Harlan Dickson (DD 708) - Naval Cruise Book

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THIPIILI Our only visit to the African continent was the stop we made at Tripoli. Most of us felt Africa would be unbearably hot, but were delighted by the cool breezes moving in off the Mediterranean Sea. We were accompanied by the U.S.S. Oriskany and the U.S.S. Purvis. At Tripoli we found a small harbor well protected by a long breakwater. Circling the harbor was a beautiful drive bedecked with palms and flowers. Facing the drive were many modern buildings, and some of extremely ancient vintage, for Tripoli is a city of contrast, where the civilization of the Biblical times meets modern urbanity. Notable were an old fortress of the Barbary Pirates-where the captives of the Frigate Philadelphia are said to have been held by the Bey of Tripoli, and the Wadaan Club. The latter was erected under lVIussolini's regime and was reportedly used as a head- quarters by Marshall Rommel during his North African campaign. The Arab population added much color to the scene with the fez and burnoose much in evidence, Unusual sights were the old wells using a goatskin as a bucket, typical of the kind used in Biblical times, and the many camels and small donkeys, most of which were very mangy. Our visit was made more pleasant by the whole-hearted hospitality shown us by the personnel of W'heelus Air Force Base, located near Tripoli. They helped make our ship's beach party a success, and allowed us to use their clubs during our visit. The pleasant memories we all carried from Tripoli are, in a large measure, due to our friends in the Air Force at Wheelus.

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The Acropolis and the Parthenon viewed from various angles. In the center-two Grecian maidens spending a day iust as we tourists.

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