Columbus (CA 74) - Naval Cruise Book

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nder the most capable direction of LT W. E. Striplin, CHELEC Hodges and Chiefs hHozak and Perlcs, Schnider, EMI, and J. Beckham, EMI, Easy Division operates and maintains most of the electrical equipment aboard ship. The division is divided into many different gangs, each handling certain phases of the intricate electrical system needed to keep the ship running properly. The first is the inter-communications gang which takes care of the maze of telephones, sound powered and ship ' s service, the gyro compasses, and signal and warning alarms in all engine and firerooms. Next is the distribution men who handle all motors, pumps, main generators and switch boards in all four firerooms and both Engine rooms. They operate emergency switchboards in the fwd. and aft. diesel spaces. Next we have the lighting gang which takes care of all lighting and battle lanterns, and rigs any emergency lights needed. They also repair irons, toasters, joe pots, hot plates and many other implements used to make living aboard ship more desirable for all hands. Next is general power handling all heavy extractors and dryers in the laundry and all galley equipment such as meat cutters, mixers, ovens and grills. Then there is ordnance and power which maintains motors, hoists and the electrical gear in the turrets, mounts and other Gunnery spaces. The next on the list is ventilation, taking care of vent motors and equipment used in keeping the ship cool and livable for everyone. Another important part of Easy Division is the battery locker which handles all batteries for liberty boats, automobiles and Captain ' s gig. Also they take care of search lights, ignition systems, starter motors and generators in all boats. E Division also supplies the movie operators, who are School graduates and can operate many different types of slide, silent and sound projectors. These chosen few show all training films and movies for the crew and officers — sometimes even for children ' s parties held aboard the ship. This is a short summary of the duties and capabilities of the men in E Division, and as you can see, we have a vitally important job in the smooth operation of the USS COLUMBUS in war as well as peace.

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he efficient operation of any machine is deternnined mainly by the efficient operation of its central power cir- cuits. This statement is also applicable to the brain, which, when it is deprived of its central nerve centers, becomes nothing more than a dead collection of cells. Every good machine therefore needs a good power circuit, and every capable brain an alert nervous system. In good faith to the same line of thinking, every effi- cient man-of-war must have an efficient EX division. Nearly everything that occurs on a ship of this type, whether good or bad, eventually finds its way through the offices and hands of the Incomparable EX division. COLUMBUS is certainly no exception. Beneath the guiding hands of LT W. I. Wellons and Chaplain M. E. Brenneman, ably assisted by LTJG S. L. Beck and ChHSCLK K. A. Neal and further supplemented by E. K. McGahan (PNC) and F. C. Wenzel (PNICA), we have managed to make this EX division one to be proud of. In its subdivided state, which consists of six major components, we see it as the Captain s Office, the Executive Officer ' s Office, the Legal and Training Office, the Chaplain ' s Office, (more familiarly known as the Crew ' s Lounge) Master-at-Arms and last but not least, our own Print Shop. Together they handle some of the most intricate tasks a Naval organization is called upon to perform: maintenance of all the records dealing with the officer ' s or enlisted man ' s entire Naval career — assignment of billets — leave and liberty — ship ' s official correspondence — morale and recreation — education and training — discipline — transfers — and a host of other detailed jobs dealing with sailors as individuals and sailors as part of a whole Navy. They often work many hours after the rest of the crew has completed the routine chores of the day — working to Insure a completely thorough justification of what every single man aboard Is doing and what every man has done. Relinquishing more than one liberty call themselves in order to provide a shipmate with as much liberty as is authorized, the EX division smilingly labours on. Call them the crew ' s loungers if you like .... Call them the Bureau of Information, the Pencil Pushers or even the Sea Waves, but remember this when you do: The boys behind the tapping machines are the hardest working loungers In the crew, the most informed bureau you ever saw, and together or alone they make the greatest bunch of sailors the rating and the COLUMBUS has ever had the pleasure to possess.