Klondike (AR 22) - Naval Cruise Book

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DECK

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%. -• COMMANDER MARSHALL L. KRATZ PRESENT EXECUTIVE OFFICER 63

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LT A. S. Horton First Lieutenant Shipboard maintenance and a helping hand for KLONDIKE ' S Repair and Supply Depart- ments are two main functions of Deck Force. Our First and Second Divisions plus a gunnery section of Deck contain the man- power needed to keep up the appearance and main mission of KLONDIKE; to aid in the area of repair. It ' s a never-ending job. Hundreds upon hundreds of gallons of paint are expended on the appearance of KLONDIKE in the span of a WestPac cruise. At present, the Boatswain ' s Mates are preparing for a three-month yard period in Long Beach by beginning with a massive paint job of the ship — from stem to stern. Almost deafening electric paint chippers in hand, the most of the job is yet to come when the Boatswain ' s Mates attack everything on deck with brushes and rollers. Lifting aboard supplies for the various departments is also in the calling for KLONDIKE ' S Deck Force. Whether a milk or fruit and vegetable truck is on the pier or another ship needs an engine repaired, the men of Deck Force are up and ready to assist. It ' s all in a day ' s work for them. At sea. Boatswain ' s Mates stand 24- hour watch on the helm, lee-helm, and in after steering of the ship. Participation in general quarters exercises at sea is a joint effort measured amongst Gunner ' s Mates, Fire Control Technicians, and the Boatswain ' s Mates of Deck Force. All together, in combined form, Deck Force is that part of KLONDIKE which is an indispensible part of our ship ' s mission: to be ready and willii: - to assist in the assignment of repair of other Naval vessels. 65