Sailor Entering a Bar

The crew of the aircraft carrier Intrepid—enlisted men and officers—saw port calls as much-needed breaks from shipboard life. These visits gave Intrepid sailors access to two diversions that were not available on the ship: alcohol and women.

Signs outside bars enticed soldiers and sailors to sample their drinks and women. The signs were often crude, both in language and in design. This sign, from a port in Asia, is a tame example.