Colonial (LSD 18) - Naval Cruise Book

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- Si K l ' !r, TBB 4? 3 ' Ipapi Who ' s seasick? ' L ' L ' you 111 1 fecilli- ' Li . Captain checks off the smooth sailing messages. Where ' s the gig?

Page 48 text:

tuaeHtmamim T hursdau, 18 Aune... Ulnderivau. The day was cloudy and cool with a good breeze blowing only the hardiest of dependents prolonged their goodbyes with waves from the pier. Most good- byes were said at home earlier that morning, but a few braved the unseason- ally nippy weather for a last possible glimpse of the breadwinner as USS Colonial moved away from Pier 8. The pilot was aboard and the Captain moved into a precarious position that was to become familiar throughout the cruise when the ship was maneuvering through tighter spots ( namely perched upon a lifeline for a oetter vantage). Aboard came the PL , the San Diego skyline slipped by to starboard, and then Ballast Point and Point Loma. Finally, Colonial was at sea with other units of Phibron Three on a course toward six months of surprises. Where did everybody go? Bon voyage! Loaded and ready. 5f)NM870 i SEACH I

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tmm wmmm riciau, 2S Aune... J-4i awaii After eight days which at the time seemed long, Colonial and the rest of Phibron Three steamed beneath the shadow of Diamond Head and into Pearl Harbor. In the midst of our visit we spent four days off the windward coast of Oahu observing Operation Westwind. Despite being as- signed as observers. Colonial managed to become involved, as usual, and was the last ship to leave the anchorage. The rest of our stay in Hawaii was spent in prepara- tion for our deployment and the trip to Okinawa, where we faced our ORl and an amphibious exercise. 46