Marquette (AKA 95) - Naval Cruise Book

 - Class of 1946

Page 24 of 90

 

Marquette (AKA 95) - Naval Cruise Book online collection, 1946 Edition, Page 24 of 90
Page 24 of 90



Marquette (AKA 95) - Naval Cruise Book online collection, 1946 Edition, Page 23
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Page 24 text:

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Page 23 text:

Slipping the dock the following morning, we twisted into the approach of the first set of locks. A large wooden traffic arrow pointed to our channel and we moved into the first of the Gatun Locks. Lines were put over and attached to the tow locomotives which ran on both sides of the concrete walls of the canal. The native line handlers gave an impressive exhibition of seamanship, tying knots in our cumbersome eight inch manilla lines in a matter of seconds. Slowly the mechanical mules strained forward and we were on our way through the Gatun Locks. The canal in its present well-developed state seemed to belie all the stories of yellow fever and hardship so true in its early days. All the locks had smooth grass lawns surrounding them and the buildings were all new or in excellent condition. Finally the last gate of the locks swung open and the Marquette steamed into Gatun Lake, the world's longest artificial lake. VVe had a rather joyful time cleaning out our fire lines, washing down decks, and wading around in fresh water ankle deep. Soon we were in the Culabra cut, a seven-mile channel cut through solid rock for most of its length. One of our radarmen, whose family lived in Panama, tracked their car on the radar as they followed on the edge of the cut. About midway through Culebra, we passed a returning troop ship and half-heartedly smiled at the cries of Have a good time and You'll be sorry . At the same time, news came out that afternoon of a new atomic bomb that was capable of wiping out an entire city, which had been tried at Hiroshima. This also seemed to be the key for Russia to join the fight against japan. Towards nightfall, we passed through Mirafiores Locks and were out of the canal. As we passed Balboa, we picked up an escort of three frigatfs and headed into the Pacific. Many of us then had our first taste of wartime-cruising conditions. All naked lights were blacked out and a sojurn on deck after dark meant stubbed toes, skinned shins, and bruised heads. On the 9th of August we encountered a storm which harried us for three days. Things got a little rugged at times but the old salts just laughed and pointed at the frigates which sometimes seemed to leap out of the water and then disappear behind a swell for what seemed minutes. Rather symbolically, on the morning of the 12th, at the end of the storm, we awoke to the news that peace was in the offering. The radio shack had every receiver going full blast night and day, another atomic bomb hit, the Russians knifed through Manchuria. On the 1-fth of August, word was passed over the PA system that the war was over. This news, coupled with the start of dernobilization, gave much for discussion until the Hawaiian Islands appeared on the horizon. Far off on Diamond Head a signal light flashed permission for entrance and after stepping politely aside for the Saratoga, we steamed into Pearl Harbor. The Navy was gathered in force here from groups of LCI's on up to the new super-carriers. All about us were evidences of the collected might which had been preparing to hurl itself against japan proper. Even the VP's were not to be denied. Literally hundreds of them scooted back and forth from ships to the landings in the different channels. The main fieet landing looked like the junction of 42nd street and Broadway, complete to a traffic cop in a boat. The confusion was projected to three. dimensions by the continual take-off and landing of planes both from the field on Ford Island in the center of the harbor, and the little Kingfishers using the main channel as their runway. We moored temporarily in a berth alongside the remains of the ba-ttleship Arizona. This was a last grim reminder of the holocaust that had struck these islands a little less than four years previously. just behind us were moored a long row of auxiliaries of the PA and KA class, this secluded spot was quickly christined AKA Rofw and We were soon to get acquainted with it. To add a travel catalogue touch, the huge Dole pine- apple tower back in the distance near Honolulu sported its first bright yellow coat of paint since 1941. It was not too long before the mail came aboard and much time was spent ,reading and answering letters. The liberty schedule was posted and within a few days we were off to see Hawaii. The Fleet Landing proved to be quite an attraction in itself. Sailors swarming in and out of C107



Page 25 text:

1 - --v 4- : Vi. '- 1: wr' ' wv,,.,9 .QR f' - iam.-n ,, 1,1 4 s v, .s ?s,4.r- ,yifiinliii viiiliy' A' lf' - uhm. 1 ' LJ . .,, .r. ,f 1. M fg ,i Q: L1 . Mgm- tf- e i?-f, ir' W. the launches, long lines at the ship's service, a continual rush for the miniature Oahu rail- way whose trains were always threatening to pull out immediately, but never did - all these provided a never-ending buzz of excitement and activity. Into Honolulu we rode, to find a modern, crowded city, complete with movies, street cars, and plenty of soda- fountains. Souvenir shops as always did a thriving business and there not take a grass skirt, coral necklace or other items considered to typify The busses marked Waikiki were easily spotted and before long beach and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel became a favorite meeting place were few who did the islands. this world-famous for us. Swimming, sun-bathing, and attempts at surf-riding were soon popular sports, sometimes a stop at the palatial, temple-like, Waikiki theatre would finish the day. A minor discussion always went on as to whether Waikiki was all it was advertised to be. A few of the more intrepid explorers among us discovered Kailua Beach on the other side of the island and had much to say about it. Crossing the island to this other popular beach also included a rather exciting trip across the Pali. The Pali is a pass through the mountains which form the back-bone of Oahu. On the farther side of the mountains, the hills fall away almost vertically, giving a breath-taking view and ensuing ride to the fields and beaches below. There was plenty to keep us busy and time passed quickly. The softball teams played almost every evening at Richardson Field and the L division nosed out the N division for the intra-ship championship. We had started unloading soon after our arrival at Pearl, at Merrie's Point. We found the heavy pressure of war did not reduce easily, for, caught almost unawares by the quick collapse of japan, the Navy was in the midst of preparations for its greatest thrust. Long-laid plans could not be scrapped in a week, and the Mar- quetlels' future was determined by policy set far in advance. The momentum gained by the war potential did not decrease till we coasted to a stop three months later in Samar. After unloading, a stay on AK.-I Rnfw, and partially loading at the Army Base at Iroquois Point, we went to the docks at Honolulu to top off our cargo. During the short trip from Pearl Harbor to Honululu, the small boats proceeded on their own, and it was their first extended sea trip. We saw a little more of Honolulu and Oahu, some of the crew taking a tour around the whole island. It only took a few days at Honolulu and we were ready for sea. The morning we were to leave, the Wlatsonia, first liner to come from the mainland since the war's start, tied up at the Matson Docks. VVe sailed that afternoon, and with a final wave to Aloha Tower, proceeded to sea. We met Admiral Halsey's great Third Fleet including the Texas and the Missouri, going into Pearl on their way back to the States. The special sea detail was secured, the sea watches set, and we were on our way to Guam with our cargo. C129

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Marquette (AKA 95) - Naval Cruise Book online collection, 1946 Edition, Page 78

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