Yorktown (CVS 10) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 25 text:

Maiestic Diamonclheacl and Honolulu was +he lirsi stop for Yorldown on the way 'lo Far East. X , i l AIKIKI BEACH, Diamondhead, and palm trees, an old story to the 'Tighting Lady, who had many proud moments here, hut new sights to a large percentage of her crew. Afternoon on the beach, the iiagstaff of the Arizona, Ford Island, Bat- y tleship Row, the modern university building and many other sites became targets again. This time for 5 the Yorktown's growing crowd of amateur photog- E 2 raphers. The Waikiki Tavern, Surf Rider, Don the S Beachcombers' became the topic of most shipboard conversations. l So this is a palm tree? Many Yorlr- towners got their first glimpse of i one in Hawaii. 5 2 E

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HEN UN August 3, 1953, the Yorks town pointed her bow eastward and began the journey that was to keep her from our home shores for seven long months. By now she knew that there was little chance of getting into the fight, but she was happy knowing that there was still a need for her. Eastward to Hawaii was her course, but before she arrived she had to accustom herself to the groans of her crew, who faced inoculations. When she arrived off the island of Oahu, crew members lined the starboard side to marvel at Diamondhead, and the pink- shell-like splendor of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Before liberty was granted, how- ever, th-ere was work to be done. We had to get ready for one of the toughest tests the ship was to face. Wailuku and the Royal Hawauan Hotel become favorite Yorktown spots.

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Hangar declz crews and repair parties man foam 'Ere-'fighting hoses during ORI battle problems. HEN WE got down to the serious business of sharpening up our battle station skills during the rigid Operational Readiness Inspection. Instead of normal reveille routine, We were jarred from our sacks by the ringing of the general quarters bell. Trip- ping over tie down Wires, and learning which .way to run to avoid collisions with others hurrying to their battle stations. It became second nature to snatch 410 Winks Whenever and Wherever the opportunity pre- sented itself. After many long hours of grueling battle problems, bogies and chemical warfare attacks We were tired, but we survived the test to tell the story over and over again, with the same laughs and the same grimaces. Gun crews improve their accuracy blasting away at elusive, buzzing drones. Here one is launchecl from the fligh+ declr.