Block Island (CVE 106) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 67 text:

...ii is--.nay-1 ' yfliiv i--' -uv ..- , ' 'vgggggbu :mar '55, ,-qpt.-1,33 Caribe Hilton P001 A Fortress! Main Entrance of the University

Page 66 text:

-,.,.,, .A .,--1..- - 'f:5l1f'5 ..- s l '.'9 2' ' A 'A afiz q i u y y 7 :11 .- -: .t- J : ff,- , ' ' ia' f T1 x 'Y -F' 'L ... .5-' ' ...PQ .7 -- J' Yr JUA ,PUERTo Rico PASSING Hispaniola to starboard we reached San Juan, Puerto Rico the fol- Y lowing week. From the entrance to the r g 5 harbor we could see proud, statuesque Morro Castle, jutting forth in all her former glory, a remembrance of days gone by when she served the people of this community so well in warding off impending invaders. Self-conducted tours through the streets of old San Juan gave light to the culture of old Spain, while in visiting the newer parts of the city we found buildings and shops reminiscent of home, and of course no discussion of a trip here would be complete without mention of the beautiful Caribe Hilton Hotel. Facing the water this gorgeous hunk of cement, steel, paint, swimming pool and lovely women induced all to look it over. While there, free dancing lessons were given by Arthur Murray instructors on the hotel patio. This was also the spot for exotic evenings complete with silvery moon, mood music and lush tropical breezes. A further description of this balmy paradise is unnecessary, just ask the buddy next to you for his experiences. We received an ofhcial visit from Admiral Doyle, Commandant of the 10th Naval District and also were able to take advantage of the wonderful facilities of NCB, San Juan where the beautiful EM and CPO club attracted quite a throng. At night there was always ,lack's for chow and Marin's, where we tried to sample the 70, I said 70, count 'em, types of rum drinks. While in San Juan we became acting host to 8 guests of the SECNAV and they joined us for the trip back home. This was a new role for us but all hands did their utmost to insure our visitors not only an enjoyable time but a chance to see us under simulated battle conditions. K In return letters to SECNAV and the ship, all 8 guests joined enthusiastically in praising the efforts of all hands dur- ing their trip aboard. ' S 'Hz-

Page 68 text:

my ,.-.5-,--,,, , , ---.. , ,W . ... M' z1f:w,fz J.. .1312-:P L:-'wi' 'l-3. vlaglzzi V n f -' --.f --'f--:-+2 ..-cf:-1 . -- - if - -- ' 'IQNIHHI V ' . 2.31 air. .' J - , - . R- - -- 1 ,..- ..,. , .mf QSM ggi--:,--2-,,, g5ET9:.Sf5,?EQ1:.-Qi:-F Eff HH512 .1uwmmwMnmv11---- - The following Monday We left for home and the anticipation of returning to US shores was apparent from the many cases of Mchannel feverw exhibited by the men. Finally, on that Friday morning in Febru- ary we dropped the hook in the Waters of Chesapeake Bay and scores of sailors hurried for the beach to tell, retell and remember the stories of their 1953 Carib- bean Cruise. It had been a period of inten- sive training for all of us and we had un- dergone everything from round the clock flying to before dawn fueling, all without mishap. We received outstanding and well done's for most of our efforts and we re- membered these Words of praise as well as the following memories: N'DlV Q -tl - -- He SAYS hewmuis 'two Pesos, 1-hree P9045 67 CQGRYEHSS, and-Hxe BLOCK 'ISLAND.'T'CLLhyyq we NNT sei- -the 1-wo DES05 I 1 CANT HELP UT wr 'fm Cummins, Au.vRxN6-, AND STSLL H me z vase!