Renville (APA 227) - Naval Cruise Book

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wifi? .- ' 35155353 22 .IU E I964 It goes without saying that our WesPac cruise was not the cruise many of us had anticipated. During the cruise we were destined to work . . . destined to spend a few days in port, and often more than a few weeks at sea. Certainly all of us became tired of the tedious weeks afloat. And yet, because of the circumstances and performance, we were rewarded with the knowledge of having done a fine job. RENVILLE's cruise came during a complex period when the powerful and cunning forces of the Soviet Union and Communist China saw an opportunity to quicken the decaying situation in South Viet Nam . . . with the hope of eventually gathering all of Southeast Asia under the Red banner. In this political, yet deadly warfare, we found ourselves in an area with little history of democratic development . . . an oriental area with no conception of baseball and Mom's apple pie , an unstable area war-torn since 1940. Political historians have constantly warned us that if we lost South Viet Nam we would soon lose all of Southeast Asia . . . and after that, who knows ? This is why the United States continues increasing its support of men and materials . . . not only for South Viet Nam, but for the in- terests of Freedom throughout the world. While we steamed off the Viet Namese coast in the South China Sea and the Bay of Tonkin, those close to us at home read reports of attacks on the U, S, S, MADDOX, the U. S, S. EDWARDS and the various incidents staged by the Viet Cong and our forces inland. And while they read, they prayed that they would not open the newspaper at the breakfast table the next morning and read about the REN- VILLE INCIDENT . Fortunately, it never occured. When American lives are at stake, our job is not intended to be luxurious. The work expected of us never is. The flaring Viet Namese situation necessitated our steaming for sixty-seven days off Viet Nam, without liberty or a letdown in our high degree of readiness. And growing concern over South Viet Nam 'S turbelent government caused our return to this same area after our Yokosuka visit, fully loaded, for another monotonous twenty days. This steady steaming, in formation and out, was not easy. Neither were all of the GQ's, darken ships, showerless nights, typhoons, or those one hundred and five replenishments we remember so vididly. Nevertheless, the tension which gradually accumulated in each crew member was somewhat alleviated in those memorable ports we did hit . . . Okinawa, japan, and the Philippines . ll XN 2

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' at ls f ii Wi iff: , Okinawa must be awarded the Blue Ribbon for providing the wildest liberty. Almost all had the op- porttmity to visit Koza Qalthough a few were lost in villages 1, 2, or 31. The Okinawans have wisely named their thirst quenching establishments after American towns. The St. Louis Club, along with other such honorable establishments as the Koko, Butterfly, Blue Moon, New York Club, Bar Canadian, Playboy, and the Club Champion all received their fair share of RENVILLE business. After a total of almost three months in the South China Sea, there isn 't anyone who would deny our crew the few liber- ties it was afforded . . . and made the most of. There was not a more interesting place in WesPac than japan, as those who visited Kamaktua, Toky Yokohama, and other small villages will testify. A nation quickly back on its feet after the War, Japan has made miraculous strides with its economy and no wonder. After watching the steady stream of china and Sony taperecorders that crossed the Quarterdeck during those brief nine days, it is obvious how this amazing nation recovered so quickly. As expected the Ship 's Party was one of the highlights of the cruise. It certainly provided many laughs. fmornings after were not so enjoyablej. The food was good, the drink better, and the whole- some entertainers managed to give some a substantial earful . After six months everyone was anxious to lay eyes on the shores of the good ole U. S. , to see famil- rw on iar sights, and lavish in the comforts of the homeland. Many had loved ones waiting and everyone long- ed for home. Each of us will remember this cruise in retrospect, for the hard work and numerous hours contributed into making RENVILLE the best APA in the Squadron . . . and probably all of PHIBPAC. We won't soon forget the many hours on watch, and the many hours spent wondering about our families. We won't for- get the Viet Namese Coast and die flares exploding over the distant jungle fighting. We won't forget the Marines methodically chanting Jody , or the times when combat reported unknown contacts ap- proaching at high speeds. We won't forget the Sixty-Seven days which gave RENVILLE a new peace- time cruising record. Each one of us feels pride in what we did, pride in having been a part, no matter how small, of the Viet Namese Campaign. Our job was done outstandingly. To some the cruise may have seemed mediocre, and probably many were disappointed, but our crew built RENVILLE into a superb amphib and above all she stood ready to fulfill the purpose. She was ready then. She is ready now. I8 DECEMBER I964 3