44 DAYS IN THE TAIWAN STRAITS

By James W. Dull MM2, USS TOLOVANA AO 64

(Deck Log Facts) and (My Memories) from Aug. 23, 1958, to Oct. 5, 1958

On Aug 23, 1958 1,000,000 Communist Chinese commenced the invasion of TAIWAN/FORMOSA. Pres. Eisenhower assembled thousands of U. S. Troops to stop the invasion, including 125 American warships. One of the group was, my ship, the

Fleet Oiler

Displacement 25,440 tons

Length 553 ft.

Beam 75 ft.

Draft 32 ft.

Speed 18 knots

Capacity 146,000 bbls – 8,030,000gal.

2 steam turbine engines, 30,440 hp

Twin 17 ft. dia. Screws, 24 in. drive shafts

Armament 1 5”38, 4 3”50’s, 4 40 mm quads, 4 20mm quads.

On Aug. 23 1958, the Chinese Communists began the shelling of QUEMOY, 1 of 3 tiny Islands, including the MATSU’S and TACHENS.

Aug. 23, 1958, 00 hrs. We are anchored in YOKOSUKA, JAPAN, Capt. D.S. EDWARDS Jr. Commanding Officer.

1019 hrs. Set special sea and anchor detail, (prepare for changing berths).

1032 hrs. Underway to U. S. Army fuel pier, North Dock, YOKOSUKA, JAPAN.

1123 hrs. Moored port side to pier.

1245 hrs. Capt. Mast for 4 sailors in violation of UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice) AWOL.

1425 hrs. Commenced loading NSFO (fuel oil)

1500 hrs. Commenced loading JP5 (jet fuel)

2050 hrs. Secured from taking on JP5

2245 hrs. Secured from taking on NSFO

Aug.24, 00 hrs. Still moored to fuel pier, off duty crews on liberty (R&R).

Aug.25, 00 hrs. Still moored to fuel pier,

0730 hrs, Stationed sea and anchor detail.

0758 hrs, Underway from North Dock to Buoy 11, outer harbor, YOKOSUKA,

0932 hrs. Moored to Buoy 11, secured sea and anchor detail.

2105 hrs. Received message from CTF 73 (COMMANDER TASK FORCE 73) ordering TOLOVANA underway as soon as possible, commenced preparations for getting underway.

2332 hrs. Tested main engines.

Aug. 26, 00 hrs. Material condition YOKE in effect (water tight doors and hatches secured for increased water tight integrity).

0120 hrs. Underway in accordance with CTF 73 message.

0237 hrs. Cleared YOKOSUKA harbor and secured sea and anchor detail.

0840 hrs. Sighted TSUNIKA SAKA, distance 8 mi.

1150 hrs. Suffered casualty to #2 generator. (lost power)

1154 hrs. Restored power, all ahead 1/3 speed 5 knots (28 rpm)

1507 hrs, Changed speed to 12 knots (62 rpm)

1530 hrs. Capt. Mast, 1^st. sailor busted, next inferior rank, 2^nd. sailor sentensed to summary Court Martial.

Aug. 27, 00 hrs. Steaming independently enroute to assigned replenishment detail in the FORMOSA area.

Changing speed and course frequently while enroute, Cond. YOKE in effect. “I personally am not aware of the situation we are in, but suspicions are high, especially when we see the sky (light up) at night with tracers and explosions in the distance, (not sure which days). Like a giant 4 ^{t h}. Of July fireworks display, only much, much, larger.

1005 hrs. My friend, MM3/c Gordon Yerbich, slipped from and auxilliary pump and struck his head on a discharge valve, in the engine room. Ruled accidental, placed on sick list, way to go Gordo, one way to get out of standing watch.

1640 hrs. Lost power on main propulsion plant, main condensate pump failed.

1659 hrs. Casualty restored, set speed to 15 knots (77 rpm)

1720 hrs. Set replenishment detail (the transfer of fuel from our ship to another by large reinforced rubber hose, 6” and 8” dia. Held up by steal cables) “incidently, the hose was manufactured near my home (OHIO CITY, OH) by the AEROQUIP Mfg. Co”. of VAN WERT,OH.

1734 hrs. USS SWENSON DD 729 coming alongside to starboard (right side) “a DD is a destroyer, not too big. but mighty fighters.

1812 hrs. SWENSON cleared to starboard (pulled away after receiving fuel)

2015 hrs. Obtained small unidentified radar contact, distance 8,400 yds. Contact evaluated as possible submarine. Commenced tracking. (C’mon guys get real) “think about this- a floating gas station, -hunting a hostile submarine” –beam me up please-

2036 hrs. Lost contact. (now what??? is he under us??? watching us??? hunting us??? “prayers” may be in order!!!

Aug. 28, 00 hrs. Steaming independently enroute assigned operating area to the southeast of FORMOSA, in accordance with CTF 73, message. Condition YOKE in effect.

1717 hrs. Suffered casualty to main condensate pump, caused by flooding.

1735 hrs. Casualty restored, still steaming various speeds and courses, (changing about every 15 to 30 min.)

1822 hrs. Maneuvering to enter BUCKNER BAY to effect personnel transfer.

1920 hrs. Received 1 officer and 3 enlisted men on board by boat.

1934 hrs. Secured personnel transfer detail, set speed at 16 knots (83 rpm) App. 20 mph.

2040 hrs. Sighted ARASAKI LIGHT, (light house), distance 11.2 mi.

Aug 29, 00 hrs. Steaming singly enroute assigned fueling rendezvous southeast of TAIWAN, condition YOKE in effect. being a “snipe” (main engine operator) I don’t know all the “deck ape” (topside personnel) language, The engine room is 30 ft. down in the belly of the ship, near the after (rear) section of the ship (always hot). As hot as 130 deg. (boilers and steam engines).

Aug 30, 00 hrs. Still enroute to TAIWAN.

0700 hrs. Sighted KOTOSHO ISLAND distance 40 mi.

0948 Passed SHOKOTO SHO ISLAND abeam to starboard (right side rear) distance 3,800 yds.

1230 hrs. Finally slowed to 10 knots (oops) fog.

1447 hrs. Slowed to 5 knots, and commenced sounding fog signals and stationed fog lookouts on forcastle (front of ship).

1527 hrs. Secured fog soundings and lookout and changed speed to 10 knots.

1626 hrs. Stationed replenishment detail.

1735 hrs. USS HANCOCK CVA 19 (aircraft carrier) alongside to port. Commenced replenishing.

1746 hrs. USS MULLANY DD 528 alongside to starboard. (2 at a time big boys to port, small boys to starboard) “The MULLANY was purchased by the Taiwan Gov’t. in Dec 1971, “she was a FLETCHER class destroyer, built in the first 2 years of WW2”. Her name was changed to CHIANG YANG, she was the first ROCN warship to fire a surface-to-air missile. She was decommisssioned on 7/16/99 at the Singbing piers, in KAOHSIUNG, TAIWAN.

1815 hrs. MULLANY cleared top starboard.

1821 hrs. USS UHLMANN DD 687 alongside to starboard.

1845 hrs. Transferred sailor to HANCOCK via high-line (transfer from ship to ship by manila rope and seat or basket)

1850 hrs. UHLMANN cleared to starboard.

1907 hrs. USS ISHERWOOD DD 520 alongside to starboard.

1946 hrs. ISHERWOOD cleared to starboard.

2012 hrs. HANCOCK completed taking fuel.

2026 hrs. All lines clear to HANCOCK.

2028 hrs. HANCOCK cleared to port. (whew!! 1 carrier and 3 destroyers in 3 hrs.)

Aug. 31, 00 hrs. Steaming independently again southeast of TAIWAN.

1423 hrs. Sighted SHOKOTO SHO, distance 17.5 mi.

1713 hrs. Fog with rain squalls next 45 min.

1756 hrs. Sighted southern tip of FORMOSA distance 14 mi.

2040 hrs. Joined with TASK GROUP 77.7 In column, TOLOVANA on guide, HANCOCK astern 1,500 yards, screens, ISHERWOOD sta.1 MULLANY sta. 2 UHLMANN, plane guard astern of HANCOCK. (screens, destroyers steaming around us to intervene incase of attack) still changing course and speed every 20 min.

Sept 1, 00 hrs. Still steaming in formation with HANCOCK, ISHERWOOD, MULLANY, and UHLMANN, condition YOKE in effect.

1120 hrs. Stationed fog signals and lookouts.

1135 hrs. Secured fog detail.

1347 hrs. Set fog detail.

1458 hrs. Manuvering at various speeds to take station on USS CHARA AKA 58 (cargo ship)

1742 hrs. Received helicopter mail drop on forcastle, (mail call)

Sept 2, 00 hrs. Steaming in company to northwest of LUZON, Heavies in line are CHARA, guide, TOLOVANA and HANCOCK, screens are MULLANY, and ISHERWOOD, cond. YOKE in effect.

0730 hrs. Stationed replenishment detail.

0752 hrs. Received HANCOCK alongside to port.

0801 hrs. ISHERWOOD alongside to starboard.

0835 hrs. Received Couture SN and Finch AB 3 from HANCOCK by high-line.

0845 hrs. ISHERWOOD cleared to starboard.

0855 hrs. HANCOCK cleared to port.

0915 hrs. UHLMANN alongside to starboard. Fog watch again.

0951 hrs. UHLMANN cleared to starboard.

1010 hrs. MULLANY alongside to starboard. CHARA alongside to port

1050 hrs. MULLANY cleared to starboard.

1203 hrs. CHARA cleared to port.

1205 hrs. Secured replenishment detail.

1222 hrs, Right full rudder, manuvering on various courses and speeds to take station astern of USS ALUDRA AF 55 (provision ship).

1325 hrs. Commenced approach to port side ALUDRA.

1428 hrs. Cleared port side of ALUDRA to take station 1.500 yds. Astern of ALUDRA.

1433 hrs. Secured replenishment detail.

1534 hrs. Assumed the guide on course, speed 15 knots.

Sept 3, 00 hrs. Steaming in company with TASK GROUP 77.7 composed of heavies, in column, TOLOVANA guide, HANCOCK, CHARA, screens, UHLMANN, ISHERWOOD, MULLANY.

0314 hrs. Stationed fog soundings and lookouts

0350 hrs. CHARA on guide.

0800 to 1200 watch is the normal time to muster crew on stations, inspect magazines, ammo, and smokeless powder samples, the past 12 days, condition normal. Again we in engineering, don’t pay much attention to deck activities, we just make the fresh water, and electricity, and keep her two engines operating as requested.

1400 hrs. Sailor got his summary Court Martial, must await action of the convening authority.

1431 hrs. Executed column open order, (don’t know what that means, suspect broke out of column of other heavies).

1740 hrs. Secured navigational lights. (lots of fog on and off today)

Sept. 4, 00 hrs. Steaming in SOUTH CHINA SEA enroute assigned rendezvous, condition YOKE (modified)

1217 hrs. More fog.

1642 hrs. secured fog signals and watch.

Sept 5, 00 hrs. Steaming in formation, TOLOVANA on guide CHARA, 1.500 yards astern, steaming westward of BASHI CHANNEL enroute replenishment rendezvous.

0927 hrs. UHLMANN alongside to starboard.

0928 hrs. HANCOCK alongside to port.

0950 hrs. Transferred Finch AB 3 to HANCOCK by high-line.

1021 hrs. UHLMANN cleared to starboard.

1028 hrs. USS KIDD DD 661 alongside to starboard.

1045 hrs. HANCOCK cleared to port.

1108 hrs. KIDD cleared to starboard.

1109 hrs. Secured replenishment detail.

1540 hrs. Commenced ship handling drill on various courses at various speeds.

1617 hrs. Secured from ship handling drill.

Sept. 6 00 hrs. Steaming with CHARA, TOLOVANA on guide.

0645 hrs. USS SHANGRI-LA CVA 38 alongside to port.

0652 hrs. USS LARSON DD 830 alongside to starboard.

0740 hrs. LARSON cleared to starboard.

0746 hrs. USS BLACK DDR 666 alongside to starboard.

0832 hrs. BLACK cleared to starboard.

0844 hrs. SHANGRI-LA cleared to port.

0909 hrs. CHARA alongside to port.

0924 hrs. Received from CHARA, LTJG Outerbridge via high-line.

0949 hrs. CHARA cleared to port.

0950 hrs. Secured replenishment detail. (another busy morning).

1410 hrs. Commenced tactical exercises in formation with CHARA, (ship handling drill?? Tactical exercises?? A tanker and a cargo ship?????

Sept 7, 00 hrs. Steaming to southward of TAIWAN, in vicinity of assigned rendezvous, with CHARA astern 1500 yards.

0245 hrs. Sighted vessel port beam at 12 mi., determined it to be USS CIMARRON AO 22.

0315 hrs. .Changed course and speed, proceeding to SUBIC BAY, PHILLIPINE ISLANDS. ( out of fuel, headed for SUBIC to load up, CIMARRON “sister ship” providing fuel till we get back.

1527 hrs. Sighted CAPE BOJEADOR Light, distance 36 mi.

1802 hrs. SS PIONEER MILL passed abeam to port, distance 1 mi. (SS not a fighting ship).

Sept 8. 00 hrs. Steaming independently enroute , SUBIC BAY.

0143 hrs. Sighted CAPE BOLINAO Light, distance 15 mi.

1143 hrs. Stationed sea and anchor detail.

1154 hrs. Maneuvering to enter SUBIC BAY.

1231 hrs. Tug boat alongside, for “pilot” Anderson, to guide us to POL pier.

1311 hrs. Moored port side to POL pier.

1323 hrs. Secured sea and anchor detail.

1503 hrs. Commenced loading NSFO.

1650 hrs. Commenced loading JP 5.

1655 hrs. Commenced loading AVGAS (airplane fuel)

1730 hrs. Completed loading AVGAS.

1838 hrs. Completed loading JP 5.

1925 hrs. Completed loading NSFO. (draft after loading ship is 32ft 3in fwd. 32ft 4in aft.) “were loaded”.

Sept 9, 00 hrs. Moored port side to US NAVY fuel bier, SUBIC. With mooring lines doubled.

1300 hrs. Capt held mast for 2 sailors, both AWOL more than 3 hrs. both got summary Court Martials. Off duty crews on liberty (R&R).

Sept 10, 00 hrs. Still moored to fuel pier.

0831 hrs. Set sea and anchor detail.

0840 hrs. Pilot, Anderson, aboard. for shifting berths.

0845 hrs. Tug 220 made up on starboard bow.

0851 hrs. Underway to shift berths to Alava Dock.

0857 hrs. Tug 370 made up on port quarter.

0906 hrs. Tug 370 cast off from port quarter.

0906 hrs. Tug 220 cast off from starboard.

0934 hrs. Moored to west end Alava dock.

0953 hrs. Secured sea and anchor detail.

Sept 11, 00 hrs. Moored starboard side to Alava Dock, U.S. NAVAL STATION, OLONGAPO, SUBIC BAY, PHILLIPPINE, ISLANDS.

1850 hrs. Bill Varnes SN was injured while playing ball on Driftwood Beach, taken to dispensary, got sutures, and returned to ship. (we had an awsome fast pitch softball team, never beaten in 2 years, played any and all comers including base teams). I played 1^st. base.

Sept 12, 00 hrs.Moored as before.

0920 hrs. Capt’s mast for “Frank” AWOL 1 hr. 15 min. warning.

Sept. 13, 00 hrs. Moored as before.

2325 hrs. Sailor put in ships brig for safe keeping, by order of the duty command officer (must have been awfully drunk)

Sept 14, 00 hrs. No change.

0800 hrs. Prisoner released, (sober now).

Sept 15, 00 hrs. Same conditions.

0630 hrs. Ens. Davies USNR departed for U.S. NAVAL school, in NEWPORT, R.I..

0840 hrs. Inventory of small arms, all present.

0845 hrs. Jacked over port and starboard main engines. (rotate slowly).

1155 hrs. Lighted fires under #1 and #3 boilers.

1330 hrs. Set sea and anchor detail.

1335 hrs. Secured sea and anchor detail, secured #1 and #3 boilers, moored as before.

Sept 16, 00 hrs. Still moored at OLANGOPO, SUBIC BAY.

1330 hrs. Set sea and anchor detail.

1348 hrs. Tug 370 alongside with Pilot Torres.

1403 hrs. Tug 496 alongside to port quarter.

1415 hrs. Underway for anchorage 94.

1450 hrs. Commenced loading ammo.

1503 hrs. Secured from loading ammo.

1620 hrs. Secured sea and anchor detail. Underway for assigned replenishment rendezvous in accordance with CTF 73. Maneuvering to clear SUBIC BAY.

1827 hrs. Secured sea and anchor detail.

1924 hrs. Changed speed to 13 knots (67 RPM)

2330 hrs. Sighted PALAVIA POINT Light. Distance 8.5 mi.

Sept 17, 00 hrs. Steaming enroute assigned replenishment rendezvous. Condition YOKE in effect.

0355 hrs. Sighted CAPE BOLINAO light 18 mi.

0750 hrs. Mustered crew, no absents.

1439 hrs. Conducted exercise Z-4-N. (don’t know what it is). Tested emergency steering. OK.

1515 hrs. Secured from exercise Z-4-N.

Sept 18, 00 hrs. Steaming enroute rendezvous area at 11 knots.

0544 hrs. TOLOVANA joined with CHARA, and CIMARRON.

0600 hrs. Stationed replenishment detail.

0651 hrs. SHANGRI-LA alongside to port.

0945 hrs. SHANGRI-LA cleared to port.

1120 hrs. Detached CIMARRON to procede on duty assigned.

1244 hrs. Maintained station 1,500 yards astern CHARA.

1400 hrs. Commenced steering various courses and speeds in accordance with zig-zag plan.

1730 hrs. Ceased zig-sagging, resumed base course.

Sept 19, 00 hrs. Steaming in company with CHARA, condition YOKE (mod) .

0825 hrs. Hauled down guide flag, CHARA departed from TU 73.3.2 temporarily.

1300 hrs. Commenced CIC tracking exercise. (don’t know what it is).

1423 hrs. Secured from CIC tracking exercise.

1535 hrs. Stopped all engines to effect maintenance to starboard anchor.

1604 hrs, Anchor maintenance completed.

1605 hrs. CHARA rejoined.

1703 hrs. Commenced zig-zagging in accordance with plan 20.

1735 hrs. Secured zig-zag plan.

Sept. 20, 00 hrs. Steaming in company with CHARA in vicinity of assigned replenishment rendezvous to southward of TAIWAN. Ships in column, CHARA as guide, TOLOVANA astern 1,500 yds., on course. Condition YOKE (mod).

1003 hrs. Fire occured in forward provision storeroom, mustered crew at fire quarters.

1005 hrs. Fire under control and evaluated as class “C” fire resulting from overheated electric motor for vent supply system.

1007 hrs. Material condition ZULU set throughout the ship. (don’t know what it is).

1008 hrs. Fire extinguished.

1010 hrs. Secured from fire quarters and condition ZULU.

1152 hrs. Secured from inspection.

1435 hrs. Number 2 boiler, out of commission for repairs. (have 4 boilers and use 2 at a time).

Sept 21, 00 hrs. Steaming as before, in vicinity of assigned replenishment rendezvous.

1253 hrs. This ship assumed formation guide, CHARA took life guide station astern (available to pick up personnel who may be overboard from replenishing or rough seas).

1300 hrs. Stationed fueling and replenishment detail on ship control stations and starboard high-line.

1312 hrs. USS JUPITER AVS 8 (fleet freight) alongside to starboard.

1320 hrs. Received on board,by manila high-line, Thornhill SA (seaman apprentice), Van Volkenburg (fireman).

1225 hrs. Commenced receiving fleet freight from JUPITER.

1349 hrs. Completed receiving freight. JUPITER cast off to starboard.

1350 hrs. Secured replenishment detail.

1435 hrs. Took formation Delta, TOLOVANA station one, guide, JUPITER station 2, CHARA station 3.

1903 hrs. Formed column open order, CHARA on guide, TOLOVANA and JUPITAR astern 1,500 yds. Maneuvering on various courses and speeds.

Sept 22, 00 hrs. Steaming in vicinity assigned operation to southwest of TAIWAN, in column with CHARA, and JUPITER. Condition YOKE (mod).

0602 hrs. Stationed replenishment detail.

0649 hrs. Commenced replenishing TG 77.4, USS SHERMAN DD 931 alongside to starboard.

0745 hrs. SHERMAN cleared to starboard.

0750 hrs. USS F. ROYAL DD 872 alongside to starboard.

0805 hrs. USS ESSEX CVA 9 alongside to port.

0842 hrs. F. ROYAL cleared to starboard.

0848 hrs. USS SWENSON DD 729 alongside to starboard.

0926 hrs. SWENSON cleared to starboard.

0930 hrs. USS BLACK DD 666 alongside to starboard.

1006 hrs. BLACK cleared to starboard.

1007 hrs. ESSEX cleared to port.

1008 hrs. USS ROAN DD 853 alongside to starboard.

1027 hrs. USS SHANGRI-LA CVA 38 alongside to port.

1104 hrs. ROAN cleared to starboard.

1107 hrs. USS COWELL DD 547 alongside to starboard.

1159 hrs. COWELL cleared to starboard.

1204 hrs. USS LARSON DD 830 alongside to starboard.

1239 hrs, SHANGRI-LA cleared to port.

1245 hrs. LARSON cleared to starboard.

1254 hrs. USS HALE DD 642 alongside to starboard.

1256 hrs. USS GRAFFIAS AF 29 alongside to port.

1322 hrs. GRAFFIAS cleared to port.

1328 hrs. HALE cleared to starboard.

1329 hrs. Secured replenishment detail. (whew!!! Big day, 8 destroyers, 3 heavies), “71/2 hrs.”

Sept. 23, 00 hrs. Steaming in vicinity of BATAN ISLANDS in accordance with CTF 73 message. TOLOVANA and CHARA in column. Condition yoke in effect.

0108 hrs. Stationed fog lookout, sounding fog signals.

0135 hrs. Secured fog lookout and signals.

1001 hrs. CHARA alongside to port

1114 hrs. CHARA cleared to port.

1117 hrs. Secured replenishment detail.

1400 hrs. Capt. Mast, 4 sailers punished for various violations.

1445 hrs. Exercised crew at General Quarters (Battle Stations) Conducted damage control drills, set material condition ZEBRA.

1529 hrs. Set material condition YOKE.

1530 hrs. Secured from General Quarters.

Sept. 24, 00 hrs. Steaming enroute assigned rendezvous to northeastward of BATAN ISLANDS, Ships in column, CHARA, guide, TOLOVANA 1,500 yards astern, Speed 11 knots, condition YOKE in effect.

0508 hrs. Fog and rain squalls, set fog watch and sounding signals.

0514 hrs. Secured fog signals.

0612 hrs. Sighted YAMI ISLAND, distance 17.8 miles.

0811 hrs. SWENSON alongside to starboard.

0819 hrs. LARSON alongside to port.

0850 hrs. SWENSON cleared to starboard.

0854 hrs. BLACK alongside to starboard.

0900 hrs. LARSON cleared to port.

0905 hrs. COWELL alongside to port.

0935 hrs. BLACK cleared to starboard.

0940 hrs. SHERMAN alongside to starboard.

0954 hrs. COWELL cleared to port.

1000 hrs. ROYAL alongside to port.

1024 hrs. SHERMAN cleared to starboard.

1049 hrs. ROYAL cleared to port. (2 1/2 hrs. fueled 6 destroyers)

1248 hrs. Set replenishment detail.

1304 hrs. HALE alongside to starboard.

1342 hrs. HALE cleared to starboard.

1343 hrs. Secured replenishment detail.

1443 hrs. Set replenishment detail.

1453 hrs. ROAN alongside to starboard.

1533 hrs. ROAN cleared to starboard.

1534 hrs. Secured replenishment detail.

2000 to 2400 watch, sighted Y’AMI ISLAND distance 9.2 mi.

Sept. 25, 00 hrs. Steaming westward of BATAN ISLANDS, TOLOVANA on guide, CHARA 1,500 yards astern in column.

1000 hrs. Capt. Mast, Chadwell, disrespect, warning. Murphy, disrespect, warning. Calding, assault, busted.

Sept 26, 00 hrs. Steaming southward of TAIWAN, TOLOVANA in guide, CHARA 1,500 yards astern in column

1030 hrs. Capt. Mast. Couture, contempt, 10 days extra duty.

1330 hrs. Set replenishment detail.

1420 hrs. ESSEX alongside to port.

1422 hrs. SHERMAN alongside to starboard.

1455 hrs. SHERMAN cleared to starboard.

1500 hrs. SWENSON alongside to starboard.

1456 (mistake in log) cleared to starboard.

1550 hrs. ROAN alongside to starboard.

1612 hrs. ESSEX cleared to port.

1625 hrs. ROAN cleared to starboard.

1628 hrs. BLACK alongside to starboard.

1639 hrs. SHANGRI-LA alongside to port.

1700 hrs. BLACK cleared to starboard.

1703 hrs. HALE alongside to starboard.

1738 hrs. HALE cleared to starboard.

1745 hrs. ROYAL alongside to starboard.

1831 hrs. ROYAL cleared to starboard.

1834 hrs. SHANGRI-LA cleared to port 1835 hrs. COWELL alongside to starboard.

1848 hrs. LARSON alongside to port.

1910 hrs. COWELL cleared to starboard.

1931 hrs. LARSON cleared to port. (fueled 11 ships today)

Sept 27, 00 hrs. Steaming southward of TAIWAN, condition YOKE in effect.

0730 hrs. Set replenishment detail.

0747 hrs. USS INGERSOLL DD 652 alongside to starboard.

0834 hrs. INGERSOLL cleared to starboard.

0834 hrs. USS TWINING DD 540 alongside to port.

0839 hrs. USS SHIELDS DD 596 alongside to starboard.

0906 hrs. TWINING cleared to port. (no time for SHIELDS clearing to starboard)

0921 hrs. USS MARSHALL DD 676 alongside to starboard.

0952 hrs. MARSHALL cleared to starboard.

1001 hrs. Secured replenishment detail.

1226 hrs. Set replenishment detail.

1240 hrs. USS LEXINGTON CVA 16 alongside to port.

1415 hrs. LEXINGTON cleared to port.

1417 hrs. Secured replenishment detail.

1638 hrs. Commenced taking on salt water ballast. (must be riding high in water and low on fuel)

Sept 28, 00 hrs.Steaming independently northward of LUZON, PHILLIPPINE ISLANDS.

1400 hrs. USS MAUNA KEA AE 22 took station 1,500 yards astern TOLOVANA.

1500 hrs. Departed assigned rendezvous area enroute SUBIC BAY in accordance with CTF 73 message.

1800 hrs. Retarded all ships clocks to conform with –8 time zone.

2107 hrs. Sighted CAPE BOJEADOR light. Distance 30.5 mi.

Sept 29, 00 hrs. Steaming independently enroute SUBIC BAY, from operating area, condition YOKE in effect.

0114 hrs. Relieved by CIMMARON AO 22, (we’re out of fuel, going to SUBIC to get filled up)

1329 hrs. Set sea and anchor detail, entering SUBIC BAY.

1427 hrs. Moored starboard side to POL pier, SUBIC BAY

1442 hrs. Secured sea and anchor detail.

Sept. 30, 00 hrs. Moored starboard side to US NAVY FUEL PIER, SUBIC BAY, PHILLIPPINE, ISLANDS. Condition YOKE (modified) in effect.

0950 hrs. Commenced receiving NSFO.

1025 hrs. Commenced receiving JP 5.

1035 hrs. Commenced receiving AVGAS.

Oct. 1. 00 hrs. Moored as before.

0805 hrs. Completed loading NSFO, Draft forward, 32’2”, aft, 32’4”. Loaded, ready to go.

Next (5) days, R & R in Subic Bay, Cold iron (getting power from Shore station).

USS TOLOVANA AO 64