USS HELENA (CA75)
Plan of the Week
30 November - 6 December 1953

General Situation - Yokosuka completed Restricted Availability.

Underway 1 Dec.; ISE enroute to join Task Force 77
via Tsugaru Strait. Air Operations.
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Schedule of Events:

Monday, 30 November

Complete repairs and logistics.
Test equipment preparatory to getting underway.
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Tuesday, 1 December

AM - Make all preparations for getting underway.
1330 - Special sea details.
1400 - Underway Proceed to sea; recover helicopter in inner harbor.
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Wednesday, 2 December

Transit Tsugaru Strait, enroute TF 77 in Sea of Japan. Prepare for cold weather.
0900 - Meeting of Habitability Board.
0900 - School by 1st Lt. IVINS on Cold Weather Problems.
1000 - Tactical school for OOD's & JOOD's.
1000 - Briefing of Observers for Battle Problem.
1300 - General Quarters.
1330 - Conduct Battle Problem.
1430 - (about) Complete Battle Problem and Secure from G.Q.
1500 - Critique by Chief Engineer & Observers.

- Conference of Gunnery Dept. Officers immediately following above.
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Thursday, 3 December

Enroute TF 77 via Sea of Japan
0815 - General Drills (Fire & Rescue, collision).
1000 - School by 1st Lt. Ivins on cold Weather Problems.
1030 - Planning Board Meeting.
1200 - (about) Rendezvous with Task Force 77.

- Be prepared to receive sled, files, etc.
- Set Condition III as directed.
1315 - Lecture on SPOTTING doctrine - LTJG LIVAS & Designated Gunnery Department Officers.
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Friday, 4 December

With TF 77.
AM & PM - Field Day.
Air Operations as directed.
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Saturday, 5 December

With TF 77.
Air Operations as directed.
PM - Holiday Routine as practicable.
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Sunday, 6 December

With TF 77.
Air Operations as directed.
Divine Services
"BRUNCH".
Holiday Routine
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Departmental Projects.

All Departments:

1. Commence Title B equipment inventory. (This is Annual Inventory - to be completed by 31 December).

( End of front page)

2. Concentrate on Instruction and preparation of eligible men for
advancement in rating exams for 2nd pay grade (SA, FA, TA, HA,
AA etc.) to 3rd pay-grade (SN etc.). Exams to be held about 16 December.

3. Submit to Habitability Board suggestions and recommendations for
improved stowage of foul weather clothing & boatswains gear.

4. Continue Material Improvement Program - concentrate cleaning
efforts on improving appearance of interior doors, ladders, scuttles,
and decks, and on heads and washrooms.

Executive Dept:

1. Plans for Smoker - 17 December. Boxing, a short musical entertainment program, & movie.
2. Plans and preparations for Manila & foe Christmas.
3. Chaplain's program:

DAILY except Sunday
0715 - Protestant Devotions in the Crew's Lounge.
2130 - Catholic Rosary Service in the Crew's Lounge

Wednesday
1900 - Protestant Bible Study in the Crew's Lounge.

Sunday
1000 - Catholic Mass in No. 5 Mess Hall.
1100 - Protestant Divine Worship in No. 5 Mess Hall.
1400 - Birthday Party for November in No. 5 Mess Hall.
1900 - Protestant Fellowship in Crew's Lounge.

Gunnery:

1. Thorough daily transmission checks.
2. Maintenance and casualty repair instructions, all batteries, daily.
3. Preparation of exterior surfaces for general painting as weather permits.
4. Preparation of SN Examinations (written & practical).

Supply:

1. Continue Material and Inventory Programs.
2. Supervise Title B Inventory.
3. Preparations for Christmas Dinner.

Engineering:

1. Continue Material Program.
2. Start work on 5th Workshop.
3. Install additional butt receptacles.

Operations:

1. Emphasize routine maintenance by operating personnel.
2. Use targets of opportunity to calibrate search radars in range
zero and in bearing (passing ships, cliffs, etc.).
3. Drills and instruction toward comprehensive Communications Exercise on arrival
Con U.S.

Medical:

1. Continue spraying and sanitation programs.
2. Complete officer's annual physical exams.
3. Continue study on VD program.

The above "Plan of the Week" has been reproduced as accurately as possible for your viewing pleasure.
DJB

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