Benham (DD 796) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 55 text:

PONTA DEL GADA GIBRALTOR. AZORES and HOME Our stay in Gibraltar was brief, but allowed us ample time to take advantage of the mony excellent buys, es- pecially in Irish linens, English cashmeres and Scotch plaids. A tour of the Rock offered adequate testimony to its important role in control of the seas. The nec- essary cooperation between naval and land forces was clearly demonstrated. Our trip to the beautiful , Portuguese city of Ponta Del Gada in the Azores was marked with very heavy weother. Weather that was but a mere indication of the heavy seas that lay before us. The Rock We departed from the Azores full of anxiety for we were only about a week steoming from Newport. Spirits were naturally high, but were considerably dampened by the force of the mighty Atlantic putting on a fine winter show for us. Even gear that was heavily lashed down, wos washed over by the sea and there were times when the Atlantic looked like a mountain before us. However, as we neared Newport, even nature ' s finest could not suppress the twin joy: First we had completed a mission of protecting our national interests we hod extended good will and we had trained for a future emer- gency; Second, we were home. All hands were proud of themselves and the BENHAM and happy to safely return. We entered Newport on 18 December and despite the regulation weather that greeted us, we could look bock on this cruise with fond remem- brances for a long time. Home. Almost Home.

Page 54 text:

L v- ' ' iii l!|jiS5 ' ; ' ■, Barcelona and. -WE « ' L )»« »N g - r Es Ep » - L i Catoluna Square Citadel Park Plaza of Spain

Page 56 text:

OPERATIONS