Navy Life aboard the USS Conyngham DDG-17. 1970-1974

All photos and text © 1997 Glenn E. Stewart. All rights reserved.

This page last modified 31 January, 1999

Click photo for larger image.

My apologies that none of the scans presented here do justice to the original 'chromes.

Replenishment at sea is a fact of Navy life. Everything that a ship can run out of must be able to be replenished from a 'Stores' ship. Some Stores ships cary food and other ordinary supplies, others carry fuel, some carry ammo. Some carry all three. Here one of our crew is carrying a projectile (bullet) for one of our 5 Replenishment at sea is a fact of Navy life. Everything that a ship can run out of must be able to be replenished from a 'Stores' ship. Some Stores ships carry food and other ordinary supplies, others carry fuel, some carry ammo. Some carry all three. Here one of our crew is carrying a projectile (bullet) for one of our 5" guns. Keep in mind that this is only the part of the ammunition that gets shot out of the gun. There is another part of the ammo that holds the powder to fire the projectile, and which is about twice as long as the projectile. The projectile shown here weighs about 75 pounds (33 kilos). The powder container (not shown) weighs about 50 pounds. Each round (bullet) must be individually carried and lowered down four decks (floors) by hand. It's a long tedious job. (Asahi Pentax Spotmatic II, 28mm F3.5, No Filter, Kodak High Speed Ektachrome, 160 ISO)

Our ship had been in a Mediterrnaean port where we could not tie up to a pier, in other words, we had to anchor in the bay. Under these circumstances, personnel come and go from the ship by small boat. The twisted ladder seen here is what remains of the 'accommodation ladder' that our men use to get from the ship's main deck down to the small boat to go ashore. We were schedueld for a live missile firing exercise and the weather was good, so instead of disassembling the accommodation ladder and stowing it as we would for a long stay at sea, it was hoisted up along side and stowed in a 'ready' position so it would take less work to prepare to go back into port in a few days. Unfortunately, one of our missiles had its exhaust pointed directly at the ladder during the firing exercise. The blast from the missile launch twisted the ladder 90 degrees! Our ship had been in a Mediterranean port where we could not tie up to a pier, in other words, we had to anchor in the bay. Under these circumstances, personnel come and go from the ship by small boat. The twisted ladder seen here is what remains of the 'accommodation ladder' that our men use to get from the ship's main deck down to the small boat to go ashore. We were scheduled for a live missile firing exercise and the weather was good, so instead of disassembling the accommodation ladder and stowing it as we would for a long stay at sea, it was hoisted up along side and stowed in a 'ready' position so it would take less work to prepare to go back into port in a few days. Unfortunately, one of our missiles had its exhaust pointed directly at the ladder during the firing exercise. The blast from the missile launch twisted the ladder 90 degrees! (Asahi Pentax Spotmatic II, 50mm F1.4, No Filter, Kodak High Speed Ektachrome, 160 ISO)

This is the missile type that bent the ladder. The similar missile today is called the Standard-MR (Medium Range). Today, most US Navy ships that carry surface-to-air missiles carry the Standard-MR. The missile being launched here was the predecessor to the Standard and was called Tartar. It is being launched from a Mark 13 Guided Missile Launching System. I was part of the crew that maintained the launcher. This is the missile type that bent the ladder. The similar missile today is called the Standard-MR (Medium Range). Today, most US Navy ships that carry surface-to-air missiles carry the Standard-MR. The missile being launched here was the predecessor to the Standard and was called Tartar. It is being launched from a Mark 13 Guided Missile Launching System. I was part of the crew that maintained the launcher. (Asahi Pentax Spotmatic II, 28mm F3.5, No Filter, Kodak High Speed Ektachrome, 160 ISO)

One of our Chief Petty Officers (E7 paygrade) is seen here involved in a highly technical training session with one of our younger sailors. The Chief is explaining the deep philosophical implications of The Royal Order of the Blue Nose. Every sailor who crosses the Arctic Circle is initiated into the Order. Only a Card-Carrying Blue Nose may conduct the initiation. Beside painting the noses of the uniniated a fine shade of blue, the initiation requires that the junior Ensign (lowest ranking officer) aboard go to the bow of the ship and apply a coating of blue paint to the ship's bull nose, the forward-most part of the ship, while wearing nothing but skivvies (underwear) and a life jacket. Brrrrrr! The Photographer (me) is a Double Blue Nose. One of our Chief Petty Officers (E7 paygrade) is seen here involved in a highly technical training session with one of our younger sailors. The Chief is explaining the deep philosophical implications of The Royal Order of the Blue Nose. Every sailor who crosses the Arctic Circle is initiated into the Order. Only a Card-Carrying Blue Nose may conduct the initiation. Beside painting the noses of the uninitiated a fine shade of blue, the initiation requires that the junior Ensign (lowest ranking officer) aboard go to the bow of the ship and apply a coating of blue paint to the ship's bull nose, the forward-most part of the ship, while wearing nothing but skivvies (underwear) and a life jacket. Brrrrrr! The Photographer (me) is a Double Blue Nose. (Asahi Pentax Spotmatic II, 50mm F1.4, No Filter, Kodak High Speed Ektachrome, 160 ISO)

Every sailor likes a pretty girl (well, they did when I was in). As we pulled in to one of the ports on the French Riviera, this small boat full of pretty young French girls came out to get a better look at the American Navy. And vice-versa! Every sailor likes a pretty girl (well, they did when I was in). As we pulled in to one of the ports on the French Riviera, this small boat full of pretty young French girls came out to get a better look at the American Navy. And vice-versa! (Asahi Pentax Spotmatic II, 150mm F4.5, No Filter, Kodak High Speed Ektachrome, 160 ISO)

As a morale booster and an occasional break in the monotony, the Captain authorizes a cookout on the fantail. The cookout is sometimes followed by what we used to call a 'smoker' (probably not a politically correct term these days), which is an amateur boxing match between volunteer crew members. As a morale booster and an occasional break in the monotony, the Captain authorizes a cookout on the fantail. The cookout is sometimes followed by what we used to call a 'smoker' (probably not a politically correct term these days), which is an amateur boxing match between volunteer crew members. (Asahi Pentax Spotmatic II, 50mm F1.4, No Filter, Kodak High Speed Ektachrome, 160 ISO)

The oiler (the ship in the middle) is servicing two destroyers at the same time, providing fuel, stores, mail from home and a fresh batch of movies for the evening showings on the mess deck (chow hall). The oiler (the ship in the middle) is servicing two destroyers at the same time, providing fuel, stores, mail from home and a fresh batch of movies for the evening showings on the mess deck (chow hall). (Asahi Pentax Spotmatic II, 150mm F4.5, No Filter, Kodak High Speed Ektachrome, 160 ISO)

A closer shot of our crew pulling the fuel hose and connector over to make a connection from the oiler to our ship. There is another crew at the aft end of the ship doing the same thing. In a few minutes, the oiler will be pumping thousands of gallons of fuel oil into out tanks. Awful smelling stuff. Just a step or two above crude oil. A closer shot of our crew pulling the fuel hose and connector over to make a connection from the oiler to our ship. There is another crew at the aft end of the ship doing the same thing. In a few minutes, the oiler will be pumping thousands of gallons of fuel oil into our tanks. Awful smelling stuff. Just a step or two above crude oil. (Asahi Pentax Spotmatic II, 28mm F3.5, No Filter, Kodak High Speed Ektachrome, 160 ISO)

While the refueling crews are working fore and aft, the Midships Highline crew is working the middle. This is where we bring food, supplies, ammo, mail and movies on board. While the refueling crews are working fore and aft, the Midships Highline crew is working the middle. This is where we bring food, supplies, ammo, mail and movies on board. (Asahi Pentax Spotmatic II, 28mm F3.5, No Filter, Kodak High Speed Ektachrome, 160 ISO)

Everyone who's been in the military service knows the meaning of the phrase 'hurry-up and wait'. Not all refueling operations happen on a strict schedule, and since a sailor is often a few hours behind on his sleep, he will take any oportunity to catch up. Everyone who's been in the military service knows the meaning of the phrase 'hurry-up and wait'. Not all refueling operations happen on a strict schedule, and since a sailor is often a few hours behind on his sleep, he will take any opportunity to catch up. (Asahi Pentax Spotmatic II, 28mm F3.5, No Filter, Kodak High Speed Ektachrome, 160 ISO)

Here, our Postal Clerk sorts the mail we've just received from the Oiler. When replenishment detail is completed and the gear is stowed, each Division will send a representative to the ship's Post Office to pick up the mail which is then distributed to the crew. Letters from home, wives, kids, sweethearts, Mom and Dad and, if you're lucky, a 'care package', containing cookies or other items that can't be found 8,000 miles from home. Mail call is the highlight of a sailor's day, but sometimes doesn't come for days or weeks at a time. Here, our Postal Clerk sorts the mail we've just received from the Oiler. When replenishment detail is completed and the gear is stowed, each Division will send a representative to the ship's Post Office to pick up the mail which is then distributed to the crew. Letters from home, wives, kids, sweethearts, Mom and Dad and, if you're lucky, a 'care package', containing cookies or other items that can't be found 8,000 miles from home. Mail call is the highlight of a sailor's day, but sometimes doesn't come for days or weeks at a time. (Asahi Pentax Spotmatic II, 28mm F3.5, No Filter, Kodak High Speed Ektachrome, 160 ISO)

A common sight in the Med was the Soviet 'Bear' bomber. This one is being closely followed by a US Navy F4 'Phantom' fighter jet. Had the Bear made any agressive movements toward the aircraft carrier that we were accompanying, the Phantom would have shot it down immediately. A common sight in the Med was the Soviet 'Bear' bomber. This one is being closely followed by a US Navy F4 'Phantom' fighter jet. Had the Bear made any aggressive movements toward the aircraft carrier that we were accompanying, the Phantom would have shot it down immediately. (Asahi Pentax Spotmatic II, 150mm F4.5, No Filter, Kodak High Speed Ektachrome, 160 ISO)

Occasionally we would get a close look at how the other half (Soviet Navy) lived. This little patrol boat was assigned to keep us away from their new top-of-the-line ship, the Kiev. The Kiev was half cruiser, half aircraft carrier. The Soviets were just beginning to pursue naval aviation in earnest in 1973, and they didn't want us to photograph their 'advanced technology'. We played some semanship games with the Ruskies and had a chance to see some of their sailors at distances close enough to recognize faces. They didn't look like they were having a very good time. Their uniforms (and their ship) were unkempt, and morale seemed to be pretty low. I'll never forget the 'passenger' they carried (probably the Political Officer). He wore a trench coat, fedora hat and carried a nice SLR camera. He looked like the stereotypical spy. He was as interested in us as we were in him. Occasionally we would get a close look at how the other half (Soviet Navy) lived. This little patrol boat was assigned to keep us away from their new top-of-the-line ship, the Kiev. The Kiev was half cruiser, half aircraft carrier. The Soviets were just beginning to pursue naval aviation in earnest in 1973, and they didn't want us to photograph their 'advanced technology'. We played some seamanship games with the Ruskies and had a chance to see some of their sailors at distances close enough to recognize faces. They didn't look like they were having a very good time. Their uniforms (and their ship) were unkempt, and morale seemed to be pretty low. I'll never forget the 'passenger' they carried (probably the Political Officer). He wore a trench coat, fedora hat and carried a nice SLR camera. He looked like the stereotypical spy. He was as interested in us as we were in him. (Asahi Pentax Spotmatic II, 50mm F1.4, No Filter, Kodak High Speed Ektachrome, 160 ISO)

We always thought the Soviet cruisers looked pretty imposing. My impression of their styling was that they seemed to be a cross between something from a science fiction movie, and the roofline of a Japanese Pagoda. We always thought the Soviet cruisers looked pretty imposing. My impression of their styling was that they seemed to be a cross between something from a science fiction movie, and the roofline of a Japanese Pagoda. (Asahi Pentax Spotmatic II, 150mm F4.5, No Filter, Kodak High Speed Ektachrome, 160 ISO)

Sunset in the Mediterrnaean. I have a better shot of a Mediterranean Sunset. It was the second place winner in the 1974 Navy-wide photograpy contest, and was published on the back cover of the April, 1974 issue of 'All Hands' Magazine. When I find the transparency I'll post it here. Sunset in the Mediterranean. I have a better shot of a Mediterranean Sunset. It was the second place winner in the 1974 Navy-wide photography contest, and was published on the back cover of the April, 1974 issue of 'All Hands' Magazine. When I find the transparency I'll post it here. (Asahi Pentax Spotmatic II, 150mm F4.5 with 2X teleconverter, No Filter, Kodak High Speed Ektachrome, 160 ISO)

From the tranquility of a summer sunset to the wild ride of a spring storm. This US destroyer was having a pretty rough time of it, and was demonstrating why destroyers are often called 'surface subs'. From the tranquility of a summer sunset to the wild ride of a spring storm. This US destroyer was having a pretty rough time of it, and was demonstrating why destroyers are often called 'surface subs'. (Asahi Pentax Spotmatic II, 150mm F4.5, No Filter, Kodak High Speed Ektachrome, 160 ISO)

Swim Call! Swim Call! (Asahi Pentax Spotmatic II, 50mm F1.4, No Filter, Kodak High Speed Ektachrome, 160 ISO)

SEA BAT! SEA BAT! (Asahi Pentax Spotmatic II, 28mm F3.5, No Filter, Kodak High Speed Ektachrome, 160 ISO)

Sunset in the Caribbean. Sunset in the Caribbean. (Asahi Pentax Spotmatic II, 28mm F3.5, No Filter, Kodak High Speed Ektachrome, 160 ISO)

When the last light of day has gone, sailors retire to their sleeping quarters, called 'the compartment'. The bunks are three-high, and consist of an aluminum frame with a sheet of canvas lashed in the center, covered by a 3-inch thick feather matress. There is about 20 inches of vertical space between bunks. There are nylon straps on each bunk so the sailors can tie themselves in during heavy weather. When the last light of day has gone, sailors retire to their sleeping quarters, called 'the compartment'. The bunks are three-high, and consist of an aluminum frame with a sheet of canvas lashed in the center, covered by a 3-inch thick feather mattress. There is about 20 inches of vertical space between bunks. There are nylon straps on each bunk so the sailors can tie themselves in during heavy weather. (Asahi Pentax Spotmatic II, 28mm F3.5, No Filter, Kodak High Speed Ektachrome, 160 ISO)

More photos coming. Check back often...

Back to the Navy page