Essex (CVA 9) - Naval Cruise Book

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NIAKE READY . . . For the first time in her salty history the ESSEX was to go on a Mediterranean cruise, At Mayport, Florida, pro- visions were taken aboard along with the air group per- sonnel and their gear. In the last 3 days and nights alone, about 400 tons of provisions were taken on-brought by truck from all over the South-Eastern United States, Fresh frozen shrimp were hauled in all the way from New Or- leans. To the delight of those of yeasty yen, 750 cases of beer were included for the enrichment of future parties ashore. In this connection, it dismayed a few, no doubt, when the beer was actually welded into the hold, for some nights thereafter, several drooling figures were said to have haunted the site of the weld. It was on a Saturday, that the brows were pulled up and an attempt made to leave the carrier basin. But, tide and wind opposed the ship, even with tugs assisting, and so she had to remain pier-bound while the SARATOGA, more lucky, steamed off for Europe. While the ESSEX was delayed, three more truck loads of provisions were accepted. Next day, the wind having abated, the ESSEX once more drew up her brows and cast off. Again loved ones lined the pier to see their men off. To the whistle of busy tugs she at last put to sea, afloat on an adventure her crew would never forget.