John McCain (DL 3) - Naval Cruise Book

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had to be called in to control the crowds. During the entire period of visiting the five hundred foot long pier was literally jammed with people trying to board the MC CAIN for a brief tour. MC CAIN men were overwhelmed by autograph seekers both on the ship and on the pier. This scene was typical of all those times during which general visiting was held both on the 7th and 8th. The athletic events continued to meet with the same enthusiasm and large crowds which marked the opening day's contests. MC CAIN teams played more softball, more basketball, soccer, tennis, golf, and volleyball. It is estimated that over l5,000 people attended the athletic events in which the MC CAIN teams participated during the visit. The number of formal receptions was held to a minimum during the visit but many of the ranking offi- cials both in the local government and in the Philippine Army were received on board for formal dinners. Informal get-togethers between members of the local American community and members of the crew were a source of enjoyment to those who received invitations. Many fine friendships developed from these and other meetings, resulting in further demonstrations of hospi- tality by both local citizens and the men on board. One of the highlights of the visit for a number of the MC CAIN men was the orphan party given on board for sixty children from three local orphanages. One half hour of the party was broadcast on a local radio station. The radio station provided several people who performed for the children. The MC CAIN singing group also ioined in the fun and was well received. After the radio broadcast, a cartoon was shown which was followed immediately by abundant portions of cake, ice cream, and candy for each child. It was at this time that the MC CAIN hosts got to know the children. All agreed that these children were probably the cutest, most polite, and most intelligent children they had ever met. After the children had finished eating, each one was given individual presents . . . rubber balls, coloring sets, doll cutouts, stockings full of candy and games, magic slates . . . each child was most appreciative of the gifts. As the groups left, they sang local school songs which were a thrill to hear because of their fine musical ability. Their hosts on the MC CAIN hated to see them leave. They would long remember these fine children. The final big event during the visit was the ship's party given for the enioyment of the crew and one hundred and fifty young Philippine ladies. Band

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6527! The last of the MC CAlN's good will missions during this cruise was also the most enthusiastically received. The people of Cebu, the small island in the central Philippines to which the MC CAIN travelled for a three day visit from the 6th to the 9th of January, welcomed the men of the MC CAIN with an enthusiasm unmatched in any other port. At the conclusion of the visit, many of the men on the MC CAIN felt that Cebu had been the most enjoyable port they had visited. The arrival of the MC CAIN on January 6th took the city of Cebu, second largest port in all of the Philippines, completely by storm. Although news of the good will visit had been released only one day prior to the arrival, several thousand people lined the waterfront and the MC CAIN's pier as the ship rendered a national salute and proceeded to her berth. LTJG LeSieur, who had been sent to Cebu a day earlier to make advance arrangements for the visit, met the ship in the channel and briefed the crew on the events scheduled for the visit. Liberty was granted to all hands not in the duty section as soon as the ship received her briefing from the Philippine liaison officers. During this liberty and all ensuing ones, the MC CAIN men made a fine im- pression upon their Philippine hosts. Within three hours after the ship's arrival, the softball team had met a group of Cebu All-Stars in a game held at one 'of the local stadiums. The game attracted a crowd of over l,500 spectators, many of them children. The MC CAIN players were cheered wildly and were be- sieged by autograph seekers. Although they lost 4-3, the MC CAIN team made a tremendous hit and many friends. Two hours after the softball game, the basket- ball team played a group of College All-Stars from a local university before a packed house at the univer- sity's gym. The MC CAIN lost again but made another smash hit with the crowd. The players will long re- member the enthusiastic cheering they received during the game. The following morning the ship was opened for general visiting. The size of the crowds shocked every- one. By nine o'clock, more than 5,000 people were waiting outside the gates to visit the ship. Extra police If N

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music was supplied by the Third Army Band. Everyone had a terrific time at the party which featured dancing, beer, food, and fine company. Everyone was sorry to see the evening come to an end and many expressed the feeling that the MC CAIN visit was iust too short . Saturday morning, the 9th, the MC CAIN hosted a group of eighty men who took a short cruise around the island of MACTAN, witnessed a demonstration firing of the Rocket Launcher, and were treated to maneuvers at high speeds. After the men were transported to the beach in our personnel boats, we left for operations with the Task Group to the north once again. It can be safely stated that all of us had a wonderful time in Cebu and that we would welcome a return visit at any time. It will be hard to forget the large crowds which gathered wherever a MC CAIN man happened to be and how the people did everything they could to make us feel welcome. Similarly, the people of Cebu will long remember the friendliness of the MC CAIN men, their good manners and interest in the people, their willingness to donate blood to the local Red Cross unit, their ability as guides when giving tours of the ship, and their readiness to demonstrate the fact that Americans want very much to show their friendship and respect for the Philippine people.