Columbus (CA 74) - Naval Cruise Book

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LACK S E Z i HOMISC NUKJ.5I3A

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NORTHERH EUROPEAN Pari of vi»it fcrrivl ILS.A. Helenabur h. Scoltond 9-»Si Rosyth. Scottand 9-l»52 (Mo. Norway 9-Z»2 Lisboiv Portu9«l W 3-52 CRUISE D«p«rtur» MEDITERR NEAN SEA WINTER CRUISE

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SCOTLAND ' Ts the music of the ship ' s band drifted across the har- bor, the COLUMBUS slipped from its berth In Boston ' s Charlestown Navy Yard and began its fourth European cruise. The date was 25 August 1952. It was a beautiful day, the sun shining brightly and hardly a cloud in sight. And that ' s the way it stayed during most of the 16-day trip across the Atlantic. Our first port of call was hielensburgh, Scotland, in the Firth of Clyde, where an immense NATO fleet was anchored in preparation for the forthcoming Operation Mainbrace . As we first passed through the colorful banks fringing the Clyde, ' twas mony on eye cauld nae belyve wha thy saw . The flowing landscape of Bonnie Scotland , with her massive forests and proud castles looming out at intervals high above the stately pines, was truly impressive. Near hielensburgh, the banks of the Clyde recede and form a large bay. A major portion of our task force pro- ceeded to their respective anchorages there and dropped anchor. COLUMBUS sailors found the town to be a scenic little resort with tree-lined streets and picturesque churches and homes. hlowever, a majority of the crew traveled to Glasgow for liberty, a distance of 21 miles. That city ' s mighty ship- yard, its throngs of people, busy shops and hum of am- bitious industry all lent an air of greatness and purpose. The ruddy complexions of the pretty lassies reflected the healthy consequence of Scottish air and the men wore countenances of rugged rural vitality: yet, these were city folk. English, naturally, is the native language of the Scots but the thick accent the people possess gave many sailors a bad time. The people were cordial, though, and wel- comed us warmly. Edinborough Castle