The period 1 JAN to 18 MAR saw Captain Joseph E. Bonds commanding the NEWPORT NEWS. On 19MAR a change of command ceremony was held and Captain Walter F. Zartman became the new Commanding Officer.
NEWPORT NEWS has continued her flagship role, but since April she has been an active task group unit for the first time in many months. The initial work-up in April, exercise EXOTIC DANCER in May, in which she operated with all her sister services, and two advance exercises and gunfire support requalification in June restored proficiency in many skills.
It was not all work, however, as in July NEWPORT NEWS visited New York City and enjoyed an outstanding arrangement of activities. August found NEWPORT NEWS and her crew preparing for the upcoming Northern Europe cruise, but there were other tasks as well. Results of the first Administrative-Material inspection in four years attest to the superior manner in which the crew went about their daily tasks.
On August 14, VADM Miller as Commander SECOND FLEET, and NEWPORT NEWS were charged with many ceremonial duties which were executed as Vice Admiral dePoix assume the duties as Commander SECOND FLEET.
The Northern Europe cruise in September and October was a unique and splendid opportunity for the crew. For many it was the first foreign visit. Ports of call included Portsmouth, England; Amsterdam, Holland; Oslo, Norway; Rosyth, Scotland; Copenhagen, Denmark; Helsinki, Finland; and Hamburg, Germany. During this cruise NEWPORT NEWS had many days of general public visiting and over 30,000 people took advantage of the hospitality.
Upon returning from Northern Europe, except for a brief December visit to Newport, RI, NEWPORT NEWS spent the holiday period inport Norfolk, VA.
Royal Visit
The period 22-24 SEP found NEWPORT NEWS in Oslo, Norway. On the 24th, his Royal Highness King Olav V (King of Norway) visited the ship. He arrived on board at approximately 1330; full honors (less gun salute) were rendered upon his arrival and the Norwegian Ensign was flown from the Main Truck. While aboard, his highness attended a luncheon hosted by Commander SECOND FLEET and at approximately 1430 his flag was struck, and he departed the ship.
Proceed to 1972
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