Block Island (CVE 106) - Naval Cruise Book

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PORT PAGE The BLOCK ISLAND majored in basketball. Yet its soft ball teams have won their laurels too-the enlisted men usually defeating the ofiicers. Our basketball season began 16 January 1945 when the USS CASABLANCA issued a challenge. That evening a group of unpracticed but experienced players traveled about five miles via motor whaleboat through a storm to lose a fast game by the score of 67-53. Our team has played in every climate from the cold of Puget Sound to the torrid heat of Leyte Gulf winning about 85 of the 96 games played. In San Diego we played a team from the Destroyer Base in which the BI ballmen emerged with a one point victory which might have been a defeat had the game lasted another 3 seconds. After the whistle blew, in a few seconds the opponents made a final basket. Probably one of the highest scor- ing games ever played on any court was between CASU 47 and BI in a quonset hut on Saipan. The score at the end of the game was 107-93. We defeated the USS KASAAN BAY which had not gone down in two years. The teams from the USS QUINCY, USS MISSISSIPPI and USS SI-IANGRI LA bowed to the FBI crew. The crew will always recall the brilliant passing and shooting of Teagarden, Tyer, Hagan and Silvola. Many times UQ' 'E' gr the opponents hadnit been able to get the ball down the courts to the half line before one of the forwards had it and was well on l1is way to another score. Russ Nielson, our slender center was superb in his play around the keyhole. Bobby Tyer, who made the game look easy, made uncanny shots from the side and in back of himself. All around basketball knowledge and experience stamps Buck Teagarden as one of the best players in the history of both BLOCK ISLANDS. Our little red-headed Irishman, Bill Hagan, always rolled up his share of the points while Harv Murdock proved an excellent defense player. Other men who have contributed their talents to the team are Ronnie Lund, Butler, Lovelady, Hurdle, Page, Domke, Erbbs, the Brasher twins, and Martin. All in all we have seen some great ball played in our hangar deck. Follow the sport- ing pages and see many of these names on the top notch college teams of the nation. 7 .

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THE THREE MUSKETEERS COMMODORE AND MRS. BATTLE RECEIVE AT GUANTANAMO PF? 1 I THE OFFICERS OF THE BI AT THE GUANTANAMO RECEPTION CAPTAIN SECREST WRITES LOVE LETTERS IN HIS ROOM Msiv - 9 '-x CHINESE FRIENDS ENTERTAIN US AT FORMOSA

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is-.f-sf-rs. Qef11:1,Qs1f2s2 .f f w fyr nazfs-was weref2?'mzmffff f Trainiugt Whip for Futura Admiral. The L55 lililtflx ISLXND has been singularly honored by its selection for training purposes at the Naval Academy. The berth to which CYIC 106. the successor to Cllli 21 is going about 1 ,lune carries with it much prestige and per- manence. It will be moored at Annapolis across the river from the L55 REINA MERCEDES and be actively used for a great many years, surviv- ing most other ships ol' this class. The FBI i11 years to Colne will be as much a legend to Navy men as the HEIDNA. The REINA MERCEDES. built in l88'F by Spain, was sent by the Spaniards to block the channel ol' Santiago Harbor during the Spanish-American War. She was sunk by the fire of the USS TEXAS and the USS MASSACHUDSETTS, was later raised and brought to the Academy for training pur- poses. Few ships ol' her date continue in active service and she has played an important part in the life of Midshipmen for 1140 years. Clif I06 will serve midshipmen in even a larger way. Although she will not make cruises, over 600 enlisted men and 75 officers will live aboard. Some 250 midshipmen will study and lunch aboard daily. All spaces, except living and messing compartments. will be used as class- rooms with offices for instructors. The trip to the Academy marks the beginning of' a new era for our carrier rather than the end of her career. Alien who remain with her will be fortunate indeed. Annapolis is a beautiful city, conveniently located in relation to Wfash- ington and Baltimore. Duty with her will offer opportunity for the sort of experiences and con- tacts every good Navy man seeks. 7 ,lune i946 Captain lieakley was relieved of his command by Commander Frank Slater who will be officer- in-charge of' the ship at the Academy. AX-NAl'Hl.I5 XXIII! Illl IZlHl'Ix lal ANI? IN 'l'lll l,UH 'ICH l,l'fl 'l llfINI1 KQHIC N I','H