Dixon (AS 37) - Naval Cruise Book

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Mail Call MARS The words Mail Call were some of the most welcome and refreshing heard aboard the DIXON during our deployment. Even though all the mail each person received was probably read within fifteen minutes, the effect on moral those few minutes had, would last for hours and days. Another method of communication with the home front was through the Military Affiliated Radio Station run by several volunteers with amateur radio experience. The MARS Station usually ran every night and would make connections with an operator in the United States who would patch a phone call through to the house of whoever we wished to call. It wasn ' t very private, the whole world could listen in, but there was something very nice to be able to say I love you, over.

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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.

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Plantation Although the existence of Diego Garcia was unknown to many of the DIXON crew until we prepared to deploy, for a great many people the island was an important link in world coconut production. Originally settled by the French, the island became a British possession in 1810 and several coconut plantations were established and flourished over the years. By the end of World War II however, only the East Plantation was in business. This plantation ceased operations in the early 1970 ' s when the United States and Great Britain agreed to use the island for defensive purposes. The buildings of the East Planta- tion are still standing and are being converted into an R and R area for the sailors on the island and in the fleet.