Forster (DER 334) - Naval Cruise Book

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In March, FORSTER was ordered to drydock in Subic Bay to repair the Starboard Rudder Post. As it turned out, this gave all FORSTER personnel a chance to take advantage of a 48 hour liberty in Manila and extra time for R 82 R. In April, FORSTER got underway again for Market Time Operations. During this patrol, FORSTER received several visitors while main- taining the searching and visiting of junks at a high rate. Our first visitors were two photo teams who were to take pictures of FORSTER, and the USS INFLICT. No sooner had they left than we received Chaplain E. G. Cheerington, who remained aboard until FORSTER arrived in Hong Kong. During this patrol, FORSTER boarded a total of 188 junks and took over 57 prisoners, including many suspected deserters and Viet Cong. Early May brought many bright and happy smiles to the faces of the crew as FORSTER rounded the point and in the foggy distance Hong Kong stood out majestically. As FORSTER made her approach, Bum Boats came alongside showering all hands with free coupon booklets de- scribing their trades from cocktail lounges to custom tailors. During the stay in Hong Kong, M, OC, and OI Divisions held divisional parties. After loading the ship with suits, laces, silks, high heeled western boots, coats, sweaters, stereo equipment, and thousands of happy memories of a fabulous port, FORSTER got underway rather reluctantly for Market Time Operations. Our fourth patrol brought us one holiday: Memorial Day. All hands celebrated it on the fantail with a Cala Barbecue handled by the Mess Cooks, and Commissarymen. Also, while on this patrol, FORSTER was asked to give generously to the Navy Relief Campaign. That she did by giving over 351100-the highest contributor of any DER in West Pac. After leaving station FORSTER arrived in Sasebo, Japan, for R 81 R, repairs, and a change of command. LCDR Campbell was relieved of command of F ORSTER by LCDR H. J. Dean. The ceremonies were complemented by a ships party held at Fiddlers Green. For two nights free music, food, entertainment, drinks, and dancing were provided for all. FORSTER left Sasebo, Japan, to head for her last and longest patrol of the cruise. The highlight of the fifth patrol was when FORSTER re- ceived Admiral Rivero, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, and party aboard for a luncheon and a brief tour of the ship. After finally being relieved on station, FORSTER proceeded to Subic Bay, P.l. for a short stopover for fuel, supplies, and engineering repairs. After a seemingly endless transit, the FORSTER ended West Pac '66 Cruise, and tied up alongside Pier B-28 Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, while the band performed and the Hula Girls swayed. Although West Pac '66 is gone, the happy, sad, difficult, and fond memories of the crew's determination, the officers' guidance, the foreign faces, and the tropical climate of Southeast Asia will never be forgotten in the memories of the men who served on DER- 334.

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