After having celebrated the Christmas holidays and welcomed the New Year in her homeport, FORREST SHERMAN prepared to get underway for Operation Springboard.  FORREST SHERMAN’s schedule had been changed from a deployment to the Western Pacific to a Hunter-Killer deployment to Northern Europe in early spring.

On 12 January 1970, FORREST SHERMAN departed Newport for her role in Operation Springboard.  While participating in Operation Springboard, FORREST SHERMAN enjoyed a port visit in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands prior to returning to the colder climates of Newport, Rhode Island.

On 9 February 1970 FORREST SHERMAN returned to her homeport of Newport and began preparations for her upcoming Northern Europe deployment.

On 20 April 1970, Commander J.K. Martin relieved Captain R.E. Flynn as Commanding Officer, USS FORREST SHERMAN in a ceremony at the U.S. Naval Destroyer School Auditorium, Newport, Rhode Island.

On 5 May 1970 FORREST SHERMAN departed Newport on the first leg of her deployment as a member of Destroyer Squadron Twelve and ASW Group II under the command of RADM T. Shepard.

FORREST SHERMAN’s first port of call was Lisbon, Portugal where she hosted 60 boys from Casa Da Gaiato Orphanage, FORREST SHERMAN then participated in the NATO exercise Dawn Patrol off the Spanish Coast before making a brief stop at the U.S. Naval Station, Rota, Spain.

On June 19^th FORREST SHERMAN visited Kiel, Germany with the USS RICHARD L. PAGE, Flagship of Destroyer Squadron Twelve, to take part in Kiel week, the annual Naval festival of the Federal German Navy.  While in Kiel, FORREST SHERMAN hosted approximately 4000 guests as well as open house for children from local orphanages.

On 26 June 1970, FORREST SHERMAN left Germany enroute to Helsinki, Finland.  Accompanying FORREST SHERMAN was the USS GARCIA, Flagship of Destroyer Division 122.  Prior to entering Helsinki Harbor, a World War II floating mine was sighted.  FORREST SHERMAN was detailed to sink the mine with light weapons fire.  At the time FORREST SHERMAN was being accompanied by two Soviet sub-chasers, who alternately fired upon the mine also.  The FORREST SHERMAN was successful in sinking the mine and proceeded into port.  The full story was related to the Public Affairs Representative from the United States Embassy, who in turn released the story to the Helsinki newspapers.  Favorable publicity was given in all the newspapers except the two Communists newspapers.

FORREST SHERMAN held open house for several children from orphanages as well as 200 Finnish citizens.

On the 18^th of July, FORREST SHERMAN departed Helsinki and arrived in Dundee, Scotland on 21 July.  The FORREST SHERMAN was opened for general visiting and approximately 1000 visitors toured the ship.  News releases in Dundee included an interview with the Commanding Officer and his wife as well as an interview with a crewmember who purchased a set of Scottish bagpipes.  FORREST SHERMAN departed Dundee on 25 July for Rosyth Royal Naval Shipyard, Rosyth, Scotland for boiler tube repairs.  FORREST SHERMAN remained in Rosyth from 25 July until 1 August 1970 when she departed for Greenock, Scotland, on the famous Clyde River.  FORREST SHERMAN arrived in Greenock on 5 August and stayed until 10 August, enjoying the beauty of the Scottish highlands.  Upon leaving Greenock, Scotland, FORREST SHERMAN operated in the North Atlantic on operation that brought her above the Artic Circle.  FORREST SHERMAN and her crew of BLUENOSES visited Bergen, Norway on 20 August 1970 and spent an enjoyable five days among the famous Norwegian fjords.

Leaving Norway on 25 August 1970, FORREST SHERMAN headed south for French Naval Shipyard at Brest, France.  Upon arriving in Brest on 28 August 1970, official calls were made and received by the Commanding Officer of the FORREST SHERMAN to Squadron Vice Admiral Daille, Commander Atlantic Squadron; Vice Admiral Rousselot, Commander 2^nd Naval District; Mr. Gerolani, Sous Prefit; and Mr. Lombardi, Mayor of the city of Brest.

FORREST SHERMAN departed Brest on 7 November to take part in the NATO exercise Northern Wedding operating with the Navies of Great Britain, Norway, and the Netherlands.

On 6 October 1970, FORREST SHERMAN returned to her homeport of Newport, Rhode Island for a much welcomed leave and upkeep period and on 7 November FORREST SHERMAN commenced her quarterly tender availability period.  During this period, FORREST SHERMAN began extensive boiler repairs by civilian contractors.

FORREST SHERMAN spent the Christmas holidays in Newport and welcomed the New Year while in the process of completing her boiler repairs.

After having celebrated the Christmas holidays and welcoming the New Year in her homeport, FORREST SHERMAN continued extensive boiler repairs on all four boilers.  Boiler repairs were being accomplished by Newport Shipyard Company in conjunction with the P&W Marine Engineering Corporation. 

On 15 January 1971, Captain Nichaus, Commander Destroyer Squadron Twelve shifted his pennant to FORREST SHERMAN.

On 29 March 1971, Captain Grantham relieved Captain Nichaus as Commanding Officer Destroyer Squadron Twelve in a change of command ceremony aboard Forrest Sherman.

On 10 April 1971, Destroyer Squadron Twelve shifted his pennant from FORREST SHERMAN.  FORREST SHERMAN became a member of Destroyer Squadron Ten commanded by Captain R.L. Dise.

On 26 May 1971, FORREST SHERMAN completed her boiler repairs and departed Newport enroute to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for selected refresher training.  During refresher training FORREST SHERMAN visited Ocho Rios, Jamaica for a much-looked forward port visit.  Upon completion of training at Guantanamo Bay, FORREST SHERMAN qualified for Naval Gun Support at the NGFS Cubbia.

On 6 July, FORREST SHERMAN returned to Newport for a regular tender availability period with the USS PUGET SOUND (AD-38).

On 6 August, FORREST SHERMAN departed Newport in company with the USS HUGH PURVIS enroute to Puerto Rico Op-Areas for special ASW operations with Destroyer Squadron Fourteen.  During the operating period, FORREST SHERMAN made a port visit to St. Croix, Virgin Islands in company with USS HADDO.

On 25 August 1971, FORREST SHERMAN returned to Newport after a highly successful operation with Destroyer Squadron Fourteen which resulted in intelligence collection of high importance, directly attributed to FORREST SHERMAN.  FORREST SHERMAN then prepared for her upcoming deployment to Northern Europe.

On 14 September 1971, Commander Herbert B. Kuykendall relieved Commander James K. Martin as Commanding Officer in a change of command ceremony aboard FORREST SHERMAN.

On 16 September, FORREST SHERMAN departed Newport enroute to join Destroyer Squadron Thirty-Six for deployment to Northern Europe as a member of NATO exercise Royal Knight.  Royal Knight was a NATO exercise in the Northern Europe waters off the coast of Norway, with the Navies of member NATO nations.  During the exercise Royal Knight, FORREST SHERMAN crossed the Artic Circle for the second consecutive year and duly initiated her crew into the Royal Order of Bluenoses.

After completion of exercise Royal Knight, FORREST SHERMAN visited Oslo, Norway on 23 September, in company with the USS DAMATO.  On 12 October, FORREST SHERMAN made a port visit to Hamburg, Germany.  During her stay at Germany’s busiest port city, FORREST SHERMAN hosted general visiting to approximately 3000 visitors.  Accompanying FORREST SHERMAN to Hamburg was the USS GREENE.

FORREST SHERMAN departed Hamburg for her return trip home arriving 22 October.  Upon arrival in Newport, FORREST SHERMAN commenced her pre-overhaul tender availability period with the USS GRAND CANYON (AR-28).

The winter month of November found FORREST SHERMAN being towed to Boston Naval Shipyard on the 29^th to begin her much anticipated regular shipyard overhaul period.

The Christmas holidays found FORREST SHERMAN at Boston Naval Shipyard undergoing her regular overhaul

On 15 April 1972, FORREST SHERMAN departed Boston Naval Shipyard upon completion of her overhaul.  Her work during the overhaul included the installation of the new AN-SPS 40 A Air Search Radar, the ULQ-6 ECM equipment, the MK 309 UBFCS and the replacement of Mount 51.  On 16 April FORREST SHERMAN arrived at her homeport in Newport once again.

From 22 April through 27 April, FORREST SHERMAN was underway for local independent operation in preparation for her upcoming refresher training at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

During 27 April through 25 May SHERMAN remained in port.  From this time on FORREST SHERMAN was restricted to two boiler operations due to excessive heat in both fire rooms.  This restriction was still in effect at the end of the year.

On 26 May 1972, FORREST SHERMAN got underway for Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for selected training.  After refresher training, the SHERMAN departed Cuba and headed for Culebra Island Range for gunfire support training and on 13 June qualified.  FORREST SHERMAN then headed for home again and arrived in Newport on 18 June.

From the 19^th of June until the 20^th of July was spent in Newport for regular upkeep and preparation for SHERMAN’s upcoming UNITAS deployment.

On 21 July, FORREST SHERMAN departed Newport to participate in UNITAS XIII in company with USS TALBOT  (DEG-4) and USS FARRAGUT (DLG-6) under command of Commander Destroyer Squadron Ten, Captain Robert L. Dise.  On 27 July SHERMAN arrived at San Juan to commence UNITAS XIII under overall command of J.J. SHANAHAN, Rear Admiral, USN.  In addition to TALBOT and FARRAGUT, the USS REMORA (SS-487) and P-3 Aircraft from VF-16 made the United States Units of Task Force 86.

The only significant event during the year involved the towing of the ARU “NUETA ESPARTA” of the Venezuelan Navy by FORREST SHERMAN during UNITAS XIII.  Experiencing a major engineering casualty near the coast of Venezuela on 3 August, FORREST SHERMAN attached a line and towed her 90 miles to the shelter of La ORCHILLA Island to effect repairs.  Towing operation lasted for approximately 15 hours.

On December 2, 1972, FORREST SHERMAN returned home again in Newport to commence a post deployment stand down period and to celebrate the holiday season.

With the new year of 1973 rung in, the ship continued her stand down period.  On the 12^th of January, Captain James K. Martin, USN, Commander, Destroyer Squadron Ten, broke his flag on FORREST SHERMAN in preparation for Springboard 1973.

On the 30^th of January, FORREST SHERMAN departed Newport and was underway to San Juan, Puerto Rico to participate in Springboard.

On 3 February, FORREST SHERMAN arrived in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  SHERMAN was again underway on 5 February to commence ASW exercises and Naval Gunfire Support exercises in conjunction with Springboard for the next 3 days.  On the 8^th of February, FORREST SHERMAN moored at Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. 

On 9 February, FORREST SHERMAN WAS UNDERWAY for St. Croix, Virgin Islands for weekend liberty, while underway she got ASW exercises.

After weekend liberty, FORREST SHERMAN got underway again on 12 February enroute for Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.  While transiting to Ft. Lauderdale, FORREST SHERMSN conducted an underway replenishment from the USS SEATTLE (AOE-3).  On the 14^th of February, FORREST SHERMAN moored in Ft. Lauderdale for 3 days of liberty and on the 17^th she got underway for Newport, Rhode Island and arrived home on the 20^th.  The next day, 21 February, COMDESRON TEN hauled down his flag.

On 27 February, FORREST SHERMAN got underway for an Insurv Inspection due to the large number of serious safety deficiencies that were noted, FORREST SHERMAN was restricted from normal operations mainly because of major engineering deficiencies. 

During the month of March, FORREST SHERMAN remained in port and made preparations for the upcoming Restricted Availability and also made preparations for the upcoming Change of Command ceremony.

On 5 April, the Change of Command Ceremony was held.  Commander H. B. Kuykendall, USN, was relieved by Commander Donald G. Loos, USN and he assumed Command of FORREST SHERMAN.

During the month of May, FORREST SHERMAN continued her restricted availability preparations.

On 25 June, FORREST SHERMAN commenced her Restricted Availability.  The General Ship and Engine Works of Boston, Massachusetts, was awarded the contract with an initial completion date of the contract scheduled for the 9^th of October.

On 7 July, COMDESRON TEN broke his flag on FORREST SHERMAN.  Also the Restricted Availability continued.

During the months of August and September, the Restricted Availability continued to move along but at a slow pace with the crew doing the majority of the work.

On 2 October, Rear Admiral Samuel Gravely, USN, Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group Two, broke his flag aboard FORREST SHERMAN.  On 9 October, completion of the Restricted Availability was not finished so the completion date of the restricted availability was changed to sometime in November.  Also on the 9^th of October, FORREST SHERMAN administratively changed homeports from Newport, Rhode Island to Norfolk, Virginia, although the ship’s actual move would not take place until early in 1974.

On 30 October, FORREST SHERMAN was given an Administrative Inspection by the staff of COMDESRON TEN.  The results were outstanding.

The month of November still did not bring the completion of the restricted availability as was hope so the completion date was changed to sometime in December.  On 29 November, COMDESRON TEN hauled down his flag.

During the month of December the completion of FORREST SHERMAN’s Restricted Availability was still not in sight.  All dates were missed.  At the end of the year no firm completion date and no immediate hope for one in the next thirty day could be seen.  FORREST SHERMAN celebrated the holiday season and rang in the New Year of 1974.

The most significant event of 1974 was the completion of an extensive restricted availability for major work in the engineering spaces, a result of an insurv inspection in February.  The first of the year found FORREST SHERMAN in an extremely depressing state, involved in an RAV that should have been completed in October 1973.  Due to mismanagement and incompetence on the part of the contractor, a firm completion date could not be arrive at.  Work progressed at a snails pace with ship’s work force bearing the majority of the work load and yet could still maintain a high state of morale under the very discouraging conditions.

On February 14^th, the original contractor for the RAV General Ship and Engine Works of Boston, Mass had its contract terminated.  P&M Incorporated and William & Manchester of Newport, Rhode Island were awarded the contract to complete the RAV.  With the two contractors working together to patch the loose ends left by General Ship, and a diligent and exemplary ship’s force endeavor, FORREST SHERMAN was able to conduct deck trials on February 25-26.  Underway sea trials were conducted on Feb 27-28.  The ship returned to Newport to await the installation of a new emergency diesel generator.

March was another milestone in FORREST SHERMAN’s history.  She sailed from Newport that morning, no longer her homeport, for her new home in Norfolk, Virginia.  Due to the ship’s long period in port (one year), it was necessary to undertake some much needed training.  While enroute to Norfolk, the ship spent five days steaming independently in the Narrangut Bay Ops-Area training vigorously to bring the ship up to maximum readiness now that she was once again an integral part of the Atlantic Fleet.  On 15 March, the ship rearmed at Earle, N.J., and proceeded on into New York City for her first liberty port in over a year.  After a very enjoyable weekend 15-17 March, FORREST SHERMAN got underway again for her new homeport, conducting intensive training while enroute.  On the morning of March 22 she sailed through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel Complex and arrived in Norfolk.

During the month of April an extensive preparation had to be undertaken to prepare for OPPE Phase I pf the Propulsion Examining Board and also refresher training to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.  On 29 April FORREST SHERMAN once again proved that she could be a viable asset to the Fleet by passing the first phase of the PEB, the Auxiliary Steaming Phase.  The next day the ship was underway for refresher training.

The weekend of 3-6 May was spent in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida as a liberty port.  The crew taking one last chance to relax before the rigorous training began at GITMO.  Shale enroute to GITMO on the 11^th of May, to begin the long hours of intensive training, a brief respite from the training was a visit to Port-A-Prince, Haiti from 17-19 May.    Returning to GITMO, FORREST SHERMAN completed her stop at GITMO with an overall satisfactory grade and a crew that could be proud of the job they had accomplished.

The ship left GITMO on the 14^th of June with a stop at the NGFS Range on Culebra Island off the coast of Puerto Rico, where she once again qualified as a gunship.  She returned to Norfolk on 21 June much to the happiness of the crew and families.  FORREST SHERMAN was now an absolute power to be reckoned with in the ever-present possibility of war at sea.

During July, with a brief rest after the rigorous training in GITMO, the ship sailed for two weeks of Midshipmen Training, operating out of her old homeport, Newport, Rhode Island.  It was a pleasure to be back in familiar territory.  After a very successful two weeks at which time the ship left a favorable impression on the Midshipmen, she returned to Norfolk, arriving on 27 July.

From 27 July to 19 August found the ship once again in a restricted availability, this time for repair work to the air casing of 2A & 2B boilers.  The air casings have had a history of leaks and attempts were being made to correct this recurring problem.  Also ship’s force was involved in making preparations for OPPE Phase Tow of the Propulsion Examining Board.  On 19 August, FORREST SHERMAN got underway for an Atlantic Fleet Exercise, COMUTEX, during which time she returned to Norfolk and successfully passed OPPE Phase Two of the PEB with flying colors and receiving a congratulatory note from Admiral Cousins, CINCLANFLT, for a job well done.  To date FORREST SHERMAN has passed both phases of the Propulsion Examining Board the first time through, a very impressive record for a ship 20 years old.  After the PEB, the ship returned to the VACPAES OPSAREA to continue COMUTEX returning again to Norfolk on the 28^th of August.

From 29 August – 23 September the ship was in Norfolk, involved in another RAV this time for repairs to the air casing on the 1A & 1B boilers.  The ship got underway again on 23 September for another Atlantic Fleet Exercise, LANTREADEX in preparation for the ship’s upcoming Med. Deployment in November.  During this exercise she was awarded a plaque for being the best tactical operator during the exercise.  On 10 October CDR Charles D. Sillery relieved Captain Loos as commanding officer.

FORREST SHERMAN returned to Norfolk on the 11^th of October to commence a one-month POM period for her overseas deployment.  During this time, aside from regular ship’s force preparation, the ship received a new diesel generator, and habitability work on the mess decks.  It was an extremely busy POM period, but all was ready for her deployment on 15 November 1974.

The highlight of the month of November was the completion of the POM period and getting underway for a six-month Med. Deployment with the Sixth Fleet.  After a safe routine crossing of the Atlantic, the ship arrived in Gibraltar for her turnover with the JESSE L. BROWN.  Underway again on the 27^th of November for the southern coast of Italy to participate in operation “Quick-Draw”, a short exercise with the Italian Navy.

On the 3^rd of December, FORREST SHERMAN arrived in Golfe Juan, France for her first liberty port.  On the 11^th of December she was underway again for another Sixth Fleet Exercise “National Week”, a major exercise to increase Sixth Fleet Readiness.  Upon completion of “National Week”, she set sail for Valencia, Spain and a holiday stand down period that would see FORREST SHERMAN enter a New Year with an impressive record for 1974.  With her high standards of performance, she should again have an impressive record for 1975.

Many significant events challenged USS FORREST SHERMAN and her crew during 1975.  At the end of her holiday and upkeep period in Valencia, Spain, SHERMAN headed for Naples, Italy on 4 January for a TAV 6 Jan – 8 Feb.  While in Naples, SHERMAN successfully passed her yearly ADMAT inspection by Commander Destroyer Squadron Two, Commodore Kinnebrew.

Sailing from Naples on 8 Feb., SHERMAN called in Taranto, Italy, as her next liberty port 9-22 Feb.  A spring bearing casualty on 15 February prevented her from joining the task force and the crew vigorously “turned to” for repairs.  With all well again and full power available, SHERMAN sailed from Taranto 22 Feb. for Reggio De Calabria, Italy 23 Feb – 2 Mar.  More than a thousand local citizens toured her decks during the brief visit.

Leaving Reggio De Calabria on 2 Mar, SHERMAN proceeded to Augusta Bay, Sicily to participate in a weeklong training anchorage with many other Sixth Fleet Units.  Departing on 9 Mar, SHERMAN had liberty in Palermo until 14 Mar.  Underway on 14 Mar., Captain Sillery exercised his ship at General Quarters and various casualty control exercises turned an otherwise routine transit into a valuable training evolution.  Arriving in Barcelona, Spain on 19 Mar, the crew settled into a rigorous work routine for her upkeep period from 19 Mar until 15 April.

Sailing on 6 Apr, Captain Sillery again exercised his crew to the maximum extent possible, arriving in Port Mahon, Minorca, Spain for warm weather liberty port, 10-19 April.  During this period the crew helped paint and repair Pope Pious XIII School for the Mentally Retarded and the U.S. Veterans Cemetery.  Underway, SHERMAN spent four day, 20-25 April, at Porto Escudo, Sardinia for gunfire support exercises and completed every exercise with a superior score.  Departing the gun line 26 April, SHERMAN called in Malaga, Spain, 27 Apr – 3 May, for a brief respite from the rigors of constant training.  During this period, SHERMAN was primed and prepared for her upcoming transit home.

Departing Malaga, FORREST SHERMAN entered Rota, Spain for refueling and replenishment prior to the transit to Norfolk.  SHERMAN departed Rota 5 May and conducted a routine training transit to Norfolk.  The ship sailed into Norfolk 15 May greeted by families and friends and commenced a port-deployment leave and upkeep period from 15 May until 8 June.  SHERMAN was in TAV from 9 to 27 June with USS SHENANDOAH.

On 7 July, SHERMAN was in Yorktown, VA for ammo load out and the proceeded to Newport, R.I. on 9 July for PROTRAMID ’75 with USS R.K. TURNER from 10-31 July.

SHERMAN returned to Norfolk on 1 August and started preparing for her PEB scheduled for 20-21 Aug.  Although found unsatisfactory overall, SHERMAN was cleared for unrestricted operations.   A TAV with the USS VULCAN from 22 Aug until 8 Sep. helped SHERMAN correct many of her PEB discrepancies. 

After the TAV, SHERMAN pushed hard to prepare for deployment to the North Atlantic with Commander Second Fleet, Vice-Admiral J.J. Shanahan.  Sea trials were conducted successfully on 22 September.  Departing Norfolk on 26 September, SHERMAN’s crew fell easily into the tough, rigorous training that was to be routine throughout the next 17 days.

Under replenishment or refueling became a daily evolution for the ASW units.  At the completion of the training transit, the task force broke up and headed to their respective liberty ports.  Sailing into Portsmouth, England 13-16 October, SHERMAN was visited by British Navy representatives who helped celebrate the U.S. Navy’s 200^th birthday with cake and ice cream on the mess decks.  Calling at Amsterdam, Netherlands 7-21 October brought SHERMAN through the English Channel and headed North.  The next port of call was Kristainland, Norway 23-27 October.  As the days grew shorter and the weather colder, SHERMAN departed Norway and headed east with COMDESRON 14, R.K. TURNER, BOWEN and KALAMAZOO for five days of “Baltic Operations” 27-31 October.  SHERMAN visited Malmo, Sweden 31 Oct – 3 Nov.

On 3 Nov, SHERMAN joined NATO Task Force with Commander Second Fleet, south of the United Kingdom for exercise “Ocean Safari” 3 – 21 Nov in the Norwegian Sea, and then proceeded North beyond the Artic Circle.  Over 40 NATO ships including 3 carriers offer FORREST SHERMAN the opportunity to train in a multiple threat environment.  Port visit to snow covered Alesmund, Norway 21-125 Nov climaxed the Northern Operations.

Instead of sailing on 25 Nov with COMSECONDFLT for home, SHERMAN was committed to SIXTHFLT following the BELKNAP-JOHN F. KENNEDY collision and she entered Rota, Spain 2 Dec.  After eight hours of refueling and replenishment, the ship was again underway and proceeded to Naples, Italy, arriving 5 Dec to sortie 7 Dec for Eastern Med Operations with INDEPENDENCE.  Boiler casualties developed at sea and SHERMAN returned to Naples 9-15 Dec for emergency ship’s force repairs.  Rapidly completing most of her own repairs, she departed for French exercise “Lafayette” 16-22 Dec. with JOHN F. KENNEDY in the Western Mediterranean.  Holiday upkeep was observed in Naples 22 Dec – 6 Jan.  From 6-10 January, she participated in an ASW exercise with task Group 60 off the west coast of Italy.  From 10-27 January there was a tender availability with the USS PIEDMONT (AD-17).  On the 27^th of January the SHERMAN headed home after a five-month deployment.

The SHERMAN arrived in her homeport, Norfolk, Virginia, on the 12^th of February after a three-day port call in Gibraltar and at the Naval Facility in Bermuda.

During the 30-day leave and upkeep period that followed the deployment, the crew prepared for its INSURV on the 12-15 March.  The SHERMAN was found fit for further service.  The ship then began a tender availability with the USS SHENANDOAH (AD-26).  The tender availability continued these two months with much preparation going toward the upcoming regular overhaul.

The tender availability ended on the 10^th of June.  On the 11^th of June the ship received the first official word that its overhaul was to be at Bethlehem Steel Shipyard in Boston Harbor, East Boston, Massachusetts.  The ship left the Destroyer/Submarine Piers in Norfolk, Virginia on the 15^th of June to the ammunition anchorage for off-load of all weapons and ammunition.  Returning to Norfolk Destroyer/Submarine Piers on the 16^th of June, the SHERMAN made its final preparations for the transit from Norfolk, Virginia to Boston, Massachusetts on 21013 June.  The ship began its major overhaul period on the 23^rd of June.

The overhaul began to get off the ground during this time frame.  The ship was out in dry dock in July for work on the screws, sea valves, hull plating replacement in several areas, replacement of the solar dome, and transducer and other related work.  On the 28^th of September, Captain SILLERY ended his tour as Commanding Officer of the SHERMAN.  He was relieved by CDR John S. LACEY in a ceremony at the Bethlehem Steel Shipyard.  During this period, the crew moved off the ship and into temporary quarters on the shipyard.  This was necessary because habitability for the crew was impossible with the extent of work in progress. 

The overhaul continued during this time frame, but painfully slow.  It became increasingly apparent that an engineering plant light off by the 5^th of January 1977 was nearly impossible and that to think of a completion of the overhaul by mid-March would be folly.  In conjunction with long frustrating hours of work that go into a shipyard overhaul, the crew encountered difficulties with local citizens.    The problems included several assaults culminating with the tragic slaying, on the 16^th of December, of one of the SHERMAN’s crewmembers, EMFN James D. Stephens, USN.  At present, the case is unsolved, although it is hinted that it was a case of mistaken identity.  Both military and civilian authorities continue investigations.  The crew began the holiday leave on the 23^rd of December. 

After the holidays were over and the New Year rung in, the overhaul continued into January 1977.

From January to mid-March, FORREST SHERMAN, enduring a sever winter, continued her overhaul.  Due to the lack of heat available, the crew remained in temporary quarters ashore, with the duty section remaining aboard after normal working hours.  The hard winter seemed to prolong the overhaul as the pace of work remained terribly slow.

During this time FORREST SHERMAN was informed of her change of home ports from Norfolk, VA to Charleston SC.

Toward the end of March the overhaul began to progress towards completion with the thawing and the approach of spring.  A grooming of the electronic packages approached completion and many jobs relating to the engineering plant were nearly finished by the end of April, but a completion date for the overhaul still remained illusive as there arose impinging difficulties with the progress and accomplishments of various jobs remaining in the engineering spaces.

During this time period, FORREST SHERMAN continued to experience quite a large turnover in personnel.

During the month and a half of May to mid-June, long working hours continued as FORREST SHERMAN made preparations for her Light-Off Examination (LOE).  All during this time period crew members from all departments were assisting the engineers in the preservation in the bilges and other areas of the main machinery spaces, also finishing touches were put on the newly installed Twin Agent System and Chemical Holding System.

Finally from mid-June to July completion of the overhaul now seemed to be in sight as final preparations were made and now starting to take place for getting FORREST SHERMAN underway for Sea Trials.

Intensive training started to commence to refresh and indoctrinated the crew on manning sea details stations and underway watch stations.  This was quite a job in itself as a majority of the new personnel had never been to sea before.  Several fast cruises took place to aid in the accomplishment of the training.

Many crewmembers aggressively attacked outstanding jobs and their work time surpassed shipyard work previously attempted.  Their work under long hours and abnormal working conditions were nothing short of commendable.

By mid-July to mid-August, the long tedious hours finally paid off as FORREST SHERMAN got underway for sea trials on 24 July 1977.  During the sea trials, a casualty occurred to the ship’s No. 1 shaft when one of its spring bearings was wiped and had to be replaced.

The Propulsion Examining Board Light-Off Exam was completed successfully paving the way for a long awaited departure.

On 12 August 1977, FORREST SHERMAN shook free of her thirteen month overhaul, and steamed out of Boston Harbor for her new homeport, Charleston, South Carolina, and to join DESRON Six.  On 15 August, USS FORREST SHERMAN arrived at the Naval Station, Charleston, SC.  On 18 August, FORREST SHERMAN got underway and sailed up the Cooper River to the Naval Weapons Station to load ammunition.

During the month of September, the first of several availabilities was scheduled.  Work began with outside assistance repairing the ship’s distilling units, boilers, and main feed booster pumps.  Also during the month of September, the last of the two original 3” 50 caliber gun mounts was removed from the 01 level aft.

All departments continued training and made preparations for refresher training in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.  In addition, a weak structural support below Mount 52 carrier room was discovered and so it was determined that the ship would go into Charleston Naval Shipyard for a duration of five weeks for voyage repairs.  After returning to the Naval Weapons Station for off-loading ammunition, FORREST SHERMAN entered Charleston Naval Shipyard.

While structural repairs were being made below Mount 52’s carrier room the month of October rolled in.  Work was also accomplished in other areas such as the IFF package, and discrepancies in the engineering plant, due to work found to have been improperly accomplished as a result of poor workmanship by yard workers during the Boston overhaul.

Come November, FORREST SHERMAN departed Charleston Naval Shipyard and returned to Charleston Naval Station where final preparations were made for sea trials.  A return trip to the naval Weapons Station for reloading ammunition was accomplished and so FORREST SHERMAN then departed and got underway for sea trials.

Reoccurring problems with the distilling plants required that the ship remain in port and again acquire more technical assistance for determining the exact problem with the units.  A ship wide campaign commenced in the end of November for correcting Damage Control discrepancies as preparations continued to be made for refresher training. 

With the month of December now here, FORREST SHERMAN got underway for sea trials once again, but repairs to both distilling units was unsatisfactory.  The ship returned to port and commenced a restricted availability.

During this time the Boiler Technicians completed repairs to all four boilers and the vapor separators in the distilling units were replaced with newly manufactured ones.  Intensive training continued and a fast cruise was held as final preparations were being made for refresher training.

The Christmas leave period started a time well deserved for rest and relaxation for the crew.  All preparations for refresher training were completed.  Finally, after thirteen months of overhaul and a long post overhaul upkeep period, FORREST SHERMAN was once again ready for the high seas.

After a great deal of effort on the part of all hands in accomplishing necessary repair work, the pages of a new year began with the expectation of going to sea and completing refresher training in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

On 11 January 1978, FORREST SHERMAN was underway for local operations in order to test the evaporators, which had received new vapor separators.  During the testing the evaporators were found to be now operating in excellent condition for the first time since leaving the shipyards in Boston.

A new problem developed during this underway period with both main shafts and their spring bearings.  Repair work was accomplished at Charleston Naval Shipyard and on 21 January, FORREST SHERMAN was underway for refresher training in GITMO.

During the months of February until mid-March, after a superb effort by the ship’s engineer’s in repairing equipment problems, and with excellent assistance from the repair facilities in GITMO, FORREST SHERMAN successfully completed refresher training with all departments receiving valuable training in all evolutions encountered underway.

Despite several undue hardships as a result of the engineering problems, the spirit and team effort of the crew was highly commendable.

On 18 March 1978, FORREST SHERMAN departed GITMO and proceeded to Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico where Naval Gunfire Support (NGFS) exercises were conducted off the island of Veggies.  On 21 March, FORREST SHERMAN embarked the Engineering Mobile Training Team in Roosevelt Roads and was underway for Charleston, SC, arriving on 23 March.

During this time period, 1A Boiler developed a casualty to its super heater.  Upon inspections it was discovered the damage would require the complete replacement of the tubes to effect repairs to the super heater.  At this time, preparations for the upcoming Operational Propulsion Plant Examination (OPPE) were now in full swing, and also with the assistance from the tender USS SIERRA, and support group facilities, the super heater in 1A Boiler was repaired.

From mid-April to mid-May, FORREST SHERMAN remains in port in Charleston for a regular upkeep period.  Many areas of the ship were upgraded during this period, improving habitability, state of preservation, and the ship’s overall readiness.  OPPE preparations continued along with those for overseas deployment.

From 15-18 May, with the Engineering Mobile Training Team embarked, valuable training was conducted in engineering casualty control and general watch standing in the propulsion plant.

The SHERMAN was once again underway on 23 May for sea trials and a high speed/full power trial in final preparations for the OPPE.  On 25 May, FORREST SHERMAN was underway with the Operational Propulsion Engineering Board embarked for the OPPE.  Despite the ship being unable to complete a full power run, due to a casualty to 1B Main Feed Pump, it was a very successful OPPE.  FORREST SHERMAN received a grade of Conditional Satisfactory.  After completing her OPPE, FORREST SHERMAN returned to Charleston for tender availability.

On 3 June, FORREST SHERMAN was once again underway for the Caribbean.  During this underway period she completed her full power run portion of the OPPE, conducted NGFS and air gunnery exercises, and completed the Weapons Analysis Tests.  On 15 June, FORREST SHERMAN arrived in Charleston and proceeded to the Naval Weapons Station to offload ammunition.

From 16-20 June, several predeployment inspections were successfully conducted in the areas of 3-M, ship wide administration, and material condition.  The remaining days of the month were devoted to making final preparations for overseas deployment.

On the 29^th of June, FORREST SHERMAN departed Charleston, SC for her first major deployment with the Sixth Fleet for operations in the Mediterranean. 

After completing a ten-day transit, FORREST SHERMAN arrived in Rota, Spain on 10 July for her turnover and in chop to the Sixth Fleet.  On 12 July FORREST SHERMAN departed Rota, Spain and on 13 July the ship entered the Mediterranean Ocean through the Straits of Gibraltar and sighting the Rock of Gibraltar on the morning pf the 14^th.

After conducting several training exercises with the task force units, FORREST SHERMAN proceeded to Naples, Italy, arriving on the 18^th of July.  On 22 July, FORREST SHERMAN departed Naples and on 23 July, in company with task force units, joined other Sixth Fleet ships enroute to Augusta Bay, Sicily for National Week XXV preparations.

During 24-28 July, FORREST SHERMAN participated in NATWK XXV.  On 25 July, SHERMAN entered Augusta Bay for operational meetings with other participants and also departed the same day to commence them.  Many valuable exercises were accomplished.  The training received during National Week later proved to be helpful in making the entire deployment a success.  After the NATWK post exercises conference, FORREST SHERMAN participated in an ASW exercise operating with task force units consisting of a U.S. Navy and an Italian Naval submarine, and ASW aircraft from the carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY.  On 30 July, FORREST SHERMAN entered August Bay for a conference covering the overall results from NATWK and ASW operations and departed the same day.

On 4 August, FORREST SHERMAN detached from the task force and proceeded to Calvi, Corsica for a port visit.  Enroute to Calvi a PASSEX was conducted with the German training ship FGS DUETSCHLAND north of Sicily.  On 7 August, after a long but very rewarding underway period, FORREST SHERMAN arrived in Calvi.

On the first day of in port and toward the evening hours, the seas in the bay started picking up causing liberty boating to be cancelled and stranding over 100 personnel for the night and most of the following day.  The personnel that became stranded had to find places to spend the night, which was not readily available because of the shortage of rooms at hotels already filled from the tourist season.  Enlisted personnel and some officers roughed it in the open night and some in shacks and phone booths to protect themselves from the cold night.  The next day everyone was rounded up and taken to the French Foreign Fortress and fed and sheltered until boating back to the ship was possible.  After the first day and a half, liberty and the weather became extremely enjoyable making the rest of the port visit very successful.

On 12 August, FORREST SHERMAN was once again underway enroute to the Ionian Sea.  On 16 August FORREST SHERMAN joined ships from the task force in Souda Bay, Crete.  From 16 to 20 August the ship participated in many selected exercises for the Battle Efficiency competition.  Many exercises were accomplished in the areas of ASW, AAW, and Surface Gunnery.  The dedication and team effort of all departments contributed to the success of both underway periods.  On 20 August FORREST SHERMAN arrived again in Souda Bay to examine the results of all exercises from the 16^th through the 20^th of August and departed again that same day. 

On 22 August FORREST SHERMAN arrived in Naples, Italy to begin her tender availability (TAV) with the USS PIEDMOUNT (AD-17).  During this in port period, the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Thomas B. Hayward, visited the USS FORREST SHERMAN and other ships of the task force during his visit of the U.S. Sixth Fleet ships.  After completing an extremely beneficial TAV, FORREST SHERMAN departed Naples on 3 September for operations with task force units in the southern Mediterranean above the country of Libya.  On 4 September FORREST SHERMAN embarked VC-6 in Augusta Bay with drone targets for missile exercises.  On 5 September SHERMAN departed Augusta Bay to begin missile exercises conducted with ships from the task force from 5 Sept. to the 9^th of Sept.  On 10 Sept. FORREST SHERMAN returned to Augusta Bay to disembark VC-6 and proceed to Venice, Italy conducting gunnery exercises on the way.

On the 13^th of September, FORREST SHERMAN arrived in Venice.  For the crew, Venice was a most enjoyable port visit.  Many foreign nationals toured the ship and the U.S. Men’s Volleyball Team was also invited aboard during the international volleyball competitions that were being held in Venice.  On 25 September FORREST SHERMAN departed Venice and transited the Adriatic Sea and preceded to a rendezvous point with the Sixth Fleet and Italian Naval Unit north of Corsica to commence the NATO exercise Display Determination.  On 3 October FORREST SHERMAN arrived in Augusta Bay for a conference on the exercise and departed on the 4^th of October.  During the first two weeks of October, FORREST SHERMAN participated in Display Determination.  The NGFS and ASW training received during the exercise were outstanding.

On 7 October, after a momentous Navy Birthday celebration, FORREST SHERMAN arrived in Naples, Italy for an upkeep period.  During this in port period the ship was upgraded internally and externally.  The crew had the opportunity to attend the Papal Coronation in Rome and make friends with sailors from the HMS Ark Royal, which was on her last and final deployment before being decommissioned.

On 30 October FORREST SHERMAN departed Naples, Italy and headed for Tarragona, Spain for a 7-day visit.  On 7 November the ship departed and then proceeded to the NGFS range at Capo do Teulada to conduct NGFS exercises with the USS RICHARD E. BYRD and several Greek naval units.  Upon completion of this underway period, the ship arrived in Barcelona, Spain on the 13^th of November.  During the ship’s stay in Barcelona, the crew took advantage of several tours that were available and enjoyed the nightlife of the city.

On 18 November, FORREST SHERMAN received notification that she was a runner-up for the Battle Efficiency “E” award in Destroyer Squadron Four.  On the 22d of November, FORREST SHERMAN departed Barcelona, Spain and was underway for surface and air gunnery exercises.

On 27 November FORREST SHERMAN anchored off Cannes, France for an 8-day visit.  The crew enjoyed tours to the French Alps and to Monaco while others volunteered to help paint the USO building.  While in Cannes the ship played host to some 20 orphans and treated them to cake, ice cream, cookies and milk.

 On the 4^th of December the ship got underway again and headed for Genoa, Italy arriving there the same day, making it the shortest underway period between liberty ports for the cruise so far.  While in Genoa, work to two of the ship’s boilers was done and tours to Florence and Pisa, Italy made for an enjoyable stay.  While in Genoa the ship was notified of the Battle Efficiency awards it received for fiscal year 78.  Upon notification, ceremonies were conducted onboard FORREST SHERMAN to paint them on.  The ship received the Engineering “E”, the Damage Control “DC”, the CIC “E”, the Communications “C”, and the Electronic Warfare Award.  After spending 15 days in Genoa, FORREST SHERMAN departed on the 19^th and on the 20^th of December, participated in SINKEX 2-78.  The target was the ex-destroyer escort DE-195, USS THORNHILL.  The weapons department displayed a superb performance as FORREST SHERMAN easily out-gunned the other participants of the task force.

 On 21 December the ship entered the resort port of Palma, Spain (Palma de Mallorca/Majorca), the ship remained in port for the holidays and ringing in the New Year.  While in Palma the ship held a Christmas party for two nights at Son Terman Restaurant in Bunola.    On January 8, 1979, FORREST SHERMAN departed Palma and was now enroute for her last port visit of her deployment.    While enroute to Malaga, Spain, FORREST SHERMAN participated in ASW week, a multi-national coordinated anti-submarine exercise.

 Arriving on the 12^th of January in Malaga, Spain, the crew of the SHERMAN spent much of their time in Torremolinos and enjoying themselves for the last time on the deployment before heading home.  On 24 January, FORREST SHERMAN was once again underway; the ship transited the Straits of Gibraltar and arrived in Rota, Spain on the 25^th.

 Upon completion of the Out chop and turnover, FORREST SHERMAN departed in convoy with the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY and other task force units on the 28^th of January for the ten day transit back to CONUS.  After a rough crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, FORREST SHERMAN and her proud crew steamed up the Cooper River on the 8^th of February 1979 to her homeport, Charleston SC, and to a long awaited reunion with their families and loved ones, and also concluding her longest deployment since the Vietnam Conflict.  The crew received commendations from Commander Squadron Twenty-Four for having brought the ship back up to full capability following a less than satisfactory overhaul.

 USS FORREST SHERMAN was referred to as the “success story of the Atlantic Fleet” and was cited for the meeting of her commitments during the deployment, and received efficiency awards for excellence in Engineering, Damage Control, Communications, CIC, and in Electronic Warfare.

 On 6 March 1979, Commander James A. Booth, USN, reported aboard FORREST SHERMAN to relive Commander Jack S. Lacey as Commanding Officer.  The Change of Command ceremony took place on the 12^th of March 1979.

 For the remainder of March and all of April, the ship remained in port in intermediate maintenance availability with the tender USS Piedmount, concurrent with a restricted availability with a civilian contractor.  During this time period, over one million dollars went into putting the ship back into top shape.  FORREST SHERMAN successfully completed a Combat Systems Readiness Review Inspection from 16 to 27 April and continued maintenance in port.

 On the 7^th and 8^th of May, Sea Trial were conducted in preparation for participation in fleet exercise SOLID SHIELD (READEX 1-79) beginning on the 9^th of May.  At the conclusion of the exercise, FORREST SHERMAN qualified for Naval Gunfire Support at the Vieques Island range, Puerto Rico, and then returned to Charleston, SC on the 22d.  The remainder of the month was spent in preparation for the Board of Inspection and Survey.

 On June 8th FORREST SHERMAN completed an underway-material inspection by the Insurv Board.  The board declared the ship was in overall good shape, and was one of the cleanest ships in the Navy.  On the 24^th of June, LCDR F.G. West, USN, relieve LCDR T.S. Weaver as Executive Officer of the ship.

 On the 12^th of July, FORREST SHERMAN got underway to participate in another fleet exercise, READEX 2-79.  A scheduled port call in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands was cancelled when the ship was called to support the contingency operation for evacuation of US personnel from Nicaragua on the 18^th.

Enroute to relieve the USS MILLER, FORREST SHERMAN encountered a casualty to one of the main shaft spring bearings on the starboard shaft.  Within 48 hours repairs were made by crewmembers from various divisions and so the SHERMAN was able to continue her new assignment, arriving on station on the 22^nd and relieving the MILLER and to begin serving as an escort ship for the USS SAIPAN.

The contingency operation was terminated on the 28^th, and the ship proceeded back to Charleston with a brief fuel stop in Cristobal Colon, Panama.  On August 2^nd, FORREST SHERMAN returned to Charleston and having spent less than a week in port, FORREST SHERMAN was designated to shadow a Soviet task force operating in the Caribbean.

FORREST SHERMAN was underway on the 10^th and shadowed the Soviets until they left the Caribbean on the 19^th.  After detaching from surveillance of the “SOVCARIB 1-79”, FORREST SHERMAN provided assistance for USS Nimitz’s pre-deployment ORE and returned to Charleston on the 28^th of August.

Hurricane David interrupted the Labor Day in Charleston ad FORREST SHERMAN’s crew was recalled to get underway on the morning of September 4.  Two arduous days were spent fighting high winds, rain and rough seas, and the ship returned safely to port on the evening of September 5.

FORREST SHERMAN spent the next 4 days in port and on the 9^th got underway again to proceed north to provide Delta services for two submarines, USS Shark and USS Sculpin, in the Narragansett Bay Oparea off the coast of New London, Conn.  FORREST SHERMAN also fired an exercise torpedo at the Sculpin during the exercise.

The ship returned to the Naval Weapons Station after making a three-day port visit in Bermuda.  A Dependents Cruise from the Weapons Station to the Naval Station began the next morning, but inclement weather forced the ship to moor before noon.

During the month of October, FORREST SHERMAN was the Atlantic Fleet Engineering Training School ship, and hosted engineers from various East Coast Units in a comprehensive “hands-on” training period.  Also during October, the ship hosted a retirement ceremony for Captain William Vest of the Chaplain Corps, and provided support for the local Dock Street Theatre in downtown Charleston, SC.

In the month of November, FORREST SHERMAN participated in CANUS MARCUS from the 5^th to the 21^st of November.  On the 9^th of November, while FORREST SHERMAN was underway, she celebrated her 24^th birthday and on the following day  “The Navy’s Oldest Active Destroyer” pulled into Halifax, Nova Scotia to spend three days as a guest of the Canadian Navy prior to returning to the exercise.  While the ship was in port, the Canadian Navy hosted the ship with a tour to Peggy’s Cove and Light House for the crew of the SHERMAN and other US ships in the exercise.

On her way back to Charleston, FORREST SHERMAN provided Delta services for a submarine in the Charleston Ops area, and fired an exercise torpedo at the submarine.

Once home again, FORREST SHERMAN sponsored a Children’s Christmas Party on the 9^th of December and an all hands Christmas Party on the 12^th.  Also in the first three weeks of December, the ship hosted luncheons for two distinguished guests:  one for Vice-Admiral James B. Stockdale, President of the Citadel, and the other for Father Healy, President of Georgetown University.

On the 10^th of December the holiday leave period began for the crew and so the holidays were enjoyed at home with families and the New Year was again rung in to start out 1980.