John McCain (DL 3) - Naval Cruise Book

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The Big Lover Pago Pago is the principal port in the Samoan Islands, and was a one day refueling stop for DesDiv 2ll on our journey to Sydney. The downtown district con- sisted of one small central circle around which were scattered several bars, one dance hall, and several souve- nir shops located under thatched roots. Side trips into the candle-lit towns of Ah-ool and New-oo-ooli Cspelled extremely phoneticallyl revealed that Elvis Presley was still leading the Paqo Paqonian hit parade. PAGO PAGO Arriving in Pago Pago Ranch house, Samoan style The Samoan Navy Evening at the lagoon

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SYDNEY After very brief visits at Pearl Harbor and Pago Pago, the first real liberty call came on May 30th when McCain arrived in Sydney, Australia. Syd- ney is located in New South Wales on the east coast of Australia and is the largest city on the continent. Sydney boasts a population of l,549,- 590 and all the advantages of a large metropolis. Australia in general, and Sydney in particular, is reminiscent of old England, but is more similar to the United States than is any other nation in the World. The genuine friendliness with which the Australians greeted the visiting Navy tended to create a general feeling that the entire six month cruise might Well be spent in Australia. The McCain's visit coincided with the annual Coral' Sea Victory celebration which commemo- rates the great U.S. and Australian naval battle credited with saving Australia from lapanese in- vasion. The carrier U.S.S. BENNINGTON was present, and VADM FELIX B. STUMP, CINCPAC was on hand to help commemorate the occasion. The U.S. sailors found themselves readily Wel- comed into the social life of the large, but friendly city. This was true of the Coral Sea Vic- tory festivities as Well as less formal phases of Sydney night life. Many families extended their hospitality by inviting MCCAIN personnel into their homes for dinners and even Weekends. Many liberty hours not spent in purchasing toy kangaroos and other souvenirs Were spent sightseeing, attending the nearby horse races or just -driving through picturesque country. Ex- change visits With units of the Royal Australian Navy were of great interest and enhanced the already close relationship with a fine nation and its smart navy. A visit to Sydney creates the impression that here is a city and a nation with an interesting past, but with its eyes on the future: a very pro- gressive respected nation with Wonderful pros- pects to which it can look forward. The McCAlN's relunctant departure from Syd- ney on 4 May Was made easier by the rumors that the next port of call, Perth, would be just as good, if not better. Approaching Sydney Waiting to get ashore