NARRATIVE OF EVENTS FOR 1975
Note: On 30 JUNE 1975 Sterett was reclassified from DLG-31 to CG-31
Having just completed a ten month overhaul at Long Beach Naval Shipyard, STERETT was employed during the first quarter of 1975 in preparation for, and receiving various combat systems and engineering tests and inspections. Among these were included the missile battery System Qualification Tests (SQT), the Fleet Operational Readiness Accuracy Check (FORACS) for CIC/Sonar, Naval Gunfire Support (NGFS) qualification, and Weapons handling and firing exercises in the Southern California operating areas.
Following these tests and inspections, STERETT commenced preparations for deployment by completing Phase I of Refresher Training with the assistance of the Fleet Training Group, San Diego 10 – 28 March. All areas of STERETT’s organization and training readiness were evaluated with satisfactory results. Following Refresher Training, an even more rigorous program of Engineering preparedness was begun for the Operational Propulsion Plant Examination (OPPE) which was to be conducted in September.
Assisting in this vigorous training phase were personnel from the 1200-PSI Mobile Training Team who visited STERETT 1 - 5 May, and again 12 – 15 August. Their training program examined and enhanced crew knowledge of engineering theory and watchstation performance in both regular steaming and casualty control procedures.
STERETT’s most exciting moments of the year came in May when the results of several months of diligent work resulted in the operational test firing of several canister launched HARPOON surface to surface missiles. This was the first such series of launches of the HARPOON missile from a major surface combatant. All firings were evaluated and recorded as hits, and STERETT’s installation was viewed as a possible model for future such installations.
STERETT embarked 10 First class and 30 Third class midshipmen on 9 June for a six-week cruise as part of PACMIDTRARON I, the West Coast midshipmen Training Squadron. While embarked, the midshipmen participated in a full range of training activities in preparation for their future commissioned service.
STERETT continued operational training with an intensive period of team trainers for combat systems personnel in May and June. This culminated in STERETT’s participation in Operation Bell Box (FLEETEX 2-75), during which more than 20 ships and dozens of aircraft practiced cold and hot war-at-sea tactics.
Following the FLEETEX, STERETT and other units of PACMIDTRARON I departed for port visits along the U.S. West Coast and Canada. STERETT visited Seattle, Washington for the Fourth of July holiday and then proceeded to Esquimalt, British Columbia, Canada, for a brief port visit.
Returning to San Diego 14 July, combat system personnel immediately began the rigorous Combat Systems Readiness Test (CSRT). This weeklong inspection exercised the STERETT’s combat systems in every possible mode to determine any deficiencies which might exist.
Next came a complete Command Inspection of the ship by Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group THREE, commencing on 30 July. These two inspections closely examined and reviewed almost every operational and material facet of the personnel equipment, and organization of STERETT, and their successful completion marked a major milestone toward the preparedness for deployment.
September brought the last major pre-deployment inspections: the OPPE and the Nuclear Weapons Acceptance Inspection (NWAI). After completing a final brief period of intense training 12 – 15 August under the guidance of the Mobile Training Team, STERETT passed the Operational Propulsion Plant Examination in early September with a Conditional Satisfactory grade assigned. From 17 – 19 September, STERETT completed the final milestone to deployment by meeting the demanding security and administrative requirements of the NWAI.
Following a brief stop for a final Weapons loadout at Seal Beach, STERETT deployed to the Western Pacific on 4 October. During the initial transit via Pearl Harbor and Guam, STERETT performed escort duties for units of Amphibious Squadron SEVEN, and also participated in the Heritage 200 Bicentennial Naval Review near Honolulu. On 9 October, Captain Charles G. FARNHAM relieved Captain Philip K. COLLINS during Change of Command of Ceremonies at sea.
Upon arrival at Guam on 22 October, Rear Admiral Robert S. SMITH, Commander Cruiser Destroyer Group ONE, embarked in STERETT, assumed duties as CTF 75 flagship and CTU 75.0.1.
Arriving in Subic Bay 29 October, STERETT became immediately involved in the challenging WESTPAC Operational Employment. During November STERETT participated in 10 days of Coordinated Anti-Submarine training (CAST) with other Seventh Fleet surface, subsurface, and air units. She was also a major participant in both MULTIPLEX 1-76 and MISSILE 2-76 in the South China Sea during November. These exercises tested the majority of Seventh Fleet units in the Philippine Area with cold and hot war tactical exercises.
Following another brief period of upkeep in Subic Bay, STERETT performed escort duties with Task Group 77.5 (USS ORISKANY (CVA-34)) in the South China Sea 9 – 18 December. During this time, STERETT performed the full range of duties including picket (PIRAZ), plane guard, and air intercept controlling.
STERETT was detached from USS ORISKANY 19 December and proceeded to Singapore for an upkeep period during the Christmas Holidays. She remained in Singapore at the Sembawang Shipyard through the end of the year.