Enterprise (CVN 65) - Naval Cruise Book

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Enterprise cruised through palm tree-lined Philippine islands, out into tne blue South China Sea and north past the mouth of Manila Bay on the western side of Luzon to arrive at its first Western Pacific port call — Subic Bay. From July 20 to August 2 and again from November 12-18 the men of the Big E were able to experience a variety of recreation and the hospitality of the friend- ly Filipino people while the ship was readied for its long Indian Ocean stay and then the voyage home. Many crewmen took liberty boats to Grande Island at the mouth of Subic Bay, where they enjoyed such aquatic activities as snorkeling and scuba diving, individual and team sports on land and gigantic ship ' s party that was held for three days running. Back on the mainland side of the sprawling Subic Bay Naval Base our crew had an almost endless list of recreational opportuni- ties including go-carting, skeet shooting and horseback riding on trails leading into dense green jungle. Some of our shipmates invested a portion of their hard-earned sea pay in stereos and cameras purchased in the Far East Trader Navy Exchange store at bargain prices. When the sun went down, the action shifted to Olongapo City right outside the base gate. Amid hustle and bustle under a long stream of neon lights, sailors strolling along Magsaysay Drive and Rizal Avenue could sample the delicious Filipino cuisine in res- taurants, buy hand-crafted souvenirs in gift shops and join the musical beat emanating from the many nightclubs that beckoned men seeking to be entertained. Other shipmates ventured beyond Olongapo, taking a bus trip past rice paddies where humble people living in bamboo and nipa huts worked with water buffalo cal led carabao. They traveled along the route of the Bataan death march, visited Corregidor with its gun emplagements that guarded Manila Bay, the metropolis of Manila with historic sights reached in multi-colored jeepneys and farther south the picturesque Taal volcano. For the real adventure- some, there was a thrilling ride in a banca boat shooting the rapids at Pagsanjan Falls. And, for those seeking peace and auiet in a cool atmosphere away from the humid, tropical valleys, tnere was a trip up north to the mountain city of Baguio. This island paradise will likely be remembered by the crew of Enterprise as a port that had nearly something for everyone. PHILIPPINES 61

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60 PHILIPPINES

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62 PHILIPPINES