Consolation (AH 15) - Naval Cruise Book

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FOREWORD A hospital ship is many things to many people. To the men lying critically injured from a landmine explosion, to the Korean civilians struck by trains, to the severe burn cases or to the Korean mother shot while pilfering U.S. goods, she is the place where life saving measures were administered and many comforts extended to make their sufferings more tolerable. To our foreign brothers she will be remembered for extending the courtesies and services of her medical department and fostering good-will on foreign shores. To the crew who maintain her she is the ship which took us to distant lands far from loved ones at home. She demanded unceasing attention day and night, fair weather and foul. In her engine rooms they perspired while those standing the long hours of the quarterdeck watch in a cold Korean winter were freezing. To the medical personnel she is a first-rate, well equipped floating hospital. Because of her, facilities were at hand when emergencies arose. She meant long duty hours for her corpsmen and the constant vigils of the special watches. She supplied us with trained personnel working as a team with the welfare of the patient as the ultimate goal. She is a ship which prides in many firsts. First to participate in the Korean action; first to include a woman medical officer on her staff; first to return battle casualties to the United States from Korea; first to utilize an electro- encephlograph machine at sea; first to install and use a blood bank as standard equipment; first to have a helicopter flight deck installed; first to re- ceive casualties from the battle field via helicopters; and first to return to Korean shores after the cessation of hostilities. To all hands she is a many-sided creature showing both her good and bad points. As we walk her decks feeling the rolling of her hull through the waters of the blue Pacific with the sea mist spraying our faces, we thrill at being members of her crew. Whether spinning sea tales with our shipmates or carrying out our assigned details, she gave us a spirit of oneness. In all her many moods we wouldn ' t trade her for anything else in the world. Away from home she is a haven of safe return and the meeting place of friends. She is the object of our working hours and in many instances the place we look to for our most enjoyed relaxation. The CONSOLATION to each of us is an expression of our inner selves. Not quite our home but indeed our home away from home. The Connie has again set another first, — first in the hearts of her crew! DEDICATION To our patients who have been our care and responsibility . . .