Montrose (APA 212) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 44 text:

7 Vf Ifot o c on ottcft i, :f -il7 As we look Ijack on any of life ' s experiences, there are alwavs certain aspects that seem to remain lirightest in our memories. Menioiy always embellishes fact, but how much would this really change some of the truly unforgettable experiences of this cruise? Who can improve on the story of 17 inches of rain in one day in Subic Bay? A stoiy that would include waterlogged paint peeling from ship ' s sides; Shoes that turned green from mildew overnight; Wading in ankle deep mud in Olongapo and the feeling of being damp constantly; Or in contrast: A dip in the largest swimming pool in the world; A tough mama-san — Mary Sue who bossed a motley but highly efficient group tliat washed and painted the ship so deftly each time we visited Hong Kong. 42

Page 43 text:

7 70 ttc Unlike most orciiivition wliirli ic(|iiir( ' i to 10 Ikuhs of an individual ' s talents during the day. the Navy is a 21 hour-a- day oeeupation. At sea the ships are eonstantly niovinp; and thus nuist be watehed. regulated, and handled: in port, the requirements lessen, but ai-e ba-iralU llu ' -anie. lor tiic 21 hour proteetion of the shi|i. Tlin- the ie(|uirements are Icxied on eaeh man to be his most alert. {)rofieient self during the night and in had weather just as during tlie day. In VestPae. requirements for watchstanders were even greater. The officers and crew at times were doubled up on watches to ensure added security and alertness of the ship. The responsibility of tlie watehstanders varies in scope and decision but there is always someone on duty or watch for eveiT assigned task or problem which might arise. Although watches seem countless and tiring, each man accepts his responsibility with the realization of the importance and necessity of his job both for the shiji and the country. r © ' itt; 9 41

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r ,r ■v - ■T iVlt il ' . I . J In addition, [ eio is a personal set of memories for eacli of us: A l)roken nose suffered in an accident ; Il ip In Itauilio: That di ision lilast on Grande Island: Havinii a tooth repaired in 20 degree rolls from ground swells while at sea; The vigorous bargaining of Hong Kong: The (liilian Alert ' ; The championship winning MONTROSf, H AinERS:, Bowling in the ship ' s league: es. thi cruise provided all of u- wilh incinoric- that will never be forgotten. 43