Since departing Yokosuka in mid-September, MIDWAY has ranged from the Aleutians to the Equator. This has been the most difficult and demanding cruise since the Indian Ocean deployments of the Iranian hostage crisis. The first part of the cruise involved dual battle group operations in the Northern Pacific with the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65). MIDWAY and ENTERPRISE operated south of the Aleutian Islands, closely watched by the Soviet Navy, which has submarines, surface ships, and aircraft based in the area. After several weeks of more dual battle group operations in the Sea of Japan and Okinawa areas, MIDWAY entered Subic Bay on October 13 to onload needed supplies, and departed the same day.
Transisting the South China Sea a small craft sighted by MIDWAY'S bridge watch team turned out to hold sixty-five Vietnamese refugees. The refugees were initially rescued by USS TOWERS (DDG-9). The 41 men, 12 women, and 12 children were then transferred to MIDWAY for food, water, and medical evaluation. Following a short visit in Singapore, the MIDWAY spent a few days operating on the eastern edge of the Indian Ocean in the Andaman Sea. MIDWAY then headed south for the equator and entered the domain of Neptunus Rex, Ruler of the Raging Main. King Neptune's Royal Court was convened onboard on 27 October 1982. Leaving the equator and heading north with a full crew of "shellbacks," MIDWAY participated in Exercise "MERLION" with the Singapore armed forces. The next stop-was Pattaya Beach, Thailand for a five day visit. After more operations in the South China Sea we entered Subic Bay. This port call was a period of yard work and extensive shore based flying by the airwing from NAS Cubi Point. Enroute from Subic Bay to Yokosuka, a port visit to Hong Kong split two periods of intensive at sea operations. It has been an exciting cruise, and our return home for the Holidays makes it all the better.