HISTORY

The CURTISS returned to San Diego after Operation WIGWAM on 17 May 1955. Shortly thereafter the ship set sail for Pearl Harbor and arrived at the Yard early in June 1955. On 15 June 1955, during this yard period, CDR J. C. Lawrence, USN, relieved Capt. J. H. Kuhl as Commanding Officer. He in turn was relieved by Capt. I. L. Bailey, USN, on 15 July 1955. Capt. Brannaman was also relieved as commanding officer of the Marine Detachment by Capt. Richard E. Wray III, USMC, during June 1955.

During the late spring and early summer of 1956, the CURTISS participated in Operation REDWING in the Marshall Islands. This was the last atmospheric test series held by the United States prior to signing the atmospheric test ban treaty. Operation REDWING consisted of 17 nuclear shots. Capt. Richard E. Wray Ill, USMC was the commanding officer of the Marine Detachment during this operation.

Under the command of Capt. C. T. Fritter, the CURTISS departed San Diego on 27 December 1956 for Operation DEEP FREEZE II, carrying sailors and scientists to spend the antarctic winter and take part in the International Geophysical Year program. Calling at Port Lyttelton, New Zealand, from 12 to 15 January 1957, she entered McMurdo Sound on 19 January 1957 and transferred cargo by helicopter to the USS Glacier (AGB-4). From 21 to 28 January 1957 she put men and cargo ashore in the same manner, as she lay moored to the ice shelf. These operations at Little America continued from 3O January to 6 February 1957 .She carried out ice reconnaissance to Ikum bay and Sulzberger Bay, then departed McMurdo Sound on 10 February 1957. The CURTISS called at Port Lyttelton and Auckland, New Zealand, and Sydney, Australia, before returning to San Diego on 25 March to undergo repairs for ice damage. The ship continued her local operations until place out of commission in reserve on 24 September 1957.