Bronstein (DE 1037) - Naval Cruise Book

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A-' -ff--'G-2 WvYg,-...- ..- . --eff..-. -- f -W-.- BRONSTEIN moved on, returning to the Tonkin Gulf and the ASW training area. Life was much the same as before only the schedule more rigorous. However, the tasks were easily met because a visit to I-long Kong was close at hand. Following a short delay caused by a typhoon, we steamed into that British Crown Colony on 16 August and moored at the foot of Victoria Peak. The next five days were spent in a frenzy of activity. Fortunes were spent on tailored clothing, electronic gear, cameras and gifts . We explored and enjoyed every acces- sible part of Hong Kong and when forced to leave early by another typhoon, we were saddened. Kaohsiung was only a two day transit but a rough two days it was . Scheduled for a twenty day upkeep period we had hardly gotten settled when we were again forced to get underway briefly for typhoon evasion. Returning to port we began in earnest to prepare for our lnserv inspection. Numerous pieces of equipment were opened or dis- mantled. I-Iowever our effort was rewarded by a successful inspection and the outstand ing liberty ashore . They say, Sailors belong on ships and ships belong at sea so with that in mind we departed Kaohsiung for one last patrol in the ASW training area. By now this had be- come routine and we took it in stride . We were now experts in the business of pro- viding ASW assistance and had compiled a formidable record along the way. On 6 October the task group again formed as a complete group, the first time since the Sea of japan Transit, and departed Yankee Station for the last time enroute to Yokosuka, arriving there ll October after a very rough transit. Our last few days in the F ar East were spent in preparation for our return home . The ship was put in the best pos- sible condition, tons of gifts were purchased and carefully stowed aboard and we en- joyed the sights, sounds, and experiences of the Orient for the last time. On the afternoon of 15 October, with the sun setting over the japanese hills, we were underway at last. Thankful that Westpac 1967 was behind us, completed without serious accident or injury, we turned our thoughts to home. As dawn broke on the morning of 28 October, San Diego lay partially hidden by haze. Nevertheless in we went, flags flying. We had departed a proud ship seven months earlier and we returned an even prouder ship. Proud that in our small way we had helped in the war effort by accomplishing every task given us . That was Westpac 1967 45

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