L-R photos, Lieutenant Clay Stabler, Seaman Paul A. Marchefka, Cook Abe G i b b s, Seaman Jack Wooldridge

Yankee authentic sailors, wonderful country, pretty girls

A jug of frosty cold beer and a pretty Finnish girl grab it, that's the American dream of the sea son. The frigate 
USS Leahy crew thrives in sweltering Helsinki and Helsinki residents feel comfortable on the cruiser. Sunday 
four thousand curious visitors explored the ship and visitors also yesterday there were at least a couple of 
times more.


On board we are received by Lieutenant Clay Stabler. - Absolutely wonderful land and a lovely capital city. 
The people are friendly and many speak English surprisingly well. Not many in Leningrad were found with 
a knowledge of English, but yes, we are there in spirit, we came along.
- Just as during the Soviet visit, the crew also arranged ship sightseeing tours. The American Embassy 
organized the visit in addition to celebrating on Sunday night with officers and other crew members.

Seaman Jack Wooldridge, who has served three years on USS Leahy, considered the best in Finland's offering 
of rich tasting beer; - I do not like the ship's life, but such visits always bring up your mood. Comfortable country, 
gorgeous women.
- Leningrad, I do not know. It is a beautiful city, but I do like Helsinki more.

Ship's cook Abe G i b b s feeds on a daily basis 370 sailors. - I feel comfortable on board and enjoy being in 
Finland. On Sunday evening we went with the men to tour Helsinki. This is a nice city and the people are 
very friendly.
- I served three years in the Navy, and have eight months remaining, said Seaman Paul A. Marchefka.
- The work onboard is rigorous, work is eight hours a day. I have surely enjoyed my time in the Navy, and I 
am also fond of Finland.

- Leningrad is quite different than the city of Helsinki. The people are different; being friendly yes in both 
countries, but the Finns are somehow softer, more prone to discussion, more open.