USS LOCKRIDGE (DD-5314) Action Report RE: 15JUL2205

DATE: 17JUL2205
FROM: COMMANDING OFFICER, USS LOCKRIDGE
TO: COMNAVFOR SIX
SUBJ: Action Report RE: 15JUL2005

• As per request in your letter of 16 July the following is an account of the operations of USS LOCKRIDGE (FF-3517) on the 15th of July of this year.


• Per orders USS LOCKRIDGE was conducting a routine patrol in accordance with COMNAVINST 2205.321 when at 1600 Hours we received word that several unidentified warships were closing on SS FRIEDA DOWNS, a US Flagged vessel. I issued instructions to Comms to request more information to FRIEDA DOWNS and to send a message to fleet headquarters, advising them of the situation.


• FRIEDA DOWNS reported that two ships were closing on them from astern and had ordered FREIDA DOWNS to heave to and prepare to be boarded for inspection. The radio operator aboard FREDIA DOWNS also transmitted her location and commented that she thought the person issuing the order sounded French and she asked of instructions. I had this information relayed to Fleet. While waiting for the reply FREIDA DOWNS decided to continue on course. She then declared that a shot had been fired across her bow. Her Captain declared and emergency stating that her hull had been breached by additional shots.


• I ordered the navigator to plot a course to intercept. As soon as the plot was in I ordered the OOD to head to the position at flank speed. I notified my intentions to Fleet. I received conformation of my orders and was reminded that the rules of engagement as per COMNAVINST 2202.1912 were in effect. I acknowledged receipt of instructions. Comms attempted to raise FREIDA DOWNS to inform them of our arrival but were successful.


• We received word that COMCUR Three was sending USS Boston (CG 320 and USS Payton (DD 4159) to rendezvous with us at the coordinates provided by FREIDA DOWNS


• After 6 hours at flank speed we arrived near the location indicated in the previous transmissions however, FREIDA DOWNS was not to be seen. Radar picked up a contact off the starboard bow. I ordered General Quarters and depressurization of the ship. Once that was accomplished and all crew donned combat uniforms and breathing apparatus I ordered a turn in the direction of FRIEDA DOWNS. After moving in closer it was discovered that it was debris, presumably from FRIEDA DOWNS. We found a life boat, unmanned and damaged.


• Operations indicated they picked up an engine signature along the bearing we were heading. I requested further instructions from fleet as we started search and rescue efforts. Both our launches set about a search grid of the area. After two hours on patrol Mosquito 2 reported a contact. Before we could ascertain what type, Mosquito 2 was destroyed. Secondary explosions, most likely her two missiles, were reported. None of the crew of 4 survived. Combat reported a contact on the same bearing heading in at high speed. I ordered PDS weapons free. I realize this technically violated COMNAVINST 2002.1912 as we had not been directly fired upon, however I considered the attack on one of our launches as an attack on my command its self. I take full responsibility for the destruction of the fighter.


• As can been seen on the accompanying photo (see attachment 1) the attacking fighter was a Dassault Gazelle strike fighter in French Navy markings. The fighter launched two flight to ship missiles at us. The PDMS destroyed one and another of our missiles destroyed the fighter.


• The Gazelle’s second missile struck USS LOCKRIDGE amidships, starboard side. The impact knocked the LRR-24c long range radar off line and destroyed our SRR-15 array. No hull breach was reported.


• At 2002 hours Combat reported two new contacts to the starboard quarter, via Mosquito 1’s onboard radar. At this time Mosquito 1 reported that they had discovered a life boat belonging to FREIDA DOWNS. We finished repairs and turned to face the new contacts as recovery operations were conducted. 7 souls were rescued.


• Combat identified the two contacts as a French Light Carrier of the Majesté Class and a light cruiser of the Cannes Class. I ordered recovery of Mosquito one. I sent Fleet HQ the information on the contacts. The reply, as our deck log shows, was that Fleet had received word directly from the pentagon that France had declared war on the United States of America. We were ordered to shadow the Carrier and wait for USS Boston to arrive.


• The Cannes Class Cruiser turned and laid in a course for us. Once detected I felt it was best to engage the carrier rather then let it go. I ordered flank speed on an intercept course for the carrier. I ordered the XO to get firing solutions for the torpedoes and missile batteries for the cruiser as soon as we got in range.


• We closed to maximum range for the missiles. We held fire until the cruiser opened with her main guns. I ordered the Weapons Officer to fire a full spread of torpedoes ahead and to the starboard track of the cruiser, whose initial rounds missed. We closed half the distance and I ordered the missile batteries to open fire with two missiles each The Cruiser fired another broadside; I executed hard turn to starboard. The cruiser began to evade our missiles by turning to her starboard track where she ran into four of our torpedoes.


• With the French light cruiser out of action I ordered our two guns to open up as we passed her. She fired he main guns on last time. One of the 6 rounds hit us, destroying the aft missile mount. At this time it appears the cruiser suffered internal explosions and she apparently lost electrical power.


• We changed course back to intercept the carrier. Change reported that there were fires in three compartments from the missile hits we had taken. Weapons reported the aft battery was out of operation until we could get to a yard.


• We received warning that the Carrier had launched four fighters. I ordered weapon free. We launched eight air to air missiles and powered up the CIWS.


• Two of our missiles hit their marks and destroyed two of the fighters. The remaining two launched their missiles at us. I ordered evasive action and fired chaff. One missile went after the chaff, the other three locked on to USS LOCKRIDGE. Radar reported that the carrier had launched six more craft.


• CIWS opened up at 2140 destroying one of the three vampires. One missed us cleanly the other struck amidships. Power was lost through out the ship. CHANG reported that the main engines were on line, however the electrical generator was damaged. Six compartments were partially breached. DC teams were deployed. Lookouts reported that there were six fighters inbound. Emergency power was activated and the forward missile battery opened fire. I ordered WEPS to fire all Ship to flight Missiles at the inbounds. We were still not in range of the Carrier. Her captain stayed jut beyond our range.


• At 2154 power was restored through out the ship. I ordered Radar on line ASAP, I turned to run parallel to the carrier. three of the inbound fighters were destroyed. Of those two managed to launch one missile each, one being a wild shot that missed. The other was destroyed by CIWS The remaining two fighters launched one missile each. I fired a decoy and turned hard to starboard to face the missile and present a narrower target. One missile went for the decoy and the other was destroyed close the ship.


• At 2156 the missile that went after the chaff reacquired USS LOCKRIDGE. It struck on the port quarter, destroying the main machinery room, venting it and three fuel tanks.


• It was at this point that the starboard lookout reported multiple explosions in and on the carrier. The two fighters strafed the bridge, killing the helmsman, the Petty Officer of the Watch and the XO. CIWS destroyed one of the Gazelles. Radar lost contact with the other one.


• Mosquito one reported two successful hits with her missiles, on in the hanger bay and reported that the carrier was ablaze from stem to stern.


• at 2230 CHANG reported all fires were out excepts for the fire in MMR control room.


• 0127 CHENG reported all fires out and patching of the hull started. USS BOSTON arrived on scene.


• 0258 Tow lines and power lines from USS BOSTON rigged.


• Damage Report


• Main Machinery Room/Main engines destroyed


• Aft Mk 232 Launcher Destroyed


• LLR-24c damaged


• SSR-15 Array damaged


• Sick Bay Destroyed


• Four Fuel tanks vented, loss of all fuel in said tanks


• Casualties:


• 23 Dead


• 44 wounded (18 released back to duty)


• Enemy losses


• One Majesté Class Light Carrier Destroyed


• One Cannes Class Light Cruiser Rendered inoperable


• Seven Gazelle Strike Fighters destroyed

1. I accept full responsibility for the damage to USS LOCKRIDGE and the loss of 23 lives.

Respectfully

Fredrick J. G. Holmes
CDR, USN