Isherwood (DD 520) - Naval Cruise Book

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i • ■ ■ — . -I •! — — • pletion of Formosa Patrol. Upon completion of Patrol we headed for brief but satisfying stays at Hiroshima and Kobe. Here at Hiroshima, the main attraction was, of course, the site of the first A-Bomb blast, which, on 6 August 1945, completely devastated the city. Today, with the exception of one gutted building, left as a memorial to that fateful date, the scars have been erased; and the city is a bustling, prosperous, metropolis. Kobe, the Pittsburgh of Japan, was far and away the most cosmopolitan of the Japanese sea ports that we had visited. Here, we found department stores, movies, and restaurants comparable to those found in the States. Also, some of us were fortunate enough to visit Kyoto, the spiritual home of the Japanese, and site of the major religious shrines and temples. One of the more memorable events of our visit to Kobe was open house on Armed Forces Day. We were overwhelmed by the curiosity and enthusiasm of the Japanese people as they thoroughly examined the Isherwood, and thanks to the courtesy and politeness of the guides, the day passed without mishap leav- ing an atmosphere of mutual good-will. As we left Kobe and headed north toward Yokosuka, our pulses were quickened by the realization that this saga was nearing com- pletion, and that soon we would be headed back to the States and our loved ones. How- ever, we still had the port of Yokosuka to visit and Commodore ' s inspection to pass. So, after docking in Yokosuka, all hands busily turned to intent upon making our ship Ichi-ban in the squadron. It was not wasted effort, for, on the day of inspection, the Isherwood was immac- ulate from stem to stern, bright-work shim- mered in the sunlight, freshly painted bulk- heads supplied an added vitality, and the crew, faultlessly decked out in their dress can- vas, impatiently awaited the Commodore ' s arrival. Bosuns ' pipes whistle and the word is passed; COMDESRON 21 arriving! The honor guard snaps to attention; the Commodore

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operations, and it was here that we first got a ghmpse of the Chinese women and their slit skirts — very fascinating. Despite the lack of recreational facilities there was the E.M. Club and Bingo on Wednesday evenings (none of the crew won anything) and also the usual bazaars with their fabulous bargains. While some of us were partial to Kao-hsiung, most of us were more interested in our next port-of- call, Hong Kong, and the day wasn ' t too soon when we departed Kao-hsiung enroute for Hong Kong. From Formosa we completed the journey in a matter of twenty-one hours, and as we en- tered the mouth of the harbor a thrill of ex- pectancy seemed to engulf the whole ship. This was the acme of our cruise, a really large port that embodied all of the enchantment, mystery, and sybaritic luxury of the Far East. As with other ships, the main attractions in Hong Kong were the tailor-made suits, the hand-made boots, and the ivory products that could be purchased there. Perhaps one of the most beautiful sights in the city was the Tiger- balm Gardens, located on the side of the cloud-shrouded Peak. These gardens, beau- tiful for the landscaping entailed, held a fabu- lous array of Buddhas, dragons, and statues of the lesser dieties all over-topped by a Chinese pagoda composed of white marble and blue tile, truly the shutter-Bug ' s delight. Here in Hong Kong, a few of the boys went Asiatic , crossed the width of the island, and chowed down at the famous floating restaurants. Since they were located in the midst of hundreds of junks and sampans, the abounding stench made one wonder how a meal, no matter how exotic and well prepared, could be enjoyed. These lads had strong stomachs. Out in the harbor, the ship valiantly pro- tected itself from the onslaughts of bumboats which were heavily laden with cheap sou- venirs. It was fire hoses at twenty paces, and the ship was saved. And so having purchased enough clothing to dress the Navy, the Isher- wood (washed and painted by Mary Soo Cleaners) steamed out of Hong Kong for com- You Mean This Is Secured?

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passes over the brow, and prepares to inspect first the honor guard and then the rest of the crew. The last tug of the neckerchief as well as the last squaring of the hat are unneces- sary, for the honor guard is ready. With superb precision they present arms and are individ- ually inspected. Later, we learn that they re- ceived an excellent as did many of the other divisions on the ship. This completed, the Commodore inspects the rest of the crew, and then along with the Captain of the Braine (DD-630), he finishes his tour by inspecting up- per and lower deck spaces. In the afternoon, after the critique has been wrapped up, we find that the sweat and grueling labor have paid off, for the Isherwood receives a mark of Very Good. The inspection behind us we head for the beach and one last, long look at Japan. Today, 3 June 1955, the cruise over, with the exception of the return journey, the Isher- wood, under a cloudy sky, steams slowly out of Yokosuka Harbor and on toward the States. The eyes and hearts of the great majority of the crew are turned homeward; they have seen and enjoyed Japan, but the nostalgia for home is great. However, there are some of us that look longingly at the receding coast-line of Japan, for the people and their customs hold a strange fascination, an indefinable essence of romance and mystery, something that will never be forgotten. On our way home we again fuel at Midway, and also say hello to Carter ' s relatives. Hav- ing tanked up (Isherwood only), we press on for Pearl Harbor winning the ensuing speed run against the rest of the squadron hands down. On 11 June 1955 we arrive at Pearl for a two day visit. Hawaii is beautiful, and the sun and beach inviting, but all thoughts are for Home. We are anxious to leave, and on 13 June 1955 we begin the last leg of the trip. 0900, 19 JUNE 1955, we arrive SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, the climax of a long, arduous, and exciting voyage. . . . For home is the Sailor home from the Sea, and the hunter home from the hill. 2 H A 11 WHATS WRONG WITH HIS HAIRCUT. 21