Finch (DER 328) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 10 text:

A TICI ET T0 RIDE You might say it was warm-Yes, even hot-back in June and july. Besides, being in Guam really failed to offer much. So when 8 july rolled around we were ready to go. On that Saturday morning the weather was typically Guamanian-the oppressive heat pushed down as the steam tried to rise from the harbor. FINCH stood out, leaving Orote Point behind about 0950. When leaving Guam, West is a good way to go, for land is closer that way than to the east. And almost due west is Subic Bay, R. P. where we arrived on the 12th. Although the stop lasted only a day and a half, reaching Subic was a relief to the crew after Guam, except for those back in B-4, who were rather busy. 'au 1 3 l .a Q 4 While in Subic, we changed our collective mind and decided to head for Kaohsiung instead of Market Time. After three and a half days steaming-and the old XO's mix-up on time A X A zones-the delicate fragrance of Kaohsiung wafted across the water as we pulled in early on the 16th. We were to spend the better part of a month on Taiwan Patrol in and out of Kaohsiung. Along with its smells and sounds, the sights of Kaohsiung are interesting, not to mention the more popular pastimes. The amount and variety of merchant shipping is surprising. Through that narrow gap entrance pass hundreds of sail and motor junks of all color, description and size. The oceangoing craft range from tramps, to old Liberty hulks, to sleek japanese tankers. The merchandise available in the stores and markets is astounding. Woodwork ranks as one of the best buys. But there are many fine things on sale in Kaohsiung, and almost everyone took advantage of our stay.

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li C MMANDING OFFICER EXECUTIVE OFFICER Lieutenant Stephen W. Barber was born in New York City on February 24, 1937. After graduating from St. Mark's School, he attended Princeton University, earning his A.B. degree. While at Princeton, LT Barber was in the Regular NROTC Program, from which he received his commission. His first duty was CIC Officer, USS NOBLE QAPA-218D from june 1960 to june 1962. He then served as Opera- tions Officer of the USS DEHAVEN QDD-7275. After a year of school at the American Institute for Foreign Trade, he received his B. F. T. degree. In june 1965 he served on the staff of Commander Mine Flotilla One in Sasebo, Japan. During this tour he met Miss Maryann Comisky, whom he married in February 1967. In May 1966, LT Barber began training to be Officer in Charge, Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Surveillance Unit Twenty-Two. He and his unit subsequently deployed to Nha Trang, RVN. For his work in Viet Nam, he received the Navy Commendation Medal. He reported aboard FINCH in july 1967. -- ......--............e....:.....i.....4i4...m...s..-,4.a.-. .14 1 .aa --as- Commander Myron A. Skubinna was born in New Salem, North Dakota on August 15, 1931. Upon graduation from Whitman Col- lege in Walla Walla, Washington in 1955, he entered U. S. Naval Officer School and received his commission in November of the same year. He then served in maintenance and personnel billets at the Bremerton Group, Pacific Reserve Fleet until july 1955. From then until November 1956 he served on the staff of Commander, U. S. Taiwan Defense Command. Next he was Communications Of- ficer on the USS KEARSARGE QCVA-337. CDR Skubinna then became Operations Of- ficer of USS GUNSTON HALL QLSD-5, and subsequently of USS THEODORE E. CHANDLER QDD-7175. After this duty he was assigned as Current Operations Officer at Fleet Operations Control Center, Pacific. In April 1965 he assumed the duties of Execu- tive Officer, USS EVERETT F. LARSEN CDD-8301 On july 7, 1966 he became the Commanding Officer of the FINCH. CDR Skubinna is married to the former Carolynn Kaye Trantow of Spokane, Wash- ington. Mrs. Skubinna and their four children are currently residing in Spokane. 22 Q.-Q-mms: -..-..,..v:..a.-. ---1 - nw- --- - -

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There were advantages and disadvantages to our job. Among the latter was being anchored a 20 minute water taxi ride from Fenwick Pier. We were lucky, however, that we had the SOPA ADMIN boat to ferry us. Our visit was during the water shortage so we had to make our own. Thanks to efficient evaporator opera- tion we had more water than many Hong Kong residents, although we still used it with dis- cretion. Another advantage was preferential treatment by many establishments because we would be present to provide business longer than other ships. Regular Shore Patrol per- sonnel worked hard, but got to relax in their rooms at the Hilton with free running showers. In spite of the attractions of Wanchai, the Hilton was a center for many of the PINCH. On clear days, some took the tramway and ....- .-.......,,,.........+.1gQ.4,...-a .1....,...4.... . cg. sw.. ,M --1 As for our patrol duty, it was fairly easy. The Straits were unusually calm, the weather clear enough to catch a glimpse of China. Operations personnel kept busy in their work but were not overburdened. Engineers were free of any major troubles. The Wardroom was engaged in host- ing our Chinese liaison officer, LCDR Wu. All in all, we had smooth sailing the whole way. Still, Kaohsiung had been a little hot-you know how that sun and water-reflected' heat warms up gray metal-so we left for Hong Kong August 10th. From the 11th until September 2nd, FINCH was SOPA ADMIN Hong Kong. It was a big job, but everyone enjoyed it. We coordinated all details for visits of other ships to Hong Kong, ran Shore Patrol, controlled communica- tions, and acted as a host ship. Operations personnel were probably the busiest of the lot and deserve much credit for the fine job done by the FINCH while she was Station Ship. walk to Victoria Peak, right above the Hilton.. San Francisco, you're beautiful, but for hills you'll never compare with the near vertical sides of Hong Kong's Victoria. The comforts of Wanchai and the Hilton, the beauty of the bay and Peak are all important. Most of all, Hong Kong is known for its shopping. Tailors pull you in off the street. Even when they over- charge you unmercifully, clothes seem to be a steal. Hong Kong is loaded with international wares of all descriptions, and there is probably no other place in the world with such prices. Hardly a PINCH sailor failed to return with- . , .. ,gk .., ..a..-..:...a..-..,...-L. .-.-.. .v-K-up a..,- V ., v Nm--Mr --