Columbus (CA 74) - Naval Cruise Book

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MscOOUGflLL SHOPS FOR CLOTHES IN AL iERS. AUOtdtA Ak o, this is not a sanitorium for up and coming lunatics, though at times, one may be led to think so. Officially speak- ing, it is the First Class Petty Officer ' s Mess, but most of us have our own nicknames for it. Let ' s take a look behind those tin walls and see what goes on. There is a refrigerator, cabinet of canned goods, a grill, soup warming set-up, TV set, movie screen, two sofas, and the usual things that go to make life comfortable for your POI. But these are only material things; let ' s pour a cup of Joe and get with the gang. One would think that this clan of fifty-two members would tend to be dominated by a serious and settled group of individuals, but shipmates, you just don ' t know the half of it. When It comes to good (or otherwise) humor, having great fun over a trifle, telling tall stories, fun making, drinking coffee, or just being plain whacky, this group Is unparalleled by any other aboard! The first impression one will get after being in this club a few minutes Is one of friendliness and a happy spirit in the air. There seems to be no end to the humor, for new Incidents are constantly being enacted by the Inmates. If it ' s not big enough, then it ' s built up and glorified to the point where It is; for Instance, there was once Skull Kelly ' s election to the post of Mess Caterer for three months. Eisenhower ' s campaign managers would have been put to shame by that one. Then there was Pillsy Adams ' birthday party heralding the birth of his second hashmark with eight candles on the cake. Among other things, this gang is known for drinking enormous amounts of coffee. Let us all pause here to pay due tribute to that truly magnificent beverage. You would be surprised, me hearties, to know just how much ship ' s business and Inter-dlvislon arrangements are transacted over those cups by your leading PO ' s. If not to make life for your First Class happier, this Mess well serves a good purpose in being a sort of unofficial meeting hall. ■Well, sailors, I could talk for hours and hours on this mob, but words are too short. It ' s my personal opinion that the majority of this gang is the craziest, but best bunch of guys I ' ve served with, anywhere — but then I ' m prejudiced. Now let me swallow this coffee, and high-tail It out of here, for I fear that I ' ve just become the target for tomorrow!!!!! SKULL KELLY SEZ , DAWGONED! WHAT MAKE? THESE MAM ' SELLES G-0 FOR ME ??f

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„ , ' % n this Mediterranean cruise of 1952-53 we are proud to present the First Division under the direction of the division officer, LTJG McLean, the leading petty officer, E. L. Kelly, BMI, and the turret chief, N. R. Parker, SMC. Assisting them are the boatswains mates and gunners mates who carry out the various duties and policies of the division. The division ' s fifty-five men are divided into two groups, forty-three men on deck and twelve in the turret. The deck spaces include that part of the main deck from the stem on the starboard side to frame sixty-five, the star- board anchor and the Captain ' s cabin, as well as the Admiral ' s gangway and the quarterdeck. Needless to say, this area must always be in top-notch condition, as it is here that all visiting dignitaries and high ranking officers receive their first impression of the COLUMBUS. The ordnance spaces, which include Turret No. I , are the battle stations of the division and their maintenance and cleanliness is charged to the gun gang under the watchful eye of Chief Parker and his five efficient PO ' s. The division has always taken pride in its personal appearance as well as the care and cleanliness of the material assigned to it. At Captain ' s inspection we invariably receive high praise and are often cited as one of the best divisions . on the ship. At sea the First Division is often called upon to man the forward transfer station where a ship to ship transfer of personnel and cargo is efficiently accomplished. At this time, both the gun and deck gangs combine forces and work together as a single unit. All is not blood and sweat in the division as we always manage to get our share of fun and recreation. We have our own Softball team, and many of the men participated on the various teams and other activities throughout the ship. The men have taken advantage of the historical places and interesting ports we have visited. All in all, the First Division has had a very interesting and successful cruise and is looking forward to another trip on the COLUMBUS.