00 to 04 Anchored in berth Charlie, St. John's Harbor, Labrador in 27 fathoms of Water, hard bottom, with 120 fathoms of chain to the port anchor on the following true anchorage bearings: Marker "Charlie" 090°, Range beacon 196°. Boiler #2 in use for auxiliary purposes. SOPA is Commanding Officer of this vessel T R BENNETT LTJG, USNR
04 to 08 Anchored as before. 0600 Lighted fires under #1 boiler. T R BENNETT LTJG, USNR
08 to 12 Anchored as before. 0800 Mustered crew on stations, absentees: None. 0802 Tested main engines, test satisfactory. 0908 Set Special Sea Detail and made all preparations for getting underway. 1007 Underway from Anchorage Charlie, St. John's Harbor, Labrador, proceeding to Sorry Harbor, Resolution Island, in accordance with verbal orders of CTF 150. Captain at the Conn., Executive Officer and Navigator on the bridge. Commenced maneuvering, on various courses and speeds proceeding out of harbor. 1102 Secured the Special Sea Detail and set the regular steaming watch. 1110 Set base course of 353°t. Speed 12 knots, 156 rpm. Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples, conditions normal. T R BENNETT LTJG, USNR
12 to 16 Steaming as before. Maneuvering occasionally to avoid scattered ice bergs. L E ALEXANDER ENS, USNR
16 to 18 Steaming as before. 1734 c/c to 342°t. 1740 c/c to 339°t. H C FISHER JR ENS, USNR
18 to 20 Steaming as before. D G MC INNES LTJG, USNR
20 to 24 Steaming as before. 2310 c/c to 334°t. 2315 Rendezvoused with USS STATEN ISLAND (AGB-5). H B PARKER JR LTJG, USN
Sunday 26 July, 1953
00 to 04 Steaming in column formation astern of USS STATEN ISLAND (AGB-5) from Saglek Bay, Labrador to Resolution Island in accordance with verbal orders of CTF 150. USNS BLUE JACKET is steaming astern of this formation, but is independent, however BLUE JACKET, will join formation upon entry into close ice. OTC is Commanding Officer this vessel however upon entry into close ice the Commanding Officer of the lead ice breaker will assume OTC. Boilers #1 and #2 are on the line. Base course is 334°t, base speed is 11 knots, 140 rpm. Occasional speed and course changes are made to avoid bergybits and growlers. 0213 c/s to 12 knots, 156 rpm. 0237 Sighted Acadia Cove light bearing approximately 320°t, distance 30 miles. T R BENNETT LTJG, USNR
04 to 08 Steaming as before. 0402 c/c to 345°t. 9408 c/c to 330°t. 0423 c/c to 331°t. 0426 c/c to 332°t. 0430 Sighted USS EDISTO (AGB-2) bearing 064°t, distance 8 miles. 0437 c/c to 334°t. 0446 c/s to 10 knots 125 rpm. 0448 c/s to 8 knots, 98 rpm. 0449 c/s to 4 knots, 51 rpm. 0451 c/s to a/e stop. 0524 Received orders from CTG 150.3 in USS EDISTO (AGB-2) to lie to in ice free waters approximately 10 miles South of Cape Warwick, and await further instruct ions while USS EDISTO (AGB-2) proceeds to Sorry Harbor for reconnaissance of ice conditions in harbor. 0528 Commenced lying to, 10 miles South of Cape Warwick. H C FISHER ENS, USNR
8 to 12 Lying to as before. 0800 Mustered crew on stations, absentees: None. 0920 Received orders from CTG 150.3 to proceed to a point 4 miles East of Cape Warwick to embark Cargo from Sorry Harbor and Yellow Beach, due to heavy ice in Sorry Harbor. 0928 Commenced maneuvering on various courses and speeds following astern of USS STATEN ISLAND (AGB-5); proceeding to ice free waters 4 miles East of Cape Warwick for loading cargo. 0930 Commenced. ballasting, draft fwd l6'0", aft 17'0". 1145 Arrived in relatively ice free waters 4 miles East of Cape Warwick. Ceased ballasting, draft fwd 24'0", aft 25'0". Made daily inspection of 'magazines and smokeless powder samples, conditions normal. Commenced lying to awaiting USS STATEN ISLAND (AGB-5) to approach this vessel to receive towing line. L E ALEXANDER ENS, USNR
12 to 16 Lying to as before. 1211 8" manila towing line secured from bow of this vessel to stern of USS STATEN ISLAND (AGB-5). USS STATEN ISLAND (AGB-,5) commenced holding bow of this ship into swells in order to reduce-roll of this ship while loading cargo. l225 LCM A-6 left well deck and departed for USNS GENERAL HEINTZELMAN. 1245 LCU 1229 left the well deck and proceeded to Yellow Beach, Resolution Island. 1245 Commenced deballasting, draft fwd 24'0", aft 25'0". 1249 While raising the stern gate a swell forced it closed and then open again with a jerk, parting the starboard 1 1/8" wire pendant of the stern gate. 1335 Ceased deballasting, draft fwd l7'0", aft 18'6". 1410 hoisted stern gate and placed new pendant on the starboard side. 1425 8" manila tow line to USS STATEN ISLAND,(AGB 5) parted. Recovered towline and commenced maneuvering on various courses and speeds to get into position to receive towing wire from USS STATEN ISLAND (AGB-5). l5l7, Secured towing wire from stern of USS STATEN ISLAND (AGB-5) to bow of this vessel and USS STATON ISLAND (AGB-5) commenced holding-bow of this vessel into the swells. D G MC INNES LTJG, USNR
16 to 18 Lying to as before, 4 miles East of Cape Warwick with USS STATEN ISIAND (AGB-5) holding our bow by use of a towing wire, into swells while loading cargo. 1600 Commenced ballasting, draft fwd 17'0", aft 18'6". 1615 Due to surging of stern gate, caused by long, low swells, one (1) strand of the 1 3/4" wire pennant of the port shock preventer to stern gate parted. 1638 LCU 1204 entered well deck. 1700 Ceased ballasting, commenced de ballasting, draft fwd 23'0", aft 24'0". 1725 LCU 1223 entered well deck. H B PARKER JR LTJG, USN
18 to 20 Lying to as before, with USS STATEN ISLAND (AGB-5) holding our bow into the swells, by use of towing wire. 1832 LCM's 5 and 9 entcred well deck. 1850 the 1 3/4" wire of the port shock preventer broke, caused by surging of stern gate as stern of the ship rose and fell with the swells. 1940 Due to its becoming taut and slack with the rise and fall of the stern, caused by swells, the base fitting of the starboard shook preventer tore loose from the stern gate. 1950 U.S. Army LCM-l entered well deck. L E ALEXANDER ENS, USNR
20 to 24 Lying to as before, with USS STATEN ISIAND (AGB-5) holding our bow into swells by use of towing wire. 2002 Ceased loading operations. Commenced raising stern gate. 2037 Ceased deballasting, draft fwd 17'3", aft 18'4". 2039 Stern gate reported raised and secured. 2040 Cast off towing wire from USS STATEN ISIAND (AGB-5). 2045 Commenced maneuvering on various courses and at various speeds to avoid growlers and bergybits while proceeding on a base course of 070°t, to join remainder of TG 150.3 which is lying to approximately 15 miles East of Cape Warwick awaiting further orders from CTG 150.3. 2250 Joined TG 150.3 16 miles East of Cape Warwick and commenced lying to. H C FISHER ENS, USNR
Monday 27 July, 1953
00 to 04 Lying to 16 miles East of Cape Warwick, Resolution Island in company with TG 150.3 awaiting improvement in ice conditions prior to proceeding into Sorry Harbor. Boiler # 2 is on the line. Maneuvering occasionally as necessary in order to maintain same relative position. SOPA and OTC is CTG 150.3 in U.S.S. EDIST0 (AGB-2). H B PARKER JR LTJG, USN
04 to 08 Lying to as before, maneuvering on various courses and at minimum speed, 2 knots, 31 rpm in order to remain in the vicinity of Cape Warwick, Resolution Island. 0437 Underway on course 290°t, speed,8 knots, 98 rpm. 0508 c/c to 023°t. 0513 c/c to 050°t. 0537 c/c to 024°t. 0540 c/c to 060°t. 0552 c/c to 280°t. 0555 c/s to 6 knots, 73 rpm. 0602 c/c to 295°t. in order to fall 500 yards astern of the USS EDISTO (AGB-2). Due to dense fog moving up from the South, set course 090°t. Remained on heading of 090°t, speed 2 knots; 31 rpm. Fog closed in, decreasing visibility to 500 to 1000 yards. D G MC INNES LTJG, USNR
08 to 12 Lying to as before. 0800 Mustered crew at quarters, absentees: None. 0800 SS MONROE VICTORY joined Task Group. 1150 Lighted fires under No.1 Boiler. 1153 c/s to 8 knots 98 rpm. Underway proceeding to Sorry Harbor, Resolution Island, in accordance with verbal orders of CTG 150.3 escorted by USS EDISTO (AGB-2). Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples, conditions normal H B PARKER JR LTJG, USN
12 to 16 Steaming as before, proceeding Westerly on various courses at various speeds toward Sorry Harbor, Resolution Island following, astern of, USS EDISTO (AGB-2). 1405 c/c away from Sorry Harbor to 090°t, proceeding slowly in an Easterly direction, waiting for ice conditions inside Sorry Harbor to improve. l510 c/c toward Sorry Harbor in order not to be too far away in case ice conditions there improve, proceeding slowly in a Westerly direction, varying slightly from 270°t to avoid ice with a speed of 5 knots on the port engine and 4 knots on the starboard engine. T R BENNETT LTJG, USNR
16 to 18 Steaming as before, proceeding on various courses and speeds towards Sorry Harbor, Resolution Island surveying ice conditions. 1639 a/e stopped, ice conditions not favorable for entering harbor. Maneuvering on various courses and speeds turning vessel, proceeding away from ice pack. l742 a/e stopped, heading vessel into swe11s in order to lower # 2 LCVP. 1746 LCVP #2 lowered in water, and proceeding to USS EDISTO (AGB-2) to return CTG 150.3 to this vessel. L E ALEXANDER ENS, USNR
18 to 20 Lying to as before. Maneuvering on various courses and speeds to keep this ship headed into the swells. 18l7 Hoisted #2 LCVP aboard. CTG 150.3 reported back aboard this vessel Hauled down the commission pennant, broke the broad command flag. 1825 Proceeding on various courses and speeds following the USS STATEN ISLAND through the ice to a point East of Sorry Harbor. 1920 a/e stopped, lying to awaiting report from USS EDISTO (AGB 2) of ice conditions in approaches to and in-Sorry Harbor. 1950 USS EDISTO (AGB-2) reports ice conditions in and near Sorry Harbor seem to be improving. 1952 Commenced maneuvering on various courses and at various speeds following close astern of USS EDISTO (AGB-2) proceeding through ice fields of 2/l0 to 3/10 coverage to anchorage in Sorry Harbor. H C FISHER JR ENS, USNR
20 to 24 Steaming as before. 2101 Set the Special Sea detail. Passed Cape Warwick abeam to port, distance 2000 yards. 2112 Entered heavy block ice of approximately 12-15 feet in thickness and coverage of 9/10. 2117 Due to the thickness and the coverage of the ice plus the action of the long swells which close the path through ice opened by the ice breaker, further entry into Sorry Harbor decreed inadvisable. Commenced backing and casting our stern to port in order to turn and proceed to sea from Sorry Harbor. USS EDISTO (AGB-2) commenced clearing ice from our stern in order that we may turn. 2155 Completed turning and commenced maneuvering on various courses and speeds following 250 yards astern of USS EDISTO (AGB-2) proceeding to seaward from Sorry Harbor. 2235 Damage Control reports bulges in compartments A-309 and A-405-W caused. by heavy block ice. 2253 Passed Cape Warwick abeam to starboard, distance 25OO yards. 2305 Entered heavy block ice of 6/10 coverage. 2320 Entered relatively ice-free waters of 1/10 to 2/10 coverage. 2327 Secured the Special Sea detail and set the regular steaming watch. 2330 c/c to l54°t. 2343 c/c to 130°t. 2346 c/c to138°t. 2350 c/c to 136°t. D G MC INNES LTJG, USNR
Tuesday 28 July, 1953
00 to 04 Steaming in company with USS EDISTO (AGB-2) in ice free area 10 miles East of Cape Warwick, Resolution Island while waiting for improvement in ice conditions of Sorry Harbor, before proceeding into Sorry Harbor to load cargo in accordance with verbal orders of CTG Boilers #1 and #2 are on the line. We are maneuvering on various courses and speeds, maintaining same relative position. SOPA is CTG 150.3 embarked in this vessel. OTC while in ice is Commanding Officer of USS EDISTO (AGB-3). H B PARKER LTJG, USN
04 to 08 Steaming as before. 0520 USS EDISTO (AGB-2) left formation to proceed to Sorry Harbor to scout ice conditions in Sorry Harbor and approaches to Sorry Harbor. T R BENNETT LTJG, USNR
08 to 12 Steaming as before. 0800 Mustered crew on stations, absentees: none. 0847 Received word from USS EDISTO (AGB-2) that ice conditions in Sorry Harbor are improving rapidly due to change in current. 0553 Commenced maneuvering on various courses and at various speeds proceeding through ice fields of 3/10 coverage to join USS EDISTO (AGB-2) which is lying to 3 miles East of Cape Warwick. 0920 Rendezvoused with USS EDISTO (AGB-2) and commenced maneuvering on various courses and at various speeds following astern of USS EDISTO (AGB-2). through heavy block ice 6/10 coverage. 0947 Set the Special Sea Detail. Set material condition Baker. 1014 USS EDISTO (AGB-2) turned out of our path in order that we might proceed independently to anchorage through ice field of 2/l0 coverage. 1029 Anchored in Sorry Harbor, Resolution Island in 30 fathoms of water, rocky bottom, with 120 fathoms of chain to the port anchor on the following true anchorage bearings: Left tangent Cape Warwick 0! 83.5° , Survey Beacon 033°, Survey Beacon 357°. Boilers #1 and #2 are in use for auxiliary purposes. SOPA is CTG 150.3 embarked in this vessel. 1103 Secured the Special Sea Detail and set the regular in port watch. Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples. Conditions normal. Made weekly inspection of magazine sprinkler systems. Conditions satisfactory. L E ALEXANDER ENS, USNR
12 to 16 Anchored as before. 1420 commenced ballasting, draft fwd 18'8", aft 18'6". 1430 LCM A-3 Entered well deck. 1433 LCM A-4 entered well deck. 1448 LCM A-2 entered well deck. 1451 Ceased ballasting, draft fwd 15' 0", aft 27'6". 1457 Commenced deballasting. 1503 LCM A-8 entered well deck. R T PETERSON ENS, USNR
16 to 18 Anchored as before. 1625 Ceased deballasting, draft fwd 17'0", aft 18'2". 1630 Set the Special Sea Detail, and made all preparations for getting underway. 1654 Underway from Sorry Harbor, Resolution Island, proceeding to Koojesse Inlet, Frobisher Bay, in accordance with CTF 150 verbal orders. Captain at the Conn., Pilot OSBORNE and Navigator on the bridge. Commenced maneuvering on various courses and at various speeds to turn the ship and head for the USS EDISTO (AGB-2) which is lying to 2000 yards astern of us. Ice coverage 3/10 of heavy block ice. 1735 Fell in astern of USS EDISTO (AGB-2) and commenced maneuvering on various courses and at various speeds proceeding out of harbor astern of USS EDISTO (AGB-2). 1750 Passed Cape Warwick abeam to Starboard, distance 2000 yards. 1755 Secured the Special Sea detail and set the regular steaming watch. H B PARKER JR LTJG, USN
18 to 20 Steaming as before. 1810 Due to ebb tide, heavy block ice of from l0-l5 feet thick and 10/10 coverage has accumulated off entrance to Sorry Harbor in a belt of from two to three miles wide. Commenced transit through this belt of heavy block ice. 1817 Due to fact that ice closes path opened up by ice breaker while following at a distance of 400 yards, this vessel closed up to within 200 yards of USS EDISTO (AGB-2). 1925 Cleared heavy ice field, ice coverage now 1/10. Set base course of 090°t. Speed 4 knots, 56 rpm. USS EDISTO (AGB-2) is guide in column formation. Our position is 500 yards astern. 1932 c/c to 084°t. 1945 Visibility closed to 500 yards. 1947 Commenced sounding fog signals. H C FISHER JR ENS, USNR
20 to 24 Steaming as before. 2002 c/s to 5 knots, 62 rpm. 2021 c/c to 070°t. 2025 c/s to 7 knots, 85 rpm. Commenced maneuvering on various courses while maintaining station 500 yards astern of USS EDISTO (AGB-2). 2205 c/c to 030°t. 2218 c/s to 3, knots, 40 rpm. 2229 c/c to 025°t. 2232 c/s to 5 knots, 63 rpm. 2242 c/s to 3.5 knots, 46 rpm. 2246 c/c to 28°t. D G MC INNES LTJG, USNR
Wednesday 29 July, 1953
00 to 04 Steaming in company with USS EDISTO (AGB-2) proceeding from Sorry Harbor, Resolution Island, to join remainder of TG 150.3 which is lying to approximately 20 miles East of Cape Warwick, Resolution Island. USS EDISTO is guide. Cur position is approximately 1000 yards astern. Base course is 030°t, speed is 3 knots. Boiler #2 is on the line, boiler #1 is secured on one-half hours notice. SOPA and OTC is CTG l50.3 embarked in this vessel. Fog lookouts are posted and fog signals are being sounded. H B PARKER JR LTJG, USN
04 to 08 Steaming as before. Occasional course and speed, changes are made to keep proper station on USS EDISTO (AGB-2). T R BENNETT LTJG, USNR
08 to 12 Steaming as before. 0800 Mustered crew at quarters, absentees. None. 1006 Joined remainder of TG 150.3. USS EDISTO was ordered by CTG 150.3 to proceed to Frobisher Bay for ice reconnaissance. H C FISHER ENS, USNR
12 to 16 Steaming as before on course of 040°t, speed 3.5 knots, 45 rpm. 1325 USS LST-503 took station 1500 yards astern of this vessel. 1344 c/s to 3 knots, 40 rpm. 1405 c/c to 060°t, in order to avoid large bergybit. 1444 c/c to 300°t, awaiting for other ship to form on us. 1452 Lighted fires under #l boiler, boosting steam. 1502 Secured fires under #1 boiler. L E ALEXANDER ENS, USNR
16 to 18 Steaming as before on course 300°t, speed 3 knots, 40 rpm. We are awaiting the forming of a column disposition astern of us by the USS LST-503, USNS NODAWAY, and the SS MONROE VICTORY, interval 1000 between ships. 1700 c/s to a/e ahead 5 knots, 62 rpm. 1800 Column disposition formed, order of ships astern as mentioned above. D G MC INNES LTJG, USNR
18 to 20 Steaming as before. 1805 Changed formation course by column movement to 345°t. 1825 Changed formation course by column movement to 030°t. 1850 Formation c/c to 075°t. 1915 Changed formation course by column movement to 120°t. H B PARKER JR LTJG, USN
20 to 24 Steaming as before. 2002 c/s to a/e stopped. 2004 All ships in this formation commenced lying to awaiting improvement in the weather. 2040 Ceased sounding fog signals. 2107 Commenced sounding fog signals for vessel underway with no way on. T R BENNETT LTJG, USNR
Thursday 30 July, 1953
00 to 04 Lying to as before off Cape Warwick, Resolution Island, Labrador in company with USS LST-503, USNS NODAWAY, and SS MONROE VICTORY. Boiler #2 is on the 1ine. Boiler #1 is secured on 30 minutes notice. OTC is CTG 150.3 (ComLSDRon TWO) embarked in this vessel. 0132 s/e ahead 1/3. Underway on course 135°t to increase distance to Cape Warwick by two miles. 0133.5 a/e ahead 1/3, 3 knots, 40 rpm. 0218 a/e stopped. 0220 Commenced lying to. H C FISHER JR ENS, USNR
04 to 08 Lying to as before. Visibility 2000 yards. D G MC INNES LTJG, USN
08 to 12 Lying to as before. 0800 Mustered crew at quarters, absentees: None. 1120 a/e ahead 1/3, 3 knots, 40 rpm. 1120 c/c to 090°t. 1130 Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples, conditions normal. H B PARKER JR LTJG, USNR
12 to 16 Steaming as before. 1330 Secured #2 boiler; lit #1 boiler. 1421 a/e stopped Commenced lying to. 1529 Lit #2 boiler. 1539 Secured #1 boiler on one-half hours notice. T R BENNETT LTJG, USNR
16 to 18 Lying to, as before. L E ALEXANDER ENS, USNR
18 to 20 Lying to as before. H C FISHER JR ENS, USNR
20 to 24 Lying to as before. 1942 s/e ahead 1/3, 52 rpm, in order to place the ship on a headingof 030°t, in preparation for forming up the ships present in a column disposition in the following order: USS ASHIAND (LSD-l), USS LST-503, USNS NODAW,AY, and SS MONROE VICTORY. Distance between ships 1000 yards. 2019 Set base course of.030°t, pursuant to verbal orders of CTG 150.3. Ships astern maneuvering to take assigned stations in column. Set base speed of 3 knots, 40 rpm. Fog lookouts in bow posted in addition to regular lookouts. Visibility 500 to 1500 yards, varying frequent1y. D G MC INNES LTJG, USNR
Friday 31 July, 1953
00 to 04 Steaming on boiler #2 in company with USS LST-503, USNS NODAWAY, SS M0NR0E VICTORY on course 030°t, speed 3 knots. ASHLAND (LSD-l) is guide, standard distance is 1000 yards. OTC is CTG 150.3 (ComLSDRon TWO) embarked in this vessel. Boiler #1 is secured on thirty minutes notice. 0245 c/s to 4 knots, 51 rpm. H B PARKER JR LTJG, USN
04 to 08 Steaming as before. T R BENNETT LTJG, USNR
08 to 12 Steaming as before on base course of 030°t, speed 4 knots, 51 rpm, comparatively ice free waters. 0800 Mustered crew on stations, absentees: None, 0830 c/c to 330°t. Made daily inspection of magazines and smokeless powder samples, conditions normal. L E ALEXANDER ENS, USNR
12 to 16 Steaming as before. 1240 c/c to 051°t. 1243 c/c to 345°t. 1248 Resumed base course 051°t. 1315 c/c to 025°t. 1402 Set base course 040°t. 1528 c/c to 090°t. H C FISHER JR ENS, USNR
16 to 18 Steaming as before. 1640 C/C TO 000°T. Visibility 1500-2500 yards. D G MC INNES LTJG, USNR
18 to 20 Steaming as before. L E ALEXANDER ENS, USNR
20 to 24 Steaming as before. 2300 c/c to 090°t. 2320 c/c to 143°t. H B PARKER JR LTJG, USN