John Thomason (DD 760) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 71 text:

If . 'ar 'llsff in an 1 ., P, 'spd- Ilitdfgin rl ?J.w,5?5ff sr 9' .5 ji fn ' 4 .X ga' - nf' A .. K Q f . '- ,4 4-, ,. ,Ji . , , J , , 1- I rc F' - .- I , .f - .,- ' - .-,Lf . , , g k',Vy' .,, , Mir' xalxw 'L f 5 x ..-f ge ? X- nv pf-1 fjjigf ,,,,,,,, 1 WQY5 QNXRW he f , 5... Glongapo has been branded with many labels, but all the oldtimers agreed the city had improved much since the last cruise. After all, the main street was fully paved now. And even overnight lib- erty was permitted, something even the saltiest oldtimers had never heard of. Before ever reaching the main gate, nearly every sailor could count on being approached about a black market exchange of money. As he passed through the gate, the sailor was struck with two things: the stench of the Olongapo River, and the blaring music of seemingly end- less street of neon nightclubs and bars. After winding his way through a stream of street vendors and possible pick- pockets, the THOMASON sailor arrived at his favorite bar. Maybe he had a Subic sweetheart there, but always he could count on good, loud music and a San Mi- guel beer. The Subic Naval Base offers some of the most complete recreational facilities any- where, and THOMASON sailors were quick to take advantage of them. Full-sized and ,miniature golf courses were both available, trap shooting, go-kart racing, water-skiing and skin diving were all found and used. Grande Island was a beautiful and relaxing place to spend a day in the sun and water. And the serviceclubs did a land office business as the crew flocked there in the evenings. The officers found a special thrill in the Cubi NAS officer's club where, for just one dollar, there were guaranteed instant acceleration to sixty knots in a jet mock-up, a slight chance at catching a recovery wire, and the almost assured end of a soaking in a pool of water. There was certainly entertainment of any variety for everyone on the base.

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ubnc Ba ,P.I. Subic Bay was the THOMASON's most fre- quented port during its deployment to West- Pac. The ship spent two upkeep periods there and was in the port on four occasions Although this port is the most complete forward logistic base for Seventh Fleet de- stroyers, the surrounding area offers little to the sailor looking for a little sightseeing and peace of mind. Nevertheless, the men of the THOMASON took advantage of the many base facilities and the excitement of Olongapo. .

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For the rnan who didn't have everything, the Navy exchange at Subic Bay offered just about everything. From elaborate cameras to so- phisticated stereo components, from Philip- pine mahogany to Japanese pearls, each THOMASGN sailor had abundant opportunity to spend his hard-earned wages. By the end of the cruise, the Subic exchange was drained of its stock and the THOMASON sailors had left behind a sizable portion of their earnings. my ., fn, QW. -w 'Q 'N :xx ,ts ' .xy