to San Diego 1Q-1963, 35 days
R Division DC3 1965-66
I was on the USS Catamount during this time period and was a QM. I was assigned to the helm during these drills. I served aboard during 1962-1965.
Charles Roberts, You and I served as Quartermasters aboard the USS Catamount .
Mr. Roberta – did you know a Patrick Ryan, he was also on this ship during the same time period. Am working with him in filing a va claim.
I got aboard the Calvert in San Diego in July of 1965 and climbed down the cargo nets in Okinawa in August.
Hi John, thank you for your comment. Were you in the Marines? Which unit? Regards, Chris – http://www.usscalvert.com
First Marine Division first Service Battalion Electric Maintance Section.
Gary Rolph was aboard the Cat from March 62 to jan 65 a good time was had by all BENO!!!!!!
I was stationed aboard the USS Calvert APA 32, Feb. 1965 in the BC Division. When we returned from Vietnam in late 65 I was transfferred to the USS Catamount LSD 17 because they needed a coxswain on board. P.E. Foott BM3
i served on the Catamount 66-69 as a ET, I do remember the rough seas. Also have photos of the rough seas.
With the Calvert’s deck logs available online at the National Archives I have finally been able to confirm a few details for this exercise:
0800 Stationed the fueling detail.
0812 Catamount commenced her approach to starboard side for refueling.
0845 First line over.
1000 Commenced pumping fuel. Fuel hose parted. Ceased pumping. Maneuvering at various courses and speeds to regain station.
1009 Canceled fueling exercise. Maneuvering at various courses and speeds to regain station.
The Calvert’s log book entry for this day is available here: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/220441141?objectPage=57
Appreciation to everyone who has contributed to this post over the past 10 years!