Joseph Kennedy (DD 850) - Naval Cruise Book

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i The harbor at night. Tripoli The spires of Islam rise throughout the city. wwf - fif -+ f r ' 1- M fy ... , , V , f -wwf 491 ' 'Aw 'M 7f +-JW , . , f .M-vs. V . - f fu... i...,,-V A-W . ,,..g x ,, I ., MJ :..-.f 'W 'f---- - No American Naval vessel had been in the Libyan port of Tripoli in over a year when the Kennedy arrived on l4 April. This was to be a routine visit, but constant attention from the Ameri- can Ambassladoriai staff brought us invitations both to official parties and informal barbecues. For the officers there was a reception at the Ambassador's residenceg for the men there were parties hosted by private citizens, and everyone found the complete facilities of Wheelus Air Force Base at his disposal. Tripoli was a strange, new experience, for most it was our first introduction to the Muslim way of life, with purdah for the- women and unusual customs, prohibitions and laws. Having been forwarned, though, we respected their codes. Without incident the men toured the old city with its bazaar's, visited mosques, and journeyed to the edge of the desert to visit SABRATHA and LEPTIS MAGNA, two magnificent Roman ruins. Above all, they spent much of their time over at Wheelus where the bat- gains and the hospitality were tops. Five days after we had come we left once again. This time ten days at sea awaited us, including the largest NATO exercise we were to be in, MED- TACEX V, a grueling 5 day ASWXAAW operation with Naval units from 5 countries. We played a good game, but the Tripolitanians drubbed us every time. Thieves' Market my -A 1 .

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, , On tour in the Greek ampitheatre. 3 Easter Sunday Zmczzm Refuelings and anti-submarine actions had come at all hours of the day and night during our last ll days of operations with Spanish and NATO forces. Now, as we arrived in Siracusa, Sicily, on 9 April, the major portion of our at-sea time lay behind us. Siracusa, the home of Archimedes, is a fair- sized city with tradition dating back to classical Greece. As we toured the city and its environs we saw an ancient Greek dramatic theatre, a Roman ampatheatre, a cave used in religious rites Qthe ear of Dionysusj and many reminders of the city's Christian heritage, both past and present. For us Easter Sunday came in Siracusa. The Captain and many officers and men attended Easter services at the cathedral. We could not understand much of the sermon, but it was obvious that part, at least, included a warm greeting to the American Navy. lt was a welcome which came from the arch- bishop, but which was echoed by the Siracusans, one which we returned to the many visitors who came aboard. And come aboard they did, both for general visiting and ceremonial occasions. The visitors came aboard in droves every day for guided tours of the ship.

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alonikaz The Arch of Galerius. Typical American Tourista on parade in a foreign land. We left our NATO allies in the Adriatic Sea on 26 April, then headed east to join our own forces. Together the many ships of the task group anchored in the harbor of Salonika on 29 April for an eleven day visit. This was the greatest amount of time we would spend in any port. Despite the city's size - it is second only to Athens - we got to know the sights thoroughly: the Arch of Galerius, the White Tower, the main shopping streets with their bargains in leather and copper, and the night spots. Salonika was large, but it was still a provincial city. The thought of Athens, gleaming far to the South, attracted many of the men. We had had trouble organizing some of our smaller tours, but when a weekend tour to Athens was first proposed the response was great. So too, according to everyone who went there, was Athens. Of course, not everyone could go to Athens and not everyone wanted to. There was maintenance to do, MEDTACEX reports to write, and a long operat- ing period for which to prepare. We had six days at the training anchorage in Argostoli ahead and an Admin to give the MOALE. Upon leaving Salonika on 10 May, we would not see liberty again for 14 days. The Roach Coach served beer on the pier. J l