Latimer (APA 152) - Naval Cruise Book

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Great anxiety clutched the crew on 17 January when the LATIMER passed the silent but imposing Rock of Gib- raltar. At the same time, thoughts turned to home and family. Within ten days, the United States would cease to be a dream, a far-away place. Instead, it would be- come a reality! In the final analysis, it cannot be denied that the five- month cruise in the Med ended faster than anyone had anticipated. Time possessed the uncanny knack of pass- ing unnoticed. True, the days at sea seemed longer than those in port. Nevertheless, liberties tended to break the monotony of work-, whereas watches, drills and exercises did not. Yet too many men fail to recognize the importance of the Med', cruise. Literally, the American sailor is a roving ambassador of good will. I-Iis presence in the coun- tries of Europe not only creates a feeling of security but also inspires friendliness. , These achievements on the part of sailors are not new. Many crews before that of the LATIMER visited the same ports, thereby making the Ameiican flag and uni- form a common sight. As a result, the SIXTH fleet be- came known among Europeans as ,'The Friendly Fleet . Therefore, the men themselves played no small role in developing a friendly feeling toward the United States. In all humility, it might be said that we and all those who preceded us accomplished more as living examples of Americans than any propaganda or diplomat. For that Americans should be proud. But, what about the LATIMER? Did the LATIMER's crew contribute constructively to the preservation of these ideals? After all is said and done, the answer is: YES. En route to the States, we remained quietly satisfied that our mission had been fulfilled successfully. We did our part. We know that we can do our part. Whatever awaits us, we are prepared to do our part again. First, though, our homes and loved ones await us. They missed us, and we missed them. Months of separation must culminate happily in brief periods of reunion be- fore the LATIMER sails again. Wherever she goes, the men who made the Med cruise will recall the trip to the Med , And boots who hear these tales will want to see the Med . And who knows? Maybe they'lI make the next Med cruise aboard the U.S.S. LATIMER QAPA-1521!