White Plains (AFS 4) - Naval Cruise Book

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1 1 J Q '- J. . F, . H Q digg QW off' X! 44' Q. Q Yokosuk to 19

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Yokosuka has been a center for seaborne commerce since people began to settle in the area thousands of years ago. lts mild climate, sheltered harbor entrance, and protection from the effects of tidal and typhoon- produced waves made it a favorite harbor for merchant skippers to moor in before proceeding to Tokyo and Yokohama. Before the U.S. occupation, Yokosuka was a major Japanese lmperial Naval base. The base and its incredibly large drydocks were used for construction of at least one major Japanese aircraft carrier. ln spite of its usefulness as a naval base, Yokosuka was seldom attacked during the war, producing rumors that the Americans were saving the facility for themselves after the war. Yokosuka remai seaport, exporting to and importing from, countries the world. The city has sisfizijifijr affiliations with Los Angelesandt Long Beach, and is a sister city to Corpus Christi, Texas, The two major rail lines havin terminals in the city allow easy g access to other major japanese cities, including Yokohama, I8 miles distant, and T k miles away. When the WHITE PLAINS and her crew arrived in Yokohama in September of 1975, even longtime members of the crew who had lived in Sasebo during the ship's forward deployed period there were met with a severe case of culture shock. In contrast to the quiet, relaxed, and tranquil 'T country atmosphere of Sasebo, Yokosuka, Yokohama, and Tokyo were typical of the urban sprawl and squalor that affects major metropolitan areas in every country in the world. ns an important 0 yo, some 40 108 1...