Haynsworth (DD 700) - Naval Cruise Book

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auausra, siortv Augusta, our first truly Mediterranean port, was welcomed by all of us a means of replenishment of our 'almost exhausted supplies after over a month of continuous operations. A small agricultural town, still bearing scars of World War Il, Augusta abounded with colorful street vendors and their Wares varying from peanuts to accordians. It might also be recalled that enroute to Augusta we passed close to the island of Stromboli, ffrom the movie of the same namej made famous recently by the World wide publicity accorded it from the Rossellini - Bergman affair. Before heaving into full view of the island its active volcano sent one of our destroyers on a wild goose chase when flares were reported seen by several ships in our task force. After several minutes the Task Force Commander directed a destroyer to investigate the cause and source of the flares. A short time later, after due observation, the destroyer's radio was heard to announce, This is ............, Flares evaluated to be eruptions from the volcano on the island of Strombolin. We were all relieved and somewhat amused over the incident. An hour or so later our force came into full view of the island and the volcano greeted us nobly with a brilliant display of firey splendor. r W After passing through the Straits of Messina we were impressed by the sight of Mount Etna, hovering majestically above us on the starboard side. During our stay in Augusta Bay, the recreation officer arranged tours to Syracuse and Taormina. Both of the cities proved to be rich in historic splendor and cultural beauty. The grand Hnale to the Syracuse tour came at fleet landing with what will be long remembered as the accordian incident .

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LISEQBQN, FURTUIG-EL Situated on the northern bank of the 'l'a,gus River, the city of Lisbon, with a population of 'lGSl,il'?El, has kngqrm, many a master - many a ClV1llE'l2.'tl.Gl,'l. .. in, its eventful and historical past. lt has been Siberian, Ligurian, Celtic, lfhoenecian, Carthaginian, Ronran. and others. Phoenicians were probably the first outsiders to settle in the hill district new ignore George. The strategic value of this site, combining an important harbor flanking la sea route from l'lOI lLl'll.fl. 6Sl,El'll Europe to the fti1cditerranca.11 and Africa, was quiclzly recognized by early settlers. ' 1 from Lisbon, capital city of Portugal, that Vasco da Game. sailed in the year 1-297, to open a sea route to lndia. From that time on this city proved to be an operating for Portuguese naviggatc-rs whose subsequent discoveries are a matter of history. On the morning of November 1, 17555, a disastrous earthquake, followed by fire and tidal Wave, upset and burned most of the city. . The colorful and picturesque harbor 'wil.l always be remembered by most of us for the pastel-hued sailing craft and bustling ferries busily engaged in their daily routine. Also We encountered our first difficulties with foreigncurrency the Escudo - worth approx-izimately 31241 cents .in US. currency. - 'The fleet was. given a royal welcome by the people of Lisbon. They lined the dock area and gave rise to many ,cheers as the ships tied up one by one. We missed the dock side exibition because of the fact that We tied up alongside the destroyer tender. During our stay, the entire fleet was entertained by ia bull fight staged especially for us. For many of us it was a sight never before beheld one to be never forgotten. We were surprised to learn that in Portugal it is not the policy to lrill the bull. lie is only tormented anduplayed with by the torriedore and his assistants. Also the bull is often fought from horse back. The entire spectacle was enjoyed by the sailors as was evidenced by the fact that they joined right in with the cries of Toro and Bravo . One of our crew members got so enthusiastic that he nearly lost his hat when he threw it in the bull ring. . . ' To say that Lisbon is interesting is not enough. It IS tascinatingg a city of beautiful parks and cathedrals. It is a city where the people welcomed us and made us their guests. It was a fine introduction to the NELM areaiand to say goodby was hard indeed. A 3 X.

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NAPLss 1rALY Naples gives claim to occupying the most beautiful site in Europe. Located on the northern shore of the Bay of Naples and with a population of approximately 1,0l5,000, it is the third largest city in Italy, nestling almost at the foot of famous Mount Vesuvius. It may be recalled that this once active volcano was the means ol' completely covering the ancient city of Pompei. Here again we experienced monetary difficulties with our first Contact with Italian Lire at G25 to the dollar. One could scarcely mention Naples without including the Isle of Capri lying at the entrance of the Gulf of Naples, which was the favorite summer resort of the Neapolitans since early Roman times. and still remains one of the tourist attractions of the area featuring excellent beaches and hotels. Many wives, mothers, and sweethearts will enjoy the excellent gloves, cameos, and filligree work obtained in Naples. Naples is! memorable chiefly as the City of Kings having its own lineage as far back as early Roman times. f During a regular sight-seeing tour to Rome a group from the HAYNSWORTI-I was granted a Papal audience at the Vatican. A tour to Pompei and Sorrento was made also by a large percentage 'of the crew. Pompei had the impressiveness of all ancient cities, the observer standing somewhat in awe as .he looked at the remains of what was probably the most cosmopolitan and sophisticated' city in ancient Italy. The ruts worn by chariot Wheels in stone streets some two thousand years ago by other humans causes a moment of reflection on the brevity and impermanence of life. Sorrento was beautiful, but, like Capri, the glorious isle would have been more attractive insummer. It was also in Naples that you want to buy cameo, change money became a constant refrain sung by innumerable men and small boys. , 4 The holidays were observed with caroling on the fantail, Christmas trees fore and aft and Christmas services held in various churches. New Year's celebrations were noisy and to some extent dangerous with constant explosions of firecrackers. The streets and sky were filled with sky rockets and roman candle flares. Tragedy was narrowly averted when a spent bullet struck the OOD while he was standing on the fantail the quarterdeck when using the Mediterranean Moor. On January 3rd, the I-Iaynsworth got underway from Naples with the Waldron enroute to Venice and Trieste.