Missouri (BB 63) - Naval Cruise Book

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(lop) The Ami. ' uj A to ihc bron. !i bl lo sjilor.s nun ihc :.:::-, .... . ' ..:;... .uid Incnd. bid !j:. u.; (jbovc ici ' l) The hardest part of the eruise: saying goodbye.

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Bon Voyage! 25 July 1987 ' • s

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While the Summer of ' 87 brought news headlines of the continuing war between Iran and Iraq, sailors and Ma- rines aboard the Missouri sensed the battleship might be called upon to steam into Harm ' s Way. As has been the Missouri ' s heritage since the days of World War II, the mighty dreadnought answered the call with an unscheduled deployment. The men of the Missouri were headed for the troubled waters of the North Arabian Sea. The Missouri departed Long Beach July 25, 1987 as a unit of Battle Group Sierra. This deployment would in no way resemble the ' show the flag world cruise; the Missouri would be involved with supporting the Navy ' s mission in the North Arabian Sea and Arabian Gulf: protecting the delicate balance of peace and trade in an area where war had raged for more than seven years. The challenges of the Mideast conflict among warring neighbors were com- pounded by the grueling conditions of heat and blowing sand. The Missouri was charting a new course into the 21st century, a course which demanded a highly skilled, trained, alert crew pre- pared for any confrontation in the vola- tile Gulf region. (from top) Missouri sailors take one last look at loved ones. Under the watchful eye of Captain Al Carney, Commanding Officer. Mighty Mo prepares for departure. Underway — shift colors!