Haven (AH 12) - Naval Cruise Book

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OUR MOOD MATCHED THE GREYNESS OF THE DAY AND THE BLEAK- NESS OF ALCATRAZ, FOR WE WERE LEAVING HOME. SOON, HOWEVER.

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The leave parties returned and the tempo of work increased as we prepared for the Big Day when we were to sail. The gangs from the ship- yard swarmed in and over our ship, cleaning, repairing and replacing; helping to make her ready for sea. For us, there was paint to be chipped, rust to be scaled, boats to be painted, decks to swab, equipment to be checked and inventoried, lists to be made, and orders to learn. We loaded stores until it seemed certain there could be no more in the area Time passed so quickly that we were some- what surprised when suddenly it was time to leave. The chipping and painting seemed close to an end (which has never yet been reached), the vehicles were hoisted aboard, and finally, the gangway was taken away. The lines were cast off and we were free of the pier. . . . We took a last long look at our loved ones as the ship slowly made her way through the water.

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t % Keep your hands outa the cake! If Duz don ' t do i o UE IF ro ' i! m! Mil. Northside 777? Prcparrnq the mess (no offense ) Once I was a 97 lb. weakling