Ashtabula (AO 51) - Naval Cruise Book

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FRUM THE CAPTAIN T fl - .-.NH W--,Z This book is intended to portray a crossection history of ASHTABULA's ten month odyssey in the western pacific. Deployments mean different things to different people. To many sailors only recently in the NAVY, the cruise is an adventure, a chance to see the world of recruiting poster fame. To others it is a drag, an unwelcome separation from loved ones. For a few, such as our Philip- pino personnel, it means a reunion with family and friends. For all, it means a lot of hard work often performed under grueling conditions. And, for all, it is a matter of personal satisfaction to have completed it successfully. My sincere congratulations to the crew for doing a great job, both at work and play. Special kudos also to the Cruise Book Committee for their good work in capturing and documenting the sounds, sights and significance of WESTPAC 71-72. ff j. H. McConnell