Dixon (AS 37) - Naval Cruise Book

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Athletics If one is not careful, the sedentary life aboard a ship can lead to only one thing, a fat and ugly body. With the good food, a person will soon put on the pounds if a program of exercise is not maintained. While underway, most of the crew participat- ed in some sort of physical activity or another in their off-duty hours. While the joggers on the main deck and the 01 level were the most obvious, there was also a lot of interest in karate, jump rope, and boxing. Many of us just took a few minutes each day to do some sit-ups and stretching exercises. A unique chance for the runners to participate in an organized run was presentee the morning of 30 May, as the ship crossed th international Dateline at the Equator. The First Annual Golden Shellback Half Marathon and 10-kilometer Water Top Run were held. Over 50 runners participated in the two races which consisted of 41 laps around the main deck for the 10-k run and 89 laps for the half marathon. EMFA Roberts and Capt. Hubbard tied for the win in the half marathon while HM2 Burge streaked across as the winner of the 10-k run. All things considered, the crew kept themselves in top shape while deployed.

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DIEGO GARCIA The Executive Officer announces over the IMC that the island of Diego Garcia can be seen off the port bow. Some of us come topside for a look. Is that it? That little break in the horizon? All this way for that? As the ship slips through the mouth of the lagoon we soon see it is a bigger place than we thought. Thirty-eight miles from tip to tip and trees everywhere. On the island we found a bustling community of sailors, SeaBees and airmen all engaged in supporting the people who support the fleet. Construction is in progress all over the island, new barracks going up, a new radio and TV station almost completed. Everywhere one looks work is being done and giant construction vehicles thunder from one place to another. The DIXON crew shared a fine island ship ' s store and three after hours clubs, the Turner Club and the CPO and Officers Club ' s. A continuous game of basketball is played in the gym and the whack of racquet balls can be heard. Many of us took time to pump iron in the weight room. The Air Force also had a contingent on the island and we were happy to have them for the sight of a giant C5A or C141 coming in meant supplies, passengers and, not least, mail. Almost everyday some airmen would ride a boat out to the ship to see how the other half lived. They were always impressed by the size of the operation and a little bit in awe that we actually lived aboard too. We would smile inwardly when we encountered these tourists. We know it ' s a tough job but it has to be done and we can do it better than anyone else.