I was in Long Beach for quite some time before she got underway from her berth at NOB. We were going out for some maneuvers and a shake down cruise. I was very enthusiastic about us taking her to sea because this was to be my first time underway aboard her. I've always felt that ships and sailors are made to wander.to be at sea. If one wants shore duty then one should join another service. Months had been spent at the dock and I was beginning to believe the Ultimate Nomad would remain in her fetters forever.

Not to be!!! 'Cast off the bow line' boomed the bosuns' mate. a repeat from the bridge no doubt. I had a ringside seat to all this because I was assigned the sea and anchor detail on the foc'sle. I stood by the port winch (I believe) with DC2 Russ Byerline and some other shipmates. Russ was a squared away DC petty officer and I learned a lot from him. But that day on the foc'sle the lesson learned was learned by me alone. to be alert and think on my feet.always alert aboard ship.always thinking..always, always, always alert!

It appears that some very wise person told Russ to keep me from getting in too much trouble and/or from inadvertently sinking our ship during my constant tours throughout her. He was like a shadow and he took the task good heartedly. Russ saw to it that I was qualified in numerous systems and watch standing. We were to share many laughs together but those are to come in latter memories.

Bobby G. Goodman SFC was always on us like a hawk during any evolution and I came to have every respect for this old Chief. We had finished our shakedown off the Virginia Capes and making for the Elizabeth River in the Hampton Roads approaches to NOB. I'm tellin' ya lads.it was cold.wind driven, wet, miserable, Virginia Capes in the winter time COLD. Topsides were icing and footing became hazardous but every man jack remained onboard. Chief Goodman began rotating the crew below in the windlass room to relieve those of us topside that were exposed to a vicious wind chill factor. I realize now that Bobby G was a like a mother hen with we sailors, a real professional and fine man. I wish you Gods Speed, Chief, wherever you are.

Tied up at the dock and miserable with a yearning for blue water and to stand out to sea again, I spent my time qualifying on everything the division wanted me to qualify on. I would pull my share of the load.

There was one event during this time in which a sailor slipped over the side while on the main deck.the ship was experiencing heavy icing while at the dock and as I recall the sailor had slipped on the hazard and went into the water. We had him aboard and below decks in a matter of minutes. To my knowledge he was back to work that day.

Scuttlebutt had it that we would be getting underway for California through the Panama Canal and eventually we would be operating online in the South China Sea. The scuttlebutt proved true and before long we were singling up for southern latitudes. How I wish Cap'n Price had opted for rounding Cape Horn but he wisely chose the "Canal" as any Commanding Officer with the responsibility of the worlds first nuclear powered cruiser resting heavily on his shoulders, would have done.

The day was fast approaching that Long Beach and her crew would be challenged in the ultimate test of battle readiness. The day was soon to be at hand to prove our motto: Strike Hard.Strike Home.. Cape Hatteras would quickly lie before our bow and Hatteras in bad weather, is seldom an accommodating place to be. It was then shipmates, upon leaving Norfolk and in this place of wild and tempestuous seas, that we were to learn the full meaning of General Quarters..Constant General Quarters and incessant drilling...

Fred Lane, former DC1
CGN-9 1964-68