Cotten (DD 669) - Naval Cruise Book

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aa Gznwza Six days after departing from Colombo found us at Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia. This sandy spot of land did not present a particularly welcoming appearance, with no vegetation in sight, no scenery, no bars and a cold drizzle to completely dampen the outlook. After being warned not to leave the Aramco compound, we went on liberty to find athletic facili- ties, an interesting guided tour of the refining plant, buffet suppers, and a generally good time considering the facilities at hand, Sports played the largest part in our entertainment with bowling, a tennis match against Ras Tanura's tennis team, and an unfortunate basket- ball game, again against the best of Ras Tanura. We learned from Aramco personnel that although their wages were plentiful there were many hardships in living in Saudi Arabia, namely, a lack of news, magazines, bonded spirits, and a general curtailment of freedom. The three months leave that was due every third year was as welcomed by them as our one month a year. After two days in this oil city, we and the Smalley set out to rendezvous with the Daly and Bronson, who had been visiting at the nearby island of Bahrein, and then the division proceeded back down the Persian Gulf, around the southern tip of Arabia to Aden. ,,57,5S:l?.,, mf 1 f'ff' .J ' ei wf fff' 2- yt? '- li J U I 1 r -x.

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-1- 78866 Christmas in Athens, Greece, 5000 miles from home - a lonely prospect with loved ones far away. But how could the Christmas spirit be better aroused than by bringing a little joy into the lives of others. This the Cotten sailors accomplished with great success, entertaining thirty Greek orphans and under-privileged children on board ship Christmas day. The party was a typical American type Christmas celebration with ice cream and cake, movies in chief's quarters and wonderful Christmas toys brought 8000 miles from japan for the occasion, distributed by a jolly, white-bearded Santa. The husky sailors who led the tots around the ship by the hand and saw to their needs felt many times rewarded in the spiritual lift they got from this experience and the looks of awe and thanks which the children gave their American hosts bridged any language barrier which may have existed. Of course one could not stay in Greece, the center of ancient civilization, without at least a quick glance at the surrounding remains of the golden era and many braved the rain and icy blasts to tour the ruins of old Corinth and the Acropolis. Every day, busses left the pier loaded with shutter-bugs bound for Athens and the wonders of the Parthenon, the temple of Dianna and the ancient stadium. In all respects the Cotten men found Greece a warm and friendly land and if ever again it became necessary tospend Christmas in a foreign land, Greece would be a first choice for a great many of the Cotten sailors. A f ' -Cx , '. , , I . Q P-W '