Surveying the Gulf for the U.S. Navy

[U.S. Navy Survey Mission to the Gulf]. Persian Gulf Cruise. Task Unit 48.4.7. 1959-1960.

(Hannibal, Missouri, American Yearbook Company), [1960].

4to. 104 pp. With various black and white photographic prints in the text. Full cloth with decorative printed title.

 3,000.00

Extremely rare, privately produced commemorative publication about the extensive survey operation carried out in the Gulf region by the USS Tanner (AGS-15) and the USS Requisite (AGS-18) in 1959-60, to "provide hydrographic data for the construction of modern up-to-date navigational charts which enable mariners to navigate safely as the ply the sea lanes of the world" (p. 5). Stations in the Gulf included Bandar Abbas, Bahain, Kharg Island, Bushehr, and Abadan". The work is profusely illustrated with photographs depicting all aspects of everyday life onboard, including maintenance and engineering, laundry, hairdressing, and cooking, as well as religious service, medical and dental procedures, festivities such as the "Sailor of the Month contest", and beach parties. With portraits of the officers and crew, including commanding officers Onofrio F. Salvia and George E. Dawson (USS Tanner) as well as John O. Bachert and Wiliam L. Strong (USS Requisite). One page of photographs is dedicated to visiting dignitaries: among them are the US Ambassador to Lebanon Robert McClintock and Prince Hamid Reza Pahlavi, a half-brother of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran. Additional pictures show the ports visited, namely Lisbon, Naples, Beirut, Karachi, Palma and Gibraltar, and portraits of the 1960 Miss and Mrs. Tanner and the Maids and Matrons of Honor.

Covers a little stained; extremities very slightly bumped. No other copy traceable in libraries or auction records internationally.