Morton (DD 948) - Naval Cruise Book

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WESTPAC- - -1961 ' MORTON left San Diego on the 3rd of April, the day after Easter. Our trip across the Pacific was punctuated with a brief but pleasant stop at Pearl Harbor and a fuel stop at Midway Island. MORTON men enioyed seeing these two historic spots of World War ll, and relaxing in the sun and surf at Waikiki,Beach in Honolulu. . The next stop was the island of Guam where MORTON underwent a week of repairs and upkeep. lt was also an oppor- tunity for lots of athletics, swimming, and fishing after the long iourney across the Pacific. From Guam we headed for the Island of.Tauwan. About halfway there, we were diverted through the Philippine lsland chain and on to the Gulf of Siam. The situation in Laos appeared critical at that moment. With characteristic readiness for trouble anywhere, anytime, the SEVENTH Fleet was moving into position iust in case it were needed. Fortunately, and perhaps because the SEVENTH Fleet was ready, the crisis passed and MORTON was again sent toward Taiwan. For a month MORTON operated on the famous Formosa Patrol between Communist China and Free China. ln between patrol duties we visited the Taiwanese ports of Kaohsiung and Keelung and while doing so showed the capabilities Nof SEVENTH Fleet to wage peace as well as being ready for war. ' Through Operation Handclasp MORTON had carried hundreds of cartons of food, medicines and clothing from the United States for donation to those who are less fortunate. Much of this material was given to the Christian Missionaries in southern Taiwan and to the Red Cross Society in the country's capital of Taipei. ln addition, through other activities such as baseball games, receptions and dinners, MORTON cultivated a bond of friendship with our Free Chinese allies. From Taiwan we headed north to Japan visiting both of the ports of Yokosuka and Sasebo. ln between ports we operated at sea with one of the Navy's powerful fast carrier striking groups. MORTON acted in the destroyer's traditional role as anti- Submarine and anti-aircraft support for the attack carrier. During one period at sea we participated in an anti-submarine training exercise with units of the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force. The highlight of the visit to Japan was a special two-day stay in Yokohama which is the Sister City of MORTON'S home visit was to present the Mayor of Yokohama with a picture which the City of San Diego port of San Diego. The purpose of this had entrusted to MORTON to deliver as a token of its friendship for Yokohama. ln addition, we opened our decks to general Vlslilng Gnd many citizens of Yokohama came aboard to see this bit of America far from home. Saving the most exotic for the last, we iourneyed to fabulous Hong Kong iust before leaving the Western Pacific and the SEVENTH Fleet for our trip eastward and home. ,