In Memorial

As told by Chief Selectee Watts: I was onboard during this tragic accident. FN Pino, full blooded Pueblo Indian from either New Mexico or Arizona (I don't recall), and myself worked in the Wardroom during our mess cooking days. Not sure the exact date, but it was either Feb or Mar 1983. On the day of the USS TOWERS steam explosion in Number 1 Fireroom (The Red Devils), the off going port and starboard watch was just hitting their racks just shortly after lunch chow was securing, when suddenly the General Quarters Alarm sounded. Of course we on our way to TEAM SPIRIT '83, a lot of people just thought it was a drill. However, the forward passageway was full of steam and we had to exit through the First Division scuttle. Once arriving on the Signal bridge, we learned that there was a steam explosion in #1 Fire Room and three people were injured, FN Pino being in direct line with the steam leak he received fatal injuries. FN Pino was rushed to the wardroom battle dressing station for treatment, which we learned his burns were fatal. He was shortly thereafter heloed off the ship to finally reach the Nagasaki Burn Center, Japan, where Captain Hancock and Cdr McCarthy stayed at his bedside continuously. The TOWERS pulled into port at Sasebo, Japan for repairs and Team Spirit was cancelled for the ship. Due to FN Pino's incident, the crew decided to raise money through donations to have his mother fly round trip to Nagasaki to be with her son. Everyone was excited that we not only raised enough money for his mother to come, but his sister as well with room and board. Unfortunately, FN Pino had died approximately 0900, with his mother and sister arriving to the hospital approximately 90 minutes later. We had a memorial service for FN Pino, along with our Ensign flying at half mast, while inport Sasebo, Japan.

Epitaph by fellow Towers shipmate GMGC Thomas L. Weaver: His name was Gus and he was the Senior Chief Gunners Mate on board Towers from 1966 to 1969. Gus was in charge of the 5"54 gun mounts. Gordon (Gus) Uhler was born in Upper State New York in 1933 and died off the gun-line in June of 1972. Gus made two WestPac cruises onboard Towers and had over 20 years in the Navy when he died. Senior Chief Uhler believed in one thing when it came to his Guns and that was to make all firing missions no matter what. There were many tales about Gus Uhler. Towers was tied up next to another DDG in San Diego over the weekend. Towers was leaving port on Monday for a competitive firing exercise. Gus Uhler had one gun down for lack of spare parts. During the weekend, late at night, Chief Uhler was caught attempting to acquire the spare parts he needed from the gun off the ship next to the Towers. After Captain Carter managed to pick up his Chief from base security, Gus made the comment that Towers was getting underway Monday for a gun shoot with a gun down—but the other DDG was not and didn't need their gun. The Captain answered: "I understand that Chief, but how about next time that you do this, you don't get caught." In May of 1972, with less than two months remaining before retirement, Gus was ordered TAD to the Gun Line and assigned to USS Stoddert (DDG-22). During a fire support mission, Mount 51 had a misfire with a "hot" gun. Gus removed the firing lock; air reached the hot powder case and it exploded. Gus suffered over 70% burns and later died from his injuries—with less than 30 days before retirement. He left behind a loving wife and four children.

Plank Owner Fire Control Officer, commenced his navy career as a seaman aboard a destroyer in the Yangtze River. Even when he retired as a LCDR he didn't shed his uniform; he taught JROTC in Morristown TN until he was 65. Died 10/17/02 of kidney failure, but this was just the last of several ailments that he fought valiantly just like he lived life. His wife Faye Trail Deaton wrote: My Sailor My Sailor left the Port of Earth To sail on Heaven's sea. And God will have no better hand, To serve aboard, than he. He loved to feel the ocean winds And taste the salty air Of all the places in the world He was the happiest there. I know that he is smiling He's where he wants to be Goodbye, God speed, my darling Your spirit's back to sea.