John Rodgers (DD 983) - Naval Cruise Book

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HELSINKI Helsinki, the city, is nothing short of picturesque. After mooring, with the aid of the midshipmen of the Finish Naval Academy, the officers and crew ofJOHN RODGERS were treated to a myriad of official and unofficial functions. Diversity was the watchword with functions ranging from a Sauna Party to a reception at the American Ambassador's Residence to a challenge football match with a champion semi-pro team. Founded in 1550 by decree of the then King of Sweden, Gustav I Vasa. Helsinki boasts a long and colorful history having been ravaged by fire, plague, and enemy attacks. Twice Russia captured the city. The capital and largest city of Finland, Helsinki is not only the political center but also plays a leading role in the cultural, commercial, and industrial life of Finland. The White City of the North, having been built with local light-colored granite, will undoubtedly rank at or near the top of favorite ports visited by ' , ,iff . ' , V I f l I I K JOHN RODGERS. CQ. 1 7 , Z I I f f , f , X f x f 2 f f ,ii M X Look at that line! I think it's worth the wait. 24 Q Crowd lines up for open house Curious Crowd reaffirms JOHN RODGERS is worth the wait, A

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- -- JOHN RODGERS FOOTBALL TEAM HELSINKI, FIN LAND. HELSINKI ROOSTERS 6-JOHN RODGERS 22 SNOWY SUNSET CLEANING THE SNOW OFF THE FOC'SLE 23 IST DIVISION AT THEIR BEST

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l . W VICE ADMIRAL HOLCOME, 'Tm here to help you. l l 1 Of the many attributes that made Helsinki the prime liberty port of the North Atlantic cruise, one of the most memorable had to be the football game. While at sea, JOHN RODGERS was issued a challenge by the Helsinki Roosters, a local champion semi-pro football team. Never one to shirk a challenge the men of The Destroyer accepted and commenced to establish a team. Practicing during their off-watch hours, without the benefit of pads, helmets, and other essential equipment, the emerging team practiced in the pitching and rolling helo hangar. When finally moored at Helsinki the Team received, for the first time, the equipment they would use. Also for the first time the team practiced on a field that wasn't pitching and rolling and also where the entire team could prepare for the game. The game was billed as a must to see in the' local press and the fans, Finnish and American, flocked to see the game. After a good game the JOHN RODGERS emerged victorious, defeating the highly touted Roosters 22-6. While victory was sweet, more impor- tantly the crew ofJOHN RODGERS had once again worked as a team and shown that in the face of adversity, JOHN RODGERS Can Do spirit would always triumph. RAT GUARDS? . ,wg X. W-Nev l LW --Y V f - - Y , EWSN STWART, testing CNO,s new headgear project. 5 OFFENSE