Castle Rock (WAVP 383) - Naval Cruise Book

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CAPT. RICHARD E. HOOVER The Coast Guard Cutters CASTLE ROCK and ROCKAWAY teamed up on 24 July 1966 to form the U- S. Coast Guard Practise Squadron. This summer promised to be a new experience for all of us, a cruise up the St. Lawrence to a height of 578 feet above sea level into the heart of a con- tinent and back again. A 4000 mile round trip through 15 locks, to some of the largest and most hospitable ports on the Great Lakes. The mission, however, was the same; to provide practical professional training in seagoing arts and skills for cadets of the first and third classes of the Academy. All hands turned to with enthusiasm and resolution during the concentrated underway training to indoctrinate the cadets in seagoing skills and practical seamanship and to instill in the future leaders of the Coast Guard a liking for the sea and its lore. Hour after hour was spent on small boat handling, hi-line, towing, tactical maneuvers, emergency drills, and patient instruction. Special mention, however, should be made of the personnel manning special Sea Detail Stations including line handlers, fender detail, helmsmen, and throttle watch who worked many long housr during the transit of the Seaway. The efforts of all hands is rewarded with the successful accomplishment of the mission and to all I extend a sincere WELL DONE.