Valley Forge (CV 45) - Naval Cruise Book

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gba ACU' Early Sunday, ll April, we sighted the Rock rising loftily above the rolling hills of Spain. This grim British sentinel guarding the straits, classically known as the Pillars of Hercules, was awe-inspiring. It was a bright Spring day and the invigorating breeze and billowy white clouds reminded us of other days at home. Around the sloping base of the gigantic formation the city huddled in its white and pastel shades. We were scheduled to have a five-day visit in this charmingly mixed English and Spanish city. However, our visit was extended to nearly two weeks, which gave us ample opportunity to get acquainted with the people. The architecture of the buildings was predominately Spanish, but generally the furnishings and mode of life was a combination of both countries. The colorful mosaics in the doorways of many buildings were very attractive. xThe people were hospitable and friendly, and seemed pleased to have our Force present. x i , , I ,.L:-,,.1,:::i,,:i:i,?j:ig:Z:5,V:A,,EA:.5,,Ev,, eeuoenruakaaa r fifth? X, f 'ifiiinin s A . LUEQNRZKKQXNR, a,aa st, 1,g,y fif ' Milk' X ASF C 'Q Cv V- f 2 2 awezf glib? Q as V+ ami WGN Helix i- 1... X 9 ' Y QM I ,f X l Nb' T k Qin-T as 1 Q W l ff-4' A T. ' 'Wei 2 ix :T 1 1 5+ :iTg 2?g?EQ:'A To

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In our mind's eye these things Could still be seen . . . they would remain vivid memories for the rest of our lives. Perhaps, though none of us would admit it, sometime we would tell our children and our grandchildren that we were on the first large United States carrier to transit the Canal.'

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Some of us had the op- portunity to fly over the Rock. It was thrilling to see it at different angles and from high altitudes. The sloping smooth areas are concrete surfaces for water sheds and it is from these that the Rock gets all its fresh water.