Pictures from Phil Roberts, JO2, X-Div, 1955-56
One of Phil's additional duties was that he was the editor of the Daisy Mae Newspaper.
Our shipmate Phil send his 1955-1956 Cruise Book for inclusion to this web site. He also shared his Daisy Mae Newspapers from 1955 (July, Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov) and 1956 (Feb, Apr and Nov)
Phil wrote: My 23 months aboard the Des Moines included one tour of the Mediterranean and two summer cruises for Midshipmen where I was in charge of writing stories for their hometown newspapers. I crossed the Atlantic eight times, rode out a hurricane off Virginia Capes where the ship rolled 42 degrees, when 46 degrees would capsize it. We had to strap ourselves into our bunks to keep from rolling out. We had numerous training exercises off Guantanamo with its warm tropical breezes and starry night skies.
I was the Captain's talker at GQ, and I remember one incident clearly even today. A tug off our port bow was pulling a target adjacent to the ship for the eight inch gun crews. In one firing, suddendly a geyser appeared forward of the tug. Captain Adams ran across the bridge shouting "Tell them it was a wave." Which it could have been, but I think not. Without a doubt though, Captain Adams was the very best of the three Captains I served under.
Lots of interesting times aboard the Des Moines, and a wonderful growing experience for a 20 year old.
Phil wrote: My 23 months aboard the Des Moines included one tour of the Mediterranean and two summer cruises for Midshipmen where I was in charge of writing stories for their hometown newspapers. I crossed the Atlantic eight times, rode out a hurricane off Virginia Capes where the ship rolled 42 degrees, when 46 degrees would capsize it. We had to strap ourselves into our bunks to keep from rolling out. We had numerous training exercises off Guantanamo with its warm tropical breezes and starry night skies.
I was the Captain's talker at GQ, and I remember one incident clearly even today. A tug off our port bow was pulling a target adjacent to the ship for the eight inch gun crews. In one firing, suddendly a geyser appeared forward of the tug. Captain Adams ran across the bridge shouting "Tell them it was a wave." Which it could have been, but I think not. Without a doubt though, Captain Adams was the very best of the three Captains I served under.
Lots of interesting times aboard the Des Moines, and a wonderful growing experience for a 20 year old.
"X" DIVISION
USS DES MOINES
14 DEC 1956
SELECT THE "X" DIV BLUE PRINT TO SEE THE PICTURE
