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Haynsworth Welcomes Pilgrims ~ ''Mayflower II'' |
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| USS Haynsworth DD700 |
| * Scuttlebut & Memories * |
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Haynsworth Welcomes Pilgrims ~ ''Mayflower II'' |
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As I remember it, we were returning from the Med in June of 1957 as DesDiv 222 when we visited Bermuda for a short fuel/replenishment stop, and what turned out to be a special PHOTO OP to complete our return trip enroute Norfolk. We all were aware that Allan Villers and his crew, at the time, were transiting the Atlantic to the United States in the replica of MAYFLOWER under sail. In Bermuda the USS AULT (DD-698), flagship of DESDIV 222, took onboard some photographers from the news services including "LIFE MAGAZINE" a preeminent Magazine in those days. Following our servicing in Bermuda, we proceeded to sea to rendezvous with MAYFLOWER II. As luck would have it, the photographers wanted to picture the MAYFLOWER II being welcomed to America by the US Navy. Of course as the photographers were in AULT, from which the best picture they could get was to depict rest of DesDiv 222, USS WALDRON (DD-699) USS HAYNSWORTH (DD-700) and USS WEEKS (DD-701) steaming in company with MAYFLOWER II. That picture ultimately appeared in a following issue of LIFE MAGAZINE (see below). An interesting side-light occurring at the time took place as we approached the rendezvous, when in a distance of miles we could see a rain storm (squall) approaching the group. I happened to be on the Bridge and we passed the word "OVER ALL HATCH HOODS AND GUN COVERS" which was customary in that situation. Evidently the crew in MAYFLOWER II saw the same squall and we were amazed, as through our binoculars, we observed as the crew of MAYFLOWER II quickly stripped-down and lathered-up. After a few laughs, we realized that in the days of yore that must have been common place, as that situation provided the only opportunity for a "FRESH WATER SHOWER" during what was for them a very long voyage. At the conclusion of the operation, AULT dispatched their motor whaleboat to deliver some welcomed provisions (and perhaps a photographer) to MAYFLOWER II as that vessel proceeded to its first stop in America, which I believe was New York City. Note: In the past years I have visited MAYFLOWER II many times, as it is normally an attraction berthed summers at Plymouth, Massachusetts. It was recently announced the ship will undergo a well needed rebuild of much of its underwater structure over the next couple of years or more as it is deteriorating. Just illustrates how long many of the old sailing ships could remain afloat for years longer than most modern ships. Remember 1957 to 2016…almost 60 years! Life Magazine Cover Page ~ June 17, 1957 
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