Chandeleur (AV 10) - Naval Cruise Book

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H DIVISION — First Row, left to righl-UEUT. H. A. GRANT, Denial Officer; LIEUT. J. S. HUNTER, JR., Senior Medicol Officer; IIEUT. J. H WISH- ART, Medical Officer. Second Row-McOUIlLIN, PhM3c; TRUMBO, PhmMlc; TAYLOR, CPhM; SIMMONS, PhMlc; FARLEY, PhM2c. Third Row-PATTERSON, PhM3c; CHANDLER, PhM2c; MAXSON, PhM2c; SOMERS, PhM3c. i

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??CJJ DIVISION Among one of the first questions one might ask concerning the Gunnery Department is — who is in the F Division and what do they do? Read on and maybe we can give you an answer to your questions. All of the men in the Gunnery Department are attached to the F Division. In reality this Division is made up of three separate smaller groups all working together under one department head and one division officer — Gunner ' s Mates, Fire Controlmen and Torpedomen. Now for a word about each gang. All repair and maintenance of the ship ' s guns and the upkeep of the ammunition magazines fall under the Gunner ' s Mates — all of which adds up to a big job. Obtaining ammunition of all types is part of the job of the Gunner ' s Mates and all loading and unloading is done under their super- vision. The Fire Controlmen are responsible for the maintenance of all fire control equipment aboard our ship such as directors, gun sights, rangefinders, and gun drives. Their responsibility is to keep our fire control gear in tip-top condition in order that the guns may fire accurately at all times. Those deadly looking tin fish on display down in the torpedo workshop are under the supervision of the Torpedomen who see to it that their sleek- looking charges are well cared for and ready to go at all times. Working in a modern, well-equipped shop, the Torpedomen carry out the upkeep of the torpedos from routine checks to major overhauls. In our shop it is possible to completely overhaul an aircraft torpedo including the gyro. The Gunnery Officer is responsible for the training of all gun crews on the ship and that this has been ably done in the past is testified to by the record of the CHANDELEUR under fire. A great deal of credit must be given to each and every individual on the ship who has manned a gun or fire control station as it was their coolness and efficiency in the face of enemy attack which enabled our ship to compile such a creditable record during the conflict just past. Such is the story of the Gunnery Department and its men — a hard- working bunch of American sailors, skilled in their rates and always ready to do their best in the face of any kind of circumstances.

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H DIVISION H Division is comprised of two medical officers, one dental officer and twelve pharmacist ' s mates. During the period 19 November 1942 to 10 September 1945, 33,622 persons have reported to the various sick calls for treatment. Of this number 1,174 were admitted to the sick list. These figures indicate that the Medical Department has been kept busy with the usual ailments and complaints of the officers and crew. There are many days when it seems as though no one on the ship ever heard of sick call, and then almost without warning we get an outburst of colds, cat fever or the like. We are fortunate in having on board two Flight Surgeons. No other seaplane tender can boast of this and it puts the mighty G in the class of a first line carrier. In addition to tending the ship ' s crew, these doctors must be able to recognize complaints and symptoms of illness that are pe- culiar to aviation personnel. The Dental Department as a unit of H division has also done its part in cooperating to make the CHANDELEUR the ship of the seaplane tender group. Every man aboard has been examined and has been given the oppor- tunity to have dental ills treated and corrected. Total sittings since May 1943 amounted to 5,182 with a total of 2,941 fillings inserted and 469 teeth extracted. In addition to taking care of our own ship ' s company and squadron assigned, because of our facilities, we have aided many smaller vessels by making available our equipment and staff. We have at times been desig- nated casualty ship with duties similar to those of a hospital ship. On other occasions, four to be exact, we have transferred patients while under- way. Without deviating from our standard speed or course the crew of the CHANDY LOU has swung into action to receive patients in need of emergency medical attention from ships that came alongside.