Leyte (CV 32) - Naval Cruise Book

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e 5? PRAISE THE LORD AND PASS THE AMMUNITlON s E ' e 'v'vvmmunist b bs above ww W - . Pro a . the Om start then' mzssion p ganda Wmchmen keep T , A TNT TRANSFER WITH planes like the Skyraider using up twelve rockets per sortie, the LEYTE would soon run out of ammunition except for the services of unsung ammunition ships such as the MT. KAT- MAI. The Gunnery Department soon perfected the technique-of loading ammunition swiftly but carefully. A A Easy does it Some strafing S

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p OUR FLOATING GAS STATIONS Fueling Family style 6'Fill 'er up IN ORDER for the LEYTE's planes to maintain their daily pounding of the Communist foe and to keep the LEYTE's giant screws in motion, we were required to refuel every few days. When the LEYTE's supply of fuel and ammunition became depleted, we left the operating area for a rendezvous 'with the replenishing force. i To prevent wasting time returning to port, almost all our ammunition and fuel were brought aboard at sea. Replenishing required great teamwork and ability by the entire crew, especially the gunnery department.'During the usual rough weather in the Sea of Japan, the winchmen and line handlers had to be very adroit to prevent lines from parting or mountainous waves from swal- lowing our cargo. The fueling operation begins when the Captain carefully brings the ship alongside the tanker. Then shotguns shoot lines over from each of three fueling stations. These lines are called messenger lines since, when they are hauled back to the ship, the end of the hose comes with them. The engineers then couple the hose to our fuel connections and seconds later fuel begins to flow. We used over 3,400,000 gallons of fuel-one could drive a Cadillac forever on that. 1 First lille 0129? Start pumping The captain maintains distance

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At times a trifle dijficult DD approaches for a moonlight cocktail. I Transfusion Q N numerous occasions the LEYTE had to fuel destroyers.pSince Destroyers have a small fuel capacity they are forced to refuel about once a week in order to remain with the formation. To save daylight hours for flying we usually fueled at night. High seas often made fueling compli- cated and hazardous. The Gunnery Department also performs countless daily tasks of seamanship. In Sasebo we dropped the anchor or moored to the buoyg lowered the gangways, and took the liberty hounds ashore. Under- way we brought aboard the groceries, many visitors or transferees and that indispensable mail. Then, there was the neverending job of upkeep of spaces and cleaning the sides. ' Guess which is the Boatswairfs mate Ready to drop the hook