De Soto County (LST 1171) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 182 text:

A x . I l 1 w 1 if g w , X 3 A I: I55, I UL Q, 1 w in -' , , ll, :sl 'E iv' 5' '42 I 1 N xl 1 ' E KH : 5' 4 Q' rl ' 1! , x , 1 L E is -M y . 5 E 1 ' 73 T 3 , Ill 4 115 Ll? - ,V il, 'f Il l ' . if ' N P L Mg 11 I ga ' Q nw Ha! :ju HPI 'Mi M .mx li QRS Shri: 'IU 1 if 'I is 2 H ' x Wilt? wav WE ' l , 14 . I L 1

Page 181 text:

'-' - - r-V - - ..,. AY A -V - ,,,. - -...-u...,,.,4,,,,. --......,- ,,, 'ff 5 B. MEDIA 1. To insure full coverage, the following should be contacted when visiting their respective media: -a. Newspapers Q15 City editor or military editor. Q22 Society editor - present- her with some 'angle that would interest the ladies. lEditors and women's groups were hosted to food preparation demonstrations aboard the DESOTO COUNTYJ Q32 Sports editors - if there is something interesting to offer - such as Greg Mather, LTJG, 41962 All-American, supply officer aboard DESOTO COUNTY. b. Radio and Television C121 Newsrdirector - straight newsstory. Q25 Program director - for other program possibilities, such as children's programs and ,interview shows. C32 Continuity director - for placement of spot announcements c. 'TRAVEL E v 1. The Advance Liaison Team should be provided with a good, heavy road vehicle. The 1964 Dodge used proved highly satisfactory., v 2. The gas credit card was an essential item. ,3. The Bell System Credit Card enabled the Advance Liaison Team to accomplish a great deal of business through telephone calls that team members would not have otherwise been able to accomplish. It -made the Advance Liaison Team 40fZy more effective. RECOMMENDATIONS A. GENERAL 1. More attention be given to assignment of interested and capable Area Project Officers. 2. An effort be made to coordinate visits with local or state observances such as holidays, conventions, fairs, festivals, etc. -2- 1 4. . ., -.:!,,.,:m,--. mm-,-,5i...,.s ,, ...., -..... ,...-,,, W , , Q Y -v . ' ' H - ' f-.rf .V 'V --JL --- A - ---- P-c.. . .rw 4'-w-v--- . .nffmvwmwmnmf ...u-.1.w:n-uv-....mm1..-Jsff.-.m-mmf.

Page 183 text:

3. Investigate the availability of suitable berthing locations which have adequate parking and lighting facilities and are accessible tolarge numbers in thedowntown area. B. SPECIFIC 1. Special units such as the Underwater Demolition Team, helicopter, Karate Team, Marine Chorus and Navy Band provide flexibility inarranging suitable ,special programsor capitalizing on existing programs or events Cconcert series, dances, parkdepartment, YMCA, college and university activitiesi. In addition, the use of these units with .speakers at club meetings seemed to create interest inthe ship's visit and to attract media coverage. The inclusion of these units would be crucial tothe success offuture cruises 'of -this type. 2. Additional materials important- to the success of future cruises are: a. Lights to illuminate the ship at night and attract attention. Large Hollywood type spotlights should. be carried by the ship. b. y An adequate portable sound system for use in areas adjacent t to the ship, during demonstrations. c. A portable platform for use withthe Karate Team -demon- strations should .be provided by the ship. d. Balloons with appropriate message to be released upon arrival in port. e. Tapedspots by CO ship and CO troops should be provided for radio. Sound on film clips are useful for TV, 'lnclude 60-second spots. f. Posters - window cards announcing dates, visiting hours and location of the ship to be placed in display windows, hotel lobbies, etc.. by, local recruiters. An audio vehicle. A sound truck was used on two occasions during the DESOTO COUNTY cruise. As the vehicle traversed city streets the driver repeated a short message inviting the public to visit the ship. It was our experience that a vehicle with an audio system could often be borrowed from the police department or some other branch of city government. Direct mail. A mailer aimed at businessmen and leaders of local service and social organizations, telling them about the ship and inviting them to bring members of .their organization aboard as a group. An appropriate mailing list can easilybe obtained through the local recruiter, the local project officer, or the Chamber of Commerce. The mailing pieces should be sent to the project officer we-lil in advance of the ship's visit, and he should be instructed to get them out approximately two week's prior to the ship's arrival. i ..3- g. h. - .... ... . - p p, , li