Valley Forge (CV 45) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 18 text:

.,,., ,, I ...,.,. ..,- .,.. ., A-3 V ,. v,,,i gl TEES. , V' .A ,.,.,.,,,,.,, i m eg! ffl I' :VL -,A -: Ag .... . ,K ' 1 2 ' 1 .,.,.,,, . .. . ,. N, ,. . st uw .. V ., . .. -4g-.p-w5piia'm- 1' ' 221552151 ' sq f V During operations the ship sud- denly developed a heavy vibration at certain speeds. After extensive investigation the NavylYard in- spectors determined that the trouble lay in the propellers and recommended that theship be dryQ docked. As the water of the dry dock receded it was revealed that a large section of a propeller blade was missing, and further examina- tion disclosed cracks in another propeller. Both screws were re- placed and the HAPPY VALLEY was again ready for duty. r l l l ! l A l l l ,Q-v -

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OIQOZMZM Exactly one week after bidding farewell to the U. S. the crew sighted the first land, the Hawaiian Islands. As the ship made its way toward Oahu, Diamond Head with its steep sides and sharply defined top came in sight. A soft, rich greenness characterized the entire scene from the low, rolling hills along the shore to the jagged moun- tain peaks which sprang sharply into the clouded sky. The clouds themselves were on review, raising their im- mense cumulous forms high into the ether and radiating their snowy whiteness on the bright but temperate day. The first glimpse was later found to be a revelation of the typical day in Hawaii, the land where the sky and weather perpetually form new combinations for an ideal climate and keep the land fresh and enchanting and the visitors charmed. v As the ship made its way through the narrow channel into Pearl Harbor, all hands were impressed with the extent of the huge Navy Base. All were reminded by the rusty projections of sunken battleships rising out of the calm and peaceful waters, of Pearl Harbor's great disaster. The peacetime activities around the harbor were in strik- ing contrast to the hustle and bustle some of the crew had seen there during the War Years. Continuing around Ford Island the HAPPY VALLEY moored to pier FOX I2 and l3. Then liberty was granted and the crew went ashore to get acquainted with Honolulu and the Hawaiians. Carrier Air Group ELEVEN was assigned to the VALLEY FORGE and operated as an integral part of it. A few days after arrival we started a heavy schedule of carrier aircraft qualification operations and ship's exercises and drills. During that period the ship operated at sea Monday through Friday every week. She moored at pier BAKER 24 in the Navy Yard for Navy Day and thousands of visitors came aboard. The heavy schedule continued until 5 December when the ship tied up for a period of leave and recreation. For a month there were well organized athletic activities, short leaves to Kilauea Rest Camp on the Island of Hawaii and to the Mainland, two successful parties at Nimitz Beach, a Smoker, and ample opportunity to get personally acquainted with the islands and the islanders.

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The joy of giving was rediscovered by the crew on Christmas day as they presented gifts to 50 children from the Salvation Army Home. Divisions had been allo- cated children beforehand and the men had contributed generously to purchase worthwhile gifts for their yuletide guests. ln addition, each Division competitively decorated 3 Y Y , ,,., Zxhi r f Christmas trees. After a sumptuous Christmas dinner, the children were brought forward in the hangar. Santa Claus distributed presents and sweets to each child and a movie program of cartoons was shown. lt was a happy group of children who climbed on the busses that afternoon and a contented crew who waved them off. A, 4. ff! J ,' 4 ff of 1 W fir ff 3 i T W' f 7 fw 7 gi X W wad!! ,4 ' z fff' V4 ,V X 1' 4pm mf, Q 3 'jg , 4 Q, ah, Q' A ,, , , , l f I ,sf f Kinky ff, fl ig 4 fl X , WV ,ff -,jywl 155 4A 6 I , -2 ,fffyw ff: , 0, 'fr ' 'Q ? Q, ,, ,j ffm, GW 7 Ain I ' ,, . f 1 .' 1 , , ' ffff ' , f 'ff fwfZ'?ff-W W' I f ,,,. ffff i 1 ,Li iffy, W y4,ff,,xw!,Z ff 16 W!! fu,