USS CALCATERRA (DER 390)
Fleet Post Office
New York, 09501
1 December 1969
Dear CALCATERRA Friends and Relatives,
I would like to take this opportunity to get in touch with the many friends and relatives of the CALCATERRA crew for the first time since I relieved LCDR REILLY in August.
Since the last familygram in May, CALCATERRA has spent several weeks in Mayport, Florida for routine repairs by USS YELLOWSTONE during late June and early July. On the trip up to Mayport, the remains of REAR ADMIRAL HAROLD BIESEMEIR, USN Retired, were buried at sea. Also on the trip to Mayport, CALCATERRA paid a port visit to Fort Lauderdale where she moored next to the Queen Elizabeth. On the return trip to Key West, CALCATERRA made a visit to Freeport in the Bahamas.
During the summer months, CALCATERRA embarked twenty NROTC first and third class Midshipman for their annual summer shipboard training.
Since returning to Key West in July, CALCATERRA has spent August, September and October in Key West or on local operation. November was spent in Mayport again for another routine overhaul period. During this period extensive work was accomplished on the ships ordnance equipments.
CALCATERRA returned to Key West for Thanksgiving and presently plans to remain in port for the entire Christmas holiday period. The ship will probably go the Norfolk for a shirt overhaul period starting the middle of January.
In June, the crew contributed $1100. to the annual Navy Relief Fund Drive. The Combined Federal Campaign in October was an even greater success with $1200. contributed to worthy charities.
On the twenty-third of October after a personnel inspection, Commodore CALLAWAY presented awards to the crew. Gold Hashmark certificates, denoting more than twelve years of continuous faithful service were presented to:
HM1 MACKLEY
YNC DODDS
SF1 GATLIN
CSC MYATT
ENE ARINGE
Advancement in rate certificates were presented to:
STCS RIGGS
SK3 KRISTEL
The Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V was presented to GMG3 BLALOCK for services in Vietnam.
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The final award was the presentation of the engineering "E" for excellence. ENCS DAGNEAU, Senior enlisted man in the Engineering Department accepted the plaque for the department.
I hope that the schedule will permit us to have a Christmas Party about December 15 for all the young children of the crew. If and when we get plans firmed up, we will put the word out.
I will try to keep you informed concerning matters of mutual interest. If you have any questions please feel free to correspond with me and I will make every effort to be of assistance to you.
Sincerely,
Signed: (H. B. Graff)
LCDR USN
Commanding Officer