1968

In January 1968 OZBOURN was diverted to proceed to the Sea of Japan as a unit in Operation Formation Star and remained on station in a fully ready combat status until 4 March 1968.

From 17 to 26 March OZBOURN was again on Sea Dragon and participated in over 30 gun firing missions against enemy positions. During this operating period OZBOURN was used as a special spotting ship. On 26 March OZBOURN was assigned to the DMZ for NGFS and then proceeded to carrier operations with KITTY HAWK and BON HOMME RICHARD until the end of the month.

OZBOURN again reported for duty for Sea Dragon Operations on 28 May 1968 and again configured for special spotting duty. During the period OZBOURN fired 18 missions against enemy positions. ON 29 MAY OZBOURN and BUCHANAN were taken under fire near Nui Dat. Over 75 rounds were reported splashing around the ships. During a firing mission on three June, H. B. WILSON while in company with OZBOURN, received hostile fire from enemy guns ashore. This action and two missions following were spotted with OZBOURN's special spotting equipment.

OZBOURN was assigned to NGFS with TU 70.8.9 in I Corps from 9 through 12 June and then proceeded for a five day visit to Hong Kong for rest and recreation followed by 5 days upkeep in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

During OZBOURN's home ported tour in WESTPAC, the ship steamed 123,219 nautical miles and spent 241 days in the Vietnam area and 402 days at sea. OZBOURN was taken under fire or engaged in direct counterbattery with the enemy on 10 occasions and was hit twice during engagements. OZBOURN fired 11,996 rounds during 72 days in Task Unit 70.8.9 (NGFS) and 4,781 rounds during 37 days to Task Group 77.1 (Sea Dragon Operations). This is a total of 16,777 rounds fired. Gun damage assessments confirmed 88 enemy killed in action, 6 wounded in action, with an additional 33 estimated KIA/WIA but not officially confirmed, 379 structures destroyed and 422 damaged.

OZBOURN officers, petty officers and men received the following decorations for heroic and meritorious action: 4 Purple Hearts, (2 Posthumously), 3 Bronze Stars with Combat "V", 12 Navy Commendation Metals with Combat "V", 55 Navy Achievement Medals, 5 COMSEVENTHFLT Commendations, 23 COMCRUDESGRU SEVENTHFLT Commendations, and in addition, OZBOURN was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation for actions on 25 March, 1967 and 23, 24, and 25 May 1967.

In September 1968, Commander R. L. STEWART relieved Commander J. G. DENHAM as Commanding Officer.

On 3 December 1968 OZBOURN entered Long Beach Naval Shipyard for a four month regular overhaul and emerged on 29 March 1969 a week ahead of schedule. OZBOURN acknowledged a job well done by having a short cruise for shipyard workers and their families, which was an outstanding success.

1969 >>