Austin (LPD 4) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 21 text:

This is an ancient avenue found in the city of Perge near Antalya. Turkey. Perge (pronounced PER-GAY) was settled by the Greeks, then Romans. It was abandoned after a severe earthquake. These ruins used to house the public baths in Perge. Believe it or not, this bath house was lined with marble and the Romans developed a heating systems to heat the water. These are the ruins of Hellenistic gate constructed by the Greeks and later used and modified by the Romans. This was once a fountain. The statue in the center depicts the river god Kestros. The fountain was spring-fed and water flowed from underneath the statue to a canal which stretched down the middle of Perge. Why? Early air conditioning. USS Austin 1 7

Page 20 text:

Antalya, Turkey 6- IZ AUGUST 1997 The first thing that comes to mind about Antalya Turkey is how HOT it was. The Average temperature during the day was a blistering 105° F, which baked the good ship Austin as well as her crew. However, the plucky AUSTIN sailors and marines took advantage of the beaches, and a water slide park to beat the heat. In the evening , when it was cooler, Antalya ' s night life beckoned. There were plenty of beautiful restaurants, bars, and shops nestled in the cliffs above Antalya Harbor to accommodate everyone. Quite a few people managed to get good deals on leather products, Turkish rugs, and gold jewelry. The tours offered by the husbanding agent were outstanding. All who participated, commented on how beautiful and interest- ing the ruins of the city of Perge, and the Roman Amphitheater at Aspendos were. The tour ended at a cool lush waterfalls which really helped with the heat. The few brave souls who went white water rafting had a blast. The river was a two hour drive from Antalya in the rugged and sparsely populated mountains to the north. The long drive was worth it, because the river was enough of a challenge for everyone. The freezing cold water was a welcome relief from the heat. All in all, Antalya was a good port, even if we all spent a little too much money. The USS AUSTIN had an opportunity to pass by one of many resort areas Antalya had to otter. In background you can see the Taurus mountain range. 16 USS Austin LCU 1650 gets a chance to break dw.iy iium ihe AUSTIN and play for a little while

Page 22 text:

' H - ' J X ' UPPER LEFT: This structure is the outside wall of the Aspendos amphitheater. It was built Into the side of a hill ABOVE: Austin sailors seek shade near the stage of the Aspendos amphitheater LEin : The Aspendos amphitheater Is one of the best-preservl Roman amphitheaters around today. BELOW: Hard to believe this lush and green waterfalls could even exist in the dry and hot conditions of Southern Turkey. These are the Kursunlu waterfalls. BOTTOM LEfH : The acoustics are so good in the Aspendos amphitheater, that it is said that a person from the top tier of seats could hear a person whisper from the stage.