Bainbridge (DLGN 25) - Naval Cruise Book

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Included in die tours of historic and recre- ational interest from Naples was a tour to Rome during the Holy Week. Many Bdinhndgc crewmen took advantage of this opportunity to see the sights in and about Italy ' s largest and most historic city. In Rome the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the ' illa Borghese. the Vatican, and the Trevi Fountain were only a few of the high spots visited.

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NAPLES, ITALY Following a week at sea, in which she participated in a large NATO exercise with military forces of France, Greece, Italy, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, Bainbridge pulled into sunny Naples. Italy ' s third largest city and busiest seaport, Naples proved to be one of the favorite ports of the cruise. Naples, the home of the cameo, offered an opportunity to do some ex- cellent shopping at the NATO exchange for products from all over the Mediterranean area. Included in tours of historical and recreational interest was a tour to Rome during the Holy Week, daily cruises to the storied Isle of Capri, sleepy Sorrento, famous Pompeii, and nearby Mt. Vesuvius. The daily tours to Capri included a two-way boat cruise, dinner and a sunburn. The famous Blue Grotto included on the route provided an interlude of wonder. Pompeii- Vesuvius provided the locale for yet another exciting tour. The city of Pompeii was buried under lava from the volcano Vesuvius before the time of Christ. The remarkable excavation restored the ancient city and much of the art of the time. A walk through Naples during the day is a sight-seers delight and quite an experience. If one avoided the horn blowing speeding vehicles he was sure to bump into an official Neapolitan guide who would spend the remainder of the day at your side. The night life was gay and spectacular and provided much entertainment for the weary sailor. The crew thoroughly enjoyed Naples and the only regret was that the visit to Naples passed too quickly. 65

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GOLFE JUAN, FRANCE During the ensuing four week period the ship was engaged in rigorous, at-sea training operations, including a large-scale exercise with French Naval and Air Forces. This period was interrupted by two of the most pleasant visits to Golfe Juan, France, a resort town located between Cannes and Nice on the French Riviera. As Bainbridge approached her anchorage on the beautiful French Rivi- era all could see the shimmering inlets dotting the coastlines and the snow-capped mountain peaks far beyond; but even this silent welcome didn ' t tell of the fun in store. Soon it was sadly discovered that even with a 17-days visit there wasn ' t enough time to take in all. Here the beaches with the typically French sidewalks, restaurants, and bikini-clad girls attracted many members of the crew. In addition to local attractions, tours to the towering Mairtime Alps, the perfume manu- facturing center at Grasse; Monaco, the tiny principality Grace Kelly calls home; Nice, the city of perpetual adventure; Cannes, home of the Inter- national Film Festival which was in progress during Bainbridge ' s stay; and daily tours around the Riviera were available. All enjoyed the beautiful scenery, the fine French food, and the night life on the Riviera. The Chief Petty Officers held their initiation for the 13 new chiefs and a good time was had by all. Alas, the time came for our final au revoir and on the morning of 20 May, Bainbridge ( xitA course for Corfu, the island paradise off the coast of Greece.