Toledo (CA 133) - Naval Cruise Book

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Mary Sou-Girl Side Cleaner and her crew. Ever since the proposed cruise through the East Indies ending at Singapore had been cancelled, the hope that we would at least get to Hong Kong had been mounting and for once hope was rewarded. To deal with the most important factor about Hong Kong first, the clothing of the Chinese women was something that every red-blooded man in blue would have loved to bring back home. The dresses while ultra anew lookn in length were cut in such a way that a very delightful ufantail yawn was al- ways noticeable, but even this took a back seat to the split in the side of the skirt. The moregbeautiful the woman the higher the The handicraft skills of the Chinese are excellent. A Hong Kong tour party takes a rest a1'Repulse Bay. skirts were slit, a murderous combination. Upon arrival the TOLEDO nearly had to stand by to repel boarders as the local merchants stormed the after gangway from their sampan landing craft. The unfortunate chief on watch had about as much chance of success as did the liberty boats of getting everyone ashore, but the situation was fin- ally solved with a stream of water from the fire hoses. When all became quiet on the eastern front the merchants were allowed to come aboard, if their credentials were in order, and display their wares. Thus was born the TOLEDO Ginza, and a more apt title Sampans carrying hopeful merchants to the ship. ,740 5' 1 t T X W 4 Y I vo W l K ' 1 f A 1 Q, 3 Q .,, Wg ' 'hx ,. 'Q , . , wtf ,.'??'?m.X.. 'WWW V :r . 1f v ,5::.l Q 9 'mb Y X

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Along the waferfronl' of Hong Kong-the New and Old. Hong Kong, the magic city of the Orient, international metropolis and world melting pot, and the place where one can buy any- thing-usually at a price far below that found elsewhere-here went the TOLEDO twice, for two weeks' total stay in this un- forgettable spot. The shipis draft increased at least three feet for so they sayj because of the tons of suits, souvenirs, statues, and sundries brought back by bargain hunters. Our combined Navy and Marine guard af Sangley. 'feffvsuwf - The merchanfs were 'thicker Than flies. Swarming ashore, oficers and men alike were quick to discover the wonders of the port, held by the British for over a hundred years. Fascinating restaurants, Oriental shops, Kowloon and the tailors, names like Willie McGee, Lee Kee and No-Squeelf, and the unforgettable tram ride up 1,309 feet to Victoria Peak for a view that seemed to in- clude the whole of Southeast Asia. British tours around the island showed us Repulse Bay and the scenic wonders, rzve marveled at the wild color of Tiger Balm gardens. Hong Kong-a wonderful place to visit, anytime. Vice Admiral Sfruble assumed command of the SEVENTH Fleel' - relieving Rear Admiral Boone. 'CN .3 nw. - ' N V xv W WN Q XX XQXX X ,Qi - AQ N6 t , Xt...-Q .5 .ag f- - X1'Q'ikf':i-W . A t, - ' Xev 4 ' - wk ,K X xi. -.X--ef x A ,X B k i X x - X t N s Q X Q K x. aux me X,-fax-au, t it x

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Memories of World War ll. Aberdeen, the Hong Kong fishing village. could not have been chosen. The variety of merchandise rivaled our own drug stores: woolens, silks, tailoring, shoes, ivory and wood carvings, luggage, tapestries, rugs, paintings, with the artists ready to copy any portrait and, of course, enterprising trades- men with irons and sewing machines to renovate uniforms. To these and similar establishments ashore the crew flocked and each night the ship's draft increased three inches as each new load of loot came aboard. And there was a lot more to do on the beach, too. The British had the place well under control and their clubs were well attended by all. The Chinese in their own ri'ght Well under- stood the Western likes in entertainment. Tiger Balm Pagoda-one of the most beautiful sights of the enfire cruise. Fantail Follies, courtesy of H.M.S. KENYA. To the sightseer Hong Kong was a prize package headed by the View from Victoria Peak overlooking the harbor in which were counted over one hundred large merchant- men. Tiger Balm Pagoda was also classic as were uThieves Marketf, the floating restau- rants in Aberdeen and the city in general. The basketball team played two games each trip, winning three against good teams whose lack of height was well replaced by speed and accuracy. Cricket was introduced to the ship in several games with the British which were very interesting. ln May We went back to the British Crown Colony again, thi's time with over a hundred airmen and soldiers from Clark AFB. The effect was the same as the first trip except that we seemed to go broke even faster. The grounds were also very scenic.