Hue City (CG 66) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 71 text:

ALLETA, MALTA 1 On Feburary 26th, 2002, USS Hue City pulled into port in Valletta, Malta. This was our first port visit of the deployment and what a fine one it was. The locals proved to be friendly and good times were easy to find. MWR sponsored trips to Gozo and tours of historic Malta. Malta Island measures about 17 miles at its longest distance from southeast to northwest and about 9 miles at its widest distance from east to west. The main physical characteristic of Malta is a well-defined escarpment that bisects it along the Victoria Lines Fault running along the whole breadth of the island from Point ir-Raeb (west of Nadur Tower) to the coast northeast of Gargur. The highest areas are coralline limestone uplands that constitute a triangular plateau, Ta ' Zuta (829 feet), to the west. The uplands are separated from the surrounding areas by blue clay slopes, while undercliff areas are found where the coralline plateau has fallen and forms a subordinate surface between the sea and the original shore. The total shoreline is 85 miles. The islands ethnic and linguistic composition reflects the heritage of many rulers. A European atmosphere predominates as a result of close association particularly with southern Europe. About 95 percent of the islanders are Maltese-born, and the remainder includes mostly persons of English and Italian descent. During the 20th century, the increasing rate of Anglo-Maltese marriages added a new dimension to the ethnic structure of the population. Malta ' s only exploited mineral resource is the globigerina limestone that is used as building stone, although the country has offshore reserves of petroleum. Its other assets are its deep harbours, an adaptable, skilled labour force, and a strategic position as both a fueling centre and, until March 1979, a military and naval base. The economy, therefore, has been somewhat artificial and until 1979 determined by the vicissitudes of war and peace in the Mediterranean. In the 1950s Britain began the retrenchment of its naval and military forces on Malta, a move that necessitated a drastic diversification of the economy. A series of five- and seven-year plans were supported by government grants, loans, and other fiscal incentives to encourage private investment. The island flourished during the Crimean War and was favourably affected by the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. Self-government was granted in 1921 on a dyarchical basis whereby Britain shared power and responsibility with Maltese ministers who were elected by the legislature. But the battle over the relative roles of the English, Italian, and Maltese languages took its toll, and in 1936 the islands reverted to a strictly colonial regime in which full power rested in the hands of the governor. During World War II, the islands repelled the Axis powers against severe odds, having been one of the most heavily bombed targets of that conflict. As a result, it was awarded the George Cross, Britain ' s highest civilian decoration. Self-government was granted in 1 947, revoked in 1959, and then restored in 1962. Malta finally achieved independence within the Commonwealth on Sept. 21, 1964. It became a republic on Dec. 13, 1974. Deployment 2002 67

Page 70 text:

TVEW BORNS Hue City is proud to present this deployment ' s Ti ll l ili lti fil ■ nhnn I I II ' miles away and months from home add to the sacniices these Sailors made for the opportunity to i Bom To: LTCDR Le Born To: OS3 Russell Born To DC2 Washington Born To: ET3 Christian Born To: ET2(SW) Gillham Born To: 0S3 Eerenberg Our Ship A to Z JP5 jet fuel is used refuel helicopters. We can carry 20,000 gallons onboard. h6 I SS Hue Ciiy (CG-66)

Page 72 text:

68 USS Hue City (CG-66)