USS MULLINNIX DD-944
|
Samsun, Turkey 1961
|
|
Excerpt from "The Last Gun Ship - History of USS Mullinnix DD-944"
A Historical Novel By Frank A. Wood
1961 Turkey Vistor's Guide (PDF)
Samsun, a relatively small village, is the provincial capital of Samsun Province and a major Black Sea port. Samsun is a long city that extends along the coast between two river deltas which jut into the Black Sea. It is located at the end of an ancient route from Cappadocia: the Amisos of antiquity lay on the headland northwest of the modern city. To Samsun's west, lies the Kızılırmak ("Red River", the Halys of antiquity), one of the longest rivers in Anatolia and its fertile delta. To the east, lie the Yeşilırmak ("Green River", the Iris of antiquity) and its delta.
The US Air Force Radar site detachment invited Mullinnix for dinner and a softball game. The detachment was somewhat surprised to learn (the hard way) that the Mighty Mux had one hell of a softball team. A team, that would be invited to the All European Softball tournament in Naples, Italy later that year.
The detachment surprised the Mux team when they brought out their mascot - a huge brown bear named Ivan. Ivan, like the service men, was fond of beer. Between softball, beer, and Ivan, the crew had a couple hours in which home was just a little closer in their hearts and minds.
Back to Liberty Call
Back to Ship Company
Home
© 2022 by Frank Wood, All rights reserved