NARRATIVE OF EVENTS FOR 1987
STERETT began the New Year inport Subic Bay, R.P. finishing a holiday upkeep period, followed by a short port visit to Hong Kong during the first week of 1987. STERETT returned to Subic Bay on 10 January to begin final preparations for the upcoming deployment to Hawaii.
During the transit to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, STERETT embarked Commander, Destroyer Squadron SEVENTEEN for three days during which time he observed the training exercise Busy Observer. Upon arrival Pearl Harbor on 28 January, STERETT’s crew began completing various training including SAR, fire fighting and General Damage Control Training for the entire crew. Additionally, numerous inspections were conducted and the Combat Systems Sea Qualifications Test was successfully completed.
STERETT departed Pearl Harbor on 15 March to return to Subic Bay. Prior to pulling into port on 31 March, the ship participated in a Naval Gunfire Support Exercise at Tabones Range on 30 March. After arrival, preparations began for ISIC Engineering Inspection which was conducted from 6 – 8 April. This was followed by the Command Inspection on 15 April.
After a brief upkeep period, STERETT was underway again for operations with Battle Group ALFA in the South China Sea, followed by a port visit to Hong Kong on 5 May. Leaving Hong Kong on 10 May, the ship headed south, stopped briefly in Subic Bay, then made two port visits in Australia. The first stop was Sydney for four days, followed by four days in Melbourne.
Leaving Melbourne on 15 June, the ship participated in operations with Battle Group ALFA in and around the Philippine Sea until 4 July, when STERETT returned to her home port for three days. This trip was followed by a brief four day underway period prior to beginning Selected Repair Availability Five.
Upon completion of SRA – 5, STERETT began a series of brief underway periods in preparation for her upcoming deployment. During this period, STERETT crewmembers hosted Admiral LEWIN, Command, U.S. Naval Forces, Philippines, along with many of the crew’s families during the dependents cruise. Included in the final preparations for deployment were the Combat Systems Readiness Test and a missile firing exercise, both of which were completed successfully.
Transiting through the Straits of Malacca into the North Arabian Sea, STERETT operated with Battle Group ALFA from 10 November through the end of the year. During the Christmas Holidays, STERETT spent four days in Muscat, Oman. Senator Edward KENNEDY of Massachusetts visited with the officers and men of STERETT, relaying greetings from President REAGAN and commenting on the superb job the U.S. Navy is doing in the Persian Gulf area. Crewmembers had the opportunity to have Christmas dinners with American families while in Oman, in addition, many enjoyed shopping, tours and sporting events.
After leaving Muscat, STERETT proceeded south to the vicinity of Masirah, Oman for a two-day tender availability with USS CAPE COD. On the second day, STERETT’s crew along with the crews from USS CAPE COD and USS FRANCIS HAMMOND were entertained by the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders during their holiday tour of the region. After departing CAPE COD, STERETT embarked Commander, Joint Task Force Middle East, Rear Admiral Dennis M. BROOKS.