Des Moines (CA 134) - Naval Cruise Book

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15. du, ( iccce The isle of Rhodes, Grecian spa of the Eastern Mediter- ranean, is situated off the rugged mountainous seaboard of Turkey. The island ' s namesake and principal city presents, to the sailor ' s first glimpse, an expanse of crumbling medi- eval fortress, white domed buildings, minarets, parks, and, fronting the Hotel des iloses, beaches and cabanas. Boats bob indolently about the harbor, their orange sails catching the constant Seabreeze. Brown skinned sunfanciers from far-off Switzerland and Germany populate the finely peb- bled beaches. Emerald water, its clarity a delight to any goggle diver, reveals rainbow hued fish winding through niches in rock which reach down to powderwhite sand. Rhodes is noted mainly for its Colossus, erected in 280 B.C., whose muscled legs spanned the entrance to the port. Time and earthtremors have since erased that granite giant ' s footprint, but his legendary height still exists. And what of today? He rented bikes in droves and pedalled till our only recourse was the cool draught of Greek beer. We discovered handwoven fabrics and pottery and bought knick-knacks and gimcracks for the folks back home. Fountains and sailcloth windmills and clean wide streets provided subjects for camera click- ers. A few of us spent the smart drachma on a tour to Lindos where we stood before ancient, silent ruins and dreamt of days when breastplated warriors and toga-clad maidens held sway. At night the avenues were packed with idlers strolling in the coolness. Bars and cafes burst with the noise of revelers and music gaudy as sequins on a doll. A ship ' s band played in a park, and there was dancing beneath the colored globs of swaying lanterns while a Greek group did pop tunes remis- scent of Glen Gray . . .

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Ah! Struck gold at last The Mike Division has the responsibility for the maintenance, upkeep, and operation of the four main engines and their associated equipment, such as turbo-generators, de-aerating feed tanks, lube oil coolers, purifiers, and con- densers. With a complement of approximately seventy-five men, Mike Division stands around-the-clock watches in the engine rooms. They toil long hours and are justly proud of the fact that the main engines have always been ready to take the ship anywhere at any time. They are, literally, the ones who make the ship go.

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BEACH PARTY: The skipper and his fair lady relax on the seashore. Des Moines beach combers in their element. Honestly, Jerry, I do think you were mistaken on that last call. My good fellow, you were distinctly out at home plate, but thanks for your kindness in -bringing the decision to my attention. First of all, gentlemen, I want it understood that as Crown Prince, I have abso- lute custody of the beer locker.