This story appeared on page 20 of the Navy Times, January 22, 1969.

THE FLEET AROUND THE WORLD

Ship Rigs Sail to Maintain Schedule

USS HICKMAN COUNTY -- When this tank landing ship "sailed" into Yokosuka, Japan, she did just that. The "sail" was a 20-man Army tent rigged on the stern. It might have looked odd, or even funny, but it worked. About 400 miles south of Japan the trip from Guam had been exceedingly rough. One of the ship's two main engines broke down. Unless something could be done, the ship would be several days late, at least, on her scheduled arrival in Yokosuka, where the crew was slated to undergo refresher training. Lt, Mike D. Bickel skipper, called a huddle with his first lieutenant, Lt. (jg) Jim Seguin and Boatswain's Mates Third James Woodard, William Moore and Robbie Asberry. Something simply had to be done. Somebody remembered that the executive officer, Lt. John Faricy, who has a habit of acquiring rare things, had come across the 20-man Army tent while ashore in Vietnam. Could they borrow it from Faricy? They could and did. With the aid of the ship's crane and despite doubts by some of the more pessimistic members of the crew, the tent was rigged as a sail. To the doubters, the tent's bulk and weight seemed more trouble than it was going to be worth. However, good fortune smiled. The wind was from astern and the ship managed to pickup several knots. She "sailed" Into Yokosuka just about on time. The tent, having served its purpose so well, once more is the prize possession of Faricy and it made believers out of a lot of doubters.

This story appeared I think in the Stars and Stripes around July, 1968. Thon My Thuy is one of the ports visited by the Hickman County and is located on the coast of South Vietnam about 19 miles south of the DMZ.

Naval Beach Group One Build "Instant" Beaches

By JOSN Ralph Feliciello

History's first amphibious assault was a relatively simple affair. Oarsmen rowed to shore and soldiers did not have to worry about getting their spears wet. Today's amphibious operation involves a highly complex coordination of ship's, troops and supplies. A smooth flow of men and material over enemy beaches is most important. One of the organizations assuming this task in Vietnam, is Naval Beach Group One, Western Pacific Detachment in Yokosuka, Japan. The group consists of elements from three highly specialized units: Assault Craft Squadron One, Beachmaster Unit One, and Amphibious Construction Battalion One.

Carries Battle Necessities

During a waterborne assault, ships of the Seventh Fleet Amphibious Force rest off shore while Assault Craft Squadron One carries Marines and battle necessities from C-rations to tanks ashore in closely timed waves. The landing craft within the well decks of large amphibious ships, are loaded with leathernecks or cargo. The ships then lower their stern gates flooding their hollow section below the main deck to allow the supply craft to leave. When the Marine special landing force, with it's tanks, jeeps, ammunition and other supplies hits, the Beachmaster Unit takes over and puts every man and piece of equipment in its proper place. This unit, like traffic policemen, immediately organizes beach activity directing all movement according to proven methods and months of planning.

Install Causeways

Once hostile beach is secured, the Amphibious Construction Battalion creats "instant" harbor in all types of coastal geography. They install pontoon causeways which serve as floating bridges to the beach allowing tank landing ships to off-load cargo, and lay fuel lines from ship to shore to keep combat vehicles running. From its inception before Korea'a Inchon landing, through the more than 50 amphibious landings in Vietnam, Naval Beach Group One has proven itself to be a vital and highly efficient unit of the Seventh Fleet Amphibious Force