Admiral W L Capps (AP 121) - Naval Cruise Book

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,. 3rd DIVISION Although the Capps was not designed to be an attack ship, she carried sufficient ordnance to repulse enemy attacks by aircraft, submarine, or surface vessel. The main battery consisted of four 5 ,f38 caliber dual purpose guns, two guns being located atop the forward deck house and two aft- one on the fantail and one on the after deck house. Magazines for the main battery were located deep in the hull of the ship and almost directly beneath the guns they served. Ammunition necessary to feed these rapid Hre guns was hoisted from the magazines by electrically driven cage hoists. The fire control of the main battery was accomplished with the aid of three MK SI directors, two forward and one aft. The secondary battery consisted of four 1.1 f75 caliber quad- ruple mount heavy machine gunsr These guns were electric-hy- I i E Chief Connell at work in the armory ll! The after battery at 5 y 38 draulic driven and were controlled by individual MK SI gun directors. Two of the guns were located on the signal bridge and two on the boat deck aft. In addition sixteen 20 mm. light machine guns were located about the boat deck and superstructure decks. Gun watches of one sort or another were always stood on the Admiral Capps from commissioning to V-I day, the type of watch depending upon the proximity of enemy craft. Regular battle cruising conditions called for Watches to be stood on one 5 gun, one 1.1,!75 caliber gun, and Hve 20 mm. guns. VVhen the ship steamed through combat areas, a fire control watch was added consisting of one officer for the main battery, one chief petty Cliff? ti mate who ret Okinawa. all g Prose: T12 ., ,. respons1oiiiif.- of a twentf: conditions af task assigiitf the 1 VVCIS lslfliiwr to the cfgrifi The tire

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1st and 2nd DIVISIONS I A M- me ' ' I , f -p an .Y t . gf fpefkkmafg , ,NN b- A ,ccamczfz stands the hclmsman watch painted with an anticorrosive paint, and then painted with a color to conform to the surrounding areas. Cleaning too is necessary to a well run ship. Although dirt itself produces little material damage, the damage to the crew,s morale due to a dirty ship produces a far greater effect. Another job falling to the lot of the deck force was the load- ing and storing of supplies. Almost from the very minute they came aboard, the seamen turned tow loading commissary stores, general stores, mail, and military cargo. This is a tiresome job ending only when a ship is decommissioned. In addition to the work about ship, the members of the deck force were required to stand watches as lookouts, messengers, helmsmen, and gun crews. Each of the above was just as im- portant and vital to the ship as the day workn. Most important of all were the general quarters stations occupied by the deck force. It is they who manned most of the guns. The seamen loaded the guns while the coxswainas and boatswainls mates took their places as pointers, trainers and gun captains. It is evident that the seaman is the most versatile of all rates. This versatility required of the deck force did not lead to mediocre performance as might be expected. Whether Fighting off the enemy, mooring the ship or washing down the topsides, the deck force of the Admiral Capps always did the best possible job. 2 Scraping the deck before painting

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3rd DIVISION AI.I,, Gun and crew petty oliicer for the light machine guns and one roving gunner's mate who repaired all small damages. During the invasion of Okinawa, all guns were constantly manned. Proper maintenance of the shipls ordnance was vital. This responsibility fell into the hands of the 3rd Division, composed of a gunnery officer, assistant gunnery officer and approximately twenty Hrecontrolmen and gunnerls mates. Adverse climatic conditions and frequent drills and battle practices increased the task assigned to the 3rd Division, but always, the maintenance of the guns was placed before personal comfort. That the guns were known to be ready for action at all times, no doubt added to the confidence of the crew and the embarked troops. The Hne records established during gunnery practices dem- onstrated the excellence of the ship's ordnance, her gun crews, and her ordnance division. The Capps was ready to meet and defeat the enemy at all times due to the effort and ability of the 3rd Division. A view of some of the 20 mm. gun tubs