Eastwind (WAGB 279) - Naval Cruise Book

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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-

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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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Davy jones boarding Eastwind as we approach the Equator. The honorable Shellbacks harass the lowly Pollywogs on the morning ofthe crossing. Captain Henry welcomes Davy jones aboard. A UATOR CROSSING lhe Pollywogs retaliate. i l 9