50 Years Ago Today – Mullinnix Leaves Key West, Florida
Excerpt from “The Last Gun Ship - History of USS Mullinnix DD-944” - A Historical Novel By Frank A. Wood
The ship left Key West again on 19 October in accordance with COMOPTENFOR OPORD D/S 147-0-1 for submarine operating area.
Aircraft completed their buoy drop at 0808. With USS Spikefish SS-404 watching at 4,000 yards, Mullinnix maneuvered to retrieve buoys with motor whale boat. At 0950 HSS 52 was launched and cleared Mullinnix. By 0956, with Mullinnix steaming into the wind, HUL 35 was landed on the fantail. Later, HUL 35 was launched from Mullinnix and commenced attacks on submerged submarine using buoys. She returned to Key West the evening of 20 October only to return to sea on the 21st. But this time, headed north – home to Norfolk, arriving at 0913 on 23 October.
The ship was underway the following morning for Naval Weapons Station, Yorktown, Virginia. While maneuvering alongside pier at Yorktown, the ship’s port screw came in contact with wooden pilings. The screw guard was unable to protect the screw due to height of tide. Nor did the screw guard protect the OOD from the livid CO.
Divers later confirmed that all leading edges of the port screw had tooth effect on edge. Trailing edges showed signs of ‘spoon effect’, possibly resulting from contact with wooden piling. All other shafting and strut supports were found sound and in good condition. Engineering Officer completed inspection of port reduction gear and found no damage. The ship returned to D&S piers on 25 October.
To be continued...
Woody
The ship left Key West again on 19 October in accordance with COMOPTENFOR OPORD D/S 147-0-1 for submarine operating area.
Aircraft completed their buoy drop at 0808. With USS Spikefish SS-404 watching at 4,000 yards, Mullinnix maneuvered to retrieve buoys with motor whale boat. At 0950 HSS 52 was launched and cleared Mullinnix. By 0956, with Mullinnix steaming into the wind, HUL 35 was landed on the fantail. Later, HUL 35 was launched from Mullinnix and commenced attacks on submerged submarine using buoys. She returned to Key West the evening of 20 October only to return to sea on the 21st. But this time, headed north – home to Norfolk, arriving at 0913 on 23 October.
The ship was underway the following morning for Naval Weapons Station, Yorktown, Virginia. While maneuvering alongside pier at Yorktown, the ship’s port screw came in contact with wooden pilings. The screw guard was unable to protect the screw due to height of tide. Nor did the screw guard protect the OOD from the livid CO.
Divers later confirmed that all leading edges of the port screw had tooth effect on edge. Trailing edges showed signs of ‘spoon effect’, possibly resulting from contact with wooden piling. All other shafting and strut supports were found sound and in good condition. Engineering Officer completed inspection of port reduction gear and found no damage. The ship returned to D&S piers on 25 October.
To be continued...
Woody
posted by Frank A. Wood at 09:39
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