The Weeks is Re-commissioned

Following the North Korean invasion of South Korea, President Truman ordered American Forces into action.  The Weeks was re-commissioned on October 24, 1950, and commenced training cruises in the Atlantic and Caribbean.  

The Flying Enterprise

During a European cruise, January 1952, the Weeks participated in an attempt to save the crippled Flying Enterprise which capsized and sank in a 90 mph gale on January 10, 1952.  That incident gained the United States Navy international attention.  The owners of the lost ship, the Isbrandtsen Lines, later presented a plaque to the Weeks in appreciation for the assistance rendered to the Flying Enterprise.  The plaque was displayed on the Weeks’ quarterdeck when in port throughout the remaining years of her service.

The Weeks returned to Norfolk, on February 6, 1952, to engage in coastal operations and a midshipmen European cruise.

1953 World Cruise

During November 1953 the Weeks departed Norfolk for an around the world cruise.  While in the Far East the Weeks operated with units of the Seventh Fleet off the coast of Korea.  The Weeks returned home via the Mediterranean arriving in Norfolk on June 4, 1954.

From 1954 to 1963 the Weeks remained with DesDiv 222 (part of DesRon 22) operating from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf.  She participated in a variety of goodwill missions, midshipmen cruises, ASW patrols, training assignments in gunnery, ASW, and the like.  During this period the Weeks made five Mediterranean cruises and participated in two NATO exercises.

Suez Crisis

In August 1956 the Weeks was on a Mid East deployment when a crisis erupted over the Suez Canal.  When the crisis began the Weeks was returning to the Mediterranean to rejoin the Sixth Fleet.  The Weeks was denied access to the Suez Canal and was anchored, at Port Suez, for several days before being allowed entry.  During the time at anchor the Weeks was harassed by Egyptian patrol boats.  Later, while transiting the Suez Canal, Egyptian armed forces were situated in trenches near the canal with weapons pointed at the Weeks.  The Weeks reached the Mediterranean unscathed.

Operation Strikeback

In September and October 1957 “Operation Strikeback” was one of NATO exercises the Weeks participated in.  It involved over 300 ships from NATO countries and was one the largest – if not the largest – NATO Naval exercises ever conducted.  It was during “Operation Strikeback” that the Weeks, late at night, had a close call with an aircraft carrier.  The Weeks was at its designated station in the screen when the carrier, unannounced, changed course.  The Weeks, at the last moment took drastic, but effective, evasive action.  Even so, for a brief period of time the outcome was in doubt.

The Mediterranean cruise of 1958 included patrol duty and exercises with Bagdad-Pact countries.  During 1958 the Weeks was also active in U. S. waters, busy with midshipmen at-sea training and antisubmarine exercises. 

Operation Inland Seas

During 1959 the Weeks participated in “Operation Inland Seas” following the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway.  The Weeks was the first Navy destroyer to enter each of the Great Lakes.  During this cruise the Weeks escorted HMY Britannia, with the Queen of England on board, from Chicago to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.