Decatur (DDG 73) - Naval Cruise Book

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CRUISE BOOK STAFF EMl(SW) Mohler DCl(SW) Allison DC2(SW) Longo BM3{SW) Weigand GSM3 Jones SK2 Edwards HMCS(SW) Ackerman ETl(SW) Chard STGC{SW) Barker And many others who without, this book would have not been possible 48

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A Saili)r ' s CioiK Vo Sc;i by GSKC(SW ) Robert Cavalcantc Jr. The time had conic to say gcxxlbyc. As sadincss I ' ll led ihc air. Husbands. i cs and children cried. A httle piece oleach had died. And each one said a prayer. The brovK w as raised, the lines brought in. The lugs uould | )ull her tree. The whistle blew lor all to hear. But not one persim there would cheer. For their Sailor ' s gone to sea. The engines screamed their loiiured songs. As w atches checked the skies. No harm would come to her tonight. For this is sure, the ship could fight. And those u ho sailed her wise. The ship would make her presence known. All nations now would see. The ship was strong and made lor war. Our enemies would know lor sure. They ' d simply leave her be. The time drew near to end the cmise. No longer would they roam. The ship had turned, the crew rejoiced. And cheered as though a single voice. The ship was going home ! i ' he da had come, the rails were manned. As each man s heart had earned. To see their loved ones on the pier. And hear them cry and shout and cheer, Their .Sailor ' s had returned! As days passed on the crew grew strong. Their confidence was high. No enemy could touch her now. None would think to cross her brow. And no one dare to try. Their days grew long and wearisome. The skipper knew the cure. There ' s just one thing to ease the stress. He kneu his crew could use the rest. There ' d be liberty lor sure! The port was in a foreign land. That some hail seen belore. They ' d show the young ones all the sights. And try to keep them out ot fights. Then bring them back onboard. The crew refreshed, the time had come. To sail the ship once more. The lines were heaved and stowed away. In r ecord lime was underway. And sailed away from shore. The sea had all her lad s charms. That caused a man to roam. Far from his home to foreign lands. Far from his lovely lady ' s hands. Into the mists and loam. But sadness fills another ' s heart. Their Sailor ' s gone to sea. To take the w atch from those nou home. And sail about on seas unknou n. To keep our country free.. ! 47

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Departure Day 7 Ian 2000 Families and friends say gtxxlby to DECATUR LTJG Vinh. ITJG Hi)ng. KNS Panichelli Majiiiini: ihc riiils al Sea i!v: Anciiui Dclai STG2( SVV ) Dapiai)cn and husband sa j;iK dbuy hainiiy members walch as DbC ATl ' R depans C 2 dderand fiance sa ginxlbN 49