Now back to C. Homer Bast, CO USS Yolo in the Philippines, preparing the ship for the next mission with a scheduled departure date of September 1, 1945.
July 8, 1945
Even though the weather is bad, the presser and drier, waiting here for two months, came aboard. The liberty party arrived back on board well beered up. For the first time in all these many months words were exchanged between the blacks and whites. I informed the officers to tell the men that the "old man" would not tolerate racial barbs. Dietz is selling his pictures for a quarter each and on shore they bring two dollars. The sailors flush with money, will buy almost anything from a war zone. Just learned we are under AdComPhibsPac.
Mr. Belmont, who took Kerr's position, is young, just out of ND and from NJ. He is an economist with a good logical brain with ideas. Just a comment - while here he and his department have the most to do. His job is a responsible one! The ship, while not a taut one, could not become one for the officers are too lax on their men. But the ship is one that must have discipline. Our rules, which are few, must be obeyed. I too want obedience. Certainly this ship is an easy one on which to live. I am sure it is a happy ship!
Two of the boys on a dare wrote the clerk of the court in Yolo County, California and informed him we wanted a pin-up girl from their county. The combined camera clubs, held contests and will send pictures of a number of contestants by the 17th. Judged here, notification will be sent to Yolo County.
July 14, 1945
The crew really worked this day. The mail from Tacloban arrived this morning. Following lunch, I called on Captain Peterson once again. He is very sympathetic in his attempts to obtain further authorization for the cargo hatch and winch. I found a winch on one of the barges and asked the maintenance people to look at it; it cannot be used. A bright spot appeared - mail brought an AlNav which listed the promotions to Lt (jg) - Kinley, Ambrogi, Cardin, Belmont, Bracken and Selke all moved up in rank. They were thrilled even though it was expected. This was a lively Saturday involving a movie, bridge and dinner in my cabin because of the changes in the wardroom. BuPers sends to us from time to time a number of paper backs. One was "Mr. Chips". He is my idol in a romantic way. He devoted his life teaching boys to be men. He had a deep feeling of a job well done when his boys climbed to heights unknown. I am convinced that I want to teach. Although I would never be a scholar, I believe I would be a good teacher.
July 15, 1945
It is Sunday and holiday routine but no church service. I slept a little late and waited for a ComPhibsPac doctor to come aboard for an inspection. He found everything well organized and perfect and left with the words, "a mighty clean ship". Hats are off to Mr. Belmont and others.
Bum boats, the native canoes, pass within hailing distance now that I informed the OOD to keep them away. Several crew on one of the stages painting some days ago yelled that they wanted some pom-pom. Within a short time the canoe came back with four girls who asked to come aboard--the price $15--even have supply and demand here. It rained in torrents this afternoon.
July 20, 1045
It is much cooler today and we have all kinds of water, even enough to take a shower this afternoon. From time to time I argue with the "Mustangs" (Navy enlisted men who are now officers) about the Navy way of doing things. They get out of sorts when I do something my way. On occasions, I blow up and tell them off, but I look at the overall picture of the ship and all men. The ship's readiness is my concern.
The movie is a repeat, but the boys couldn't care less. I am con¬vinced we have a happy ship. One must remember that the early days were ones when the inexperienced attempted to become experienced. They lived in confined quarters for the first time. It was essential they be molded into one. We have done that!
, and cold beer of choice! 
, BBQ ribs, gator salad and beans, same as last Thursday! 
Both counts!
