Rendering Honors to Dad

Bruce Newell

In 1963, I was the CO of the oceangoing tug, USS Takelma (ATF 113) home ported in Pearl Harbor. As I came into Pearl Harbor from towing a target at sea one day, the USS Newell (DER 322) was proceeding out to sea. As you will recall, when commissioned Navy ships pass, It is always the custom of the ship with the junior CO to render honors to the ship with the senior CO. I was a lieutenant, and the CO of the Newell was a lieutenant commander. My XO heard on the harbor radio that the Newell was standing out. He had my crew man the rail of my ship. The CO of the Newell heard that my ship was standing in. He also called for his crew to man the rail. It was a very proud moment for me to render honors to the USS Newell as we passed by. Indeed, it was one of the most unforgettable experiences in my life!