Pine Island (AV 12) - Naval Cruise Book

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,IANUAR Y January was the month that saw us off on our South American Cruise. We departed San Diego on January 5, with our destination being Panama. While underway, riots had broken out in Panama and by the time we arrived at Rodman Naval Station, C.Z., liberty had been restricted to the base. We remained in Panama three days, then headed for the Galapagos Islands which are located 600 miles west of Ecuador and a few miles south of the Equator. Our mission for the next seven weeks was support of natural scientists representing the National Academy of Science and con- ducting advance seaplane operations with Patrol Squadron EORTY-EIGHT. We carried two SH-34J helicopters from Helicopter Squadron POUR, stationed at Ream Field, to assist the scientists in their research of the islands. The event everyone will remember and the high point of the cruise was the colorful crossing the line ceremony. Pollywogs outnumbered the Shellbacks by about 20 to l. The day before we crossed the Equator the Pollywogs staged a revolt, and several of the Shellbacks came out considerably the worse for wear. The revenge. We who were Pollywogs will always remember the Royal Scribe and Judge who found us guilty of all kinds of heinous crimesg kissing the Royal Baby, etc. Those of us who had long hair will remember the Royal Barber and the results of his labors. After going through the Tunnel of Love and the Royal Coffin Cfor those special casesb, we really felt like slimy pollywogsf' Those who still had any hostility left after the initial crossing the line following day, however, they had their ceremony were able to unleash it on the hapless VP-48 airdales who were unlucky enough to fly down later. Soon after crossing the Equator we arrived at our destination and began our mission. We picked up a new nickname for the Piney Maru while on this cruise- Galapagos Ferryboat -which came from our many trips to various islands of the Archipelago, transporting scientists, dis- tributing school supplies, ,toys and other needed gear for Operation Handclasp. The month ended with all of us starting the long countdowng only 24 days left before we would return to our families.