Christmas, 1969 (Yokosuka, Japan)
by Jeff VanDeford
A large overseas American naval base during a time of war is a curious thing. The thousands of sailors and Marines, as well as their dependents, are engaged in some way, directly or indirectly, in a violent enterprise. They find themselves a long way from home, and with the many services provided for their comfort on base, most become rather insulated from their host country. But not at Christmas.
For at this time of the year the best of American character surfaces; there are displays of colored lights everywhere, invitations to local individuals and groups are sent and received, cheerful anticipation reigns and children of all nationalities are in focus; American of Japanese, kids love to see Santa. And there are contests to see who can outdo the other in Christmas spirit.
As a newly minted ensign just arrived in Japan, one of my first collateral duties was to help transform the, admittedly, plain fleet tug, USS Mahopac in to the essence of Christmas joy, and how to salute.
Not a word about where to place a giant red bow to the best effect.
By tradition., the $100.00 prize would go to a local orphanage and with the can-do attitude of the small-ship Navy, we got the job done.
The flagship of the Seventh Fleet won in the big ship category that year. At the other end of the Naval spectrum, at low tide barely visible at the end of Berth 13 North sat the winner in the small ship division -- the good ship Mahopac.
We all agreed it was Santa's tush disappearing up the hawsepipe that did it...
