Mobile (LKA 115) - Naval Cruise Book

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USS MOBILE (LKA 115) Air conditioning aids comfort throughout the ship, includ- ing roomy living quarters for the 367-man crew and 249 troops, recreation rooms and library. Besides wartime victories, LKA ' s have accomplished sig- nificant peacetime achievements. They have been visible symbols of power for peace statesmanship in times and places of crisis; they have brought medical care, food and supplies to persons striken by hurricanes, floods and earthquakes; they have rescued seafarers in peril on stormy oceans; and they have been goodwill emissaries to other nations. Interesting facts that make MOBILE an outstanding ship in the fleet are the following: MOBILE can provide enough electricity to supply approximately 2,000 homes with all electrical power they need; MOBILE can provide enough steam to heat 35,000 homes or more; MOBILE can pro- duce 40,000 gallons of fresh water per day from sea water; MOBILE ' S 13 boats have the capability of carrying over 400 tons or the equivalency of 200 automobiles; MOBILE carries enough food supplies to feed 600 people three meals a day for 90 days; MOBILE ' S Supply Department carries 23,000 items to support the operation of the ship or the equivalency of the number of items carried in a large department store; MOBILE ' S ship ' s store can sell anything from diamonds to razor blades; and MOBILE has many of the facilities of a town, including barber shop, hospital, ice cream parlor, soda fountain, dry cleaning and laundry plant, post office, and bank. Regardless of MOBILE ' S materiel capabilities which are good, its greatest assets are the people that man her - they are outstanding. 49

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MOBILE: ITS EVER CHANGING HISTORY The USS MOBILE (LKA 115) became an integral part of a balanced, mobile and modern 20 knot amphibious force of the United States Navy on 20 September 1969 when she was commissioned and became a unit of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The Honorable Lambert C. Mims, Mayor of the City of Mobile, was the guest speaker. The keel for the USS MOBILE was laid in January 1968 and the ship was launched on 19 October 1968. Mrs. John J. Sparkman, wife of the Alabama Senator and sponsor of the ship, christened the MOBILE at 10:30 A.M. Senator Sparkman, senior senator from the State of Alabama, delivered the principal address. An LKA. amphibious cargo ship, is designed to transport and land combat equipment and material, with attendant personnel, in amphibious assaults. Navy cargo ships such as MOBILE have a most impressive record of achievement in providing support to our forces ashore and afloat. MO- BILE perpetuates such a proud heritage. Armed with 13 assault boats and improved cargo handling systems, the 575 foot, 20 knot MOBILE possesses a pow- erful capability for supporting amphibious assaults that is beyond the reach of older LKA type ships. Her four Mike 8 boats, capable of landing 60 ton tanks, are the largest landing craft now hoisted aboard a Navy ship. Her im- proved cargo handling systems include 12 booms, of which two have a 70 ton lifting capacity; special elevators; and an enlarged helicopter platform. The engineroom can now be handled by five or six men instead of 14 because of the automated system.

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THE GONG SHOW