Manchester (CL 83) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 30 text:

Refueling, replenishing and re-arming at sea became a common thing to us. It called for a fast-working deck force to accomplish the job quickly because of the vulnerability of the two ships to air attack during the tight maneuver.

Page 29 text:

W « a v • : Helicopters flitting busily from ship to ship became a familiar sight. They delivered guard mail (above), hovered behind the carriers during flight operations to handle emergencies, and they were ambulances to transfer sick or injured from the smaller ships.

Page 31 text:

Before long, we were aces at it. FROM: MASSEY TO: MANCHESTER JUNIORS SH OULD NOT COMPLIMENT SENIORS FOR FEAR OF BEING THOUGHT GREASY X HOWEVER I HAVE COMMANDED DESTROYERS SINCE MARCH 1944 A LONG TIME WITH TF 58 X I HAVE SERVED AS OPERATIONS OFFICER OF THE CL 107 WITH SUCH NOTABLES AS 30-KNOT BURKE X YET I HAVE NEVER SEEN A CRUISER COME ALONGSIDE AS FAST AS CLOSE AND AS SMARTLY AS YOURS