Braine (DD 630) - Naval Cruise Book

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f h 1 1 . 1 Pit J ill 1 if? j The BRAINBUSTERS. Hatch. Cochran, and Carter were extremely popular in Melbourne as they were everywhere else on the cruise. Baker marched with the veterans of the Coral Sea Battle in the parade. The marching platoon from the destroyers in the Coral Sea Parade.

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FUt tS. SUVA ■IK MJI I LANU The beautiful Fiji Islands were only a fuel stop, but we made the most of the one day. A number of parties were given in our honor. Some made trips into the hills and proceeded to go native with jungle juice and grass huts. Others preferred the regular brew while sitting on a hotel terrace overlooking the blue lagoon. Coral, spears, and Fiji boats were big sellers. t o Want to buy a boat, mister? MELBOURNE Melbourne, Australia was the big rest and recreation port of the cruise. And what liberty! The land of down under opened its doors to us, and the Australian people ' s hospitality was boundless as most will testify. More parties and dances were given us than there were men to attend. In return thousands came down to the Yarra River to visit the BRAINE. Our visit was planned so as to permit our participation in the Coral Sea Celebration Week, an annual affair celebrating the victory of the Battle of the Coral Sea during World War II which saved Australia from invasion. A lew hardy souls tried hunting kangaroos in the bush country, but were not too successful. The 1800 closing of bars and pubs was an inconvenience, but nothing insurmountable. The degree of friendliness of the Aus- tralian people can be measured by the number of letters ex- changed throughout the rest of the cruise, and by the number of requests for a swap to any ship going to Australia. 16 -V: k t k i i k i i - 1 V i I J f I I 1 I r I I

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Mt. Fuji-san YOKOSUKA Yokosuka, Japan was the BRAINE ' s homeport in the Far East. On three different occasions we spent from one to two weeks here. These periods were for upkeep and repair of the ship in between heavy- operating periods, and to provide a bit of relaxation for the crew. The large naval base there offered many kinds of recreational facilities and a ship ' s store where bargains in chinaware, stemware, pearls, and silk were tremendous. A 3 magazine was needed to stow the many articles bought by the crew, a total of $13,000 worth. The town of Yokosuka also offered many types of recreation. A successful ship ' s party was held there in June. Black market alley was always interesting and a challenge to one ' s bargaining ability. Many journeyed to nearby Kamakura to see the great Buddha, or even farther to Tokyo or Mt. Fuji. The qreat Buddha, Daibutzu, at Kamakura Yokosuka Harbor 18