Gearing (DD 710) - Naval Cruise Book

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,giiwg - ' H r ' A Commanding Officer Leis takes the gig 4 ashore for some well-deserved relax- ation--and to become a movie star! ...J Whether on a guided tour or just exploring alone, the visitor finds the Parthenon to be awe-inspiring in its ancient grandeur and grace. we

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. if LTJG Olldara calls for instructions while acting as Beach Guard at Fleet Landing in Bandol. 4 i When not soaking up the Riviera sun, Frenchmen on holiday take in a modified game of bowling. f Naval ROTC Midshipman as We were grateful for the hnguisticlilbliiiilisccdulld handle tried to come aboard many more potential visitors than t C anyway! ' 4 4 Qi 1 4, I4 SI4 4 42 I H4 44 14 K4 44' W4 ,4 4 4ll il l 4 4 f 4 ll 44+ l 4 l l V ll? 44l 'fi 4 ll 44 441 W, 44 4., 4:4 4 i 7 44444

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As the final liberty port of the cruise, Athens proved to be the most ','Arneri- Can of cities in some ways, the most unusual in others. We were greeted at Fleet Landing by a large display of flags, which turned out to be not for us but in preparation for the passing of the Olympic Torch that evening on its way to Mexico City. The ships in the harbor had ringside seats for a fireworks dis- play after the ceremony. In Athens itself, we found broad boule- vards, U.S.-size automobiles and traffic jams, and refreshing beaches to assuage the disappointment of the Riviera. Some chose to explore independently, others took advantage of several excellent tours that gave an insight to the long, important history of Athens and Greece. . The mighty Acropolis, topped by the Parthenon, dominated the city and was the most popular at- traction. In the evenings a ' ' sound and light presentation brought the mins to life once more: Longer tours ranged to Corinth and the Oracle at Delphi, perhaps the most beautiful spot in Greece. ' 0ur stay in Athens was also the culmination of over a month of work by a Navy camera crew which had been filming a television documentary on destroyermen ever since we had left Naples. Starring were four Gearing navymen, including Commander Leis. Parts of their liberty hoursein Athens were taken up with the filming of the final segments of the program. r When we finally said ' 'Goodby to Greece, it was with mixed feelings. Our next liberty port would be Newport, but that was still nearly a month away. A-,Qin xv ,s N Nb Lg - . 'H f ' W From the top of Mars hill, next to the AcrOpOl1S, Qngthgfuilnmgggi Sjlihggite of the city of Athens, including the modern O1YmP1C a ' of the ancient one. .