Barbey (FF 1088) - Naval Cruise Book

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Geelong Australia After thirty-five days at sea and the completion of Kangaroo II, we sailed on to the southern coast of Australia to accept an invitation extended by the city of Geelong, for a well earned port call, the Navy ' s first visit there in over twenty-five years. Upon entering the channel leading into Corio Bay, we were greeted by a flotilla of escorts from the local Coast Guard Auxilliary and waving Australians lining the channel ' s edge and sand bar in order to be one of the first to see our arrival. Awaiting our arrival at Cunningham Pier were at least two or three thousand of the town ' s people and press eager to meet the Yanks. The sincerity of this welcome was reinforced as the ship ' s phones were con- nected. The multitude of invitations to dinner, sporting activities, social events of all descriptions and sight- seeing excursions necessitated a special phone watch around the clock during our all too brief stay. The city administrators led the way in this sincere r and hi ensuff tliesli siiiilin dewa ' ' rieiidi Ther.

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and heart-warming welcome. Pulling out all the stops to ensure that the USS BARBEY would not soon forget this week in November, they set up and encouraged luncheons, entertainment and a variety of athletic events between the crew and the superstars of Geelong. Outback excursions were another activity, and even the saltiest of BARBEY ' s old salts could not resist the temptation of seeing kangaroos and koalas in the bush. During our stay, ship ' s tours were held daily. This open house gesture was such a great success that at times the ship from forecastle to fantail was packed with the smiling faces of newly made friends. Over eighteen thou- sand people from Geelong and the surrounding coun- tryside walked over BARBEY ' % decks. When the last line was cast off and we were un- derway heading slowly out the channel, waving to the friends we had made, we all knew what was meant by. There ' s no better liberty than Australian liberty!