Ranger (CV 61) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 308 text:

KOWLOON The Red sun sinks behind the mountians into China. Kowloon sits on the razors edge, only a few miles of barbed wire seperates it from the new China, Red China. What the future hold for Kowloon and Hong Kong knowone really r Ran erman who looked toward China must knows, but eve y g have thought that as in the past and present, future history will be made here.

Page 307 text:

Most Ranger sailors had only three or four days to see all ofHong Kong. Every trip to the beach was a time of great decision. What to do? What to see? Jade had to be bought, clothes had to be jitted. Every square inch of the island had to be explored, not a sight was to be missed, not a bar left unvisited. For the first time young Americans saw the Orient at its best and its worst. The beautiful buildings of the ci.y con- trasted with the thousands of matchbox houses that covered the hillsides. The rich Hong Kong businessman passed by the beggar refuge without a second glance. It was an amazing place, Hong Kong, yes it was.

Page 309 text:

'i....LL CON US BOUND According to the port butter cutter Ranger had been extended until March 1969. Despite the speed at which this rumor was spread land the untimely demise of the port butter cutterj there were many who clutched an unshak- able hope that the Ranger would indeed return to the states within the year. And so it came to pass. Prepe- rations were begun to leave West Pac. One day the bow pointed East and stayed that way. As much as we yearned for CONUS, leaving the Western Paci- fic meant leaving behind so much that had become a vital part of our lives. The helpful and continious escort of Junks and industrious Russians trawlers which were thoughtfully supplied just to keep us company. Whatever else we were never lonely. The exquisite though freezing sunsets and breath-taking, 'though chilly dawns in the Sea of Japan. The free mail and tax-exemption zone. And many other irreplacable sights, smells, sounds and experi- ences unique to the far east. But we turned our thoughts west to San Francisco and kept them there back across the broad Pacifc.