Brown (DD 546) - Naval Cruise Book

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E On the 27th, the division arrived at Yokosuka to complete a rigorous repair schedule prior to departure for Task Force 77 again. This portside venture was spotlighted by a ship's party in a Japanese cabaret restaurant where all hands made merry dancing and dining. Rest camp tours were sent to interest- ing resort spots in the Mount Fuji recrea- tion area. Sea stories flowed like wine as the vactioners returned with their many interesting tales. After a week of preparation, the division departed Yokosuka for northern Korean waters to rendezvous with Task Force 77 for the last time this year. Our two week stay with 77 sped by uneventfully. Fortunate timing brought our return to Yokosuka on December 24th, Christmas Eve. We were to spend three days in port. The holiday season in Japan proved far from CT in satisfying to most of the crew, but a well decorated Christmas tree and a wonderful holiday dinner helpeditremend- ously in keeping the Christmas spirit high in all our hearts. Joy was expressed by everyone on December 27th, when, with majestic Mount' Fuji in the back- ground, we waved good-by to Japan. Proceeding to Midway Island, we arrived New Year's Day, 1953. Here on this remote coral atoll in mid-Pacific waters we saw the famed Cfosoney Bird. We all experienced quite a laugh at the strange antics of these seemingly tame birds. It was observed that they had much difficulty in taking off and landing., though once airborne they were as capable fliers as their sea gull friends. Our short stop at Midway was followed by a full power run with all the ships of DesDiv 132 participating. Top speed was sustained for several hours. As was expected, the Brown outdistanced the rest of the division, though the U.S.S. Harry E. Hubbard gave very good chase. After comparing notes and summing up of readings however, we realized that our victory would have to be cataloged as a moral one. Statistics showed that we had exceeded our allowable limits of fuel and feed water in order to make our maximum power. j And finally, with all minds full of thoughts of Home and the States, we bring our story to a close. The wake of the Brown proceeded on to Pearl Harbor for a two day stay and thence on to San Diego. California, U. S. A. Q With Point Loma hoving into view,7'the second successful , ' V Korean cruise of the U.S.S. Brown has terminated. ' 2' A A new chapter is begun as the men go off to schools and 'i well de stervefdl-'sle.avesg ,happy to be home, but proud of the job H they have done. I .x . 1 7

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. -HN tfrtafg-flssfvtif-Q' - - ' -.ri6----.::.:z1-arf.:-aw.:J 'Tw 41, P' l Q B , I? 'P ,, ' eq ,,L a f O 1 fu.. me . 5 ' - .W .- ,,- - , ,-:,,,,:- 5, f2,-gf: Wijpgj i f V ' ---,- 1-' ' 2--1 ar, ,la -f x ,Mgt fr ' if.t 5?-'fff-2E51- f -'-- fi?-7'V' f - F.. - ' ' 5 AA ttt ff ' 'A' ' 1.---j g 'T Q.,-3--off ' img. If ' ,Mr nj , .1 . 'L f-s 'S 7 1' ' I in 1' ' f',f, My Y,,,,,fh ,4 fff, 'QW fz f -:H W . V1-ber 9- -r- - - A ,,.., .af 1 'N' ff X - A .gf-'.L.l'-it-.,-- I A 3 , I AAAA gl M- , a , 4, - ' ,, ,, ,,f--fff- 'wa .... it ,wggff,W, fa fsfzpifi f In the maddening battle of competition that followed, some 60 Chinese merchants were authorized to come aboard to display and sell wares. Thus commenced operation sellout in which nearly everything except the ship itself was bought and sold. The merchants sold every- thing from Cocacola to tailor made suits, needless to say the Brown crew will be the best dressed sailors on the beach upon arrival stateside. The crew shortly took to bargaining after the merchants were found to have a very pliable prices. Many enjoyed dealing with the chinese if not purely for the pleasure of gyping that last ten cents by argument, pleading and threatening if necessary. Thus our three day spending orgy began, and many thousands of dollars changed hands in purchases of suits, shoes, yardage material , Qsilks, cashmere, gabardine, etc.J, uniforms, rugs, knick knacks, jewelry, and much more than space will permit. The low competitive price of these goods were very attractive it seems. Of interest also, is the guided tour of Hong Kong Island offered by one of the local companies. Many spent a day on the sightseeing tour around the colony. The trip ended with a seven course dinner at the Leda Hotel, on Repulse Bay. This alone was worth the venture. The principal city, Victoria offered the most interest. There are many fine restaurants, hotels, X directly behind the city provides a breathtaking view, and is mountable by a special tram cable car. Once at the top, the city of Victoria spreads below along with the harbor and city of Kowloon across the harbor on the chinese mainland. Here l a so, was the ideal place for photographers to record for themselves an ideal scene. Since all good things come to an end eventually, we once again set sail on Saturday November 15th, and left behind a memory of many experiences. Our destination, Buckner Bay, Okinawa, was reached on Monday two weeks later. After fueling, we settled down for the evening and liberty was granted. The next morning we hoisted anchor for a week of submarine war games, Shortly after, a typhoon warning was received involving us. For nearly a week the typhoon chased the small task force we were part of, around the ocean until once again we arrived at Okinawa on the 22.I1d of November. Our ,schedule upset by the typhoon, the carrier Bataan and eight destroyers including the Brown left the next day, to cram the remaining schedule into five days. banks, shops, and department stores. A peak 16

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Commander E H Durmfel CHANGING Falhng 1n Master of ceremomes Farewell address 18