Brumby (DE 1044) - Naval Cruise Book

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yards long. Here visitors are entertained by the mysterious music of classical strings as they glide silently in boats on the darkened waters of the lake. The only illusions comes from a row of tiny white lights along the gun wales of the boats. Several of the crew rented cars to explore the country on their own, sample native foods, and seek souvenirs. Our stay in Palma was shortened by untimely developments in the near east. BRUNIBY departed Palma 8 March and headed for Soudha Bay, Crete where we anchored with several units of the Sixth Fleet on ll March. The ship developed a minor engineering prob- lem about this time and we were forced to head for a sheltered anchorage north of Crete. This shallow area was also occupied by three Russian ships. While the engineers were busy making the repairs, the signal men were trying their best to communicate with the Russians. Finally, the go ahead signal was flashed back. The rest of the conversation dealt with such politically topics as girl friends, length of cruise, and time since being home. Eventually, the Russian signal man said he had to go to the room of food . It waS dinner time for our Russian friends. We were happy to have on board Chaplain Merle T. STRICKLAND, LT, CHC, for the cruise.

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He was an inspiration to many and a card partner to most. Always on the mess decks during the early hours, Chaplain STRICKLAND was Sensitive to the needs of the crew. He became known as the Navy's only electric chaplain. A milestone in the career of every line offi- cer is the day on which he receives his qualifi- cation as an officer of the deck. This event places on his shoulders responsibility for the lives of the crew and the safety of the ship while he is on watch. It is an acknowledged fact that qualification for officer of the deck is the exclusive province of the line community. However, staff corps offi- cers often have the opportunity to stand bridge watches under instruction. Recently aboard the BRUMBY a staff corps officer acquired enough bridge experience to be qualified as officer of the deck. LT. Paul J. CLOVERDALE, MC, USNR, was presented his qualification in Barcelona, after two months bridge experience on BRUMBY. Dr. CLOVERDALE, the staff medical officer for COMDESDIV 102, homeported in Newport, R. I. came aboard BRUMBY to perform in his medical capacity. In addition, he volunteered for bridge watches and began an intensive study of those books which are required reading for the line officer.