Coontz (DLG 9) - Naval Cruise Book

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THE CRUISE It was a warm California day on that fateful Monday July 25th, 1967 when we left San Diego for COONTZ'S Fifth WESTPAC Deployment. There were heavy hearts, both on the pier and on the ship, knowing that there would be six lonely months ahead. For us aboard COONTZ that day saw the culmination of a long period of' prep- aration. After a lengthy stay in Bong Beach Naval Shipyard following her pre- vious deployment, COONTZ had returned to San Diego on March 21st and resumed intensive training for her return to South- east Asian waters. The seven weeks of refresher training will not be easily forgotten. The long work- ing hours and many days at sea had paid off, for COONTZ was ready -- ready to assume any task assigned to her. So it was with aching hearts, but a confident spirit, that we left San Diego and looked forward to the adventures of an exciting WESTPAC Cruise Take care of yourself, It's almost time to leave The last few minutes are the longest

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At the controls Ready for take-off! Keep 'em well oiled P ettit HC-lfs Fidel Castro Checked by the Doc

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A11 visitors are asked to leave the ship, One 13515 kiss IT WILL BE A LONG SIX MONTHS