Roark (FF 1053) - Naval Cruise Book

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-.

Page 101 text:

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.

Page 103 text:

Strike Up The Band But most of the men of ROARK will remember the Orient Express for the times they put on flight deck concerts and provided dinner music in the enlisted dining facility. Not to mention the special appearance by the Dusseldorf Express at German Night. By the end of the cruise, the Orient Express had become a part of the crew. They would be missed when it came time to get underway for home. COMSEVENTHFLT's band performs in the ROARK's outdoor concert hall. I-S. Moving the band, a new experience for ROARK crewmembers and an old one for band members. Did the band really move to the USS TARAWA for just one night?