USS Helena CA-75
1949 CRUISE BOOK
Pages 96 - 100
Page 96
"S-2" Division's present to the crew for Christmas.
Page 97
"R" Division
| 
"S-1" Division | |
For Christmas a contest was started and a prize
was given to the divisions with the best Christmas Scene.
Here are the winners.
"CR" Division
| 
"CS" Division
| |
Page 98
Second Division
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"E" Division
| |
Seventh Division
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Third Division
| |
Page 99
Christmas in the Philippines wasn't what we dreamed about, so to offset the yearning the Recreation Committee recommended that a ship's party be given to help release some of the tension. For three days this gay affair was to continue, one section per day.
The day dawned for the first one, bright and sunny. Soon one could hear the prattle of carefree sailors as they embarked in the boats to proceed to the picnic grounds-Sunset Beach north of Cavite. The ship's band got out its instruments and proceeded to give us some of the good old "bee-bop." Women arrived, too, to make the party a full success as bathing beauties tripping lightly to the sounds of good old American jive. Not too far away two pigs roasted on a spit, hams were heated and toasted to a golden brown, and the air was soon laden with the smell of good things to eat. As soon as the beer was cool it began to flow.
The beach provided swimming, softball and volleyball.
The call to chow soon came, and the response reminded us of a bargain basement rush. Plates were piled high with good food, all mixed together. But, who cares, anyhow! Being out of doors and having a good time made us more than hungry. Down the hatch the food went, washed by great gulps of cold beer. More bee-bop followed to aid the digestion.
The end of the day came too soon, and as the law didn't permit us remaining to watch the moon rise, the party broke up with many of us going on to town to continue the washing down of the food with more liquid refreshment. Truly a great day in an average sailor's life.
Our thanks were expressed to those who did so much to make the ship's beach parties for the U.S.S. HELENA 1949 a grand success.
Page 100