Consolation (AH 15) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 19 text:

%l£ r us NAVY HOSPITAL SH CONS OL AT OA V «• 4

Page 18 text:

ENGINEERING WE SALUTE THE ENGINEERS! The completion of a thirty thousand mile cruise without an engineering breakdown speaks for itself. The successful completion of the recent assignment in the Far East reflects the hard work of all hands. The Engineering Department deserves a well done for their part in fulfilling this mission. In addition to the more obvious task of propelling the ship, the Engineering Department must administer the damage control organization, maintain all auxiliary equipment, provide vital utilities, and act as the repair department for the ship. Many times the Engineering Department has been called upon to provide services not normally within their capacity; such as in Tourane Bay, where the shortage of fresh water necessitated the ship ' s evaporators working overtime to provide other ships in the harbor with fresh water. To accomplish this, all hands were requested to co-operate by conserving water. This feat could not have been accomplished without conservation methods adopted by crew and patients alike. Again in Inchon, the call for fresh water was received and at all times the ship was prepared to share this precious commodity. The Engineering Department of the Consolation consists of approximately 100 men and five officers. The department is broken down into five divisions as follows: M Division is responsible for the generation of steam necessary for driving the main engines, electric generators and various auxiliaries. E Division is responsible for the maintenance of all the electrical equipment. A Division maintains the various auxiliary equipment, such as fresh water systems, heating systems, refrigeration, air conditioning, and the numerous other machinery located outside the main engineering spaces. R Division consists of metal smiths, carpenters and pipe fitters who form the repair division for the ship. The engineers ' responsibility in preparing the ship for any extensive operation begins long before the ship ever leaves its home port. Every piece of machinery must be checked to insure its satisfactory operation for a long period of time and preventative maintenance must be carried on continually whether underway or in port. The Consolation is fortunate in having a highly trained group of men whose technical knowledge, devotion to duty and sense of responsibility has made them a credit to the Navy. Well Done! 14

Page 20 text:

HOSPITAL NAVAL HOSPITAL IN THE USS CONSOLATION AH- 15 Upon completion of the USS CONSOLATION ' S fifth tour of supporting the United States ' and United Nations ' Armed Forces Operation in the Far East a resume of our accomplishments during this cruise appears appropriate. While All Hands maintained the USS CONSOLATION ' S complete hospi- tal facilities in constant readiness, our professional services were not fully required. Because our professional services were not utilized to their fullest extent, many failed to realize the necessity of retaining a hospital ship in the Far East. We believe our political and military leaders exercised sound realistic judgment based on economic, social, political, and military intelli- gence in our Far East military policy. Wherever military forces are deployed, medical support to meet all possible situations must be supplied for personnel involved. During this tour in the Far East we participated in: (a) Operation Passage to Freedom in French Indochina. (b) Operation Draw Back during the Formosa crisis. (c) Operation Peace by Eternal Negotiation in Korea. If we were to ask each service man involved in the strictly military phase of these operations, all would emphatically stale our mere presence in support was a most reassuring comfort. For those whom received treatment on board, our presence was indeed essential. From those who received courtesy examinations and treatments on board, we could cite many letters of appreciation from U. S. citizens and service de- pendents at Hong Kong, B.C.C. Our professional record would be a model for any hospital to match. Our length of patient stay, morbidity record, and efficient courteous patient care was indeed a model. Our E ' sprit de Corps never waned when there was a task to be pser- formed, whether it was for patient care or getting ready for Admirals ' inspection. Our Hospital Corpsmen set an enviable record in exemplary conduct and performance of duty. Approximately one-fifth received Good Conduct Medals and several were cited for outstanding performance of duty. Approxi- mately one-third earned an advancement in their rate. Each of us can look back and assume pride in having been a member of this organization. We visited many foreign ports: Honolulu, T. H., Subic Bay, P. I., Tourane Bay, French Indochina, Hong Kong, B.C.C, Sasebo, Yokosuka, and Hiroshima, Japan, and Inchon, Korea. All were of interest and of educational benefit, particularly in how the other half of the world lives. Each of us should return home thanking God we ' re Americans and with no regrets that we served our country in defense of our way of life. Many of us will receive detachment orders and leave the ship in the near future. It is hoped that each of you will enjoy continued success and happiness in your new assignment or civilian pursuits. To those leaving the service, your government appreciates the many personal hardships and sacrifices you ' ve made to serve your country. The Officer in Command of the Naval Hospital in the USS CONSOLA- TION desires to express his personal gratitude for your loyal support, co-opera- lion and personal endeavors in making this a pleasant and successful cruise —to All Hands, A Well Done. 16