Catamount (LSD 17) - Naval Cruise Book

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Pepuenc OF Phiutppinsc, The Philippine Islands The Philippine Islands, discovered by Ferdinand Mag- ellan in 1521, are located in the South Pacific between Japan and Indonesia. There are 7,107 islands in the Philippine Archipelago with a total of 116,000 square miles, an area comparable to the state of Arizona. In- vaded by the Japanese in 1941, the Philippine people were granted their independence on July 4, 1948. During the months in WestPac, the Catamount was in Subic Bay during parts of July, August, September, November, December, and January. The July upkeep period coincided with the summer monsoon period, and the last six days there we saw 144 consecutive hours of rain. For the most part, however, Subic Bay and the Philippines was hot, especially at the end of December and early January, as we made preparations for the return home. When it rains, it pours! 13

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Korea Operation Seven Seas was held in early Aijgust near Po-Hong, Korea. The Catamount went first to Pusan, where 2 LCD ' s were offloaded. Then she went to Inchon, loaded for the operation, and proceeded to Po-Hang. After the Operation, during which we were Primary Con- trol Ship, the Catamount returned to Inchon, offloaded, and steamed to Pusan. The 2 LCD ' s were backloaded and operation was completed. Okinawa Okinawa, which has an area of 454 square miles and a population of 758,000, is the largest island in the Ryukyus, a group of 64 islands taken over by the Dnited States after World War II from Japan and administered by the Department of the Army. BUHTJJ BEHcn During mid-October, Operation Lone Eagle took place near White Beach, Okinawa. Partici- pating were 40 ships and 15,000 men. The Cata- mount, as we did throughout every operation, acting as Primary Control Ship. The night of 17 October the Catamount also acted as a boat haven for 15 boots participating in the Opera- tion which, because of the heavy seas, were un- able to return to their own ships.

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Much liberty time was spent on the base at Subic Boy; facilities were more than adequate. Probably each member of the crew also went to Olongapo, the town just outside the main gate. There the twist was in style and Oro ' s introduced one and oil to the mashed potato. New Year ' s Eve, however, was spent on the base. Each club had its own party — some went to all of them. U.S. Naval Base, Subic Bay. . . W ' In mid-November, the ship had two parties at Grande Island, a small particle of land in the Boy. Although many seemed to enjoy Softball and football, more appeared to enjoy the beer, and there was always enough for everyone. Sunday afternoon in the back 40. One trip was scheduled to Manila, but the mon- soon created complications. After a 4-hour trip through flooded countrysides, there was just time to buy pesos, eat, see two historic sights, and return. Tomb of on Unknown Soldier, Manila. 14