Marshall (DD 676) - Naval Cruise Book

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THE COMMUNICATORS

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OC DIVISION The OC is composed of the communications half of the Operations Department. The men in the divi- sion include Radiomen, Quarters masters and Yeo- men. The radio gang is a group of individuals with rather unique ability to speak with their fingers. The radioman, huddled over his typewriter intently listen- ing to an endless story flowing into his ears, unable to speak or look away from his copy, is in constant fear of missing a vital dot or dash. He has all the aspects of the weird scientist setting dials, peaking meters, twisting knobs, watching and listening to the never ceasing flow of electronic impulses always present on the air. Ask him about a certain message and he ' ll jump up yelling, What ' s the number on it? If it ' s lost, it didn ' t happen on my watch! The Quartermasters are a more weather beaten bunch because of the hours of watches, night and day, that they stand on the signal bridge. These are the best people with the knowledge of such forms of communications as flag hoists, flashing lights and semaphore. On the bridge they send, receive and translate tactical signals, controlling the teamwork of a group of maneuvering ships. They also have the responsibility of keeping the nautical charts and pub- lications up to date and write the history of the ship in the deck log. The Yeomen are the men who run the ship ' s office. They keep service records up to date, and handle the ship ' s mail — operation orders, instructions and other paper work necessary for the smooth functioning of a fighting ship.

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1st 2nd DIVISIONS . ■- ! • • A Si • s + i s TOP ROW. L-R: Kelsall. GMSN: Kennedy, GM2; Plamon- don, GMSN; Roberts, SN; Barnes, GM3; Breland. GM2; Johnson, SN; Madden. SN; Lister, SN. BOTTOM ROW. L-R: Hawkins, GMC; Labor, GM3; Barber. SN; Ogle. GM3; Creeden, GM2; Marcum, GM3; Meier, GM1; Pip- pin, GM3; Lipes, GM2. ENS HENDRICKS FIRST LIEUTENANT The 1st and 2nd Divisions are the part of the Gunnery department composed of Boatswain ' s Mates and Gunner ' s Mates. These two rates work closely together and between them, they comprise the ord- nance and deck functions of the ship. The Boatswain ' s Mates specialty is the deck and marlinspike seamanship. He works with boats, lines, ground tackle and uses many skills common to the seaman of the old sailing ships. The Gunner ' s Mates work continuously in keeping the mounts and their associated equipment and spaces in top working condition. Oh, the mighty Deck Apes and Gunner ' s Mates. The Bos ' ns and Gunner ' s duties are the same with slight variation. These duties consist of keeping the MARSHALL ship-shape and in top fighting con- dition. Jobs requiring a lot of hard work. These jobs were done well, keeping the MARSHALL looking and acting what she is — a representative of the United States and a U.S. Naval fighting ship.