Valley Forge (CV 45) - Naval Cruise Book

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efgefl Leaving Gibraltar 24 April, after a I3-day visit, we started northward to Bergen, Norway. We passed Portugal and France and proceeded thence into the Irish Sea. The rugged hills of Emerald lsle and Caledonia cast bluish shadows over the rich greens of the lowlands. The temperature gradually dropped as we moved closer to the Arctic regions. Farther to the North, the Shetlands and Orkneys displayed their cragged, snowy grandeur. On 29 April the shoreline of Norway came in sight. Soon the ship entered the narrow, treacherous fjord. It was a blustery Spring day and from time to time snow squalls so obscured the view that visibility was reduced to less than a hundred feet. This coupled with the menacingly protruding rocks of the fjord made the 25-mile trip a navigator's night- mare. As we proceeded up Puddefjord the sun shone for brief moments and we saw Norwegian houses, picturesque in their unusual colors and jewel-like settings. They were located in the snow-crowned hills and wooded vales.' We were reminded of Norway's principal industry by the penetrating odor of fish by-products. As we rounded a bend, the city suddenly appeared before us. It nestles at the foot of a mountain rising sharply to a height of some 3,000 feet . . . the Floyen. Coming nearer the buildings we saw how sturdily they were constructed and how well suited they were to the rigorous climate. There was considerable snow in the upper regions of the hills. Everything, including the harbor, gave the appearance of thrift and neatness. Several spotless cargo ships lay in the harbor. The ship was set for operation pinwheel lplanes were arranged facing inboard on both sides of the flight deck with engines turning overl to aid the pilot in getting HAPPY VALLEY to the dock. The dock was crowded with spectators fascinated by the operation and the ship. The warehouse on the dock was covered with heavy, wet snow which occasionally slid down amongst the throng. All of us were enthralled by the ruddy faces that looked up at us. A Norwegian Army Band and the Ship's Band played alternately as we moored. By the time the sound of the last plane engine died down, the lines were doubled up, and special details were secured. Spirits were high in anticipation of seeing Norway.

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X 79 I xvvxv x I , 4 xx N NI? ' x X X X 7 f ' l L- 5 , l x 2 ' I Xl 9 'w-.uv +Q The semaphore and the blinker were vital adjuncts to our ship's communication system. lThey were fre- quently utilized during flight operations and inter-type exercises. i

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We had numerous Diplomatic and Military officials visit us soon after we moored in Bergen. While in Bergen, VALLEY FORGE flew the flag of ADMI- RAL CONOLLY, Commander-in-Chief Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Fleets. A Q l