Decatur (DDG 31) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 73 text:

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3 LUNG BEACH The beginning - a departure filled with tears, with dreams of distant ports, and hopes for a speedy return. Though we knew we would be relatively safe, we were still fulfilling our role as a warship, and our mission was still cause of anxiety. Sepa- ration from loved ones is never easy, but we knew that our trust in God and the help of our friends would see us through. Once our exercises were finally complete, we knew we were on our way, that there would be no turning back. Our confidence grew with each mile we steamed as DECATUR joined the SEVENTH FLEET, we all knew she was the finest ship in the Pacific. We were ready for whatever challenges lay ahead. H.- i il r i 1 1 1 4..lQ

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GUAM Another of our stepping stones across the Pacific, Guam was a welcome respite from shipboard activity. For many of us, we had our first swim in the waters of a South Pacific island. Guam was a very picturesque place, though the old Guam is good slogan didn't really convince many of us. . - -A ,...-.....,-. rf- ,,,:. ,....,-an-.f... --L .,, X ,...., . . ,..- . . , , Y G ,,.:-L N v,,,,,,,,,.47,-qs, -4 ,Y :,- ,.,...,.- . 4 , A ...ur- . . . . - M IDWAY An island, barely big enough to shelter our ship from the elements, Midway was the epitome of a BSF, Brief Stop for Fuel. During the few hours we were ashore, we were entertained by the antics of the Cooney Bird, something' that must be seen to be believed. We gladly returned to the ship for we felt more secure aboard than ashore.