A View from the Deckplates : Two Decades Aboard Destroyers During the Cold War (1950-1970)

This is the story of the author's U.S. Navy career from 1950 to 1970. In these two decades, U.S. Navy sailors defended the United States during the conflicts in Korea, Cuba, Viet Nam, as well as many others. In his career the author served aboard five destroyer-type ships including USS SOUTHERLAND, USS WILLIAM T. POWELL, USS CHAMBERS, USS HARRY E. YAR-NELL, USS FOX, and one destroyer tender, USS CASCADE. The book is autobiographical in nature, however the events and incidents could have occurred aboard other ships or involved other destroyermen. Spouses, children or parents of those who served in the Navy during the middle years of the Cold War will enjoy reading this book as naval jargon and technical terms are kept to a minimum and, where included, are explained in layman's terms. Those who served in destroyers will also recall with nostalgia their time aboard these "Greyhounds of the Sea." Included is a brief history of destroyers from their inception at the end of the 19th Century to the present, including a complete listing of destroyer classes and their key characteristics. Selective milestones in history are included to keep the account in the context of world events.