[HiramQuick]

It was a sight to behold ... I believe the Mamasan “Mary Soo” was considered one of the most powerful women in Hong Kong In the 70”s. I was on 3 Westport's on two different ships in 75,76, & 78. We were painted out each time. An LPD is a large ship and that entire exterior was painted out entirely during a 4 day liberty port visit.

The Painters painted not with brushes but with socks on their hands.

The only down side was sailors had to watch “brass” fitting like a hawk ... Brass magically disappeared other wise. That was serious ...most all firefigthing nozzles and applicators are brass.

But other wise there was never any incidents.

[Cardhu]

It is good to know that some 30 years later the tradition was still alive and all navies treat them with the same respect.