Marias (AO 57) - Naval Cruise Book

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J aples The first large port MARIAS entered was Naples, Italy. Long noted for it ' s beautiful weather and hospitable people, Naples was to become MARIAS ' txjse of operations while in the Mediterra- nean. We found that the winter months are not the best months of the year to visit Naples, but the long cold boat rides, which are so o part of the Tanker Navy, did not seem to reduce the numbers in the Liberty Party. Naples had something to offer everyone. This modern city liberally sprinkled with remberances of the past will give many memories in the crew of MARIAS for years to come.

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Gibraltar Before you can truly say you have ever been to the Mediterranean, you must be able to say you have been to Gibraltar. Although Gibraltar is a British Colony the populace is primarily of Spanish descent. Picturesque churches, peoples and homes held the attention of all, and althou brief as our stay was, we v ill always remember Gibraltar. We had passed the great Azores, and we knew as we left Gibraltar, we were destined to: Fuel on, fuel on, fuel on and on.

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Pompeii Stepping stones- 1 Deep ruts were worn where the carriage wheels run between the stones. Thirty miles from Naples, at the foot of Mt. Vesuvias, stands the ancient city of Pompeii. This Roman city, an intregal part of the Ancient Roman Empire lies in ruin. Still remaining is the sense of grandeur which seem- ed to overwhelm us as we walked the ancient streets. As we left, we were forced to pause and question Steve Reeves ' part in the destruction of this great city.