Finch (DER 328) - Naval Cruise Book

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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.

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'K 'Kg .SHS INA In turn many of the crew went on tours to the Ami Villa ge fAmis are the original inhabitants of Taiwanj, and spectacular Taroko Marble Gorge. Of the Taiwan cities visited, Hualien had by far the best scenery. Its entertain- ment facilities were good, also. Our last day in port, weather warnings on Typhoon Clara began to go up. When we got underway the following morning, waves were breaking over the harbor protective break water. Our destination: Kaohsiung. It was decided that we would sail north then around the end and down the western side of Taiwan rather than sail south, the shorter way to Kaohsiung, and Clara. The next three days will not easily be forgot. It seemed as if we never took a roll of less than 30 degrees, while taking some more than 50 degrees. Not only was it impossible to sleep or work, but the galley could hardly serve meals. Care to bake a pie? -Forget it! These were not the only discom- forts. Numerous people cut heads, arms, legs, bruised and sprained various limbs, and one man managed to break one foot then sprain the other ankle. Visualize a man on crutches climbing ladders in heavy seas .... Still, FINCH had come through the storm well in comparison to the damage received by another unit. On the last night we helped others by escorting two fishing boats back to the coast. Nevertheless, it was a happy crew which pulled into Kaoh- siung on the 20th of October. We were back in Kaohsiung for more Taiwan Patrol. This time the weather in port was a little cooler470 degrees in the daytime. Underway, we had some rough days, but nothing to compare with Clara. Our operations naturally went very well. This time as a Liaison Officer we had LT Yung who became a shipboard figure with his knowledge and quick wit. Of course we enjoyed Kaohsiung as much as previously, for the same varied reasons. By November 17th, we were ready to go back to Market Time-and we did. This patrol period passed swiftly. One highlight was a few hours of gunfire support we gave in the vicinity of Qui Nhon. Another high point was the help we furnished for 2 days painting the British Volunteer Save the Children Hospital in Qui Nhon.