Holder (DD 819) - Naval Cruise Book

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HEADING HOME FOR AWHILE

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THE PEACEFUL TROPICS Ponta Delgada was again a fuel stop as the squadron began its circumnavigation of the North Atlantic. The crossing from the Azores to Bermuda brought six days of seas running to heights in excess of 45 ft. From Bermuda the squadron sailed for San Juan on 6 March andtherebegan two weeks of extensive excercises while participating in operation Spring board. Suntans now replaced the pale faces. March also brought new members to the squadron when the Canadian ship GATINEAU and the Federal German ship KOLN joined the squadron. The KOLN was the first German warship to operationally visit the western Atlantic since World War Two. The month of April saw the Force pay visits to Fort Lauder- dale, Norfolk, and New York City. In all cases, as in previous ports, the hospitality of the cities visited was beyond the normally experienced. New York ' s Mayor Lindsey proclaimed Nato Standing Naval Force Atlantic Week during the period of the squadrons ' visit. General visiting, heavy in all ports, reached its peak in New York when over 9,000 New Yorkers visited HOLDER in a single day. Departing New York on 24 April, more ASW exercises were conducted, ths time with units of the Canadian Navy before arriving in Halifax N. S. and a maintenance period. The visit also ended the GATINEAU ' s tenure with the squadron. w OIK FLORIDA FRIE S r..«

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NORFOLK ADMIRAL HOLMES INSPECTS THE TROOPS.. THE LEADERS