Posted on 10/09/2004 6:28:20 PM PDT by Skwidd
Hello, everybody. Typhoon 22 swept through Japan last night and wrecked the Yokosuka Navy base. I happened to have duty last night (onboard the USS Vandegrift) and was connected to the rest of the harbor through the Bridge-to-Bridge circuits, so here's what happened.
We didn't see much of the typhoon until 4 PM, but when it hit, it hit hard. The USS Vincennes was the first to part mooring lines and experience an unexpected underway period. According to the bridge-to-bridge, they shortly thereafter drifted over and hit the USS Coronado. The USS Chancellorsville and two of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense ships also parted lines and experienced an unexpected underway period, but they were able to get control of their ships before they drifted too far.
The bridge-to-bridge also gave alerts of men overboard, though there was some confusion over who they were and what ship they were from. Since yesterday was Saturday in Japan, lots of people were off work and going from place to place, so identities (or even if people were actually in the water) is unknown.
After I got off duty this morning, I went to have a gawk at the Coronado. There was no apparent damage visible from the pier, but then again I don't know exactly where the Vincennes hit them (might have been on the fantail). The most dramatic damage was a sunken pusher boat, but even that looked recoverable. I drove through the base looking for other damage, but all I saw were a few trees knocked over.
Hey EWC! Retired life still good to ya? R, FC1 Winston, one very tired Duty CSO.
Hey FC1 did the Coronado replace the Blue Ridge?
Thank You for your service to our country.
It's really neat that you old salts are in touch. Did either of you ever sail on the USS Macon? She docked in Tripoli Harbor in the fall of 1956 and I had the opportunity to spend some time in her fine mess. We Air Force guys from Wheelus AB, just outside Tripoli, Libya enjoyed the treat.
In Apr of '69 my ship USS Corry DD 817
http://www.uss-corry.com/
was in a typhoon just after we left Yokosuka Naval Base on our way home to the States after a West Pac cruise.
I was on the bridge and saw with my own eyes
the ship take a 46 1/2 degree roll.
Waves up to the signal bridge.
Mount 51 took a wave that flattened
one of the steel rails that kept the canvass cover on.
billhilly, neither me or Skwidd is that old [lol]. I'm 49 and Skwidd is at least 10 years younger. We were stationed together on the USS Independence around 6 or 7 years ago or so.
billhilly, neither me or Skwidd is that old [lol]. I'm 49 and Skwidd is at least 10 years younger. We were stationed together on the USS Independence around 6 or 7 years ago or so.
You have a way with euphemisms, Skwidd :-)
If you get some leave, and have questions on Tokyo or phrases in Japanese, let me know.
You have a gift for military euphemisms. Are you considering making a career of the Navy?
Haul the captain out and make him walk the plank.
That's why I was a bubblehead. Weather bad? Go Deeper!
This is Bush's fault somehow.
Went through a typhoon in Japan long ago. I flew, I tell ya, I flew!!! I'm glad you made it through. Is this an experience you will never forget? :>
If memory serves, the Coronado is a flag command-type vessal
Several years based here in San Diego, and the flag ship
during the Gulf War
I grew up in Sagamihara and Yokohama 1951-1961. My dad worked the the US Army's Japan Procurement Agency. Us Army and Navy brats would catch the bus from Yokohama to Yokosuka and go roller skating at a big rink on the Navy base.
I was stationed aboard the Indy also, although it was a few years before you guys. 1990-1992 2nd Division (Boatswain's Mates). Glad to see a couple of shipmates on FR.
Thanks for the excellent report from your location, Skwidd (the Squid). ;-)
Thank You for your service to the country...That may be true, also the North Korea sitution? ...yah think?...I know, "loose lips, sinks ships".
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