Austin (LPD 4) - Naval Cruise Book

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iifatscnit Nne of the many ferries the AUSTIN had to avoid while transiting Me Bosporos Straits view of one of the many Islamic Mosques along the straits of losporas.

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' 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.

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BRINDISL ITALY 17-20 OCTOBER 98 Brinclisi. a tbrtitlL-il seaport in the district of Apulia, is situated on the strait of Otranto. 270 miles east of Naples. It is an agricultural town with one of the best har- bors on the Italian Adriatic coast. The original settlement at Brindisi was captured by the Romans in 267 B. C, after which it became a Roman naval station. Virgil died there in 19 B.C. The town was captured, destroyed and rebuilt many times by foreign conquering armies through the ages. The town was dev- astated by pestilence in I34S and plundered in 1352 and I . 83. but an earthquake did the greatest damage in 14.56. It was an important naval ba.se during World War 1 , when the harbor was considerably deepened. The population owes much of its subsistence to the presence of an Italian Naval Base and Brindisi ' s connec- tion to the sea is evident throughout the town. Although, the time spent at this port was short, the sailor ' s and marines made the most of Brindisi and en- joyed a well-deserved rest. Some of the crew went on tours through Castellana. and Rome while others enjoyed good Italian food and camaraderie. Many took advantage of the facilities at a local U.S. air base. Brindisi had something to offer for everyone and the people there made the crew feel most welcome. The Mariner ' s monument visible from the outer Harbor Is Rudder-Shaped and is 174 ft high. I| was erected to pay homage to the seaman of Italy USS AUSTIN (LPD-4) entering the port of Brindisi. In the background an old Fortress guards the harbor ' s entrance. 20 USS Austni la ' am, ituolaCi ««