Damato (DD 871) - Naval Cruise Book

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CAN AL ZONE PAN AMERICAN BRIDGE PANAMA ATTENTION TO COLORS

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=K They refer to Dave as a one man Navy Bureau, He has a function all his own; and he is the only one functioning in this capacity. It ' s called over-seamanship and refers to the need for schooling Navy personnel in what to do and what not to do, in customs and habits of foreign nations, where they will be visitors. Plunnp jolly 51-year old Dave Rosenberg is the civilian who does this almost impossible job as best he can for the Navy men. Servicemen are deluged with films and books and pamphlets on the lands they are headed for; but somehow that doesn ' t seem to do the job that Dave so effectively has carried out for more than 200,000 U.S. sailors and marines the the last eight years aboard ships and at shore stations throughout the world. I ' m not going to tell you not to chase the girls, Dave tells his audience of spellbound sailors. I ' m going to tell you HOW to chase the girls. Dave reminds them that as Americans they are representative of the nation to those with whom they come into contact overseas. And, he tries to point out that these nations have their glories and traditions and worthwhile people, which the sailors will never come to know unless they by-pass the gin mills and gyp dives that often beckon along the water- front. Stroking his walrus-like mustache, Dave explains his concept of his mission. I in- oculate sailors against cultural shock. Travel overseas is wonderful but it isn ' t like the posters say. For Vietnam-assigned sailors, Dave points out Buddhist customs and practices. For instance, they rarely go to the trouble of thanking anyone, including Americans, for favors and help given to them. It is their philosophy that there is a spiritual reward, beyond their power to confer, that suitably and fully rewards doers of good deeds. And, that Americans are piling up spiritual rewards and treasures in helping them. I think we ' re winning the battle, Dave remarks with pride and confidence. Dave Rosenberg No more such situations, as that in Spain, where a near riot almost exploded when a group of U.S. sailors were amused at the bull ' s success in the ring against the nationally famous matador — and began cheering the bull. The bull almost won and the sailors arose to cheer him. American forces were all bu t ousted from Spain before the affair was finally smoothed over. That was when the Navy realized the need for a guy like Dave, to stress the importance of respect for the customs and culture of the people of the countries they visit. Not only does the U.S. Navy depend on Dave to do a mighty job, but the heads of many nations around the world toast him as an international celebrity. Foreign nations don ' t like senseless incidents any more than we do. Typical comments from who who have had the benefit of one of Dave ' s three hour briefing sessons are: You just have to see it to believe it. Without a doubt the best presentation I ' ve ever seen. How could anyone know so much about foreign customs. I ' ve never see anything like this. One Navy report on Dave reads as follows, No circus ever had a headliner like Dave. To him, the last audience is as important as the next. Despite the wild laughter and applause that Dave earns, he is never quite satisfied that he ' s a success until he hears back home that his method works. How does he hear about it? Sometimes it ' s a picture of happy South Americans waving ' Yankee Sailors, Please Stay ' banners. Dave is an incurable extrovert with countless talents. Combining his genuine interest in people with an uncanny flair for making the ordinary exciting, Dave is determined to make his business a booming success. To quote the Naval Training Bulletin, Traditionally, the U.S. Navy through its operating forces has been an instrument of national diplomacy, an ambassador of good will, and a source of assistance in time of need to nations and people throughout the world. 41

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MAGELLAN STRAITS - ENGLISH NARROWS ' ?affii«(»n Y« i3c irB«-r ' -I. IS ' - ■ ■■ «.r-s-Ti;,(i BATTLE OF THE BANDS 43