Roanoke (CL 145) - Naval Cruise Book

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Back in Norfolk, U.S.A., our fleet marines render a farewell salute as they leave us Duty Completed Cn 15 May l95O, we weighed anchor in Lisbon harbor, steamed down the Tagus River into the Atlantic Sea, and bid adieu to European waters. Qur course was due westward, back to the land of milk and honeyf, Having displayed the American flag in most Mediterranean ports 5 exercised frequently in fleet tactics, maneuvers, and firing, created goodfwill and friendship, and gained a more accurate concept of the lives and problems of our allies, we had successfully completed our missions with the US. SIXTH FLEET. Westward ho, to that fabulous land we have been telling anxious, desperately interested Europeans about. How often in each port we were asked: ls everyone in America divorced? Does everyone have an automobile? ls anyone poor? Are all American women beautiful? Why do Americans drink so much? If we could not satisfy our interested friends with the truthful answers, we blamed their concept of America on seeing too many Hollywood movies. But we also felt a keen sense of national pride in explaining the customs of the American way of life. Never before had we thought about, nor expressed in words, the countless privileges, and everyday luxuries we have in America, such as free education, ice, electric irons, steam heat, salted butter, Kleenex, and pasteurized milk. Yes, we had enjoyed our foreign cruise, but how thankful we were to go home to that far away place peoples in every land dream of. We were returning to the United States proud and humble to be Americans. VVe were returning as better citizens. Q60 ' z ,wa ,faya f-an Q5 4,7 5 .iff :ff I4-X iffy i?5 ,iif vfgyyf wa 1 1 C

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'hu-1 f ff! STATE DEPARTMENT The visit of any ship of Uncle Sam's Navy to any European city would not be complete without the excellent cooperation and ministrations of the representatives of our State Department, the Ambas' sadors, Consuls General, Vice Consuls and Envoys. We met them everywhere we went. They invited us to their homes and oflices, and were frequent visitors on board. The ambassadors to Portugal, Greece, and Saudi Arabia greeted us with great courtesy, and the Consuls General of Genoa, Naples, Izmir, Salonilca, Marseille and Algiers welcomed us with equal courtesy. And last, but by no means least, we are indeed grateful for the invaluable assist' 59a ance rendered by the Navyls own Naval Attaches in the Embassies wherever we went. The Admiral's receptions given on board at Jidda, Marseille and Algiers were truly international receptions, and many honored guests came up the gangvvay to express their gratification at the visit of the Roanoke to their city. Other high officials too numerous to mention visited the Roanoke as she carried on what we believe to be a successful goodfwill tour throughout Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. We hope it has had lasting effects, and that the next time our cruiser pokes her nose into familiar ports she will be welcomed as an old friend. -gd-,11-1

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