Ponchatoula (AO 148) - Naval Cruise Book

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The Ponchatoula plaque was designed shortly after commissioning the ship by plank-owners on board. It is a symbolic repre- sentation of what the ship stands for and of the ideals she fosters. The meaning intended for the several parts of the emblem are as follows: 15 The white chevron pointing upward through the center is symbolic of the higher ideals to which the ship aspire s. 25 The sky blue field through which it points is symbolic of the heav- ens which contains the guides of these ideals. 35 The stars and moon are guides- -for safe navigation on each cruise and for Ponchatoula's success as a commissioned naval vessel. 45 The symbol for the planet Venus in the upper left- hand corner is a reminder of Ponchatou1a's first extraordinary accomplishment, saving the Panamanian ship Venus and a notice that she stands ready to perform even the most exacting missions. ' ' contents station the replenishment detail ..... the uss...has commenced her approach aloha welcome alongside . . . smoking lamp is out .... man the highline . . set the helo detail ........ secure the replenishment detail set the underway watch ..... set the special sea and anchor detail . . liberty call ................. change of command . . . officers call ....... all hands to quarters . . . staff . . . .

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