Columbus (CA 74) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 39 text:

he Machinist Mates, Enginemen and Machinery Repairmen of the Able Division are divided into five gangs. The steam heat gang under J. P. Stout, MM I can be seen anywhere from climbing the stack to the whistle and siren to fixing the potato peeler in the galley. The laundry, crane, steering gear and anchor windlass all come under them, too, as do many other parts of the ship. The ice house gang under C. T. Sayers, MM3, is responsible for the upkeep of all refrigerators, air-conditioning units and scuttlebutts. T. L. Evans, EN2 and his diesel gang take care of all boat engines in addition to forward and after diesel. The ship ' s vehicles are cared for by the vehicle repairmen under R. D. Jones, MM3. The fifth gang, the machine shop, under E. R. Heller, MR3, is called on to repair anything from pumps to chasing threads on a bolt. The tool crib which is found in the machine shop is well stocked, and supplies tools not only to engineers but throughout the ship. The division is represented in the log room by R. D. Bois, YNSN. The one who has the job of keeping the boys in line is Uncle Red Cromer, MM I, who is the LPO of the di vision. The division officer is Ensign R. L. Flucker who moved up from his role as junior division officer when LT F. E. Maguire was returned to inactive duty in the reserves, hie is assisted by C. A. Sedivy, MMC, and R. M. Crockett, ENC, who are the two Able Division Chiefs. Whenever a boat is called away, it ' s the Able Division who supplies the engineer. This includes every liberty boat, beach guard boat, and picket boat, as well as the officers motor boat and Captain ' s gig. Even such items as the operating table, dentists chairs, sterilizer and all such equipment used in the Medical Department is under the repair of the Able Division. When it comes to getting hot water for the crew ' s washroom, again it ' s the Able Div. responsibility. The heating system throughout the ship also comes under the Able Division maintenance. Yes, even the barber ' s chairs and pressers. All galley machinery and utilities are under the maintenance of the Able Division. The Division in which to learn most anything is the Auxiliary Division aboard ship, known as the good old A Division.