U.S.S. Leonard F. Mason (DD-852)

History of the Mason 1945 to 1970

History of the Mason 1971 to 2000

On first impression, the Mason is a rather unremarkable ship. However, the ship has a history that belies its appearance. It also had personality, which endeared it to the crews that sailed on the ship. I was a member of the Mason's crew from 1971 to 1974 and researched the history of the ship out of curiousity. I hope you enjoy this page that contains the results of my research and memories.

The Unofficial (but more complete) History of the U.S.S. Leonard F. Mason (DD-852)

This history is a compilation from various sources, along with my own memories and what history I could glean from the photographs and movies I took while stationed on the Mason.

Media Files

In January 1973, during a Linebacker mission off the coast of Vietnam, Storekeeper Glen Cruikshank made an audio recording in the upper handling room of Mount 52 (the aft 5"/38 gun) of the Mason. Here are a few brief excerpts from that recording. This is the real thing!

The sounding of General Quarters prior to the mission.

A very brief excerpt of Commander Robert L. Warren's comments to the crew about the mission. Commander Warren was Commanding Officer of the Mason at that time.

Firing the guns, as heard from the upper handling room of Mount 52! A good audio system is needed to bring out the sound of the guns firing.

Glen dedicated the recording to the crew members and families of the U.S.S. Leonard F. Mason (DD-852), to all Destroyermen, and to the officers and sailors of the United States Navy. My thanks to Duke Henry GMG3 for sending a copy of the recording to me and giving his permission to post the excerpts on this site. By the way, the Webmaster (me!) was on board the Mason during that Linebacker mission!

Photo Album

	A recent photograph of Sid Merrill, the first Commanding Officer of the Mason. Photograph by GMT2 Roger Muller.
	U. S. Bureau of Ships photo number 19-N-95337 in the National Archives.
	U. S. Naval Institute photograph.
	U. S. Naval Institute photograph.
	U. S. Naval Institute photograph.
	U. S. Naval Institute photograph.
	U. S. Naval Institute photograph.
	Official U. S. Navy photograph. Pacific Ocean, the destroyer USS Leonard Mason DD-852 underway off Oahu, Hawaii.
	The Mason stopping for fuel at Midway Island, March 16, 1972. The ship was in company with the U.S.S. Chevalier (DD-805) enroute to San Diego, California, USA. Photo taken March 16, 1972 by OS3 David Faige. photo © David Faige
	The Mason in drydock, Sasebo, Japan. Photo taken March 1973 by OS3 David Faige. photo © David Faige
	The Mason at San Diego, California, USA, 32nd Street Naval Station. Photo taken April 1974 by OS3 David Faige. photo © David Faige
	Flight Ops. Photo by OS3 David Faige. photo © David Faige
	The Mason at sea. A frame from a super 8mm movie taken during a WestPac cruise 1973 by OS3 David Faige. photo © David Faige Click here to see the full motion video on YouTube.
	The Mason refueling a helicopter. Photo taken 1976 by G. Price.

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