Eastwind (WAGB 279) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 11 text:

x The ship proceeded without further inci- dent to the Panama Canal via the Windward Passage between Cuba and Haiti. On Decem- ber 17 we anchored in Limon Bay on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal. At 1700 that evening we began the transit ofthe canal. Finally, at midnight, after a fascinating pas- sage, we moored at Rodman Naval Base in the Canal Zone. P The weather was perfect for swimming and softball games. The tours through the Canal Zone and into old Panama enjoyed sunny days with blue skies and few of the characteristic tropical downpours. It was a very pleasant stay in an interesting .art of the world. But, on December 1 we cast off our lines to continue P 2 our journey south. H Then, on December 22, the Cap- tain received an ominous caller- Davy jones ! We were approaching the equator and our salty visitor was here to prepare the way for King Neptune's court in order that thelow- ly, slimy Pollywogs might be justly tried. .fl Would they be deemed worthy to enter his kingdom of honorable Shellbacks ? The next morning found the Royal Dep- uties with vengeance in their hearts for the landlubbers that dared to cross the equator. At 0120 we had passed over 000020 N at 810 06' .5 W. So, that afternoon, after a unique morning of skirmishes, King Neptune held court on the focs'le. A school of porpoise crossed our bow as an honor guard and the initiation began. That evening only one Pollywog was left aboard! He had barri- caded himself in a helicopter and thus cross- ed the equator in an aircraft. Underway across the Caribbean.

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December 10, 1963, a day like any other day. . Eastzuina' left Boston on that cool and slightly overcast day to begin a trip which would carry us almost 15,500 miles in 89 days. For many it involved hardships for the- long period away from home, but for all hands there was an undeniable pulse of ex- citement for the coming adventure. Prior to departure we sailed on a four day Shakedown cruise from 18 to 22 Novem- ber to pick up our ammunition at Earle, New Jersey, and to get the bugs out after the long summer in-port. Bon Voyage M U -H in ...c Q --',, ' N tml ' 1 2' , -'JM N in n . ,n ,a,, n . wi? , 4, Q In this way we were able to correct problems not otherwise detected. ' Helicopter Detachment 81, the MCB-8 Detachment, and our doctor and dentist re- ported on board so that at 1000 ofthe fateful day, when we cast off our lines, we were- ready to go. . The skyline of Boston receded into the haze to remain etched only in our memories, a sight we awaited impatiently to return. We heard Boston had its first snowstorm the day after we left, perhaps it was an omen, for good weather would bless us far more than our share in days to come. However we were involved in our own problems before long because that night and the next morning we encountered a storm of gale force off Cape Cod. Here we rolled heavily, several inches ofwater accumulated in the after sections of the ship, and many lost their appetites and cursed the call of the sea. But soon we all acquired our sea legs and the constant rolling was a part of the routine.

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Entering the first lock at C olon, Panama. Dusk falls as we enter the Canal. By the next evening, We passed from the ridiculous Qgood clean fun for Shellbacks lj into the- sublime. Christmas found Captain Henry, the officers and the crew gathered on the mess deck to join in singing carols and reading the Christmas Story. This night found our thoughts at home with our families and, for the moment, the sunburns and shaven heads were forgotten and we were home by the Christmas tree. Christmas day the Captain distributed gifts and We relished the traditional turkey dinner. That night all hands pooled their skills to put on a talent show the likes of which the South Pacific has seldom seen. We were all a little surprised to find out what a variety of talent there was on board. It almost seemed to corne out of the Wood- work-and maybe some of it should have stayed there. Nonetheless, it was a fitting ending to three very unusual days. We continued sailing over gentle South- ern seas. On December 28th, we unlimbered the 3 f50 mount and held gunnery practice at sea. Then, on December 30, We entered Valparaiso, Chile, our next port-of-call. This would be Eastwindfs resting place for the next four days. ' I l nun-