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

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H DlvlsloN To many of the crew, Sick Bay represented that normally avoided section of the main deck where one was forced to re- spond to the orderg Lay down to the Sick Bay for revaccinationn. Yet here was a small modern hospital, superbly equipped and ably manned throughout the life of the Admiral W. L. Capps. By far the most important function of H Division was the physical fitness of the ship's personnel. To keep as many men in good health and on the job for the longest possible time was the prime concern of the Medical Department. ' Morning and afternoon sick calls were provided for the outapatients. These patients were seen in the treatment room, complaints were elicited and therapy was provided. A complete X-Ray unit assisted in diagnostic procedures. A quiet room facili- Paticnts resting in the wards . L5- A12 operation in progress tated the eye, ear, nose and throat treatments as well as physio- therapy. Nearby was a Well stocked Pharmacy where every type of commonly used drug was dispensed. For the in-patient or bed case, there were 5 modern hospital wards With a total capacity of 66 beds. Included were 3 large wards, a sick officers quarters, and an isolation ward for infectious diseases. Hospital corpsmen were in constant attendance and ward rounds by the Medical Olhcers were made on each patient twice daily. Every kind of common hospital ailment was seen in the wards throughout the voyages of the AP-121. Diphtheria and Chicken Pox were among the commonest visitors to the Isolation E 5, N i ,swlgg I. e my . SN ,aww-:qi - 5 gjjp: 'xx ..,,.,,-LM ,Z-JZ? 'Ward Medicai irsei Kidney involvement ss The Surgical cases which would provide surgeons, was the eric? minor surgery were x, 1 A general hospital, Prep infections and the procedures. A very importer? Here two of the over by a competes? A diversified

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as Q maids? fy nm-tcm rs up to speed. rd on the ADMIRAI- mm the steam Icavifl8 in md thtn I N513-.R fiflknsatc 3560 fd to ,Q sbt tifllllkflutf was med irw' if 'ad' W' mud hed H -M DIVISION Since only a few repairs can be made to the main plant while underway, members of 5-M Division stood a throttle watchn at Lathe work in the machine shop In spite of the closed cycle in the feed system, there was al- ways some steam and water loss through leakage, noncondensing apparatus, and nonreturn drain systems. This loss was made up by the operation of two distiller condensers supplying a total of 80.000 gallons per day. The entire ship's fresh water supply came from this source. In addition to the main propulsion plant and the distiller condensers, 5-M Division was responsible for the auxiliary turbo- generators and the various auxiliary machinery located on the lower machinery level, such as, feed pumps, circulating pumps, lube oil pumps, bilge pumps, fresh water pumps, and fire and sanitary pumps. the main control panel, an oiler watchn on the lower machinery level, and an evaporator watchn on the Distiller condensers. These men on watch kept constant check on the gages and meters that indicated whether or not the plant was functioning properly. Cause of any abnormal operation must be determined immediately and the fault corrected so as to keep the plant opera- ting. Many times this called for work throughout the night since a mechanical apparatus is not respectful of an 8 hour work day. It is due to the willingness of the men in 5-M Division to thus subordinate themselves to the needs of the machinery that the main plant functioned at its rated horsepower day and night, month after month, through smooth or rough weather. Answering bells on the main control board

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' f as .. fxf 'tvs .15 BLCH 38 .sr t shi-re evcrv WPC we R fmlkfn hmpiul 'Kiss-llc-13 were 3 Inge ,wr ward Inf 1nfcCtiOl-15 .,,,,,-tr attendance 2114 made rm each Paw-'U' mn! ws gtg fhf gill H DIVISION The dentist worries a patient Ward. Medical ailments included Malaria, Heart Conditions, Kidney involvement and Pneumonia among many others. The Surgical cases were myriad. A spotless operating room, which would provide satisfaction to the most meticulous of skilled surgeons, was the pride of the hospital. Here both major and minor surgery were performed in the manner of a shore-based general hospital. Appendectomies, Tonsillectomies, draining of infections and the reduction and casting of fractures were common procedures. A very important section of Sick Bay was the dental office. Here two of the finest dental units available were presided over by a competent dental surgeon. A diversified laboratory, staffed by well trained technicians, assisted in the diagnostic procedures. The Medical Officer's of- Hce was conveniently used as a consultation room, and next to it was the important clerical office for the necessary medical records. The diet pantry, strong rooms or padded cells and the store- room for medical supplies completed the space in the Sick Bay area. Yet not all of H Division activities were limited to Sick Bay. The ship's sanitation was the direct responsibility of the Medical Officers. Inspection of food and water, cleanliness, berthing quarters and the condition of the heads were further necessary functions. Daily inspection of the brig and prisoners was included in the inspections. The record of the Medical Department of the Admiral W. L. Capps is excellent and can be looked on with pride by not only H Division, but the entire crew. I l 1 The Pharmacy