Contribution from Commanding Officer Michael Durkin

USS HJEllison DD864, 1966-1968

Greetings To all Former Ellison Members and Their Families

Hopefully this web site will serve to renew old friendships and make new one among those of us who were privileged to have duty aboard "The Happy Jack". She has a long and great record of service for which we can truly be proud to have been a part.

In September 1966 my long-standing goal was fulfilled when I became CO. The ship had recently returned from her Vietnam deployment and was undergoing yard overhaul with a large personnel turnover. It was very satisfying to reorganize, train and get underway. The spirit of the crew became evident with a highly successful GTMO training period, including establishing a new ASW-ORI record. Most of 1967 was spent operating with our squadron(DesRon 32). It was about this time that I learned that our highly talented and hard charging XO LCDR Bob Briner (now CAPT USN-Ret) was very familiar with Ellison as his father was one of the first COs, a truly fine gentleman whom I came to admire greatly.

In November, Ellison and Greene (the long hulls) were selected to make the long transit to the Persian Gulf around the tip of Africa as the Suez was closed. This began a most memorable, interesting and challenging deployment. Here are three of the cruise highlights:

1. Christmas in Bahrain. Faced with anchoring in the harbor during the holidays after a 6 weeks transit, the invitation from HMS Eskimo moor alongside her at the pier was greeted with great relief. It was the start of a great friendships between all hands on both ships. Christmas went well as we had the food and they had the spirits. Crews were intermingled and they couldn’t decide on whether their combined name should be Ellimos or Eskisons. We were with them again a couple of times and the great friendships were maintained.(3 years later I’m told the ships met at sea again with the HMS Eskimo signaling: "Are there any Ellimos still aboard?")
2. Ethiopian Navy Days. Ellison was the US participant with 7 other navys during the hectic 4 day event. The US Ambassador invited the Emperor Haille Salasssie, aboard to receive guests and a host luncheon. Our 21 gun salute was enjoyed by the populace but blew out the windows in downtown Massawa. The Emperor would only drink and serve freshly squeezed orange and tomato juice.(I never asked where the cooks came up with fresh oranges and tomatoes in Massawa). The same day we participated in 10 athletic events against the other navys, we won one-the tug-of-war. It was a day of manning-the-rail, firing gun salutes, providing honors and escorting VIPs and competing in sporting events. Each member was not only involved but had 3 or 4 critical assignments. The ship itself never looked better. We departed exhausted but pleased with our efforts. "Well Dones" came in from many sources including the US Secretary of State. We looked forward to a slow patrol of the Red Sea afterward but on clearing the harbor we received "Proceed max speed to Bandar Abas, Iran where Greene is aground." With 4 boilers on line Ellison really kicked up a rooster tail for 4 days. She was always ready for any assignment at sea or port!
3. Mauritis Independence. "The Happy Jack" was again called upon to represent the US. This time it was Independence Ceremonies on the tiny island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, a last British turnover in the area. It was a moving experience as we participated in the formal exchange of control, raising of the new colors, opening of parliament and the joy of the people. Happy Jackers called it "Our Mauritius, we saw it born".

With these and many other events behind us, we headed for homeport, the long way again. Upon nearing Norfolk, we were greeted by the Admiral’s message "Welcome Home Ellison. Well done! You won all the marbles!" We were ready for the always great, pierside welcome.

The success of this cruise is a great tribute to a very dedicated and professional crew who took pride in their performance and equipment. There was only one equipment casualty report (a DASH bird that decided to fly into the Indian Ocean). The high equipment readiness was maintained despite no assistance, service or parts support from ashore or afloat activities for 6 months.

The return meant my departure as I requested a delay in order to bring "The Happy Jack" home. As I left the ship and walked down the pier to take command of the Destroyer Tender Tidewater, I knew that no future assignment could be as satisfying and rewarding as having been CO USS Harold J. Ellison (DD864).

Post Script: My last report on the Ellison came from my son who was XO of DD in the Pacific in 1995. During the Somalia hostilities, some Pakistani troops were with our troops attempting a pullout. A Pakistani destroyer joined my son’s ship. Recognizing the ship was a 2200 destroyer class, my son checked Jane’s Fighting Ships. It was indeed "Ex USS Harold J. Ellison" and still doing it’s thing.

Captain Michael Durkin, USN-Ret.

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