John McCain (DL 3) - Naval Cruise Book

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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.

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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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