Category Archives: 1965-1966

Captain Ward’s Letter to Families and Friends, February 1966

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The following letter was sent, via air mail, to family and friends contacts of the Calvert’s crew members in early February 1966. Written and signed by Captain Ward, the Calvert’s Commanding Officer at that time, it is a fitting and warmhearted message as the Calvert neared the end of her final Far East Cruise, her return to San Diego, and eventual decommissioning later that spring.

Each image below is viewable as a larger version by clicking on the image.

Thank you to an anonymous donor for sharing this letter for inclusion on the website and historical record of the USS Calvert.

Letter of Commendation, DaNang, Vietnam, 12/25/1965 – 01/16/1966

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Appreciation to Warren L. Burch, RMC (retired Navy, 1982) for providing the following Letter of Commendation for the period December 25, 1965 to January 16, 1966.

Mr. Burch was aboard the Calvert from August 1963 (as an RMSA, direct from boot camp and EM School) through to August 1966 (RM2). He remained in the Navy and retired in 1982 as an RMC (Chief).

This letter is further evidence of the USS Calvert’s time in DaNang, Vietnam related to crew members’ records for Agent Orange claims.

Additional information on Agent Orange claims can be found on this page as well: https://www.usscalvert.com/2013/08/23/uss-calvert-added-the-brown-water-ship-list-agent-orange-disability-claims/

Jack E. Hancock, RM3 – 1965 – 1966

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Appreciation to Mr. Jack Hancock for sharing these photographs of the Calvert’s Radio crew, OR Division.

Mr. Hancock can also be seen in this 1965-66 movie footage, at the 16 minute, 5 second to 15 second section. Jorge de la Rossa (left), Skip Steedsman (middle), Jack Hancock (right), as the camera pans to the left and then back right.

Mr. Hancock also helped to produce the ’65-66 Cruise Book and took many of the photographs included in the book.

1965-66 WESTPAC Cruise Book

1965-66 WestPac Cruise Photographs | Ensign Philip K. Selden

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Mr. Philip Selden contacted me and also sent the following photographs taken during the 1965-1966 WestPac cruise. He was aboard the Calvert from June 1965 to May 1966, and left her at Hunter’s Point as she was being deactivated and being converted to a training vessel.

These are great photographs from the Calvert’s last days at sea: