Falgout (DER 324) - Naval Cruise Book

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SHL3 WASKA, OH MY GOD, BURNT THE CAPTAIN'S SHIRT AGAIN! ,',,,,.,..-W-f ff'--an-.gr Q ' x 4 REALLY BRYANT, I AIN'T STEALING ANY OF YOUR SUPPLIES, .,f rig, f f f SD1 DELPARTO ADDS A SEASONED TOUCH TO HIS FRESH SALAD, SN DUCK AND SK3 LEPAGE GET READY TO PAINT SUPPLY PASSAGE . CAMERA SHY ROSTER NONE

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C f ,Mi f 1 r 5 A, My 'haul 'Inna n-.14 A A V , , W r-1 W..-WMM L.. CS2 WILSON APPEARS AMAZED VVITH SA MINNICK'S SHB2 WEBHEAD WEBER, PROPRIETOR OF FALGOUT'S SEA STORY GENERAL STORE. ' I r T T Y Q i L w V SH1 BRYANT BUTCHERS CS1 BOTELHO'S HAIR, TN GARICA SERVES NOON MEAL TO CREW. ,T w l N , 1 Q x ...Q ,Q SK3 ALDEN TELLS TN MONTEMAYOR, SEE THAT SN REEVES CHECKS LAUNDRY MESS? IWANT IT SQUARED AWAY, ' 36

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CRUISE II GHZ GHISS' FALGOUT'S fifth deployment to the Western Pacific began on 21 November 1968 when the ship, in company with USS HISSEM, shaped a course for Apra Harbor, Guam. On 2 December HISSEM continued west while FALGOUT remained in the Ship Repair Facility for a routine drydocking, After completion the ship continued west towards Vietnam via Subic Bay, Philippines, Christmas Eve fou.nd FALGOUT on Market Time patrol off Vietnam. FALGOUT'S primary duty involved support of smaller patrol craft, shore bombardment and coastal surveillance aimed at preventing infiltration and resupply for the enemy from the sea, On 23 January, FALGOUT steamed north and commenced a three week tour as Station Ship, Hong Kong on 26 J anuary, This was certainly the highlight of the cruise, with excellent shopping, good food, and superb sightseeing, In addition to the fine job done by the ship's permanent shore patrol, the ship's company earned the Meritorious Conduct Award From mid February until early March, FALGOUT operated on patrol in Taiwan Straits These waters have always maintained a reputation for being extremely rough in the winter, and this February was no exception Although liberty in Kaohsiung and Taipei was outstanding no one was sorry to leave the straits on 11 March The next ten days found the ship in Subic Bay for a much needed upkeep period Picnics, beer parties, ball games, and a personnel, berthing, and messing inspection by the Squadron Commander, Commodore J F Murphy highlighted the port visit 2.5 March found FALGOUT back on Market Time patrol off Vietnam, and by the time of relief on 14 April, rumors of decommissioning were circulating During the ship's final Taiwan Patrol, 18 April to 15 May, decommissioning and early return to Pearl Harbor became official Before departing, the old girl showed she still had plenty of spunk by drawing a serious warning from Red China for violating her territorial waters Not Guilty' I I I After a short shopping visit in Yokouska Japan, FALGOUT bid SAYONARA to the Western Pacific for the last time, and headed east Arrival in Pearl Harbor on 1 June marked the end of a memorable cruise and a fine career for a grand lady She made, as usual, every committment, and a few others' too Her performance was the product of a crew that knew how to work, and play together as a team