USS LOCKRIDGE (DD-5314) Status Report 15MAY2206

DATE: 15MAY2206
FROM: COMMANDING OFFICER, USS LOCKRIDGE DD-5314
TO: COMNAVFOR SIX
SUBJ: Status Report 15MAY2206

Admiral Thompson,

I am pleased to report that since its installation 01MAY2206 the PT-2500 engine salvaged from USS HORTON has been running perfectly and has passed all certifications from the yard.  Superintendent McVickers has signed off on our release and I am proud to report that USS LOCKWOOD (DD-5314) is ready to return to the fleet.

On a side note, Downs Containerized Shipping has donated to USS LOCKWOOD a plaque commemorating our efforts to rescue the crew of SS FREIDA DOWNS.  

Crew strength is at 98 %, stores are at 100% readiness is green across the board.  I would like to note that on our 3 test firings of our new star lance missiles, we scored 100% hits. I would feel more comfortable if we were allowed more exercise with this system, however the uncertain supply of the older missiles precludes further training.  

The replacement for our second utility craft has arrived, we were somewhat shocked to learn that it is a new Assault Scout and not the usual utility craft, however we have been talking to the flight crews and believe we can use it rather effectively.  

I await your further orders.

Respectfully,
Fredrick J. G. Holmes
CDR, USN

USS LOCKRIDGE (DD-5314) Status Report 25APR2206

DATE: 17APR2206
FROM: COMMANDING OFFICER, USS LOCKRIDGE DD-5314
TO: COMNAVFOR SIX
SUBJ: Status Report 17APR2206

Admiral Thompson,


I hesitate to contact you in this matter, but it has been more than two month since the arrival of the salvaged PT-2500 main engine at Henderson Naval Shipyard.  In February Superintendent McVickers had assured me that it would be installed no later than 15MAR2206.   All other repairs have been made including the Mk-113 launcher.  We have had constant drills and I feel LOCKWOOD is read to return to service, except for the as yet to be installed engine.

I have had my crew cross training with other ships at Henderson to keep them in fighting trim.  Most of our engineering gang has even spent down time with the yard workers to help expedite repairs of other vessels.  I have repeatedly asked Mr. McVickers for a new date of installation with no success in finding out when the project will be completed.  He has suggested sealing the hull access for the engine and using LOCKRIDGE to protect Henderson NSY until the repairs can be undertaken.  I disagree with Mr. McVickers on this as LOCKRIDGE is a destroyer and would be best utilized in combat instead of being used as a glorified patrol boat for a rear area base.  

I am not writing to complain about the quality or services offered by the Yard.  I am formally asking for permission to utilize my crew to install the needed engine ourselves.  My CHENG has studied the plans with his staff and they feel that it can be done without using many resources of the yard itself.  Besides drawing on supplies, the only resource we would need is the use of one of the heavy lifting cranes for an estimated 6-8 hours.  If Henderson can not spare a crane, USS PUGET SOUND is berthed next to LOCKWOOD and has several cranes that would be sufficient for the task.  

Our request is made because my crew is eager to rejoin the war effort and to support NAVFOR6 in any way possible.

I eagerly await your answer.

Respectfully,
Fredrick J. G. Holmes
CDR, USN

USS LOCKRIDGE (DD-5314) Status Report 17FEB2206

DATE: 17FEB2206
FROM: COMMANDING OFFICER, USS LOCKRIDGE DD-5314
TO: COMNAVFOR SIX
SUBJ: Status Report 17FEB2206


Sir, as per your request I am reporting on the status of USS LOCKRIDGE. As previously reported, USS LOCKRIDGE entered Henderson Naval Ship Yard on 01DEC2205 to make repairs sustained in battle damage on the first day of the war.

Since arriving, the wreckage of the aft Mk-232 launcher has been removed. The LRR-24c system has been completely replaced and tested; the damaged SSR-15c has been replaced with the newer SSR-15e. One new engine has been installed, the second engine, salvaged from USS HORTON is in transit. The Yard Superintendent assures me that it is estimated that the engine will be installed no later than 15MAR2206. All hull breaches have been repaired.

We still have no word on a replacement for the Mk-232 Missile launcher. Without this vital piece of gear, LOCKRIDGE is only 50% effective for combat operations. As new ship constriction demands all of the production of new weapon systems, I would like to request that a weapon system salvaged from a combat loss be used as to make LOCKRIDGE ready for further combat operations as soon as possible. To this end, I have identified several ships that are damaged beyond repair here at Henderson, awaiting salvage and scrapping.

EDLOE has two Mk-113 launchers. There is only deck space for one launcher, however there is more than ample room below decks for both magazines. The slower rate of fire of the 113 will be negated somewhat by the ability to carry the long range Starlance missiles. The age of the system and the dwindling supply of Starlance missiles makes this a temporary fix at best.

GATES suffered extreme damage but I believe her VLS launcher could be salvaged and installed on LOCKWOOD, however the attending fire control system and related maintenance gear would also have to be added and would likely double our remaining yard time.

OKLAHOMA CITY was ravaged aft, all of her missile systems were destroyed, however she does still have two forward turrets that with some heavy modification, one could be made to fit in place of the Mk-232 launcher. The two guns would have about half of their magazine space than they did on OKC, but they would provide a heavy punch. We could incorporate some of the OKC crew aboard to man the guns, and transfer our Mk-232 qualified crewmen to new ships as to incorporate their battle experience into a green crew.


I await your input on these ideas. With the situation as it is I am eager to return LOCKWOOD to action as soon as possible.

Respectfully,
Fredrick J. G. Holmes
CDR, USN