Cotten (DD 669) - Naval Cruise Book

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THE ROCK CHANGING THE GUARD BERMUDA Situated approximately 700 miles due east of South Carolina is the famous honeymoon isle of Bermuda. Although not a scheduled port of call it was decided that we would make afueling stop here due to rough weather in the Atlantic. Due to the fact that we arrived late and the Weather was bad, the day afforded little or no pictures for the camera bugs. Among the things of interest that were to be seen Were the Devil's Hole, the Crystal Caves, the perfume factory and the various places of entertainment. Night life on the Whole was poor here as almost all of the larger hotels and clubs were closed to enlisted personnel. However, under the conditions, a fairly good time was had by the majority of those who Went on the beach, y

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Wh idfle esiopd ADEN, the first of our fuel only stops lies on the shore of the Gulf of Aden near the southern end of the Red Sea. It is non liberty in nature. Our appraisal had to be across 50 feet of sea water, nonetheless it proved a very pleasant experience. Then to business, with our fantail assuming the air ofa teeming native bazaar and attired in the traditional Fez of the country, the for you a special price contingent lay aft to- pit American Wit against an Arabian Shrewdness carried down through the centuries. From the tons of beau- tiful rugs, leather work, and woodcarvings we acquired, one can only surmise that Young America had made its point. 0-ur tanks full, we said goodbye to Aden steaming up the Red Sea, through the beautiful city of Suez and into the canal called very rightly one of the wonders of the world. Its long straightaways, gentle turns and even stone-lined banks made it one of the high points of the trip. Finally to the Mediterranean end of the Canal. PGRT SAID was our second whistle stop. As we steamed up the main street we knew we were nearing home. Large neon signs struck our eyes bearing such welcome greetings as Buy Johnny Walker's and Vacation in the Swiss Alps. Large beautiful buildings and parks combined to give Port Said an air no American city could duplicate. 'One had only to admire the broad, straight, palm-lined streets, giving way to a shaggy camel and its ancient two-wheeled cart to realize the wondrous paradox that is Egypt. Another milestone past and with happy anticipations of Athens and the Riviera while still retaining a great admira- tion for the Arabian peoples we humbly took our leave. GIBRALTAR. A jutting fortress guarding the entrance to the Mediterranean at which we stopped for fueling purposes and a brief period of liberty, was this town. It was quite small but had a hospitable air. The town was taking her morning breather upon our arrival but it swiftly came to life, opening its curio shops and taverns for the sailor trade. The usual purchasing of souvenirs and whistle wetting were carried out to the fullest. The best buy seemed to be the fourteen day clocks and many sailors returned to the ships laden with the large boxes containing the clocks. The liberty party, satisfied with her brief rest on dry land, returned to the ship with swift feet in order to commence the last leg of the journey homeward. As we departed from the rock the camera cuties captured a few last minute snaps of the gigantic spectacle The ship was lashed down for heavy weather and the Cotten in company with DesD1v 502 headed west to meet the heavy seas of the Atlantic and the welcome arms of the Continental Limits of the United States 7 7 i

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,Cooking ac The U. S. S. Cotten left Newport ont e eighteenth of May To venture to lands far over the way, The weather grew hotter day by day, Soon to be in Panama but not to stay. Refueling soon done, a liberty we had, The skies were clear but the air smelled bad Bring in the lines we are off again, To where the sun shines bright and our trip began We left California on the fifth of june, To a foreign land we'd be there soon, On our third day out, a ship we spied, An AE far off on the starboard side. We guarded her closely for we all knew, A heavy load she was carrying too, We stood our watches condition three, And all grew tired of the roving sea. Alas, land dead ahead was the report, T'was the voice of the lookout and his message was short We pulled into Midway till the fueling was done And left again by the noon day sun. Now our stay in Japan was very brief, We were off to Korea, some other ship's, relief We sailed through the dark like a thief in the night Our five inch were ready but there was nothing in sight A letter each day was a thing of the past, Though Uncle Sam gave us free Air Mail at last We'd talk about liberty though our thoughts were of home And wondering what it'll be like to spend Christmas alone Each midnight into the beach we'd glide, The St. Paul and New jersey at our side, We'd shoot until a quarter of four, Until another midnight then back for more. Now the Generals decided to sign a truce, We were all happy from Captain to deuce Still we hung around with seventy seven, Carriers, Cruisers and Destroyers eleven. !! We all knew our ship was the best, Even Admiral Hickey put us to a test, But he finally brought over the Navy E , And even stayed with the Captain for tea. On November fourth we left the task force, Straight for japan we set our course, For five long days we loaded stores, And took our last look at japanese shores.