Epping Forest (LSD 4) - Naval Cruise Book

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Our Cruise To those personnel who hod mode the first cruise to WESTPAC on the Epping Forest, the 6th of September 1952 was just a little busier than usual. But to those who hod never been out of the States, and especially to the fellows directly out of boot camp, the events of the 6th were a new and unusual experience. Lost minute preparations for getting underway, getting final stores, and getting personnel aboard all contributed to the general excite- ment and organized confusion. This was the day. It meant leaving loved ones, homes, and everything most of us hod ever known for a place we had only read about. For those who think that a sailor ' s life is all excitement and adventure they might be surprised to learn that there is a lifetime of loneliness in that brief second when he looks bock at the harbor entrance as his ship soils out to sea. The trip to Son Francisco from Son Diego was uneventful. The first day was comparatively calm. Everyone was sure that they were not going to get seasick. But in the following days OS we neored Son Francisco and the ship started taking 30° rolls even some of the salts were forced to moke emergency trips to the head. Son Francisco and Oakland put on a glittering array of twinkling lights the night that we sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge. It was to be our closest picture of the two cities, for two days later, without a chance for even one liberty, we sailed for Subic Bay, Philippines, with the dredge, McMullen, nestled in our well deck.