Columbus (CA 74) - Naval Cruise Book

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he signal gang — t-he eyes of the ship. This division consists of highly trained men specializing in many forms of the all-important and oldest type of communications, visual signaling. These men come under the rating of Quartermaster- Signalman, an almost invariably sea-going rate. Among the more important forms of visual signaling are flag hoists, flashing light and semaphore. Flag hoist is mainly used for rapid dissemination of tactical signals throughout the task fleet, force or group. The sharp command of stand by your bags alerts the signal v atch and instantaneously the flag bags are alive with motions of multi-colored flags being hoisted smartly in the air. Immediately visual responsibility is determined and expeditious closing up of signals together with sharpness of execution are all signs of a well coordinated signal gang. Messages of a limited text are distributed to the fleet by use of a signal lamp, the beam of which is interpreted to form morse code characters. Minimum lag in transmission of relays is constantly being strived for. Semaphore is a speedy method of transmitting messages by hand flags whose relative positions decide the letters of the alphabet. Its limited range restricts it mainly for use in port. In all methods of communication, reliability, security and speed are paramount. Training and general supervision comes under the competent eye of J. R. McCarthy, QMC, being closely assisted by the capable, harmonious LPO, C. C. Gouge, QM I. Training of hew men in the division is patiently and tactfully carried out by the divisional training petty officer hi. A. Watts, QM3. Ensigns Harthorn and Lucas, the signal and junior signal officers respectively, have the admiration of the entire signal gang for their complete willingness and sympathetic attitude towards the men, and one need never feel ill at ease in bearing confidences or requesting advice. The general consensus of opinion throughout the fleet is that the COLUMBUS signal gang Is tops, and despite a series of set-backs by the loss of many competent operators due to transfer and discharge it hasstill managed, through hard work on the part of all hands, to maintain a high standard of reliability and respect. Qfu.V ( '