Monrovia (APA 31) - Naval Cruise Book

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W£ £ THIS IS JOE. Joe is an American seagull, a species which spends a lot of time bobbing about the ocean. Since we spend a lot of OUR time bobbing about the ocean, we thought Joe would be an ideal guide for this trip back to the days of our Med Cruise ' 65 - ' 66. So, cast off all lines. ..Lead the way, Joe...

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ATTENTION CAPTAINS ATOStSSS ! g Captain J. G. Fifield COMMANDING OFFICER This cruise book provides an enduring souvenir of MONROVIA ' S 1965-66 deployment through the Mediterranean. I am sure that in years to come it will be reviewed many times and find each of us recalling our individual trials and tribulations. Although MONROVIA was a combat ready unit of the Atlantic Fleet upon departure from Norfolk, she returned with a greatly increased capability gained through participation in many fleet and NATO operations and exercises. We have had the opportunity to visit, rather extensively, four countries and many of us par- ticipated in tours to other countries and areas. At a luncheon given on board MONROVIA for the diplomatic representatives of fourteen countries, it was said that the real American ambassador was the overseas serviceman. The men of MONROVIA have proved to be just that in gesture and deed. I know that your donations of free time and personal effort will always be remembered by the recipients. The cruise was of necessity longer than planned. The extension was accepted in the best of spirit with no visible let down and, if anything, increased effort. This attitude is but another example of willingness and determination to do the very best job possible. For my part, I was delighted to have been a participant in this cruise and to have had such a wonderful group ofofficers and men with me.