Vulcan (AR 5) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 14 text:

PRIOR TO . . . getting underway for our Med cruise many important tasks and jobs were completed. VULCAN entered the Norfolk Naval Shipyard on 23 Sep 85 for a three month SRA period which uplifted VULCAN readiness. After our yard period we headed south to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for six weeks of Refresher Training. GTMO tested VULCAN in all areas of Damage Control, Deck Seamanship, Operations and Engineering. GTMO proved to be challenging experience for all VULCAN crew members. Our final task was replacing the port screw. VULCAN divers worked round the clock for two days so we could get our Med journey underway. 13 Jun 86 finally arrived after months of hard work and dedication. Family mem- bers gathered on the pier as we sadly pulled away from the pier knowing that the next six months were going to be tough.

Page 16 text:

ACROSS THE POND During our transit to the Med VULCAN daily routine switched from a comfortable five section duty week to the daily routine of the “underway blues.” Our journey across the Atlantic Ocean gave us some underway training time and also a break to celebrate the 45th birthday of VULCAN. Fantail picnics gave us some relief from our day to day obligations. On 27 Jun 86 VULCAN entered the “pillars of Hercules” otherwise known as the straits of Gibraltar. Here lies the cradle of western civilization and also the home of the mighty U.S. Sixth Fleet.