Los Angeles (CA 135) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 132 text:

The traditional Samurai costume of the Japanese dignitaries who met with Perrj as representatives of the Shogim Tokugawa and those of the American Conunodore and liis party were a highlight of the parades and ceremonies. On the more serious side of the celebrations the young school girls honor at the Buddhist shrine where he was buried, an American Marine who lost his life on the I ' SS MISSISSIPPI one of the ships of Perry ' s black fleet. The visit to .Shinioda was of course high- lighted with the .Activities of the Black Ship Festival, but sonic of us ventured up to the great national symbol of Japan. Mt. I uji, being closer to it than we had been before while in Shimoda. 128

Page 134 text:

ERFORMANCES Seven months ' extended cruisiiii; lield many oppor- tunities to show our mettle. We conducted coiiipetiti e exercises, participated in fleet exercises, were a part of several rescue operations, while always meeting our readiness requirements. l ' -n in port there was a lot more to be done than shopping and sight seeing. Se made extra efforts to con ( ' y the friendship of our country to oiu ' allies. Many limes at sea ork piled up and the only time it could he taken care of was in port; we loaded stores, painted out the ship and finished countless other jobs in port, always maintaining the high standards of performance and conduct which was ex- pected of us. Our cruise has been a good one. For all the efforts expended, the performances which ha e been completed, during the day-in-day-out routine of our lives at sea for the past seven months, we depart estpac knowing that we have done a good job. The simple, difficult routine, complex, memor- able, outstanding-thesc are the performances.