Bainbridge (DLGN 25) - Naval Cruise Book

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Chapter IV DAILY ACTIVITIES The evolution of destroyers and destroyer weapons hasn ' t changed the age-old fact that there is always work to be done aboard, some with muscles and some with minds. A day aboard Bainbridge differs very litde from that of the older day destroyers. Technology has changed the source of energy to propel the ship, deliver her weapons and has demand- ed many more technical jobs requiring special training, but the daily rou- tine is similar to that of all Navy ships. The day begins early and following breakfast an hour is devoted to school call . During this period all hands not on watch attend lectures on subjects ranging from seamanship to Nuclear Physics. Closely asso- ciated with school call is the USAFI program. This program consists of both high school and college correspondence courses. Bainbridge men have shown a very enthusiastic interest in this program. After school call all hands turn to to commence the day ' s work. The day ' s work consists of maintenance and repair of machinery, main- ta ining records, cleanliness of the ship, shining brightwork and the watch standing, the constant vigilance necessary for operation of a mighty fighting ship. Again after the noon meal Bainbridge men continue ship ' s work until late afternoon. After the day ' s work and after watch the time is occupied by relaxation, sleep, study, and entertainment in the form of movies or bingo. The day usually ends with writing letters and some days are brightened by a helicopter and the familiar mail call to follow. And to those let- ters this book is dedicated. 77

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Anchor Detail From the OOD down through the ranks, every man aboard a destroyer has his own job to do. especially in the activity of entering or leaving a port. I

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Helicopter Detail, Mail Call The happier davs of the cruise were those in which the words station the helicopter detail were announced for this usually meant a mail call to follow. The won- derful messages from home were the little which accomplished so much .