Cacapon (AO 52) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 27 text:

Sir, we have a contact, designated skunk alfa bearing zero niner five, range twelve miles! After a few moments, further information is relayed such as speed. closest point of approach time and bearing. Just about the only thing that a Radarman can't tell you is the color. When the CACAPON is at sea the Combat Information Center is manned around the clock. The men behind it are the eyes of the ship. and nothing must get past them that could be a hazard. whether it be an island. an aircraft, or another ship. Every blip on the screen must be tracked, plot- ted, and then reported to the Officer of the Deck on the bridge. The Radar and Radioman's best friend is the Electronic Technician. These educated babysitters must keep a c stant vigil on the radio and radar equip- ment. One blown tube or short circuit could delay or possibly jeopardize an important mission due to a breakdown in the ship's vision or communications. Because of the danger of this very thing happening, all electronic equipment is regularly inspected and when it is found defective, the ET's are repairing it no matter what the hour. Only a select number of people are allowed on the other side of the closed door of the Radio Shack. Inside, a visi- tor would be confused by all the knobs, buttons, and dials that make up the tools of the Radioman's trade. The bulkheads are covered with intricate wiring that would take what seems like forever to trace. The visitor might be bewildered by this com- plex array of communications equip- ment, but to the Radiomen it all has a meaning and whether it be operating the teletype or sending code, they do it with self-confidence and a knowl- edge that they are the CACAPON's only link with the outside world.

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Under the heading of OPERATIONS, comes a whole list of jobs that are essential in maintaining a proper operating schedule. One is that of the Hospital Corpsmen in sick- bay. They have the important responsibility of keep- ing the health of each crewman up to par. They also inspect the ship to insure that proper sanitation pro- ceedures are used at all times. On the CACAPON they also handle everything from setting broken legs and sewing up cuts, to administering shots. The ship's office is where the Yeomen and Per- sonnelmen handle all of the ship's paperwork and keep each member of the crew's file up to date. Dear to each sailor's heart is the Cac's small, but busy, post office, their only touch with home. The Postal Clerks are not only kept jumping with our own mail, but that of quite a few other ships. Due to the CACAPON'S manner of frequently enter- ing port we also receive and deliver the mail for the ships of the 7th Fleet off the coast of Viet Nam. When a ship is visible on the horizon it is the job of the Signalmen to establish contact with it. The method of communication is by either flashing light, signal flags, or if close enough, by semaphore.

Page 28 text:

There it is. . . my other shoe!' This turkey stuffing is great! zw I'11 trade you this coffee for a comic book. K Anything for a light I can hack it! Oh HO! Wiped out again! 1 V' I hear you too loud and too often. 48