Pine Island (AV 12) - Naval Cruise Book

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MAY May saw several important and inter- esting events. Most of the month was occu- pied by another two-Week tender availability at the JASON and preparation for and conducting of our Operational Readiness Inspection CORD. This was to ensure that We were ready in all respects for the forthcoming West Pac deployment. May also saw Captain Cooper depart the ship to become the Commanding Officer of the USS TICONDEROGA QCVA-145, He was relieved l 6 May by Captain Gerald E. Minor. An impressive change of command ceremony and personnel i n s p e c t i o n were held on the hangar deck Wh i l e a lo n g.. side the USS JASON. F amilies and friends Were invited a b o a r d t o Wi tn e s s the event.

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T UN June was a busy month for all of us. Our time in the states was drawing to a close and many things had yet to be done. The first week was spent at White Cove, Santa Catalina Island, operating with sea- planes from VP-40 and testing ourselves prior to our deployment. The rest of June was spent in intensive preparation for our coming deployment. Supplies and provisions were taken aboard, and ammunition was loaded. In addition, much hard work was necessary at home to provide for our families during our six mgmgh absence. June 26th came all too soon, and as we pulled away from North Island, we were saddened to leave our families and loved ones behind, but also looked forward to an interesting and exciting trip to the Far East. We went first to San Francisco where we picked up a new P-boat, then headed out under the Golden Gate bound for Japan and the Far East. The sea was very rough, but we soon found our sea legs.