Frank Evans (DD 754) - Naval Cruise Book

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mrarrr- 051786 TOKYO TOWER OBSERVATION TICKET NIPPON TELEVISION CITY CORPORATION Most of the month of January was spent in Yokosuka. It is the largest and most important U.S. Naval Base In Japan. Located on Tokyo Bay, it is only a short train ride from Tokyo, Yokohoma, Kamakura, and Mount Fujiyama. During our three week stay, there was plenty of time for sightseeing and shopping. Every weekend m embers of the crew invaded the Navy Exchange to purchase hi-fi equipment, toys, fabrics, china, cameras and the countless other bar- gains that we went broke saving money on. Those more interested in touring than buying went to Tokyo where they saw the Tokyo Tower, the Imperial Palace, the famous Ginza shopping district and the Japanese Diet Building. All the latest American movies were there and for those who were more cosmopolitan the Kokosai Dancers offered a delightful treat. Kamadura was another target for our tourists. It is here that the world famous Buddha has sat for almost Imperial Palace Park in Tokyo This picture needs no caption 43

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IVAN When we left Sasebo on 3 January we headed northwest into the Sea of Japan. During our ASW Operations we were visited by a Russian destroyer which we nicknamed IVAN. He was very friendly or at least indicated that he was by steaming to within 500 yards of us several times. It was strange to see Russians studying us just as we were studying them. One morning he flashed over good morning on his signal light. We also saw a Russian submarine; and, yes, our evaporators went out AGAIN. As we headed toward Yokosuka for re- pairs, the Engineering Officer, Mr. Weegar, was seen on the fantail shaking his fist in the direction of Pearl Harbor where they were supposed to have been fixed. By the time we arrived in Yokosuka everyone was calling us the Rank Frank . We had plenty of water to drink but showers were scarce. Again! Pearl ' s back there, somewhere 42

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a thousand years. Hokone National Park was also close by for those who wanted rest and relaxation in a scenic resort-type atmosphere. On the business side we underwent our annual adm inistrative inspection. The crew put in many long hours of work for this , but we were rewarded with a grade of excellent and a compli- ment from the commanding officer of the inspecting ship that the EVANS was the cleanest destroyer he Rice fields near Sasebo Getting ready for the Admin had ever seen. We also welcomed aboard our new executive officer, LCDRC.H. LOHR and said good-bye to the old one, LCDR J. F. DANIS. Then we left Yokosuka for Sasebo and Hong Kong. Sasebo is the other U. S. Naval Base in Japan and is located on the island of Kyurku near Nagasaki. There was little time for sightseeing on the short visit. However, during Christmas the crew had already taken in the many interesting sights offered by Sasebo and its vicinity. There were tours to Nagasaki. These featured visits to the Atomic Museum and Peace Park and Madame Butterfly ' s House. The Guard Neither does this one 44