Washburn (AKA 108) - Naval Cruise Book

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- P A .qt U S A M N ,., 7 as K 451 he E dw , A , , - L, . wh ,v 1. ,1 -, . x.Y.A vvbfuggf ,. From Sasebo we proceeded to PUSAN, KOREA, arriving on 16 December 1961. Our visit was Very short and only long enough to unload the Operation Handclasp cargo that we had in our holds. A few of us were fortunate to have liberty during the afternoon hours to relax or take pictures. The people were very friendly, especially the children. Living condi- tions for some were almost horrible and entire families were found living in low, one room, wooden structures. In strong contrast to this, beautiful tile houses existed, but these were surrounded by barb-wire fences. Our visit soon ended and we were forced to be on our way. In POHANG, KOREA, the purpose of our visit was to familiarize and train 4,000 Republic of Korea Marines. We showed them how amphibious operations were conducted and allowed them to run our boats. At any one time during the training period we usually had hundreds of ROK Troops on board and our decks were covered by them. The language barrier was the most difficult problem but we managed to handle all of them with no serious casualties. Following several days of marine training, we left POHANG and headed for Yokosuka, Iapan by way of the Shimonoseki Straits. S,-5. H A N G 2 'rl J - f ,, , . Q' 1 , it

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,'-N, PM places to shop. The Anchor Club, PO. Club, EM. Club and the Town Officer's Club offered fine food and recreation. The base had facilities for nearly any indoor sport. Everyone had a wonderful time. The town was not a booming metropolis equipped with luxurious shops and buildings like those seen in Tokyo, but Sasebo was very interesting. The friendship and warmth ot the people compensated for anything the city lacked. We shall always look forward to return to Sasebo. -3 wi 44.1-J.. 'Q'

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4460444464 is the home of the U. S. N avy's largest naval base in Japan. Cnce nothing more than a mere fishing village, Yokosuka is now one of lapan's most important naval ports. We arrived 22 December 1961 and this was where we spent the Christmas season and celebrated New Year's Day. p Japan opened her doors to foreign countries and western civilization after Commodore Perry's landing at Kurihama on 14 Iuly 1853. Three years later the Yokosuka Iron Foundry was established and has dominated the city's industry ever since. Yokosuka flourished as a naval base of eastern lapan until the end of World War Two. Following the war, industry, trade, and fishing grew rapidly. Former Japanese military installations were converted into various industries which produced such things as automobiles, canned foods, spun cotton, and electricity. Yolcosuka has become a major industrial city of lapan and presently has a popula- tion of nearly 300,000. Yokosuka is situated in the central part of the Muira Penninsula which extends southward from the main island of Honshu, and is easily reached by rail and car from all surrounding areas. Within hours, via fine electric train services, one can travel to Kamakura, Yokohama, Kawasaki, and Tokyo, all of which are scattered along the edges of Tokyo Bay. Souvenir Alley was the main attraction of Yokosuka. Here along the narrow streets, were shops selling every trinket ever imagined. Silk, kimonos, pottery products, mechanical toys, embroidered garments and electronic equipment were available. The list was almost endless. Yokosuka also offers more serious attractions. The once proud battleship of Admiral Togo houses a marine museum. Tsukayama and Kinugasa parks are prominent and colorful places. In Kamakura, the famous Great Buddha attracts many tourists. One may visit the famed Mt. Fujiyama which can be seen in the distance. Fuji-san , as it is affectionately called, is snow-capped throughout the year. It rises majestically to the height of 12,397 feet and each year thousands of people scale its heights.