NARRATIVE OF EVENTS FOR 1988
USS STERETT began the New Year in the North Arabian Sea supporting reflagged tanker operations, with the Commander of Task Force Middle East embarked. After transiting through the Hormuz Straits into the Persian Gulf for an inspection tour, the ship arrived in Bahrain for a three-day visit. The ship entertained visits from Senators KENNEDY, STEVENS, RUDMAN, D’AMATO, and Secretary of Defense CARLUCCI, as well as several flag officers involved in the politico-military situation in the Middle East.
Upon departing Bahrain, STERETT exited the Persian Gulf and resumed duties as northern picket for Battle Group "A" in the North Arabian Sea. During a short availability with the Destroyer Tender USS CAPE COD, crewmembers of both ships, as well as those of USS KNOX, FFG -1052, enjoyed an USO show by the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders on board STERETT’s flight deck.
Battle Group "A" turned over duties to Battle Group "E" on 15 February and commenced the transit out of the Indian Ocean towards a long-awaited port visit to Phattaya Beach, Thailand. STERETT spent five days anchored off Phattaya Beach ant then made the four-day transit to Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines. During a brief upkeep, the ship completed several inspections and an Aviation Assist Visit. The ship then departed home waters once again to participate in Team Spirit ’88.
After a short port visit to Pusan, Korea, STERETT began her duties as northern picket for Battle Group "A" and the amphibious readiness group off the coast of Korea. As Team Spirit drew to a close, several units of the Soviet Navy departed Vladivostok; and STERETT was assigned to shadow those units. The ship followed the movements of the Soviet ship NOVOROSYSK off the Soviet coast for approximately one-week before being detached.
Arriving in Sasebo, Japan, the ship enjoyed two days of liberty before departing with the WESTPAC Mobile Training Team, beginning preparations for OPPE. Upon successful completion of training, the MTT was transferred by small boat to Guam and the ship proceeded to Subic Bay, arriving on the 14th of April. The ship spent the next month in port making repairs and preparing for the upcoming OPPE and INSURV inspections. STERETT successfully completed OPPE on 26 May, and the crew then focused its attention on INSURV, which was successfully completed on 24 June.
STERETT was again underway for naval gunfire support and torpedo exercises on the 11th of July. Receiving outstanding scores on both exercises, the ship made a two-day transit to the port of Hong Kong for rest and relaxation. Unfortunately the stay was cut short due to an approaching typhoon, and the ship was underway on 19 July for the return to Subic Bay.
On 21 July the ship began SRA – 6. Thousands of man-hours were invested over the next three months to ensure the ship was at a peak level of combat readiness. Captain Barry M. PLOTT relieved Captain Richard P. GENET in a ceremony held on board on the 19th of August. Four days later, STERETT was the site of the COMNAVSURFGRU WESTPAC change of command, in which RADM G. L. CHESBROUGH relieved RADM D.C. RICHARDSON. COMSEVENTHFLT, VADM P. D. MILLER, was the principal speaker. On 20 September, STERETT was proud to host a visit aboard by VADM R. K. KIHUNE, the new COMNAVSURFPAC. Following successful sea trails, the ship completed SRA – 6 on time on 19 October and began her work-up to full operational status.
Over the next four weeks, STERETT had two unscheduled underway periods to evade Typhoons Ruby and Ship. During Typhoon Ruby, STERETT responded to a distress call by the Panamanian log carrier MV SEA SPRITE, which was taking on water with cargo broken free and bulwarks gone. STERETT stood by SEA SPRITE while she effected emergency repairs and escorted her safely into Manila.
In mid-November STERETT successfully completed a Combat Systems Readiness Test and Aviation Readiness Evaluation. An Aviation Assist Visit was also upgraded to a successful recertification inspection.
On 21 November the ship left port for Yokosuka, Japan, to participate in a training and maintenance availability and pre-REFTRA Training Readiness Evaluation. The ship passed the Training Readiness Evaluation in all mission areas. After spending almost a month in Japan, the ship returned to Subic Bay on the 21st of December to spend Christmas and New Year’s with family and friends. During this period the ship learned that it had been awarded the Naval Surface Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet Silver Anchor for retention excellence in fiscal year 1988 and honorable mention in the Ney competiton for demonstrated excellence in food service.