James C Owens (DD 776) - Naval Cruise Book

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,4 fflflfl Xi. The OWENS arrrved 1n Athens Greece on 17 December wrth the other sh1ps of Task Group 60 2 to spend the holrdays The next day twenty frve members of the crew found themselves qu1te busy enter tarnrng the same number of Greek chxldren from a small school near Athens The h ld c 1 ren were grven a lunch and an extenswe tour of the shxp As they were leavrng the shlp to return to school each chxld rece1ved a present that had been donated by the crew ? 1 I 1 Q E I' Sf 1 r '1 I 2 I 1

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O91612Z DEC 66 From: CTG 60.2 To: TG 60.2 X USS MAUNA LOA X KASKASKIA UNCLAS Well done. to all haunds for a tiring and tragic effort to assist the Royal Hellenic Navys SAR effort. My deep appreciation to officers and men of all ships and helo units for their splendid and devoted efforts. RADM BUCKI-,EY BT 100703Z From: AMEMBASSY, ATHENS X CTG 60.2 To: USS KASKASKIA X USS MAUNA LOA X HQ ARRC RAMSTEIN X GERMANY 58th AEPO X SPACE Sz RECOVERY SQDN WHEELUS AFB Info: COMSIXTHFLT X CINCUSNAVEUR X CTF SIX ZERO X TG SIX ZERO PT TWO UNCLAS 1. The highest officials Of the government of Greece have expressed their gratitude for your assistance in the search just concluded for the survivors of the illfated Greek passenger ship IRAKLION. Let me and my warm thanks and appreciation for your quick response to the call for help. I assure you that your timely assistance is deeply appreciated by the Greek people and is a Source Of great pride for all Americans in Greece. 2. You and your men have made a praiseworthy contribution to Greek - American relations. Talbot. 100700Z DEC 66 From: ALUSNA ATHENS To: COMSIXTHFLT Info: CINCUSNAVEUR X CTF 60 X CTG 60.2 X TG 60.2 UNCLAS 1, The following message has been received from RHN: ' ' Please convey the warm thanks of the Royal Hellenic Navy as well as my personal thanks to the chief of the SIXTHFLT and to the ships SHANGRI-LA, COLUMBUS, BELKNAP, LAWRENCE, j.C. OWENS, BORDELON, STRONG, KASKASKIA and MAUNA LOA for their unlimited participation in the search for and rescue of the shipwrecked passengers of the ferry boat IRAKLION, among which included men of the RHN. The hard efforts for the rescue and the effective contribution of the aboce ships proves Once more the strong spirit of mutual support and the kind traditions of the glorious Navy of the United States. Signed Spyridon Avgheris Chief, GNS 281627 Z DEC 66 From: CTG SIX ZERO PT TWO To: COMDESRON 18XCTF 63X COMDESRON FOURXUSS COLUMBUSXUSS SHANGRI-LAXUSS BELKNAPX USS LAWRENCEXUSS j.C. OWENSXUSS BORDELONXUSS STRONGXUSS KASKASKIAXUSS MAUNA LOA BT UNCLAS A. SAR OPERATIONS 8-9 DEC 66 A. MY MSG 231402Z DEC 66 I. IN ADDITION TO EXCERPTS REF A FOLLOWING EXCERPTS QUOTED FROM PERSONAL LETTER TO ADMIRAL EULKELY FROM EDNA F. KELLY, CHAIRMEN OF SUB COMMITTEE ON COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS: I AM AWARE OF THE WONDERFUL ASSISTANCE YOU GAVE TO THE GREEK GOVERNMENT IN HELPING IN SEARCH FOR SURVIVORS OF THE HEARAKLION. WHILE WE WERE AT THE PALACE OF THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESS, WE LEARNED OF THE TRAGEDY AND THE KING AND QUEEN EXPRESSED TO THE AMBASSADOR THEIR APPRECIATION FOR THE GREAT WORK OF THE SIXTH FLEET. WE ALL KNEW YOU WOULD BE THERE. 2. .REQUEST THAT REF A AND THE ABOVE ARE MADE PART OF ALL OFFICER FITNESS REPORTS AND INSERTED IN ENLISTED SERVICE RECORDS. BT . , , , v ' Q ,H H A h -MmAWm.Mg: . .-W,-HA-HAL, . ,-,,,5.,,.,,, ,,,,,..,,,..tG..A...,.-.f,,......,...-.'-- ..4....,Gf.,.,,..,. .IE..E.,,..-.,..GV.-.A..-..,,,.,,...r.--...,.-. ,-..,.,,.,..... ...- A .. - - A ....,.,- 'I M.,1..4... ...A.,:,-,..I:.r..'.L....-4.-.....r-.....w...--.,.-a1......1-.-- 1 .4-P - 1 --1 - M-

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Merry Christma sl Who threw that hw.. Royal Palace Guard Tomb of the Unknown Solduer fl'-9' n n ka A Q?