I was assigned to the USNS Dutton via MSTS as an Oiler in the ship's engine department on 31 October 1958.
When I boarded the Dutton she was being converted at Philadelphia's Navy Yard into an Oceanographic Survey Ship.
On 19th November 1958, we left Philadelphia for a 9-day shakedown cruise. However, the Dutton was still undergoing conversions at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in November and December 1958. On 14 January 1959, the Dutton shifted to Bayonne and Hoboken N. J. until 25 January when she again went to BAT #2 on 19 January 1959.
While the Dutton was being converted, On 28 November 1958 we birthed at the Brooklyn Navy Yard until 4 December 1958. Seven days again out at sea, returning to Brooklyn Navy Yard until 5 January 1959 we left to sail at sea until 14 January 1959 birthing at Bayonne, N.J. until 25 January 1959 we left Hoboken. On 29 January 1959, we arrived at BAT #2.
The USNS Dutton was now fully converted to begin her mission of surveying the North Atlantic and the Arctic Circle sea's beds. The scientific attachment aboard the Dutton was a U.S. Navy Oceanographic Detachment, of approximately 3 officers and 22 enlisted personnel, primarily technicians. Varying numbers of civilian scientists and engineers managed survey operations maintaining certain navigation and sonar equipment, usually about 12 oceanographers from the Naval Oceanographic Office, some personnel from the Naval Applied Sciences Laboratory (NASL, later NSSNF), and about 7 technical representatives from private corporations.

We finally departed American waters to sail to Naples, Italy arriving there on 13 February 1959. We left Naples on 16 February 1959 sailing into Arctic waters to begin our surveying journey.

As of the year 2024, I had my 100TH BIRTHDAY.
I have a BLOG in progress named < herbertgbuss.blogspot.com >. In Chapter 4 scroll down to " "Three Ships to be assigned MSTSLANT for Oceanographic Surveys". This BLOG chapter highlights Dutton's ports of call.

I served on the Dutton from (around) 75-77. I was an ETN-2, but I worked in the nav control room as I had acquired the special job code from "c" school. The reason I'm not sure on the dates I served is because I'm 72 years old and can barely remember my name. I do remember Chief Jones, and Lindy Combs (who has a sea story on this site) and Monty Tetly, and Scoot, and Gus, Dave. I'm sorry I haven't kept up with anyone from the unit, but I figured most have gone on the final cruise. I (Batselli) should be joining them soon enough. I have liver cancer, prostate cancer, COPD, lower back surgery, pretty much a taste of all maladies. I have two sons who barely talk to me, an ex-wife responsible for the prior statement, and basically live off my Social Security. And you know what? I'm fine with all that. Hello to my Dutton shipmates. I miss you all

Great ship with memorable voyages.

Hi Shipmates, 13 August 2024 0157 hrs MST

Found a missing shipmate, Dennis E Soule SOG 2. He is from Maine and served durning the time I was aboard the Michelson June 1964 - December 1965. I cannot find any information about him on this site. I'll do some digging through my records to see if I can find anything. I talked to his wife yesterday 12 August 2024; Dennis is ill and wasn't able to speak with me. He worked for General Dynamics Electric Boat for 40 years before retiring.

When I locate more info I'll contact Admin so he can post it on the site.

Best Always
Chris Headley Phoenix AZ

Saying hi to all that I was privileged to serve with!

Served on board from Feb 1962 thru May 1966, and with my brother Thomas Dale Kizer in 1966.

Read the comments of Joseph A. Rugg and his Merchant Marine experience while in the Navy. Kind of reminds me of the time on the Michelson while I was a GI Engineer. I spent a lot of time out on deck cooking my epidermis under the sun. I noticed the MSC deck crew constantly repainting the ship and never getting it done; it was a bigger job than they could do during a 28 day trip.

I decided to see if they would like for me to help them paint. Long story short they gave me a bucket of paint, a roller with a long pole and a paint brush. Now I was part of the deck crew.

Well, that lasted about an hour when one of the union stewards raised hell claiming I was taking work away from the deck crew. What a crock, they could never finish painting the ship as there weren't enough crew to paint all that needed painting. So I returned their paint and tools and retired from MSC. It was fun while it lasted.

I wonder if I'm eligible for a Merchant Marine Retirement . . . . .

Best Always
Chris, Phoenix AZ, 2253hrs MST, 16 July 2024

USNS Bowditch
Sperry Tech Rep
1974-1977

Stepson of Steve Gage, General Instruments rep. It was a pleasure reading through your many remembrances, a small tickle seeing Lee Everett's name (he visited us at home many times in Barcelona). Also, the name Ed Gauthier who once babysat me at the Hotel Bompard in Marseilles when my parents went to see "Last Tango In Paris." My step father was a great man. Best regards from a son of the "Dirty D."

30 June 2024

Wishing all a wonderful Fourth of July !!!

Chris