In early 1964 (late-Feb into early-March) the Calvert participated in Exercise Backpack.
Calversion V25, P4: “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.”
Wikipedia entry for USS Windham County, LST-1170: “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: 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.
Marine Alfredo “Sam” Garcia, aboard for Backpack
Thank you to Joe Garcia for sharing these photos of his father, Marine Alfredo Garcia, who was aboard the Calvert for Backpack. Alfredo is in the middle of the second photo, with his hand on the canvas, along with members of his unit.
Marine Charlie V’s experience during Backpack
“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. 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.” – Charlie V.
The Marines remained at Taiwan; The Calvert departed for Saesbo, Japan
Leaving the troops in Taiwan, in mid-March the Calvert headed for Saesbo, Japan for a brief period of rest and relaxation. Dave Cullen, A History of the USS Calvert, p31.
Replenishment drill with the USS Catamount (LSD-17) during rough seas during Operation Backpack, March 1964
Great photographs of the Calvert and the USS Catamount (LSD-17) in rough seas from late February or early March, 1964, during Operation Back Pack off the coast of Taiwan.
Steve Straka (MM2, “A” Division, 1962-1965) provided these photographs from his personal collection, taken while he was aboard the Calvert. Thanks also go to Wasey Broussard for providing the name of the Catamount and correction that this encounter at sea was not likely a refueling, but instead likely a transfer drill. Thanks to other contributors’ comments below, helping to set additional details for these photographs.
