Dixon (AS 37) - Naval Cruise Book

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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.

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R R On The Island While some of the crew spent their off duty time relaxing at the various clubs on the island, others channeled their energies into some serious fishing. The fishing barge located in the mouth of the lagoon provided us many an afternoon of catching the many fishes that inhabit the waters around Diego Garcia. A barbeque was provided to cook the catch and, with some liquid refreshment, a very good time could be had. More than one fisherman dreamt of hooking up with Hector the famous 26 foot hammerhead shark that lived in the lagoon. But, even though some very large fish, including several lesser sharks, were caught, the noble Hector still roams the area untouched.