Firedrake (AE 14) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 14 text:

The successful completion of this operation depends to a great extent upon the performance of the FIREDRAKE ' s crew.

Page 13 text:

I lu- LMC loudspeaker system on the gianl carrier booms Flight quarters ' Prepare tcir emergency launch ! ' Within minutes, sleek jet fighters are rolled across the broad decks .ni l attached to catapult hooks. Their racks hllcd with olive-green bombs, the planes streak to the ambush area and batter the enemy as the Marines evacuate and continue their endless search

Page 15 text:

There are nervous and anxious beginnings, as equipment and ammunition are taken from stowage. The mas l intelligence in lie sifted through, messages and radio broadcasts chang- ing tunc and position, weather making the rendezvous a challenge, and final word from the rask Force Commander are components presenl in each rendezvous. I he stage is being set fur the wedding of material and men — muscle and machine — to accomplish a safe and efficii nt replenishment. Feel the hum and insect whir, barked orders and capable response as the crew makes its final preparation lor the rendezvous, feci the slow and easy, muscular sway I thi ship sliding through the hillocked sea. This is the- way we prepare lor the . . , RENDEZVOUS!