Dixie (AD 14) - Naval Cruise Book

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Standby to answer all bells — a familiar phrase to the throttleman aboard any Naval vessel, and with this command the efforts and skill of the machinist mate is in demand. These are the men of the M division who repair, operate, and maintain the ships main pro- pulsion machinery. Along with this there are auxiliaries ; the turbines that drive the generators, the pumps that supply the firemain and the fresh water systems, the evaporators that make the fresh and feed water and, in general, just about every machine that is steam powered aboard ship is the responsibility of the M Division. A large task, and one that at times requires every hour in the day to complete with satisfaction. Aboard the DIXIE, the M Division has lived up to the demands of these requirements and with determina- tion has exceeded them. The reliability of the machine- ry and the appearance of the spaces shows evidence of their hard work to enable the ship to carry out its mis- sion. There have been delays, yes, and the five flag has been hoisted, but never have we had to depend on the wind or a close column movement. Hornsby, D. R. McKenzie, K. D. Gordon, J. E. Hansen, H. R. MMCM Downing, L. N. MMC West, H. E. ' 7 Stearns, R. J. Richards, I. J.

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Jackson, P. K. Martin, S. M. Wilson, R. A. tiotham. 11. L. P«i % S k Banks, G. V. Shell, T. Campbell, 1). R. The OOD gives the order to the engineroom and the DIXIE starts slowly backing from the pier. From the stacks there is a light brown haze, and it is here we find the heart of the whole movement operation. The life of the ship is dependent upon the power of her machinery, and it is the men of the B division that provide the basis for this power in the generation of steam. Basically, the B division is responsible for converting feed water into steam to run the main engines, generators and auxi- liary machinery. From this comes electricity, hot water, and every other necessity of a mechanical nature in shipboard life. In achieving this conversion, Babcock and Wilcox boilers are used to produce the steam. Fuel, which constitutes a great portion of the ships load, is stowed and then transferred by the oil kings as necessary for consumption in the boilers. Cleaning and constant maintenance of the boilers are factors that serve to insure the reliability and the mobility of the ship. It is a hard, never ending task that is frequently looked upon as a less glamorous assignment, but, nevertheless to the men of the B division, a vital one. In addition, the men of the B division have added certain refinements to the spaces they man in the very depths of the ship. Cleanliness, neat paintwork, and sparkling bright work displays the excellence of their spirit and efforts. From time to time they have also provided services beyond the normal require- ments such as fuel to the laundry, soot particles to the boat deck, and lubrication oil for the torpedos. Many an OOD has asked them to secure the smoke generator and even threatened physical violence if his requests were not heeded. Such things are normal in the life of a BT and taken in stride as an inci- dental step in fulfilling their mission. Lorn

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Comstock, J. D. Rosson, B. D. S mith, M. W. Jantz, E. R. Weinstein, R. Stovall, F. Merritt, R. D. i. Richardson, H. E Bilbro, J. C. Ramos, M. D. 6 Perkins. E. O. Cox, D. G. v - i Bradley, R. F. n Pate, J. T. Granger, R. G. Bryan, W. E. Harris, C. E. Washburn, D. J. Medley, R. E. Raspberry. .1. Anderson, D. Jacobson, G.