Razorback (SS 394) - Naval Cruise Book

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NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND Here the Razorback came to rest after a pleasant though misty passage through the Cape Cod Canal, She was berthed at Goat Island alongside the torpedo station. At Newport's famed torpedo range we were to fire many of the tin fish within the next few days to put the final edge to our skill. This was to prove that our ship and selves worthy of a combat area close to the Japanese coast. Several liberties were made during our stay and this writer is quite certain that all concerned and many otherwise, will continue to chuckle over the hilarious evenings on the beach. On one particular night there arose between a group of our crewmen and a sizeable force of shore-patrolmen, a slight difference of opinion. As a climax to the debate, seven of the mighties were detained overnight in the local ijug. For reasons quite obvious no names shall be disclosed, but I can say that there were no ill feelings afterwards, and the night's proceedings have since become a source of en- joyment to all who recall them. After firing our al- Ioted number of fish successfully the Razorback hauled in her lines and sailed away to another liberty town- perhaps. But needless to say Newport will always re- member her for she left her name indented in the very streets of the salty old seaport. And on the walls of the Blue Moon, and Ideal Cafes. Remember, boys? NEW LONDON, CONN. When the Razorback pulled into New London she received a fine welcome. Many old friendships were renewed while the crew busied itself at the task of putting stores and ammo and fish aboard. We were making ready for the war zone with a sudden reality which heretofore had not existed on board. Here at New London where hundreds of sailors had taken their first faltering steps in Submarining, was a new and somewhat exciting atmosphere, Perhaps soon we would be working on a long chain of battle flags. This was not to be quite yet, for accidents will happen. Next time when coming into New London there was an air of depression about for we were to lose our Skipper and executive officer. Capt. Bontier was relieved by Commander Benson and Lt. Cmdr. Haynes by Lt. Cmdr. C. Donald Brown, who is Skipper at this writing. After a few days operations which proved quite satisfactory to all, the Razorback bade farewell to New London and its bright lights and got underway, this time with the ultimate destination of Dai Nippon-we hoped! KEY WEST, FLORIDA One clear warm day we steamed into the southern- most island of the Florida Keys. This was Key West, one of a chain and looked like an island in the Pacific. Our first impression was that it was a beautiful place, with its clear blue water and warm bright sunshine. However that soon vanished and it became apparent that the sun was too hot, It hardly ever rained which didn't help matters at all. Liberty expired at mid- night but by that time you were ready to go back to the boat. The town was small and had lots of bars and small stores jammed together. The bars were smoky and noisy which gave it atmosphere but it was far from comfortable. The most popular place was the Habana Madrid, more or less a night club. The main attraction was Sally Rand, she being the reason for its popularity After sitting for what seemed a lifetime in sultry heat, Sally would make her appear- ance, there being very little to see as her fans kept everything pretty well concealed. But every one would go back night after night with hopes, lmaybe she would drop one of her fansl. The main other attractions were Jack Waller, a good comedian, and Audrey War- ner, a songstress. It was a glorious day when we left Key West but that is another story. PANAMA CANAL ZONE For the most of us it was our first trip through the Bio Ditch, and what amazed us most was the speed with which they operated the big locks. Captain Ben- son must have been trying for a speed record, because we crossed Gatun Lake at full, on four. We tied up El.tBaIboa and soon were pitching a liberty in Panama l y. HAWAIIAN ISLANDS - OAHU D Diamond Head is a welcome sight after a few patrols ln Never-Never Land and the Sub Base at Pearl Harbor our favorite port in the Pacific. Mainly because it offers a little in the way of Stateside entertainment, and need we mention, women, A quick liberty in Honolulu doesn't offer much ex- cept cheap bars, photo shops and souvenir stands. Tho' when you have a chance to look around, some- thing like Harriet, usually turns up. Probably the most noted spots are Waikiki Beach and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. A nice time was had by all. SAIPAN After leaving Pearl Harbor, bound for run one, the boat stopped at Saipan, the northernmost island of the Mariannas, for voyage repairs and topping off of all fuel tanks. There were still plenty of Japs left on the island and you could very plainly hear stacatto gun fire and frequently an explosion, either hand gren- ades or some of the demolition squad at work destroy- ing booby traps. The island was a mass of shambles, bomb craters, and demolished buildings. We were fortunate in being able to go on a sight- seeing tour of Tanapog and Garapan, the places where our Marines and Soldiers landed. We first came upon Sea Bee constructed buildings for mail, supplies and operations. Walking further on we noted the accur- acy of our Naval gunners. Buildings were literally torn to bits, telegraph poles were either sheared to the ground or sadly blasted out of shape. Walking toward Garapan down a typical Mississippi road, havoc reigned supreme. We passed a cave that had harbored approximately one hundred and fifty Japs. The complete interior of the cave was blackened by our flame-throwers. l'TFiere were empty field ration cans and plenty of empty Saki bottles, Strolling still further along the beach, the Jap defense was plainly seen. Sandbag dugouts stretched from one end of the beach to the other. Several Jap legs and arms were seen protruding from these and across the road inland, the concrete pill boxes were placed in any conceivable place-in houses, under houses and a few were left in the open. Both American and enemy tanks were wrecked over the entire area. We came upon, what at one time had been a laundry, now only a pile of destruction and ashes. Another place, which must have been the tele- phone exchange, was a replica of the first, and several INIID pnone books were taken back for souvenirs. Walking the streets of Garapan was like walking the Street of a Ghost City, as seen in the movies. The houses were built high and from all evidence pigs, chickens, cows, goats, and any other animal seemed to share the house of its owner. It was here that we came upon the remains of several dead sons of Heaven, and a few steps further along the way we were taken back by the hot licks of an American jive band and the murmur of American voices, shoot five, faded, come on seven. It was some of the off duty soldiers having a royal session of crap shootin'. Easing back to the boat, Marines that had trophies were doing a land office business of selling them to the souvenir hungry sub sailors. Such expressions as Yes sir, that money came off a dead Jap. I removed lt myself. Yep, I personally took this gun away from a Jap and then beat him to death with it. All this sounded pretty good to our fellows, but we later on found it to be slightly exaggerated. As soon as the men had sold as many as they could, and as we were leaving they passed the money lthat a few sec- onds before had been bringinq a pretty nice pricel out as though they had piles of it- They were a swell bunch of guys. Making our wav down to the landing we were mighty olad to be Sub sailors instead of foot soldiers. Bidding Saipan adicu we were out to avenge some of our com- rades who died that you and I might taste the sweet fruit of Victory.

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THE MATING DANCE OF THE GOONEY BIRD A DUET IN G FLAT SUCH A LOVELY VOICE YOU HAVE!