Nicholas in the sixties. Click on any image to view it in more detail.

From the ship’s history
FRAM

On 28 May 1960, LCDR. D.G. FOXWELL, USN, assumed command of Nicholas from CDR E.L. KELLEY, USN. A change of command ceremony was again held on 25 June when CDR. R. A. HILSON, USN, relieved LCDR D.G. FOXWELL, USN and became the ship’s eleventh commanding officer. Seven months on entering the yard, on 21 July, Nicholas rejoined the fleet.
     Following her yard period the ship made a dual purpose trip to Seattle, Washington. The combined shake down cruise and operational test lasted from 28 July until 14 August.
     Refresher training began on 22 August. After the completion of training on 10 September until deployment on 17 October the ship prepared for the cruise and continued with normal upkeep.
     NICHOLAS commenced her ninth deployment when she departed Pearl Harbor with Destroyer Division 251 on 17 October 1960. Captain G.S. HIGGINBOTHAM, Commander Destroyer Squadron TWENTY-FIVE embarked on USS CARPENTER (DDE-825). On 27 October 1960, the ship arrived in Yokosuka, Japan for an abbreviated availability and then departed for the South China Sea to join up with TG 70.4.
     Upon arrival, NICHOLAS commenced hunter-killer training exercises with CTG 70.4 in the USS HORNET (CVS-12) with Destroyer Division 132. On 6 December, Destroyer Division 251 joined Destroyer Division 212 and the USS BENNINGTON (CVS-20) to form the new task group 70.4. Operating out of Subic Bay, P.I., Nicholas participated in HUK Operations, Joint US-PHIL Navy ASW exercises and the annual SEATO Weapons Demonstration. Ports visited during the deployment included: Hong Kong, British Crown Colony on 10 January for two days, and Yokosuka, Japan on 17 April 1961.
     NICHOLAS operated with TG 70.4, TG 77.7 and TG 76.5 during this cruise and took part in many contingency operations when trouble developed in South East Asia. Out of 190 days deployed, NICHOLAS steamed 38,885 miles and was underway 128 days. Her longest steaming period was 21 days and 9 hours.
     Upon return to Pearl Harbor on 26 April, NICHOLAS commenced an upkeep period and her regular training cycle. NICHOLAS continued her participation in training exercises and local operations until 7 December 1961 when she entered the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Local operations included evaluating missile recovery procedures, participation in PAPER CUTTER, a convoy exercise, and in SILVERSWORD, a major amphibious exercise. During this yard period NICHOLAS received the Variable Depth Sonar (originally a FRAM II item) which has increased her sonar detection capabilities. On completion of the Yard availability, NICHOLAS continued in training exercises and local operations. On 5 April 1962 CDR R.A. HILSON, USN was relieved as Commanding Officer by CDR D.E. CUMMINS, USN. On 4 June 1962, NICHOLAS celebrated her 20th birthday and became the oldest active destroyer in the United States Navy. The classification from DDE-449 was changed to DD-449 on 30 June in accordance with OPNAV Notice 5030 dated 7 June 1962.
     On 2 July 1962, NICHOLAS, as part of Task Group 14.7 departed Pearl Harbor, Hawaii for WESTPAC employment. Units included: USS HORNET (CVS-12), SNOOK (SSN-592), USS NICHOLAS (DD-449), USS CARPENTER (DD-825), USS FLETCHER (DD-445), USS SPROSTON (DD-577), USS O’BRIEN (DD-725), USS WALKE (DD-723), USS CUNNINGHAM (DD-752), and USS EVANS (DD-754). RADM CHRISTOPHER, COMCARDIV SEVENTEEN and CTG 14.7 in HORNET. Captain C.R. JOHNSON, COMDESRON TWENTY-FIVE and CTU 14.7.2 in USS CARPENTER.
     Upon joining the SEVENTH Fleet the ship operated in company with USS HORNET (CVS-12), Destroyer Division 132 and the other ships of Destroyer Division 251 as part of an ASW Hunter Killer Group. While in WESTPAC the ship was opened to the public in the ports of Beppu, Nakodae, and Osaka, Japan. In Osaka, alone, 10,000 visitors were received.
     USS NICHOLAS returned to her homeport of Pearl Harbor on 17 December 1962.
     The USS NICHOLAS commenced local operations in January 1963, upon completion of holiday leave an upkeep period. In late January the ship paid a three day visit to the port of Kailua, Kona, on the Island of Hawaii.
     The regular overhaul at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard commenced in March 1963. While in overhaul the MK NC-2 plotter was installed in CIC and facilities for operation and stowage of Dash were completed.
     On 21 June 1963, USS NICHOLAS celebrated her twenty-first birthday as the oldest destroyer in commission in the U. S. Navy.
     Upon leaving the shipyard in June 1963, USS NICHOLAS began a heavy schedule of operations in preparation for Refresher Training, which began on 22 July 1963 and lasted for 5 weeks. On 15 July 1963, Vice Admiral J.T. HAYWARD, Commander Anti-Submarine Warfare Forces Pacific, embarked in NICHOLAS to observe combined ASE exercises.
     Three recreational visits were made to Kahului, Maui, during the summer and fall of 1963, and the ship returned again to Kailua, Kona for a visit in November 1963.
     The pace of local operations remained steady until 19 November 1963 when USS NICHOLAS went alongside the USS BRYCE CANYON for a three week availability. In mid-December the ship commenced a holiday leave and upkeep period.
     USS NICHOLAS completed her eighteen month competitive cycle on 31 December 1963 and was nominated for and awarded the Battle Efficiency “E” for Destroyer Squadron TWENTY FIVE.
     The turning of the calendar to 1964 brought to NICHOLAS a new Commanding Officer. On 18 January, CDR Robert C. NEWCOMB relieved CDR David W. CUMMINS and Commanding Officer.
     Beginning the last week of February and continuing into March, NICHOLAS made preparation for an employment to the Western Pacific by participating in a HUK Operational Readiness Evaluation with Anti-Submarine Group 5, composed of USS BENNINGTON (CVS-20), DESDIV 232 and DESDIV 251.
     On 23 March, NICHOLAS’ WESTPAC Cruise began. Yokosuka was the first port of call, where she dry-docked for a week to affect repairs to the underwater hull.
     Leaving Yokosuka, NICHOLAS transited the beautiful Inland Sea, conducting ASW exercises enroute to a brief visit to Iwakuni.
     At sea again, she continued extensive ASW training before entering Sasebo on 28 April for a two week tender availability alongside USS DELTA (AR-7).
     From Sasebo she proceeded to Hong Kong, arriving 19 May. Loaded to the overhead with Hong Kong purchases, she departed 26 May and pounded her way through Typhoon VIOLA enroute to the Philippines for participation in the combined SEATO Operation “LIGITAS”.
     Operations completed and anxious to leave the heat of the Philippines, she set a northerly course for Japan. After another two week tender period alongside USS AJAX (AR-9) in Sasebo, she proceeded to Kobe. In Kobe over the 4th of July, NICHOLAS became an ambassador of goodwill by opening her brow and her heart to the public.
     Immediately after departing Kobe, NICHOLAS exercised at screening a carrier task unit against submarines during the five days of Operation “GILLNET”. On completion of this exercise, the Group transited the Sea of Japan, during which time they were “visited” by a Russian destroyer.
     NICHOLAS’ first visit to Muroran, Hokkaido, a port seldom seen by U.S. Naval Ships, from 17-21 July, gave another opportunity to meet to people of Japan. Meet them they did, as over 4,000 persons toured NICHOLAS during general visiting, and the ship’s athletic teams furthered goodwill in competition with victorious local teams.
     Departing Muroran and many newly made friends, NICHOLAS returned to Yokosuka to make final preparations for her return home, Pearl Harbor. On 10 August, proudly wearing the traditional giant lei over her bow, she entered Pearl Harbor.
     During August, she combined a leave and upkeep period with a drydock visit for more repairs brought on by her advancing years.
     Type training occupied most of NICHOLAS’ time during September until she re-entered drydock on 29 October for rudder repairs. On 10 November she went alongside USS BRYCE CANYON (AD-36) for a two week tender availability. While alongside the tender, Rear Admiral Marshall E. DORNIN, Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Forces, Pacific, paid a brief visit to NICHOLAS.
     NICHOLAS closed out a highly successful and interesting year with local operations, including convex “FAST EXPRESS”. On 11 December, prior to the holiday leave and upkeep period, she visited Kahukui on the island of Maui.
     The holidays brought back of period of relaxation, time for memories of the many activities and achievements of the year, and anticipation of another year of fair winds and smooth sailing.

Vietnam

     The early part of 1965 was spent as leave and upkeep periods and Type-Training. Preparations were then begun for another WESTPAC deployment.
     On 13 September NICHOLAS deployed as part of ASWGRUONE arriving in Yokosuka, Japan on 25 September. While in Yokosuka CDR W.B. HOOFFSTETTER relieved CDR R.C. NEWCOMB as Commanding Officer.
     After a week of upkeep in Yokosuka, NICHOLAS proceeded to Vietnam for a week of varied operations, including search and rescue and plane guard for USS HORNET. After 35 days at sea, NICHOLAS proceeded to Subic Bay, Philippines for a week of upkeep.
     From Subic Bay, NICHOLAS returned to operations of the coast of Vietnam. When her duties were completed she steamed to Hong Kong arriving 26 November for a week of Rest and Relaxation. On 3 December NICHOLAS departed Hong Kong enroute to Kaohsiung, Taiwan for patrol duties in the Taiwan Straits.
     While on Taiwan Patrol, NICHOLAS was assigned to search and rescue missions, one for a downed Chinese aircraft. In January NICHOLAS left Kaohsiung and returned to operations of the coast of Vietnam.
     During the early morning of 17 January, while on plane guard duty astern of USS HORNET, NICHOLAS rescued a man who fell overboard. Upon completion of plane guard duties NICHOLAS proceeded to South Vietnam for a shore bombardment mission.
     NICHOLAS fired 94 rounds of 5 inch ammunition at VC concentrations and structures in Quang Nai, Northeast of Saigon destroying seven structures, damaging eight and leaving two burning.
     The morning following shore bombardment NICHOLAS received an SOS from a coastal freighter, SS BRIGHT STAR, which went aground on a reef 30 miles from NICHOLAS’s position. On arrival at the scene, rescue was not possible due to sea and wind conditions and Marine helicopters from CHULAI were called in to transfer 28 people to NICHOLAS.
     For her operations off Vietnam NICHOLAS was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal. Upon completion of her tour in the South China Sea, NICHOLAS proceeded to Yokosuka for eight days of upkeep. On 17 February NICHOLAS departed Yokosuka with USS HORNET and DESDIV 251 for Sydney, Australia.
     During the transit to Sydney, NICHOLAS passed by the WWII battle areas of Vella LaVella, Savo Island, Kula Gulf, Guadalcanal, Cape Esperance and Iron Bottom Bay, which which NICHOLAS had fought. NICHOLAS arrived in Sydney on 1 March for six days of rest and recreation. On 7 March she departed Sydney homeward bound for Pearl Harbor, stopping overnight at Suva, Fiji.
     After a leave an upkeep period and local operations, NICHOLAS entered a 4 month yard period. On completion of overhaul she commenced a short period of refresher training prior to deploying to WESTPAC.
     On 28 November 1966 NICHOLAS deployed as part of ASWGRUONE with USS BENNINGTON as flagship. While refueling from BENNINGTON in December Nicholas incurred a rudder casualty and collided with the starboard side of the BENNINGTON. Only minor damage resulted and repairs were made in Yokosuka.
     After leaving Yokosuka, NICHOLAS rejoined ASWGRUONE in the South China Sea for Operation SLEWFOOT, an anti-submarine exercise. After conducting various operations in the Gulf of Tonkin, NICHOLAS was ordered to the Market Time area off South Vietnam. The new year was spent while anchored off the Mekong Delta in support of Operation Deck House V.
     On completion of this exercise NICHOLAS proceeded to Danang, South Vietnam to await the abatement of a storm before proceeding to Subic Bay to repair a broken longitudinal. On completion of repairs on 23 January NICHOLAS proceeded to Hong Kong for 5 days of rest and relaxation.
     NICHOLAS then proceeded to Kaohsiung, Taiwan for duties in the Taiwan Straits on 2 February and conducted patrols in the Taiwan Straits until relieved on 16 March. NICHOLAS then proceeded to Sasebo, Japan for a few days upkeep.
     NICHOLAS remained in Sasebo from 19-25 March with the BENNINGTON and other TG 70.4 ships. On 26 March TG 70.4 sailed enroute to Yankee Team where NICHOLAS conducted various operations such as plane guard for USS HANCOCK and USS TICONDEROGA until ordered to South Vietnam in April for a shore bombardment mission.
     During 4 days of shore bombardment NICHOLAS fired 251 rounds of 5 inch ammunition at VC concentrations in support of 1st Marine Division operations. On completion of this mission NICHOLAS proceeded to the Paracel Islands for a surveillance mission. On completion of this mission NICHOLAS proceeded to Subic Bay.
     On 21 April NICHOLAS departed Subic Bay in company with USS BENNINGTON, USS FLETCHER, and USS EPPERSON enroute to Australia. On 29 April, NICHOLAS and FLETCHER arrived in Brisbane, Australia.
     While in Brisbane, NICHOLAS opened up the ship to the Australians for general visiting and also participated in ceremonies held in commemoration of the 25 Coral Sea Celebration.
     NICHOLAS and FLETCHER departed Brisbane on 8 May homeward bound to Pearl Harbor, rejoining with BENNINGTON and EPPERSON enroute. She arrived at Pearl 18 May.
     After a period of rest and relaxation NICHOLAS commenced local operations culminating in ceremonies commemorating her twenty-fifth birthday on 21 June 1967 as the oldest destroyer in commission in the Navy. This ceremony was highlighted by the presence of Robin ENGLE, Miss Hawaii for 1967.
     Fall was marked by a change of command in which CDR J.M. HENSON, USN relieved Captain W.B. HOOFFSTETTER as Commanding Officer, USS NICHOLAS DD449.
     The highlight of winter was a 3 day visit in December to the port of Hilo, Hawaii, where the crew of Nicholas witnessed the eruption of the Halemaumau Volcano.
     After a period of holiday leave and relaxation the pace of operations picked up again in January as NICHOLAS prepared for her deployment to the Western Pacific in February.