USS Newport News (CA-148)

Audio Tracks

These sound files are from audio tape recordings made many years ago. They have been converted to MP3-4 sound file format so you can enjoy them today. This is an opportunity to go back into the history of our ship and experience the sounds of life aboard the "World's Largest Heavy Cruiser".
The files do not require download and will "stream" to your computer the moment you click the 'LISTEN' link

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Dexter made and narrated this recording in Oct. 1967, during the first Viet Nam cruise of the USS Newport News. The recording was done during a Gun Fire Support (GFS) mission and was taped from the sound-powered phone circuit between Plot and the Turrets. Dexter gives a good description of what is going on. Click HERE to listen
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Comments from Captain McCarty just after a combat situation on Dec. 1967 where the North Viets were firing at the USS Newport News and the USS McCormick. The Captain gives detail account of what all happened. This is a very interesting talk from the Captain. Click HERE to listen
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The date of this file is Dec 1st, 1967. Captain McCarty informs the crew of the scheduled strikes for that night with the USS Colette and the HMAS Perth. The Perth was later hit by coastal defense sites while working with Thunder on another strike. Click HERE to listen
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This file was recorded from the Spotter Radio Net in March 68 off the DMZ. It demonstrates the complexity and coordination required between land, sea and air units during a "routine" Gun Fire Support Mission. Click HERE to listen

Operation Lion's Den - 27 August 1972
Sound files recorded by Newt Robinson, ICC/E Division - 1971 to Decom
Written permision to post here granted to Gary W. Palmer on April 1, 2011
The following 4 audio tracks cover a gun fire mission of the USS Newport News in Haiphong Harbor, Viet Nam, August 27, 1972. Newt Robinson recorded this in FWD IC from a speaker that monitored voice traffic on the JL phone circuit.
Thanks to Newt you can experience what a true naval combat mission sounds like from the perspective of several different crew members and departments all performing their duties. During this mission, the Newport News was threatened by 3 PT boats armed with torpedos. The outcome of this mission was a success but it could have had a different outcome altogether.

Warning: These recordings are unedited and contain language not suitable for all to hear. Keep in mind, the men you hear are all young men doing a job in a time of war and in a combat situation. This is the REAL DEAL!

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"Operation Lions Den" Haiphong Harbor - Audio tracks of the activity during the attack on enemy PT boats (track 1 of 3) Click HERE
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"Operation Lions Den" Haiphong Harbor - Audio tracks of the activity during the attack on enemy PT boat attack (track 2 of 3) Click HERE
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"Operation Lions Den" Haiphong Harbor - Audio tracks of the activity during the attack on enemy PT boat attack track (3 of 3) Captain speaking to crew. Click HERE
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"Operation Lions Den" Haiphong Harbor - Audio tracks of the activity during the attack on enemy PT boat attack General Quarters sounded. Click HERE

From Al Seigel: Here’s a sound file that I made from a recording I sent to my parents in 1967. Some of it is a bit difficult to hear but on the other hand there is some information in there that may be useful. This was the sound powered phone system for OE division and I was down in combat sort of leading the charge passing information onto the guys in spaces throughout the ship. This audio track is 17 mins. Click HERE

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