La Salle (AGF 3) - Naval Cruise Book

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A milf 1 1 ,I xy HJ X' ll Last of the Great White Fleet As bands played The Girl I Left Behind Me, the sixteen battleships of the Great White Fleet sailed from Hampton Roads, Virginia. lt was December 16, 1907, and they were off on a momentous voyage around the globe. Teddy Roosevelt was in the White House - the first American president to take an active part in international affairs. And' the Navy was his tool in projecting American power and prestige abroad. The cruise of the Great White Fleet was to have tangible diplomatic and technical results. Its visit to Japan helped maintain the status quo in the Pacific, and provided recognition of the United States as a world power. Being at sea for fourteen months and steaming 46,000 miles proved that the fleet could travel long distances without serious problems. Returning home ' via the Suez Canal, the Great White Fleet reached Hampton - Roads on February 22,1909. On that same date 55 years later, the USS LA SALLE was commissioned as an amphibious transport dock. Her trademarks: mobility, flexibility and versatility. In 1972 she was converted to a command ship for her new role as flagship for Commander Middle East Force, who maintains diplomatic relations with governmental representatives in the area. LA SALLE's sides were painted white to reflect the heat of the Mideast climate. l We're the men who ride LA SALLE, Hull AGF dash threeg Proud sister tothe Great White Fleet, She knows her way at sea. Our Mideast neighbors know her well When she pulls into sight For she's the last of those great ships Whose sides are painted white.

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LAST GF THE GREAT WHITE FLEET Q55 LA A J a 4c'll'I'AS AD mr-17 1978

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The Corpsman he has all the cures - His job's to heal the sick. When sick call's passed he's always there To fix you up - but quick. And he is the man to see to get your purple pills. For we all know Mombasa ls no place to catch the chills. Disbursing is the place to go When you want to draw some payg They'lI sit right down and figure it, 'They'll compute it - day for day. Then they'll hand you what is due you - lt's not that much, of course. Oh, perhaps you haye forgotteng You're still dragging that dead horse.