The Navy calls it the most powerful technologically advanced US Destroyer in our nation’s history and Hamlin resident Tom Hetherington was able to see the ship – the USS Zumwalt – commissioned in ceremonies in Baltimore, Maryland recently.
Hetherington, a Vietnam veteran who served on the USS Hornet in the Pacific, says he traveled to Baltimore October 14 and 15. “There were 15 admirals present,” he says of the impressive ceremonies which took place, “it’s a historical event, the commissioning of a ship.”
The ship is named after Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, who was known for his “trailblazing” initiatives to improve the quality of life for enlisted sailors during the Vietnam War. He served from 1970 to 1974 as Admiral and Chief of Naval Operations and was also known for his leadership initiatives.
The USS Zumwalt website states that when the admiral retired, re-enlistment rates had tripled for the Navy.
“I had the honor of attending the commissioning with the Gamewarden team, who were members of swift boat crews while Zumwalt was in charge,” Hetherington says. “Many of the Vietnam veterans personally met Zumwalt, who was renowned for supporting and retaining naval forces by eliminating ‘Mickey Mouse’ regulations.”
Hetherington says one swift boat member recalled the Admiral changing his hat to investigate allegations that while on sea float – safe resting areas for swift boat teams – Army cooks had refused to give naval personnel more food. The Admiral witnessed Army personnel dumping the food into the water rather than feed Navy crews.
“As might be imagined, Admiral Zumwalt summoned the Army brass in charge of this sea float and raised holy hell,” Hetherington said. “The Navy crews were well fed after this incident.”
Zumwalt was also known for his policy directives called Z-Grams. One written on December 17, 1970 reads: “Ours must be a navy family that recognizes no artificial barriers of race, color or religion. There is no black navy, no white navy – just one navy – the United States Navy.”
Hetherington calls Zumwalt’s leadership style manager-leader. He says Zumwalt “got in the trenches” with his men. “He came out to them. What impressed me most was that he knew the Navy had to retain people. He eye-witnessed the crisis of retention. He believed your most valuable asset is your people and I believe in his approach.”
Hetherington says on Friday, October 14 – the day before the official commissioning ceremonies – he was able to take a private tour of the ship, “which was very exciting for all of us, especially me after serving three and one half years on the USS Hornet. So many advanced electronics features that the crew is 147 versus over 300 on the older guided missile destroyers. I reviewed the ship specs before the tour and was able to view the advanced, non-classified features.”
The ship is the first in its class and introduces major innovations in design including a stealth profile. The USS Zumwalt website says the ship also features a wave piercing tumblehome hull, state of the art electronic propulsion, and the latest long-range gun and missile weaponry.
“It is unlike any warship that has ever sailed the seas,” the website states.
Hetherington says the Friday ceremonies included a presentation by the swift boat team of a shadow box with Zumwalt memorabilia to the ship’s first captain – Captain James Kirk. Also presented was a SKS rifle captured from the Vietcong.
Hetherington added that ironically, the guided missile destroyer docked on the pier next to the USS Zumwalt was the USS Jason Dunham, named in honor of the Marine corporal from Scio, New York, who was killed in 2004 while serving in the Iraq War. “Jason was awarded the Medal of Honor for covering a live grenade with his helmet and his body, saving the lives of two other Marines,” Hetherington says.
“I attended his memorial service in Scio.”
