Keppler (DD 765) - Naval Cruise Book

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i sSk frequently throughout the city of Bremen, German American Sailors could be seen taking in the sights together or visiting the local Ratskeller. Intermittent rain prevailed during our stay but it did not dampen KEPPLER spirit and good conduct which remained unblemished throughout the cruise much to the delight of Captain WADSWORTH. 9 May found Keppler traveling up the Weser River toward Holland. The next day KEPPLER arrived under inclement skies in Rotterdam with many sailors still feeling the ill effects of that good German beer. Tulip gardens, windmills, quaint Dutch villages were the prime targets of the sightseers and camera bugs. In Rotterdam KEPPLER expe rienced the first of two anti-war demonstrations she would receive while in northern Europe. Not allowing themselves to be provoked in any manner KEPPLERMEN avoided all head-to-head confrontations with the demonstrators. Not even a bomb scare during an open-house of the ship could deter the crew from their primary mission, the promotion of good will. KEPPLER departed from Rotterdam on 15 May to arrive in Belfast, Northern Ireland two days later. Belfast located in Ulster County Is one of the six Irish colonies governed by England in Northern Ireland. The Irish people were extremely warm and hospitable toward the American sailors except for a small minority faction which marred the Mayor ' s Parade. KEPPLER ' S crack marching unit took part in the parade and just as they passed the Mayor ' s stand, eight mop-haired youths threw themselves in the path of the marching unit. Without as much as losing a step, the unit proudly and with heads high, ignored the demonstrators completely. For this, KEPPLER ' S marching unit was given quite an ovation by the Irish people watching the parade while the demonstrators received catcalls. Captain WADSWORTH and Commander McQUESTEN, the Executive Officer attending the parade received hearty congratulations for a job well done by the KEPPLERMEN from the city officials and concerned citizens. Once again the Tours Officer LTJG LAMBERT, did a fine job in arranging a sight seeing trip to the medieval castles, the rolling Glens and the jagged coast line of Northern Ireland. With another good will victory under her belt KEPPLER departed Belfast on 20 May for further operations, this time North of the Artie Circle. At 1210 66°-30 North ' on 22 May 1968 spear-headed by our fearless and benevolent Junior Ensign. Mr. W. F. WOMBLE, attired in full dress whites, KEPPLER crossed the Arctic Circle. ENS WOMBLE was given the honor of painting KEPPLER ' S bull nose blue which he performed well enough to make a boatswain ' s mate proud. On 28 May KEPPLER reached the last port of call, Stavanger, Norway. This Scandanavian fishing city was rich in hospitality, cleanliness, scenic beauty and primarily, as KEPPLERMEN can attest to, good looking blond girls. The main point of Interest for the eager sightseers was a busman ' s holiday aboard the CLIPPER, which took them deep into the breathtaking fjords which meander their way into the Norwegian coast. Legend has It that If Norway ' s coast was stretched out In a straight line, it would reach Johannesburg. South Africa. A particular note of Interest in Norway was the quantity and diversity of the food served. One could never read the Norweagian Menu, so one merely pointed to any item and he was certain to receive anything from an assorted seafood plate to a tender Reindeer Steak. On 4 June, after nearly 4 months overseas, KEPPLER set a South Westerly course toward CONUS. Upon leaving Stavanger, KEPPLER was greeted by the friendly North Atlantic with five days of turbulent seas. Nonetheless with their families and friends on their minds, KEPPLERMEN paid little attention to the undulating Atlantic. On 14 June, KEPPLER navigated through Narragansett Bay into Coddington Cove and its final destination Pier One, crammed with dependents. As we look back on this MED NOREUR Cruise, It can be considered nothing short of a complete success. The moral was high at all times and despite a few misdemeanors the misconduct was kept down to a minimum. These successes can be attributed to the excellent leadership of our Commanding Officer and Executive Officer. KEPPLERMEN can be proud of these two bellwethers and, of course, themselves for their outstanding contribution to the promotion of American good-will and ambassadorship toward the world around us.

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P D H T S D F C A L L