Roark (FF 1053) - Naval Cruise Book

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s I 1 Australia, Australia And then there was Australia! Australia, the land down under. The land with a frontier, kangaroos, koala bears, Sydneys, Hobarts, Port Hedlands, and a Newcastle. When ROARK got underway from Timaru, it was with the knowledge the next two months would be spent in and around Australia. Four cities would be visited and two additional ports would see ROARK during brief stops for fuel. lt was the Aust-ralian people who really made the cruise. Here was a country of people who liked Americans. Here were Australian-American Associations, sporting matches, dinner invitations, receptions, dances and tours. ' ' i ht clubs, Sydney, the largest city on the continent, boasted of theatres, n g taurants and much more. Hobart had its casino and Port Hedland its parties, res frontier atmosphere. But of all the Australian cities visited it was Newcastle everyone remembered. For it was there ROARK took the opportunity to show the ' h t' a appreciation for the warm welcomes received throughout the area by os ing ship's party and inviting the local town folk. lt was a visit to remember and place to want to go back to.

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The job of serving as ambas- sadors of goodwill continued during the two port visits in New Zealand. ROARK was open each afternoon for general visiting from 1300 - 1600 and after hours for special group tours until taps. Scout troops held 'meetings on the flight deck at night and groups of handicapped children and adults were given special tours in the mornings. lt was busy times for the crew of the first American warship to visit these ports since World War ll. QMSA Trujillo discusses pieces of bridge equipment with a group of New Zealanders. At 1300, the word was passed, Commence Visit Ship, and the visitors began climbing up the brow. Q' GMG2 B. Wilson concluded what many called his Disco tour with a final talk on the flight deck fbelow topl. QM3 Barber explains shipboard signal- ing evolutions at the flag bag. f 1,1 by ' 124 Z :ff-H a.,b,.,..-m NV va, ,,.i N, g it W I 4 x U r

Page 102 text:

., ' The Orient Express appeared on deck to herald ROARK's arrival with their own rendition of ROCKY and a little Dixieland Jazz. An Orient Express combo provides music to eat dinner by on the enlisted dining facility. ------p- A brass sculpture ofa h or reflections in anl Oggse Express tuba? nt At various times throughout the cruise COMSEVENTHFl.T's band, the Orient Express embarked in ROARK. The members of the band, under the direction of IVIUC Smith, spent long hours practicing in the helo hangar for upcoming concerts and dance performances. The tremendously popular group drew great crowds wherever they played and were constantly on the go when the ship entered port. ,il ,Vw-.