Ranger (CV 61) - Naval Cruise Book

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.

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 310 text:

SAN FRANCISCO Still miles and miles away, one of the radiomen began pulling in a Giant game direct from Candle- stick Park. Bflore and morefrequently, signal- men sighted jetliners on their way to International. Merchantmen, head- ed East, dipped their Flags in solemn salute. Gravity lessened. Men walked lighter, wanted almost to run at times. Sometimes their laughter grew dangerously near to giddiness. People saw colors, smelt smells, with new clarity. And, suddenly, it was very good to be...well...not just alive...but to be capable of so much anticiapation. The F allerons were inspected by by thousand consuming eyes as they slid by. Soon after, when the pilot stepped aboard, he was treated like a small but powerful god. Going in, the welcoming mists embraced and kissed the ship lightly before evaporating. There were some we suddenly knew, with sadness, who would have given anything to feel and see this again themselves . . .then. . .dead a - head...was the most beautiful bridge that ever stuck two pieces of land together.