George Chambers

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

This is the story of the author'sU. S. Navy career from 1950 to 1970. In these two decades, U. S. Navy sailorsdefended the United Statesduring the conflicts in Korea, Cuba, Viet Nam, as well as many others. In his careerthe author served aboard five destroyer-type ships including USS SOUTHERLAND, USS WILLIAM T. POWELL, USS CHAMBERS, USS HARRY E. YARNELL, USS FOX, and onedestroyer tender, USS CASCADE. The book is autobiographical in nature, howeverthe events and incidents could have occurred aboard other ships or involvedother destroyermen. Spouses, children or parents ofthose who served in the Navy during the middle years of the Cold War will enjoyreading this book as naval jargon and technical terms are kept to a minimumand, where included, are explained in layman's terms. Those who served indestroyers will also recall with nostalgia their time aboard these "Greyhoundsof the Sea."Included is a brief history ofdestroyers from their inception at the end of the 19th Century tothe present, including a complete listing of destroyer classes and their keycharacteristics. Selective milestones in history are included to keep theaccount in the context of world events.