Biddle at Middle Age

James Treadway

1982

Biddle celebrated her fifteenth birthday by getting underway on 21 January for COMPTUEX 2-82 in the Caribbean OPAREA. During the exercise she fired two SM-1 (ER) missiles then joined USS Arkansas as safety observer for Arkansas’ shock tests in the Key West OPAREA. Biddle returned from her one month deployment on 21 February then offloaded ammunition on 1 March in preparation for an upcoming Selected Restrictive Availability (SRA) in Norfolk. Unfortunately, Biddle did not successfully pass her Operational Propulsion Plant Exam (OPPE ) while operating in the VACAPES area from 10 to 12 March.

Biddle’s SRA began 15 March at Metro Machine Corporation, Norfolk. During the SRA, training, a 3M inspection, Nuclear Weapons Assist Inspection (NWAI), and a major engineering repair were accomplished. Following Sea Trials from 1 to 2 May, Biddle loaded ammunition at Yorktown then got underway for Engineering Mobile Training Team Assist operations. Upon return to Norfolk, the vigorous pace continued with a Defense Nuclear Surety Inspection/Nuclear Technical Proficiency Inspection (DNSI/NTPI), OPPE Re-exam, Ordinance Systems Assist Team (ORDSAT), and pre Overseas Movement (POM) preparation through 28 May.

With COMDESRON TWENTY-TWO and staff embarked, Biddle got underway for another Mediterranean deployment on 8 June. During transit, Biddle and Aylwin conducted independent operations that probed the Soviet Strategic Ocean Surveillance System (SSOSS). Biddle anchored at Naples on 21 June for INCHOP support briefings aboard Independence.

The first item on Biddle’s agenda was participation in the NATO exercise DAILY DOUBLE 82. Following the exercise, Biddle enjoyed a week of upkeep in Naples, and then departed on 9 July for underway operations in the Tyrrhenian Sea, Central Mediterranean, Eastern Med/PIRAZ, Ionian Sea, Aegean Sea, and Eastern Med Operations in support of USMC units in Lebanon.

Accompanied by Estocin (FFG-15), Biddle entered the Black Sea for a two day diplomatic visit to the port of Eregli, Turkey. Both ships continued their Black Sea operations until anchored at Istanbul on 5 August. The remainder of August found Biddle engaged as an escort for PLO refugees enroute from Beruit to Tunis, Tunisia, aboard the Cypriot merchant vessel Sol Phryne. Following completion of her escort duties, Biddle headed north to Gaeta, Italy, for two weeks of upkeep.

While in Gaeta, Captain Robertson was relieved by Captain Alvaro R. Gomez. Captain Gomez, a native of Hempstead, New York, had graduated from St. John’s University and obtained a Master of Science from George Washington University. Commissioned in 1959, Captain Gomez served in Saratoga (CVA-60), Eunice (PCE-846), Dahlgren (DLG-12), Pocono (LCC-16), Josephus Daniels (DLG-27), Damato (DD-871), and Richard L. Page (FFG-5).

After departing Gaeta, Biddle conducted exercises with Italian Naval Units in the Adriatic Sea then made her second diplomatic port visit of the cruise at Rijeka, Yugoslavia. Biddle briefly joined NATO forces for Display Determination 82 in the Tyrrhenian Sea on 20 September before being diverted to Lebanon. The last week of September and all of October saw Biddle conducting numerous exercises over the Eastern and Central portions of the Mediterranean. Biddle participated in the SINKEX of the ex-USS Lardner then made a port visit to Athens, Greece, from 25 to 30 October. Next, Biddle transited to the western Mediterranean and the Gulf of Sidra to join Nimitz and her escorts for “Freedom of Navigation Ops.” Biddle returned one last time to the eastern Med for turnover on 5 December then set a westerly course with USS Independence to antagonize Mr. Kadaffi once again, and then embark COMDESRON TWO at Rota, Spain.

The transit to Norfolk was demanding. Biddle’s 1982 Command History stated that “Enroute CONUS, BIDDLE fired two successful missile shots using SM-1 (ER) missiles during an “Open Ocean MISSILE-EX.” Numerous training evolutions covering every facet of shipboard life were conducted during transit operations. Before BIDDLE returned to Norfolk she successfully completed all competitive exercises in all warfare areas with the exception of one AAW gunshot and a Naval gunfire support exercise. BIDDLE returned to homeport (Norfolk) on 22 December, remaining there through 31 December.”
YNC Michael Brodeur, who was aboard Biddle for the 82 Med deployment, fondly recalled many events of the cruise.

I served on the Biddle from June 82 to June 84. We participated in the PLO evacuation but I don’t recall a lot of details. We visited a lot of ports and I took advantage of the tours that were available while in Naples, Rome, Bologna, and Florence as well as going to Hamburg, Munich (the Hoffbrauhaus), and the Dachau concentration camp.

I visited two of the three castles built by Ludwig the II, one of which is replicated in Disneyland. In Turkey (Istanbul) it was the Mosque and the bazaar shops, and a few CPO’s sat high atop the roof of the Hilton hotel overlooking the Black Sea and Biddle at anchor. We walked the streets of Istanbul and enjoyed mingling with the Turkish people.

When we visited Yugoslavia, I took a tour of the National forest. At our lunch stop, which was a hotel, our chaplain was walking around and encountered a group of French tourists. Since I speak French he called me over to act as an interpreter because the 80 senior citizens from France had a message for America.

They told me that they were very grateful to the U.S. for coming to their aid during the war. The message went something like this: “Please tell your men that they look very sharp in their uniform. Also we want Americans to know that we will never forget what they did for us; we were prisoners in our own country and the Americans liberated us; for that we will forever be grateful. The anti American comments you hear from France come from a young generation that wasn’t around during the war. If you ever visit France, come to the North where we are from and we will show you our appreciation.” I was surrounded a bus load of tourists from France and they all wanted to say something. They were so happy that they finally found someone who spoke their language and could receive and pass along their gratitude. I was very touched along with my shipmates who were there to hear me relay their message.

Another event that I call coincidence occurred on the Biddle. When I reported aboard in 1982, the Commanding Officer came to visit the Chief’s Mess and I thought he looked familiar. After a short conversation we got back to 18 years earlier when Hollis Robertson, then an ensign, was the Communications Officer aboard the USS Catamount (LSD-17), our first ship. Now he was a Captain and the CO of the ship on which I was to retire in 1984. He was relieved by Captain Alvaro Gomez shortly after I reported aboard and was transferred to CINCLANTFLT in Norfolk. Since Biddle was in port in 1984, I asked Captain Robertson to preside at my retirement ceremony which he graciously agreed to do. How weird is it that our career path crossed 18 years apart and what are the odds?

1983

Biddle began 1983 in a leave and upkeep status that lasted until 16 January. For the remainder of January and all of February, Biddle prepared for her INSURV inspection scheduled for 14 to 18 March. Following the successful completion of INSURV, attention turned to preparing for underway operations with Saratoga (CV-60) in the Caribbean OPAREA. Biddle got underway on 27 April for the operating area where she made a short refueling stop at Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, and then qualified for Naval Gunfire Support at Vieques Island on 4 and 5 May. After a very short one day port call to St. Thomas on 6 May, Biddle operated with Saratoga for two weeks then returned to Norfolk on 19 May.

With only a week of preparation Biddle stood out of Norfolk on 26 May with COMDESRON 32 embarked for Exercise UNITED EFFORT/OCEAN SAFARI 83 and a North Atlantic deployment. The three week exercise with ships from the NATO nations of the United States, France, Great Britain, Portugal, and the Netherlands, concluded with a five day port call to Aarhus, Denmark, on the east coast of the Danish peninsula. Aurhus was settled many centuries ago by the Vikings, the original Hard Chargers! Now rested and relaxed, Biddle participated in BALTOP 83, an AAW exercise with air wings from West Germany, England, and Denmark. While underway off the coasts of the Soviet Union, East Germany, and Poland, Biddle sighted numerous Russian and WARSAW Pact vessels.

Biddle celebrated the 4th of July holiday and our nation’s 207th birthday during a five day visit to the port of Kiel, Germany, where appreciative West Germans held a reception for Biddle crewmembers. Full of good will, German food, and beer, Biddle sailors got underway and immediately made her way for a three day visit to Leith, the port city of Edinburgh, Scotland. A Biddle press release stated that “Known to many as the Athens of the North, Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh boasts excellent sights, shopping, and entertainment. Special attention is taken to acquaint visitors with Scottish history and Edinburgh is filled with monuments, memorials, and museums. The city’s most famous landmark is the spectacular Edinburgh Castle which overlooks the Gardens of Princess Street, and indeed the whole city. Crewmembers once again took advantage of offered tours. This time to the Scottish Highlands, the rugged mountainous are so well known for its lochs, castles and Highland music. The tours also included a trip to the city of Stirling and a stop at the Stirling Castle which dates back to the 16th century and was a favorite residence of Mary, Queen of Scots.”

Biddle departed Leith on 12 July for her last NATO exercise, the Joint Maritime Course (JMC 832). Upon conclusion of the ten day exercise, Biddle returned to Leith for four days then departed for Norfolk on 27 July with kilts, Tartan and woolen sweaters safely stored, and many of the crew sporting a Scottish brogue.

Biddle’s demanding pace continued for the remainder of the year. Only three weeks after returning from her North Atlantic deployment, Biddle was underway for an ASROC Quality Assurance Systems Test (QAST) in August, then a port call in New York City over the Labor Day weekend, and operations with USS Jacksonville (SSN-699) in the Narragansett OPAREA during September. In late September, Biddle, in competition with other Atlantic Fleet conventionally powered cruisers, learned that she had been awarded the Battle Efficiency award and the Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy for the most improved unit in the Atlantic Fleet in Battle Readiness.
While underway in the VACAPES area from 3 to 5 October, Biddle, as reported in her Command History, “completed over 65% of the Selexes for the current competitive cycle (1984), with excellent to outstanding grades in all exercises.” Biddle offloaded weapons at Yorktown from 11 to 13 October then commenced Selected Restricted Availability (SRA) at Norfolk Shipbuilding for the remainder of the year.

Biddle’s 1983 Command History began with the statement, “The year 1983 was a year of superior achievement for USS Biddle.” In support of the statement, three and a half pages of documentation followed, which is summarized below.

Biddle was awarded the following Department Excellence Awards:

• Navigation and Deck Seamanship
• Mobility (Propulsion) “RED E”
• Damage Control “RED DC”
• Electronic Warfare
• Command Control and Communication “C”
• Supply “BLUE E”
• Anti Surface Warfare (ASUW)
• Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW)
• Anti Air Warfare (AAW)

Other highlights were:

• All but two scores in all categories of SURFLANT Battle Efficiency were near 100.
• All scores on her SMI were outstanding or excellent.
• Completed all competitive exercises with an average grade of 96.38.
• Completed Atlantic Fleet NGFS with an average grade of 82.25.
• Completed OPPE, CMS, SMI, 3M, and NTPI inspections with high marks.
• Awarded the Navy Expeditionary Medal for services while deployed to Sixth Fleet.
• Selected as COMCRUDESGRU EIGHT nominee for the NEY award.
• Biddle sailor nominated as COMCRUDESGRU EIGHT Sailor of the Year.
• 3M Inspection grade was highest CRUDES grade.
• Nominated by COMCRUDESGRU EIGHT for SECNAV Energy Conservation Award.
• Numerous accolades and commendations from various admirals for Biddle’s superior performance in several areas.

The most prestigious awards were described on the last page:

• As a result of the Battle Efficiency Competition, USS Biddle (CG-34) was awarded the Battle Efficiency “E” for conventional cruisers in the Atlantic Fleet. The Battle “E” symbolizes the peak of combat readiness and is a tribute to the hard charging crew of the world’s finest cruiser.
• Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy

Background. During more than 38 years of active service in the United States Navy, Admiral Arleigh A. Burke, USN, distinguished himself in many ways. The name Arleigh Burke has come to symbolize the very element of sea power. He made vital contributions toward strengthening our Navy; these include the improvement of battle efficiency in war and peace, the development of new concepts and weapons systems and, on the human side, emphasis on naval leadership. It is fitting that the supreme dedication of this outstanding officer, to the Navy he served so well, be recognized by the establishment of a fleet award bearing his name, and that it pertains to battle efficiency.

• In December 1983, USS Biddle (CG 34) was awarded the Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy.

1984

Following completion of her Selected Restricted Availability, Biddle successfully completed required Sea Trials and then earned a grade of Outstanding on her Combat Systems Readiness Review (CSRR). On 7 February, with COMCRUDESGRU TWELVE embarked, Biddle participated in READINESS EXERCISE (READEX 1-84), which included firing a SM-1 (ER) missile, battlegroup operations, gunfire support, anti-aircraft warfare, and anti-submarine warfare training. Biddle returned to homeport on 25 February and immediately began Preparations for Overseas Movement (POM).

Biddle departed Norfolk on 2 April and arrived with other units of the Saratoga Battle Group in Naples, Italy, on 14 April. Biddle departed Naples four days later to operate with amphibious units off the coast of Lebanon. While underway, Biddle received the 1983 Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy from Vice Admiral Edward S. Briggs, Commander Naval Surface Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet.

Relieved of her duties off Lebanon, for which Biddle was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Biddle proceeded to Toulon, France, for her first port visit in 40 days. After ten days of fine French food and wine, Biddle stood out for two days then anchored of Toulon for a change of command ceremony in which Captain Joseph T. Hock relieved Captain Alvaro R. Gomez as Commanding Officer.

Captain Hock, a native of New York City, enlisted in the Naval Reserve in August 1954. He graduated from St. John’s University and was commissioned an Ensign in June 1959. His first assignment was in Steinaker (DDR-863) as head the Weapons Department. After earning a M.A. in history at the University of Rochester, Captain Hock joined the precommissioning crew of Bradley (DE-1041) as Weapons Officer, which was followed by an assignment as Officer-in-Charge of USS A.T. Harris (DE-447). After a year of study at the School of International Service, American University, he received orders to the Republic of Vietnam as Commander “Operation Searchturn.” Captain Hock was Executive Officer of USS Manley (DD-940) and he commanded Truett (FF-1095).

With Vice Admiral E.H. Martin, Commander Sixth Fleet embarked, Biddle sailed for the Dardenelles and Bophorus Straits, arriving in Constanta, Romania, on June 25 for a four day visit. This was Biddle’s fourth call to the Black Sea and her second to Constanta, Romania’s major port and second largest city. July 4 found Biddle enjoying barbeque in the Black Sea, surrounded by the formidable Soviet Union and other East Bloc nations.
The months of July, August, and September were extremely busy for Biddle. Following her departure from the Black Sea, Biddle enjoyed two weeks in Marseille, France; operated with the Saratoga Battle Group in the Central Mediterranean; called on warm and sunny Valencia, Spain; anchored off St. Tropez, France, for eleven days; enjoyed tender availability in Marseilles for two weeks; visited the cities of Rijeka, Yugoslavia, and Naples, Italy; participated in DISPLAY DETERMINATION 84. This exercise, which was held in the Ligurian, Tyrrhenian and Aegean Seas, “Involved the air, amphibious, land and naval forces of the Southern Region nations of NATO and was designed to enhance their effectiveness, readiness, coordination and interoperability,” according to Biddle’s 1984 Command History.

To conclude her deployment, Biddle disembarked SIXTH Fleet Staff at Gaeta, then spent three days at Gibraltar to turnover to inchopping forces. Biddle transited the Atlantic from 24 October to 2 November and remained in her homeport for the remainder of the year. During that time she benefited from a leave and upkeep status, participated in a Battleforce Inport Training (BFIT), as well as completing a Supply Management Inspection (SMI) and Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activities (SIMA).

1985

January commenced in a leave and upkeep status which was followed by an Intermediate Maintenance Availability, numerous short training periods in the Virginia Capes area, weapons transfer at Yorktown, Senior Officer Steam Machinery Refresher Course (SOSMRC), and Battle Force Inport Training (BFIT). During the period of 29 to 30 April, Biddle successfully completed her OPPE then immediately participated in Underway Exercise Solid Shield 85.

In June, Biddle began a multi-phase series of pre-deployment work-ups that would prepare her for another deployment in October to the Mediterranean. The work-ups included participation in COMPTUEX 3-85, NGFS qualifications, another IMAV, ammunition onload, READEX 3-85, and POM. Concurrent with the demanding work-up schedule, Biddle also underwent a Pre-overhaul Test and Inspection in preparation for her regular overhaul scheduled for the fourth quarter of 1986.

Biddle’s exercises, inspections and qualifications eventually became history and she shoved off on 4 October with the Coral Sea Battle Group. Biddle participated in Exercise DISPLAY DETERMINATION 85 in the Aegean Sea then visited Naples and Trieste, Italy, before detaching from the Coral Sea Battle Group to join the Saratoga Battle Group in the Eastern Mediterranean. After transiting the Suez Canal on 15 November, Biddle entered the Red Sea then steamed to her AAW Picket Station in the North Arabian Sea where she remained until 1 December. Biddle participated in Surface Warfare Training Week off the coast of the Republic of Oman, and then proceeded to the Indian Ocean for a five day visit to the port in Diego Garcia. Biddle then joined the Saratoga Battle Group in the Indian Ocean and Strait of Malacca for operations, which was followed by a Christmas holiday visit to Penang, Malaysia. Biddle stood out of Penang on 29 December and celebrated a new year while underway to Diego Garcia.

1986

Biddle returned to Diego Garcia on 4 January but departed on short notice the next day to rejoin the Sixth Fleet off the coast of Libya. Completing her first round of duty off the coast of Libya, Biddle visited Gaeta, Italy, for five days then returned to Libya for the second round. The third round of operations was preceded by a visit to Trieste, Italy, operations in the Central Mediterranean with the Coral Sea Battle Group, and a ten day port visit and upkeep period in Naples. Next, Biddle embarked COMDESRON 32 in Catania, Sicily, and then transited the Tyrhennian and Alboran basins for a call to Benidorm, Spain. Biddle operated twice more near Libya during the deployment, between 12 and 21 April and 26 April to 4 May, before departing Gibraltar, Spain, on 10 May, for the Atlantic transit to Norfolk.

On 15 June, Captain Benjamin E. Allen relieved Captain Hock and became Biddle’s twelfth commanding officer. Captain Benjamin was born in Washington, North Carolina and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1961. He qualified as a Naval Aviator in November 1962 and flew from Forrestal (CV-59) with Carrier Air Wing Eight. Captain Allen transferred to the surface navy in September 1965 and served in Boston (CG-1) as Electronics Material Officer, Combat Information Officer, and Senior Air Intercept Controller. He also served in Barry (DD-933) and Horne (CG-30), Executive Officer of Halsey (CG-23), and Commanding Officer of Waddell (DDG-24).

After unloading weapons at Yorktown in late June, Biddle returned to Norfolk for final preparations for her scheduled eleven-month Regular Overhaul at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard (PNSY). Biddle arrived at PNSY on 15 July, changer her homeport to Philadelphia, and commenced her overhaul on 16 July.