Midway (CVA 41) - Naval Cruise Book

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Now man all refueling stations. These are words that swing the ship ' s deck force into action. Stations are manned on the double and all equipment is made ready for the intricate operation ahead. The ship begins its approach and each man is ready ; as we come along side the shot lines are fired and the back straining process of rigging the stations begins. The messengers span the gap between ships, each one bigger and heavier than the one before. Next the span wires, heavier still, and at last the hoses tons of steel and rubber. Hundreds of men give it their all and the life lines of the fleet slowly ease across the churning sea. Heave around on that hose messenger, sailors— Walk away with it. Each Bos ' n gruffly urges his sweating men on. Station 7 — hose on the deck. The free trollies are cut loose and the rig crews strain to couple their hoses to the risers. Men lift, men push ; with each heave they listen hopefully for that click that makes their mating final. At last the sound of completion, and the routine securing is begun as the engineers make all preparation to receive oil. Finally each station is pumping, riding lines are secure, and all messengers [have been returned to the tanker. k i 97

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Men wait, some are sweaty, others soaked from salt spray, some tired from watches late the night before. They watch and wait — wait for Completed blow down, commence unrigging. Release the hose and send it back. Stand clear of the span wire, O.K., let it go and finally ell lines are clear. Now secure from all refueling stations.