Columbus (CA 74) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 33 text:

' .f ' f .■■f-vf w I M C ne morning at quarters LT McCreary announced that COLUMBUS was to produce a big Smoker on the fantall, boxers were needed, and a request was made for partici- pants. It was at this time that the entire Fifth stepped forward. The COLUMBUS boxing squad couldn ' t handle all comers and the Fifth ended up fighting each other. Thus we were dubbed the Fighting Fifth. Fifth Division spaces extend from frame sixty-two to frame ninety-six . . . including the Oh one level (not to be confused with Villa) starboard side, the number one stack and the forward starboard Sunday fueling station. Sam and his boys contribute greatly to the upkeep of the Turnpike passing by the Executive Officer ' s Office, and the Flag Operations Office in the absence of you know who . Air Defense Forward (lookouts ' mess hall) is under the able supervision of that versatile Boatswain ' s Mate, Gibbons. Aft we have mounts 54, 55, and 56 which proudly boast many compliments for their inside appearance and efficiency. The gun gang is second to none and operates enviably under the tutoring of that Overnite Specialist , Eardley. All in all we ' re quite proud of the Fighting Fifth , but no more so than we are of the name the good old Colombo sports throughout the entire Navy. We realize that we are but a strong link in that unbreakable chain that makes our home the envy of all other ships. Some of us came to the Fifth as boots, others came as salts — we ' ve griped and growled, laughed and worked hard, and yet we have learned a lot — both the hard way and the right way. As we look forward to future cruises we cannot help but remember those good days we shared with the entire crew of our good ship COLUMBUS.