Benham (DD 796) - Naval Cruise Book

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i ' gdonexvIl: ™ a. : m. ' --::.f y. ' :. ' M Three thousand miles west of Son Diego, lies the Midway Islands, two small coral stretches less than two square miles in area. These islands, Eastern and Sand, rise only a few feet out of the Pacific. At 0900, we arrived and found a Coast Guard Cutter firmly grounded on the reefs at the entrance of the lagoon. After rendering what assistance we could in the way of damage control equipment, we entered the channel with the cutter close aboard to port, anc ' proceeded to Sand Island to refuel. MIDWAY, T. H. MIDWAY We immediately discovered the number one citizen. The Gooney 3ird , and all hands broke out their cameras to photograph this strange bird found only on Midway. The coral beaches and dazzling white sand provided a beautiful shore and many of us enjoyed a swim. The following afternoon, we set course for Yokosuka, Japan our first port of call in the Far East. At 0001, 1 July we crossed the International Date Line thus setting our clocks ahead twenty-four hours. There was no Thurs- day for the men of the BENHAM. t«HJIikli« « ' tol A reo! Churacter ! A Mate in Distress J

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PEARL HARBOR What the local Winos drink Palm trees, Hotels, outriggers and what will she look like in 10 years? «i HAWAIIAN ISLANDS Turquoise colored water, a beautiful moun- tain backdrop, made the Hawaiian Islands appear unequalled lo the crew in natural beauty. The Japanese ottack was but a vague memory kept alive only by the watery- graves of the sunken ships. Many took a five hour, scenic tour of Oahu; others swarmed to the world-famous Waikiki Beach, framed by Diamond Head Mountain to the East, for surfboard riding and surf bathing. There were many fine restaurants and night clubs offering a real treat in food and enter- tainment. Some enjoyed surf fishing at Coral Point, a new and exciting experience for them. After visiting the Forty-Ninth State Fair many sailors took the water taxi back to Ho o ' ' j ' - ' ° joined the crowd at the YMCA where a dance was held. This event brought to a close a wonderful, two- day stay and the next morning many, sod eyes lingered on the Hawaiian Islands in the background. Looking at Diamond Head from Waikiki

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JAPAN The orrival of the BENHAM in Yokosuka marked a big event in our cruise, because it wos our first For Eastern port. It is sometimes called the Secret City because it is sur- rounded by immense hills and mountains. During World War II it was the Annapolis of Japan and it was a mighty novo! for- tress. Adapting themselves to Oriental ways came quite naturally to the crew even though it was the first time in the Orient for nearly oil of us. Everyone was pleased with the quiet leasure and humble politeness of the Japanese. The houses of paper and wood with straw matting on the floors, the trishaws, the weird, mysterious music all called for close attention. It was so different from the United States that we were at a loss as to where to begin. Those who could tear their eyes away from the brilliant banners and signs that hung on the hundreds of shops filled with curios and oriental gifts, found a trip to the outskirts one to be remembered. And night life was indeed a new experience for us all. Ninety minutes from Yokosuka was Tokyo with its well known sights and modern architecture blended against the ancient. There was much to be seen there, but we could only scratch the surface in the few days we hod at our dispos- al. We left Yokosuka, quite happy with the news that we would return. Papa-Son ' s day oft