USS MULLINNIX DD-944

1971
Springboard

Mullinnix @ Roosevelt Roads - Springboard 1971

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USS MULLINNIX DD-944 FPO NY 09501
Familygram Number 71-1 (Approx May 1971)
Dear Mullinnix Families,

Six months have passed since the last MULLINNIX family-gram was written. For those who have joined the MULLINNIX family since the Mediterranean deployment "Welcome Aboard". In addition, we have witnessed the departure of many personnel, either transferred or discharged, so it can be said that the MUX family has changed considerably.

Policy has also been changing in the Navy, as evidenced by the "Z-Grams". For families who may not know, a "Z-Gram" is a policy message published by the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral E. ZUMWALT. Enclosed you will find some of the more recent and pertinent "Z-Grams" issued by Admiral ZUMWALT, affecting such areas as commissaries, uniforms, exchanges, civilian clothing, and Navy Regulations.

Since the Mediterranean deployment we have been in port with the exception of about 3 weeks in February. Much of the in-port time has been spent repairing equipment that hasn't been overhauled for a considerable time, This, in itself, requires many long hours of hard work and professional skill. For many of the crew the tasks have been arduous because of the "early-out" discharge of personnel. Additional personnel manning has been curtailed by funding, and the reduction of numbers is effected to meet money reductions. Releasing personnel early allows the Navy to reduce the manning to match funds available. Despite shortages of personnel in some areas, MULLINNIX has exhibited a "can do" spirit. Completed work includes bricking all the boilers, replacing a twin 3"/50 gun mount and a gunfire control director, and overhaul of both radar antennas. This work reflects the effort that all kinds have put forth to ensure that the MULLINNIX is a first-class ship ready to meet any task assigned.

Future operations include a 30-day period at Norfolk Naval Shipyard Portsmouth, Virginia. MULLINNIX is scheduled to depart the shipyard in late June. Following that we hope to go to sea for two or three weeks to accomplish sea trials, which is a testing of all equipment to ensure its readiness.

Beginning September, we will begin a work-up period for the December Mediterranean deployment. This period again will signal a concerted effort to train and improve material readiness in order that the deployment is successful.

There recently has come to press a valuable aid for all servicemen and their wives. This is the 1971 UNIFORM SERVICCS ALMANAC. It contains complete new pay tables, listing all deductions and actual take home pay after taxes, Special Viet Nam highlights and bonuses; insurance information, retired servicemen’s family protection plan and probably most important, dependent Medical Benefits. All dependent wives will bb mailed a copy of this book. Other dependents may obtain one upon request. These booklets are funded through the MULLINNIX Welfare and Recreation Fund.

Everyone should be aware of the NAVY LODGE in Norfolk. NAVY LODGE is a Navy run motel chain operating on naval property whose purpose is to provide low-cost temporary housing to Navy families while in transit or in need of temporary housing. For information about Navy Lodge call Mr. O’KEEFE at 489-2656 or Mr. LESPEANCE at 464-6215.

The Navy Relief Fund Drive is now underway. It will run from 4 May until 6 June. Navy Relief is a non-profit organization supported by contributions given by Navy and Marine Corps men everywhere. It provides such services as emergency nurses, babysitters and loans. It also provides scholarships to college and sponsors the THRIFT SHOP, where low-cost clothing and baby wear may be obtained. On the MULLINNIX last year alone, 11 loans to servicemen and three free grants were given. Remember Navy Relief - help them and they'll be there to help you if you need it.

Please feel free to write to me or the Executive Officer, LCDR HODKINS, if you have a problem concerning military life aboard the MULLINNIX. If we do not have the answers, we will help you to obtain the service you desire.

Very sincerely,
J. L. KRUMWIEDE
CDR USN
Commanding

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19 May, 1971 (Portsmouth, VA)
Dear Mom, Dad, Sue

Its' your hand that's broken now. I send a card on Mothers Day & a letter since then. I know that's been a couple of weeks, but I keep waiting for a letter each day and before you know it, a week has gone by.

We're in Portsmouth, just across the bay from Norfolk. We unloaded ammo Monday & Tuesday, and we go to dry-dock Friday afternoon. It's like a big swimming pool, they drain the water out from under you, and they can work on the hull – the part of the ship that's in the water. Well, as you can see 8 cents for a stamp. If this keeps up, it will be cheaper to fly out and see you guys then write a letter.

We still are scheduled for the Med. On Dec 1st. I hope Larry (Nord) and I can come home around Oct. to see you and each other.

This isn't much of a letter, but there isn't anything new. Please Write Soon!!! Love, Frank PS: I’ve been to Va. Beach twice and body surfed. Had fun. PPS: How’s Andy?

27 May, 1971 (Dry-dock - Portsmouth, VA)
Dear Mom, Dad, Sue

We're still in Portsmouth, VA, in dry-dock. We got the director all chipped today (taking the paint off). We start painting tomorrow. (Greg) Berry’s sister-in-law is supposed to come down in 2 wks. Her name is Hilda. I don't know her last name. But she is good looking. Saturday I'm going to Va. Beach with Berry & his parents are coming down with his sister. I'm sorry your trip was a bust; I was looking forward to seeing you.

How are Sue and Andy coming? I hope well, he seems to be OK. What did Sue get for grades? I hope well. Steve Forwood joined the Navy. I told him not to, but he went ahead & did it. I hope he gets on this coast. As usual that's all the news. We might go to Boston in July. I hope so. Write Soon!!! Love, Frank PS: Say hi to the Cruppers. PPS: Say hi to Jacque & Bink.


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September 1971 - November 1971 Cuba Refresher Training

November 15, 1971 - November 24, 1971 Bermuda Cruise for Training and Liberty

10 Dec, 1971 - 11 Jan, 1972 Cuba - Patrolled northern choke due to Cuba attacking commercial shipping
Liberty ports: Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Port Au Prince, Haiti.


1971 Mullinnix Postcard







6 August, 1971 (Norfolk, VA)
Dear Mom, Dad, Sue

Finally, I am writing. I finally had stamps, time & remembered to write at the same time. How’s that? It was good to talk to you on the phone. It makes the Navy a little more livable. Dad, you better get the fat out of your blood, I don't know what it will do to you, but I doubt if it's any good. You’ll have to lay of that Kansas Beer (just kidding); I wouldn't want the old man getting sick on me. I’d have to come 1500 miles every weekend and mow the grass and pick up the dog messes.

I told you about Hidla, didn't I? I could learn to like her very easily. I wrote here a letter yesterday and I'm anxiously waiting one from her.

21 yrs. old in 12 days. Hard to believe huh? I'll probably run out and buy me a new Javelin (I wish). I hate to ask you for anything since I always forget, but have you seen those Nebraska #1 t-shirts. Wilk told me about them. There white with Nebraska in red across the front & a great big Red 1 on the front also. They have the top 10 teams in the nation on the back. I sure would like one. Sort of show off the old Cow State a little. Not much new on the ship here. I bought iron-on patches and patched all my clothes just a minute ago. I'll probably go to VA Beach each Sunday. Well, that's about it, write soon!! Hope to see you in October. Love, Frank



Mullinnix sister-ship USS Manley was decommissioned on 31 January, 1970 to undergo prolong antisubmarine warfare modernization at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Extensive improvements to sensors, weaponry, communications, and crew habitability were accomplished and on 19 April, 1971, she was re-commissioned and joined CruDesFlot 4 in Norfolk.
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FLEET POST OFFICE NEW YORK, 09501
DESRON TWO FAMILY GRAM #1
23 August 1971

Dear Families and Friends,

I take great pleasure in this, my first opportunity to communicate with you since assuming command of Destroyer Squadron TWO. My purpose in writing at this time is to share with you some Squadron news and events which will affect the DESRON TWO family, as well as share some of my feelings on certain matters.

Several members of our staff have completed their tour of duty with us and have departed or are in the process of doing so. Those recently departed are Jim CATER, CYN3, Joe WELCH, YN1, Manuel PANTE, SD1, and Douglas WEIHERER, YN3. The officers who have departed include LCDR Al LEIGHTLEY, the Material Officer, LT Russell CROOKS, Operations Officer, and Chaplain Bob MAY. LCDR Tom LUTER, Chief Staff Officer, will be reassigned to EPDOLANT here in Norfolk this month and will be replaced by LCDR Bill PITT who came to us from the Navy War College, Newport, Rhode Island. Other new members of the staff are Dr. Phil STRUCK, LTJG Robert PHILLIPS, Material Officer, Chaplain Carey ROBERTSON, George GERBA, YN1, Jim WILSON, YN2, Gary HILL, CYN3, Juan LUNA, SD1, and Jimmy PERDUE, CYNSN.

On 1 July the Cruiser-Destroyer Force was reorganized, eliminating Division Staff and reducing ships to six per squadron. We now have the USS BARNEY, USS BYRD, USS OWENS, USS MULLINNIX, USS VOGELGESANG, and USS LEARY in Destroyer Squadron TWO. The majority of our ships are in the Norfolk area undergoing up-keep, overhaul, and inspections. The USS LEARY and USS OWENS are currently involved in refresher training at GUANTANAMO, CUBA. The tentative schedule for the August through November period will be devoted to preparations for deployment 1 December 1971. USS MULLINNIX and USS VOGELGESANG are scheduled to undergo refresher training in September and USS BARNEY is assigned special operations from mid-August to early September. USS BYRD, now in overhaul at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, will undergo refresher training in October.

No doubt the thought upper most in your mind is our forthcoming extended deployment to the Mediterranean. We are scheduled to depart Norfolk 1 December 1971 and return 3 June 1972. Plans are in progress to conduct a dependent’s briefing in the fall in order to describe the type operations our ships will conduct, and provide information on programs of assistance available to our families during this separation. A bright spot in the deployment is the proposed dependent charter flight to Athens, Greece on 24 February. Information from past flights indicate the costs will be approximately $200.00 for the fare and an additional $20 to $30 a day will be needed for hotel, meals, tours, etc. I will pass more information along as it becomes available to me.

Admiral Thomas WESCHLER has just assumed command of the Cruiser-Destroyer Force, Atlantic Fleet. As one of his first acts of command he has set as goals for the Cruiser-Destroyer Force during the next year CRAFTSMANSHIP, ADVENTURE, THE INDIVIDUAL, AND QUEST.

Craftsmanship means the honing of our skills in individual rates and as destroyermen, with each man becoming highly proficient in every aspect of his job. Adventure is meant to project the old idea of "JOIN THE NAVY AND SEE THE WORLD" as well as the idea of "KNOW THYSELF" which comes from being responsible for demanding tasks and seeing how you measure up. The term individual is a more specific word than "people". The Secretary of the Navy and CNO policies have been very productive in getting us "people" oriented. Now we must be more particular especially aboard ships. The point of our "people" goals is to release the individual from unnecessary, abrasive frictions in order to capitalize on his personal understanding, motivation, and self control. It is in effect an honor system for performance. The individual can expand to fill his job to the limit of his ability with self-discipline. Quest is selected for both its sense of why and whither. There must be a willingness constantly to question what we are doing today, and particularly where we are heading tomorrow. The Navy of the future should always be in our minds if present decisions are to be relevant. Urgency can sometimes require stopping the immediate questioning but never the review of the long-range implications later.

Attainment of these goals will be hard work. Our destroyermen will be devoting more time to learning, studying, and teaching others, while continuing their duties in maintenance and operations. The benefits of attaining these goals, however, will be well worth the cost. Your husbands and sons will be more skilled in their work, our ships will be more effective, safer, smarter, and I think happier. Our destroyermen, as they become more skilled as true craftsmen, stand a much better chance for promotion and will, I am sure, experience a keener sense of accomplishment.

Another concern of Admiral WESCHLER is that commands communicate the services available at our housing referral office to those of you who are house searching. This service is located at 8903 Hampton Blvd. just outside the gate at D and S piers in building #CEP-26, telephone 444-7996.

The importance of the navy wife as a member of the navy team cannot be over-emphasized. Although the welfare of wives has always been of great concern to the Navy, we are aware that our ladies have never had an official representative to express their views to commanding officers. To remedy this situation, I am establishing a procedure whereby the ladies can present views and suggestions directly to the commanding officers of our ships and to me. In particular, this procedure would include a volunteer or if no one volunteers, selection of a lady from each ship's wives organization that would act as their ombudsman and have direct access to the ship Captain and myself. Additionally, the ladies of our officers, chief petty officers, and other personnel are encouraged to select a representative who could meet with my wife, who will be acting as Squadron ombudsman to share problems peculiar to each of these groups. Any suggestions you have to make this program effective will be appreciated.

The period between now and the date of deployment will be both busy and demanding. Ideally it would be wonderful if we could all spend much of this time with our families, however preparing for an extended period at sea requires a super effort on the part of all hands. There is a myriad of machinery and equipment to assemble and test which requires many of our men to work extra hours in order to meet our commitments. You may be assured that I understand the personal sacrifices involved in navy life. I will do my best to take them into consideration whenever possible.

This "family gram" is a first and you may expect others to follow as I have information to share with you. Meanwhile, if you have something to communicate to me, I encourage you to send it addressed to: COMMANDER DESTROYER SQUADRON TWO, FPO NEW YORK 09501.

My staff and I stand ready to assist you in any way possible. Should you need our assistance please do not hesitate to call upon us.

With best wishes to you and members of your family, I am ....
Most sincerely,
Paul C. Boyd

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A 1971 "Bermuda Incident": John Ekdahl IC2 1971-1974 remembers: "If my memory serves me correctly we were attached to COMDESRON 36. I served on the Mux 1971-1974 and remember an incident near Bermuda (1971) in heavy seas (may have been a tropical storm) we were following the flagship for COMDESRON 36 at night when she went dead in the water. Our signalmen used the signal lights to illuminate the ship narrowly avoiding a collision. It was shortly after that the Flag was transferred to the Mux".

In the fall of 1971 MULLINNIX completed three weeks of Refresher Training at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Cuba.

The Mullinnix was supposed to go to the Med in the fall of 1971. There were problems with the engines or boilers, and she didn't make the cruise. For "punishment", although it wasn't officially called that, she pulled duty guard at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba during Christmas and New Years. Captain Krumwitte got relieved of command over not making the Mediterranean commitment. He was replaced by CDR James "Boom Boom" Cannon in October 1971.

At one of the Mullinnix reunions, BTC Chief Bobby Richards told FTG3 Frank "Woody" Wood a memory about the moral issues in the boiler and engine rooms on board Mullinnix. This must be the same situation as mentioned above. Bobby told me that it was much worse than anything he saw in his entire Naval career. It was to the point that there was a very good chance that many of the BTs and MMs were seriously thinking about walking off the ship in mass - I guess that would have been mutiny in the 'old' Navy. It didn't happen but work slowed to almost a standstill. Makes sense when matched with the removal of Captain Krumwitte for not being able to steam to the Med. I can say that for the entire time I was on board Mullinnix (Sept 1970 to February 1974, I never made a Med cruise.

The Mullinnix spent Christmas of 1971 in Cuba. Castro was stopping and boarding ships in the shipping channels. The Mullinnix and another destroyer patrolled the Caribbean late 1971 and early 1972. Some of the Mullinnix crew help build the stage, etc. and set-up for the upcoming Bob Hope Christmas Special. Mullinnix was scheduled to be in port the day of the show. However, the other destroyer had 'unexplained boiler problems' and the Mullinnix had to replace her at sea the day Bob Hope was in Cuba. The Mullinnix spent the day patrolling between 2 islands because of Castro's "pirates".

In early 1972, USS Mullinnix completed a 2-month show-the-flag cruise (with a Navy band that sounded like the rock group "Blood, Sweat, and Tears"). It was billed as the Northern half of a South American cruise. She stopped in Ft Lauderdale, Florida for liberty, then onto the Maude Gras in Veracruz, Mexico. A Russian ship was in port at the same time. Then on to Costa Rica (1st US war ship to visit Costa Rica in +-25 yrs) - saw a couple more Russian ships. Then onto Curacao (a Lesser Antilles Island country in the southern Caribbean Sea and the Dutch Caribbean region, about 40 miles north of the Venezuelan coast). Miss Curacao from the Miss Universe pageant toured the ship. Mullinnix pulled into San Juan toward the end of that cruise. The ship was due to go to Rosie Roads to fire some practice rounds at the Navy's firing range on Culebra (off Puerto Rico. That was in March 72.

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14 Sept, 1971 (Gitmo Bay, Cuba)
Dear Mom, Dad, Sue, Binki, Jacyne

We finally got down here last Saturday. We left Norfolk Tuesday. It's supposed to take 3 days, but it took us five. We almost ran out of (fresh) water. We were on water hours for 2 days. One of the boilers broke down and one of the screws locked up. We averaged about 6 knots. We should have done about 25.

Sunday (Greg) Berry and I went to the beach. I’ve got blisters clear across my back and shoulders. I guess the sun is a little bit hotter down here. While we were there, we saw a lizard about 2 feet long. It was the biggest one I've ever seen. I had duty yesterday. Drove about 100 miles. Mostly to the Clubs. If somebody told me 2 yrs ago I would be driving a truck in Cuba I would have thought they were crazy.

We've been in port since we've been here. Tomorrow, we go out and come back Thursday. Friday, we go to and come back on Saturday. This is all practice. Next week we start our ORI (operational ready inspection) to see if we could fight if we got in a war.

We don't know if were going to get liberty down here. There's talk we'll go to Montigo Bay in Jamaica. No word on my leave yet, but there is no reason I shouldn't get it. Well, that's about it. Write soon and I hope to see you in about 5 weeks. Write soon. Love, Frank

19 Sept, 1971 (Gitmo Bay, Cuba)
Dear Mom, Dad, Sue

Surprised to her from me again? We're still down here in Cuba, not doing very much. We go out all day and have G. Q. then come in at night and fix everything that went bad.

They just had a real fire down here in plot were I work. It turned out it was smoke coming from someplace in the fan rooms. They never found out where. Over a month ago I put in for leave for the 22nd of Oct. to Nov 1st. I haven't heard anything yet but nobody else has either. Its pre-deployment leave so there is no reason why I shouldn't get it. It's been over 8 months.

I got a letter from Hilda; next time I go home she said she would be there if it killed her. I'm hoping. I'm already to leave. Really there's nothing to write about. If I told you, you wouldn't understand what I was talking about. I'm duty driver today; I've got to take some guys to the beach. Write soon! Love, Frank PS: How's Nebraska doing in Football? Are they still #1? I hope so. Have you seen any of those T-shirts yet?

24 Oct, 1971 (Norfolk, VA)
Dear Mom, Dad, Sue

Well, the Navy does it again. We aren't going to be here for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Years. 20 November we go on our own and goof around until 1 December. On 10 December we go to Gitmo Bay, Cuba again until 9 Jan 1972. Then 8 Feb 1972 we go to Key West, Roosevelt "Rossy" Roads, mostly for liberty until 20 March 1972. I'm going to put a chit in Tuesday for 10 days leave starting Friday. I don't know if I'll get it or not. There's a slight chance will be here for Thanksgiving if they don't get the guns fixed. But they won't know until the last minute. So, I'll call you probably if I'll be home this Friday. If I can't get leave at all, I'll come home on a weekend. Well, that's all the bad news I have this time. Write Soon. Love, Frank

11 Nov, 1971 (Norfolk, VA)
Dear Mom, Dad, Sue

Sorry again for not writing, but I don't have any excuses. Just lazy. I'm not going to be able to make it home for Thanksgiving. Nobody knows our schedule for sure. Tuesday, we leave for the Bahamas Islands (Bermuda). Tell the Cruppers that I'll see what they saw. We'll be there next weekend. It ought to be beautiful down there. We'll be there about a week. We get that pay raise starting the 14th. We won't get in on our checks until the 30th. So, I might be able to come home some weekend in the 1st half of Dec. on Christmas. We’re supposed to be in Montigo Bay. That's not as good as being home, but it's better than being in Gitmo Bay, Cuba.

In Feb. or March (1972) we're going to Mexico, Venezuela, Morocco and a couple of other places. The Captain is trying to get the Maude Gras in New Orleans also, but nothing sure on that yet.

Sue, did you get your present? It probably was late, but at least I didn't forget. I hope you like them; I didn't know what to buy you, so I thought you might like those.

What does everybody want for Christmas? I might do a little shopping in Bermuda. Haven't heard from Larry (Nord) or anybody else for awhile except Janna Engle, the girl from Wood River, Nebraska. Well, that's about all for now, not much to talk about, so I'll quit wasting your time. Write Soon. Love, Frank



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The mess decks were redone in wood grain paneling, new tables/chairs, etc. I'll never forget the dedication when we literally cut a red ribbon to open it up while tied up to D&S Piers. They had gotten a stripper to come in and dance on the tables. Our CO 'Boom Boom' Cannon had us screaming while dancing with this girl.

Vernon Eubanks remembers a time in 1971 at Norfolk D&S Piers - LCDR Al Bard mad mustered the Shore Patrol, and was passing instructions. With the SP detail still in formation, a sea gull circling overhead let go with a whopper of a dump and it struck right smack on the bill of LCDR Bard's hat! It seems the gull had its own opinion of SP duty! The crew did not restrain themselves (LOL).

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12 Dec (Sunday), 1971 (En route to Gitmo Bay, Cuba)
Dear Mom, Dad, Sue

I hope everybody got his or her Christmas presents (on time)? I really didn't know what to buy. Don't open the box, because they aren't wrapped inside, I was doing good to get them like that.

We pull in Gitmo Bay, Cuba tomorrow morning. It's hot already and were still by Florida. It got 82 today! I hope to get a good suntan.

On 29 Dec, Bob Hope is going to be there for his Christmas Show. Be sure to watch it on TV in Jan. or Feb. I've been home with Snuffy (nickname) twice, and met another girl. I like her very much, and the good thing about it, she likes me a lot. She’s 18, about 5'6" and very very good looking. She just might be the one, just kidding…..I think. I'll keep you posted.

They are going to have 2 leave periods in Jan. So, I'll probably make it home. It's been along time. Too long. We're supposed to stop in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on the way back. There not sure about Montigo Bay for Christmas. We'll that's about it, I write in a couple days when things start popping. Write soon!!! Love, Frank PS: Merry Christmas and have a happy New Year. Say hi to everybody at church, and the relatives.


I sent this postcard home on 13 Dec 1971 w/ following caption:

Dear Mom, Dad, Sue...

This is the Mighty Mux. This is supposed to be a Christmas card. It doesn't look that good in person. None of that made sense, did it? Write Soon. Love, Frank

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While at D&S Piers, guys in our compartment would get up a collection and go rent a TV from one of those rent-to-buy places up on the strip. It cost us an arm and a leg, but it was worth it to watch TV in our compartment. The TV was "in" my name. If it had not been for my FTG1's wife taking the TV back it would have gone with us to Vietnam. I didn't know what else to do.

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Leyla Express and Johnny Express incidents

In December 1971, the freighters Leyla Express and Johnny Express were seized by Cuban gunboats. The Leyla Express was stopped in international waters off the Cuban coast on December 5; the Johnny Express was intercepted by gunboats near the island of Little Inagua in the Bahamas ten days later. Some of the crew of the Johnny Express, including the captain, were injured when the gunboats fired on their vessel. The freighters both carried Panamanian flags of convenience, but belonged to the Bahama Lines corporation, based in Miami. The company was run by four brothers, Cuban exiles who had previously been involved in activities directed against the Cuban government of Fidel Castro. Cuba stated that both vessels were being used by the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to transport weapons, explosives, and personnel to Cuba, and described the vessels as being engaged in piracy. Cuba had suspected the involvement of one of Bahama Lines's ships in shelling the Cuban village of Samá, on the northern coast of Oriente Province, a few months previously; several civilians had died in the attack. The US government of Richard Nixon and the Bahama Lines denied the accusations.

Cuba released the crew of both ships to Panamanian custody, but announced that José Villa, the captain of the Johnny Express, had confessed to being an agent of the CIA, and would face trial. The US asked the Panamanian government of Omar Torrijos to negotiate his release. Rómulo Escobar Bethancourt and Manuel Noriega traveled to Cuba, where they negotiated Villa's release into Panamanian custody, in return for which criminal charges were brought against Villa in Panama, though he was released without being convicted. The success of the negotiations undertaken by Noriega were later used by him to bargain with the US government. As a consequence of the incident, the US ordered all its naval and air forces in the region to go to the aid of any ships coming under attack from Cuban vessels. A Panamanian mission which investigated the incident concluded, based on the ships' logs, that the vessels had in fact brought insurgent forces to Cuban territory, and that the Cuban government's accusations on that count were accurate.

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Bob Hope Shows During The Vietnam War (PDF File)

Gitmo Gazette story (30 Dec 1971) on the Bob Hope Show - Page 1 (PDF)

Gitmo Gazette story (30 Dec 1971) on the Bob Hope Show - Page 2 (PDF)

Bob Hope Christmas Show Video Clips

Bob Hope Show - Introduction

Bob Hope Show - Danang

Bob Hope Show - Tehran, Iran

Bob Hope Show - Rota, Spain

Bob Hope Show - GTMO - Clip 1

Bob Hope Show - GTMO - Clip 2

Bob Hope Show - GTMO - Clip 3

Bob Hope Show - GTMO - Clip 4

For more detail go to Liberty Call - Bob Hope Christmas Show - Gitmo - Dec 1971


Mullinnix (I think) @ Gitmo on Christmas Day 1971
(Picture taken from Bob Hope's Troupe's Plane)

I will have to confirm with deck logs, but some shipmates remember Mullinnix being achored off Ocho Rios, Jamaica on Christmas Day and in Port Au-Prince, Haiti for New Year's Day. While in Ocho Rios the CO (CMDR "Boom Boom" Cannon announced (in the middle of battle problems) over the 1MC, "Now Swim Call! Knock off ships work!! Liberty Call!!!". I do remember 'a' swim call in Ocho Rios as it was the only one during my 3 1/2 years aboard Mullinnix. I need to confirm with deck logs if it indeed was Christmas Day.

FTG3 Grey "Birdman" Berry remembers our ship party in GITMO (He thinks it was GITMO). At least 2/3rds of the crew were drunk. Little roach coahces game on the pier with more beer - they couldn't bring enough. LOL.







On 48 hours notice we left for Nam in April 1972.



Go To Goodwill Cruise 1972
Go To Liberty Call - Bob Hope Christmas Show - Gitmo - Dec 1971

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