Finch (DER 328) - Naval Cruise Book

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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.

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Sundays, during holiday routine, the fantail became a jungle of sunbathing bodies. The rest of the time we worked at a good pace, and when we left for a five day R 8: R visit to Hong Kong on December 10th, it was a job well done. 'Twas nice to arrive back in Hong Kong on December 12th for a pre-Christmas visit. This afforded us a chance to do some last minute shopping, although there was scant time for mailing. Many bought presents for themselves. Hong Kong was brisk, and blues were the uniform. Somehow the big city decorations and coolness made it seem more like Christmas at home. Downtown, where most of the English businesses are, reminded' one of Christmas shopping in any United States city. Since we were returning to Market Time for Christmas, many did their cele- brating early. By the 19th we were back off Viet Nam for another week's duty. The week went rather slowly because our operations were so calm. This was our last piece of work before heading back to Guam. Cn the way back, FINCH stopped two days at Subic Bay. Subic was enjoyed as much as usual, with more than a few escapades. Leaving on the 30th, we zigzagged through the islands of the Philippines and then took the straight east shot to Guam. 1400, 3 January, we were back in Apra Harbor, Guam after almost 30,000 miles and six months. , Avi' ' ' A 1 Y g ,V-. . , 3 , , 4 - , '. , -- . , V . , , I l . . . 'y.. , , ,, .- A., , .,,, , N., .,,..:,-.a.......:.-......c...-..,-.,-,V.M-...-..1..gaq-.A.?....xMU- if -f.-.y.,-.a.s.......-...14..1--...r....u...........-..,-,...a.i:...m..-y-.,...... . .a..Q.-1. ,... . .,.......uQm Y V