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ABOUT Deseron13 west pac 1981
- Nickname: Deseron 13 (Destroyer Squadron 13) was commonly referred to as "DesRon 13," comprising several destroyers tasked with various missions in the Pacific.
- WestPac 1981: The 1981 Western Pacific (WestPac) deployment was a significant peacetime operational deployment, demonstrating U.S. naval presence during heightened Cold War tensions.
- Flagship: The flagship for DesRon 13 during WestPac 1981 was often the USS Fletcher (DD-992), a Spruance-class destroyer known for its advanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
- Operations in the Indian Ocean: During the deployment, DesRon 13 ships operated in the Indian Ocean, projecting power and supporting U.S. interests after the Iran Hostage Crisis.
- Port Visits: Ships of DesRon 13 made notable port calls in Subic Bay (Philippines), Yokosuka (Japan), Hong Kong, and Singapore, strengthening diplomatic ties and crew morale.
- Joint Exercises: DesRon 13 participated in joint exercises with allied navies, including the Royal Australian Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, enhancing interoperability.
- Maritime Surveillance: The squadron conducted extensive maritime surveillance and freedom of navigation operations, often shadowed by Soviet vessels tracking U.S. movements.
- Rescue Missions: DesRon 13 ships were involved in search and rescue operations for distressed mariners, demonstrating humanitarian capabilities beyond combat roles.
- Mail Buoy Tradition: Sailors upheld the "mail buoy watch" tradition, a lighthearted ritual where new crew members were assigned to look out for the mythical mail buoy as a rite of passage.
- Crew Stories: Veterans recall intense flight deck operations, "steel beach picnics" (recreation events held on the ship's deck), and the tight-knit camaraderie that defined the 1981 deployment.