Finch (DER 328) - Naval Cruise Book

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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 --

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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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out some new clothing, stereo equipment, cam- era, or other item. As good as our stay was, we had a job to do other places, and we began to get a little restless by the start of September. So on the 2nd we got underway, stood out of Lai Mun Pass, and steamed for three days to Sasebo, japan. While in Hong Kong we had got under- way twice for storm evasion, but this was the first steaming we had done for almost four weeks. It wasn't at all bad to move again. Those off duty in Hong Kong had enjoyed early liberty and plenty of R 8: R. Sasebo, how- ever, was a working port. In Sasebo FINCH moored alongside the tender, USS KLONDIKE QAR-22D for eight days to accomplish various jobs for maintaining readiness. There was time, however, to have a good ship's party. Evenings, the crew also enjoyed the various night spots of Sasebo. For others, there was a day tour of the surround- ing area which proved very beautiful. With the 14th of September came the end of our Sasebo sojourn, and we departed for Market Time Operations off the coast of South Viet Nam. 1, It . 5 ' 3 ' . L ,gf xl 1, ff' M s. F' 6 '-, .fl 5 -:WT is if ci , vu-,h Wig! ,wg ,uk ,ig X 0. -:'f.K'. QQ' .. if mai .T of fa xaffigk i , 1f'l3it f Vu- Warne K' .X X 'f . .fig T ff .g 'ww A '- ' t . :aff .-PW. :.f,.,.: .X fl 1:2-gg, 4 0 A- X, ' syn 5 4- 'f X 7, 'Q 'fkwir I.. , Lie! . Q.. ' Bling :A -.:,v,v. 66 -' T T f 1 i f.-A4.Zf4' f 1 . , 1. , V IN. M V, -V,,.,5, Z ,. V , e I --C.-Liam KM' -' 'Q f ' ' . Market Time Operations, which we per- formed until October 10th, is one of FINCH's principle jobs. Basically, we inspect coastal shipping to prevent the transportation of contra- band items which the Viet Cong might want. Our work went quite smoothly. Market Time duty was graced with an Unrep fUnderway Replenishmentj for fuel or stores every few days. The weather was beautiful up until the last week, when we began to catch the North-East Monsoon. One of the last nights, we experienced unusually heavy swells while escorting a dam- aged ship. Up to that time, this was the worst weather we had encountered. In a week's time, however, more was in store. Wfhen we left the Viet Nam area, we pro- ceeded to a new port for U. S. ships, Hualien, Taiwan. Situated on the east coast of the island, about 2 X 3 of the way north, Hualien is a pleas- ant, medium sized city. It sits on a four mile wide coastal plain backed by sharply rising mountains. Our half week visit' proved very enjoyable. On Saturday and Sunday FINCH held open ship for over 2500 Chinese.