Everett Larson (DDR 830) - Naval Cruise Book

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Twas bitter cold the morn we set sail Fueling at sea Oran, Algeria, our first port of call in the Mediterranean Sea

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Crossing the Big Pond

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THE CRUISE A destroyer goes to the Med for two reasons. The first is simple: to be ready to fight in an area where combat is most likely to take place in the event of war. The second is not so simple because it is part of a diplomatic policy. American warships in the Mediterranean are a constant reminder of our strength, — to those who count on our support and to those who would guestion it. American sailors ashore are ambassadors of our society and form of government, whether they want to be or not. By and large, they are good ones. Each ship and each man has a part to play in such a scheme. At sea the Sixth Fleet usually operates as a Fast Carrier Group under wartime conditions. Refuel- ing and replenishing are done at sea, day, night, or in any kind of weather. Air operations go on around the clock. The Carriers with their accompanying cruisers and screen of destroyers range the length and breadth of the Mediterranean — from Gibraltar to the Dardanelles; simulating strikes on land bases, repelling at- tacks by land based aircraft and submarines. When a particular operation is over, the fleet splits up. The ships proceed singly and in small groups to widely scattered ports in Spain, North Africa, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey. There are no concentra- tion of sitting ducks to tempt a treacherous enemy. Yet the fleet can concentrate for action in a short space of time. Ordinarily a ship does not visit the same port twice in a single cruise, so that the crew gets a chance to see and mingle with the widest variety of foreign peoples. For performing his part in a diplomatic mission each sailor receives the opportunity for an education in return, — not to mention a most unusual shopping tour. This year ' s, cruise was both successful and enjoyable for the Larson. The ship participated in every fleet exercise and made an enviable record in all phases of operations; seamanship, gunnery, anti-submarine warfare, and her specialty, air defense. Although there was considerable bad weather at sea, the periods in port were favored with day after day of clear Mediterranean skies; egually perfect for sightseeing, shopping, or simple cafe sitting. If such was the deal, — fair weather in port and foul at sea, — all but a few went along with the idea. It was a happy ship, then, that sailed from Gibraltar for Newport in mid-May. In their sea bags were presents from all parts of Europe for wives, sweethearts, and children, and the prospect of much liberty and leave with five months in the Navy Yard ahead. And also in the bag was another prospect by no means less important: the Battle Efficiency Pennant as a reward for many tasks well done. Car fiends at the ready CHRONOLOGY OF THE LARSON 7 Jan, leave Newport 20 Jan-26 Jan, ORAN 31 Ian-5 Feb PALERMO 9 Feb-14 Feb, AUGUSTA BAY 22 Feb-] Mar, CANNES 2 and 3 Mar, and 5 Mar, MALTA 10 Mar- 15 Mar, NAPLES 26 Mar-2 Apr, ATHENS 4 Apr-10 Apr, IZMIR 17 Apr-23 Apr, SAN REMO 23 Apr-28 Apr , SANTA MARGHERITA 5 May-9 May, GIBRALTAR 18 May, arrive NEWPORT Pilot comes aboard at Palermo