X-Originating-IP: [131.187.113.2] From: "Robert Mack" To: robbd@primenet.com Subject: USS CHICAGO CG-11 information Date: Mon, 20 Mar 2000 15:23:34 EST Robb, You have certainly performed a nice service to all of us who ever served in the CHICAGO. I joined the ship in San Diego in February of 1967 and served in her until December of 1969. I came aboard as a new Ensign out of Comm School and left her as a LT(j.g.) and First Division officer in December of 69. We did two WestPacs during my service in her and were awarded a M.U.C. for each one. We did PIRAZ, North SAR, and lots of other interesting things,but like most cruises to Vietnam, it was one whale of a lot of boredom. Unreps every 3rd day and lots of pointing the missiles and guns but not very much firing!!! What a way to run a war, our Navy fliers did most of the heavy lifting in the Vietnam War, God bless their efforts. Our SH-2 helo crew was an interesting story, our co-pilot, a j.g. named Leroy, won the Navy Cross with Medal of Honor winner LT. Clyde Lassen for a daring Red River pick up of a downed F-4 crew down by Haiphong. They also collected a helo load of glass fishing corks every time they went out and sold them to our crew as souvenirs. One strange, but frightening story I was involved in was thus....We were due to go to Hong Kong for R&R and since their was no pierside room for the Mighty Chi, we would be forced to moor to a harbor bouy. Since this was not a routine event, our skipper, Capt. John "Mad Dog" Delargy wanted to practice the approach, timing, etc. Well, we were between air strikes, so the C.O. says to me"Mr. Mack, launch the starboard motor whaleboat, lay off about 500 yards and I'll make approaches on you to practice my mooring in Hong Kong .... I,ofcourse replied, Aye Aye Captain, and proceeded to get a boat crew, radio, small arms, ammo etc.... You might be thinking why the heavy artillery, weeeeeelllll..... You see we were only a few miles off the North Vietnamese coast and what if were to become separated and break down and drift over to the unfriendlies?, good planning, eh? No breakdown occured, but it was not 15 minutes later that as we (my boat crew and I) were laying to and waiting for the Captain to make the second or third approach, that we receive a message from the ship that they have to run south to acquire a MiG that is harassing a crippled A-6 egressing out of NVN. Man you talk about a sinking feeling, well, we had it! Seeing that big grey ship go steaming over the horizon and only a very few miles of water between us and the scenic country of NORTH Vietnam. All's well that ends well, 2 hours later, over the southern horizon comes the Chi and boy were we glad to get that whaleboat back in the davits!!!!!. Again, thanks for the great site about our old ship. I surely do have great memories of my service in her. I retired as a Captain in the Navy reserve and only have two more years before I start sucking on the Government egg again, Life is Sweet! Good luck in all your endeavors. Bob Mack