Missouri (BB 63) - Naval Cruise Book

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Mo shows off friendship lights while anchored outside Perth FremnnUe. Auslnilia.

Page 94 text:

Eastern A ustralia Sydney Sydneysiders greeted the battleship with an enthusiasm and friendship appar- ent nowhere else in the world. The citizens of Sydney have adopted the Missouri crew, as evidenced by a tremendous re- sponse to the Dial-A-Sailor program for Christmas dinner. Hundreds of battle group sailors and Marines spent the holi- day in the homes of Australian families. The Missouri Chorus performed to ap- preciative crowds downtown and Missouri men visited children ' s hospitals to spread Christmas cheer. And as always, the media attention fo- cused on the Missouri ' s visit resulted in dozens of newspaper articles and daily coverage on radio and television. Of any port the legendary battleship has visited since its recommissioning, Sydney stands out from all the rest as a haven for friendship overseas. (lop right) With the Sydney Opera House in the foreground, the battle- ship Missouri steams into Sydney Har- bour, (right) Mighty Mo ' s hull num- ber is clearly visible through the fo- liage of Sydney ' s Royal Botanical Gar- den.