I was on board for the med cruise in '74. I remember "dropping the load" not long after we left Naples. It was strange when we were floating waiting for the tug to get us. I remember sitting in electric central (with battle lanterns lit) listening to the waves outside the hull.

I remember an English ship as part of the group we were with. At least it was in port while we were. Someone else and I (don't remember who) went over to that ship for lunch one day before the ill- fated cruise and enjoyed their hospitality. Their lunch consisted of the normal fare but also included 2 cans of beer per crewman. This particular day each British crewman would take their 2 beers (I believe it was Macgregor Scottish Ale) and give us one. I swapped hats with one British crew member. I gave him my "Dixie Cup" and he gave me his "Donald Duck". I still have the hat. The name of that ship was the HMS Jupiter.

I also remember the grenades in Port Said. That was part of the Middle East cruise in '75/'76. It was the night before we traversed the Suez Canal. I will always remember that trip. Burned and bombed buildings on either side of the canal with guns setup on the "mounds" lining the canal.

Other memories of the Middle East trip:

Playing a softball game in Pakistan against some folks that were living there Spending Christmas in Bandar Abbas Playing "tag" with a Russian cruiser Touring the game preserve in Kenya Visiting the ruins at Persopolis (spelling?) in Iran

Just a few of the memories of my time on board the JLB

Richard Peno

EM2 '73 to '76 Plankowner