Towers departed San Diego on 5 January 1965, bound for her third WestPac tour. As American forces became increasingly involved in the Vietnam War-escalating from an advisory capacity to active combat--the Navy's role in Vietnamese coastal waters expanded. Towers participated in three main facets of the 7th Fleet's operations in the Gulf of Tonkin and the South China Sea. She performed screening and plane-guard duties for fast carrier task forces on "Yankee Station, providing protection with her missiles and her rapid-fire 5-inch battery. In addition, she conducted search and rescue (SAR) patrols on the northern station; and made interdiction patrols in conjunction with Operation "Market Time."
  Upon the conclusion of this tour, the guided missile destroyer sailed for home on 10 May. En route to the Hawaiian Islands, she participated in Operation "Sailor Hat," a special blast test to determine deficiencies in modern ship construction, and arrived home at San Diego on 26 June.
 

Taking on water

Mail delivery

Asroc rocket-propelled ASW Torpedo on it's way 

Special Ops
Had the privilege to serve on the USS Bluegill (SS-242) for three days during War Games off the Philippines Islands in 1965. Traded places with a Sonar Man during the exercises.

USS Bluegill (SS-242) 

Bluegill steaming toward the Philippine Islands. 1965. Photo Taken by Buck McCalla

Boat Engineer and all around nice guy,
 Roe Betzel.

Always smiling Jim Lynn.

Always cool Buck Hall.

Nothing got by Lafone.

45 Footer at the deep water pier.

Jack Norton from
the Towers joined the River PB's.

South Vietnam sailors on a old French build River Patrol Boat from the 50's war.

PB 21

PB 30

SERVICE AWARDS

Navy Unit Commendation
Ribbon

National Defense Service Medal

Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm

Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation with Palm

Vietnam Service Medal with
three Stars

Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
with 1960 Ribbon