Hickox (DD 673) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 21 text:

SHIP ' S SERVICEMEN and HOSPITALMEN Row One: G. R. Bellerose, C. Mikosz, R. E. Evenson Row Two: R. P. Mousette, W. J. Lehman, C. C. Cichowicz, J. Spencer — =0O STEWARDS Row One: E. W. Reynolds, F. V. Balbuena, D. J White Row Two: O. Harris, A. C. Virgil (missing from picture: E. Chapman) MESS COOKS Row One: W. V. W. Coudreaut, J. L. Clark, R. Y. Dolnicek, R. L Fanny Row Two: W. J. Fernandez, W. A. McKinney, MAA, D. D. Johnson

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THE BEGINNING The Bos ' n yelled Anchor chain is clear of the buoy! and at 1305 on 8 September 1954 the USS HICKOX (DD673), 225 strong was underway from Mike- 1 2, Newport, Rhode Island for Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. For some it was the first time crossing the pond ; for others it was the tenth; for all it was exciting. It was a singular thrill to see the stern swing around and the sailors domain stretch before us. It is a feeling that only sailors experience ... a feeling well . . . that we ' re sorry to leave our loved ones and our homes, but there ' s something out there and we ' re going to see it, experience it, and let it become a part of us. As we steamed past Coddington Point, we stretched our necks trying to get a last look at the U. S. and each one tried to hide his mixed emotions of sorrow and excitement, from the other. Our mission was two-fold. First, we were to be representatives of our country — to speak her words, to think her thoughts, to show her good faith to all peoples throughout the world. Second, we were to partake in a vigorous operational training program of exercises with NATO ships. This is what we set out to do, and to do well. The Quartermaster shouted Mark Brenton Reef Lightship, abeam to port! we hauled down NKIJ, secured the Special Sea Detail, placed the pictures of our wives and sweethearts close to our bunks and settled down for sixteen long days at sea till terra firma would once more rear it ' s lovely head. MANY MILES, MANY PLACES NEWPORT, R. I., U.S.A. PORTSMOUTH. ENGLAND TROMSO, NORWAY BREMERHAVEN, GERMANY EMDEN, GERMANY DEN HELDER, HOLLAND EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND CHATHAM, ENGLAND BORDEAUX, FRANCE BELFAST, IRELAND LONDONDERRY. IRELAND NAPLES, ITALY GENOA, ITALY MARSEILLE, FRANCE ISTANBUL, TURKEY SALONIKA, GREECE ATHENS, GREECE GIBRALTAR PONTA DELGADA, AZORES FALL RIVER, MASS., U.S.A.