Smalley (DD 565) - Naval Cruise Book

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Sasebo was one of the ports which we looked forward to visiting. Although it offered more than naval facilities, it could harly be con- sidered a tourist's delight. The Iapanese people themselves were the major attraction and we of the Smalley became quite fond of them after repeated visits had familiarized us with their interesting habits. A whaleboat ride to Fleet Landing always preceded liberty in the muddy streets of Sasebo. Signs at the landing welcomed, and .at the same time cautioned the visiting sailor who could exchange his MPC for Yen at a bank stall across the street. . Vs, p -!- magna X 'inf' xr .ay A -- M... 4 g 1' lv A ' 'Ei 'i-H?-ai r . i' FT 7 i ,- 1 Dggbih Arcn't tbcsc toothpicks kind'a big? Sasfbv The first stop for many was the OfHcers', CPOS, or EM Club. The latter was reached after a tiring climb up several stone steps to the top of a nearby hill. The Club featured a restaurant which specialized in Filet Mignon, a refreshing bar and a single-selection package store. Others started with the Club Lorraine, a USU, which provided writing desks, a snack bar and a small orchestra. Fishing rods, cam- eras, jewelry and other durable gifts were sought by many at the convenient Army PX. Protestant and Catholic churches and an Army chapel were all within walking distance of the landing. However, before many liberty hours had passed most men found themselves in favorite haunts, the bustling japanese cabarets with playful girl-sansn shagging to strains of i'VVhatsa Malla UD or Comen Nasaif, music Fzuniliur sccncs 22

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Divine services Two or three times a week, instead of the usual pre-dawn flight operations, the task force replenished from a group of tankers, refrig- eration ships and occasionally ammunition ships. Smalley participated in dozens of these operations. Often on a moments notice, high- line transfers of both personnel and equipment were effected as easily as the fantail was rigged for our nightly movies. The perpetual routine of shipboard life with the task force imbued almost everyone with a sense of inescapable boredom. XV e churned over 33,000 miles with the formation, and dur- ing that period calendar days were clipped off as though they were the only barriers which prevented us from entering our next liberty port. On thc way I fpf, , ,W mb , ,pm ff ,diy f 4 0 , i Q W?Z43,'fzfif ' ,f WWW! ' X ' ' ' X V 43524454 ' 2 ' Another pilot saved 21 f W . QM f f if 'ff Forties open up

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A,...-'- fi m8051611 'Qi Annnuyg 5. p H T, .,,,h p A i ., ,,,,,. , i i , ., we 'ff A I. ,Q ., V 'Qi 4 V' f V ,Sym 8 ,gag J. Z .LAL fi- NA?-,:,1:3giQv: , gig.,-wiv' w,'1.g,,f' 'zftizfffi ,Q 1'i M'ff Buni-lioat salesman Clolling at Ummm played rather loosely hy lapanese Tin Pan Alley comboes. During visits to Saseho the ship held parties at the City Hall huilding and the lchi Fuji Hotel. Beer and food were abundant and oriental entertainers provided a fast moving show on both festive occasions. Many men took advantage of a two-day trip to the resort town of Unzen which is situated high in the forest-clad mountains of Kyushu, some 60 miles south of muggy Saseho. Clean. pleasant hotels, hot sulphur baths, horseback riding, swimming and good food were found there. The refreshing atmosphere afforded Complete rural relaxation and those who spent the night away from the hot, grey decks of the An aft:-rnoon's stroll in Sas:-ho Night spot hy day ship never regretted the long bus ride over huinpy dirt roads. The department stores and souvenir shops which bordered the busy Sasebo streets were thoroughly comhed by curious Smalley men in search of curios and useful articles. Under- sized taxis and hicycle-pulled rickshaws car- ried many white-hatted customers to the eity's trinket shops and night eluhs during all hours of the day. That a great fondness developed for friends in Saseho was evident from the many reluctant farewells that were hid as we sailed from the inountain-surrounded harbor at the end of our last visit to japan. 23 i