Cotten (DD 669) - Naval Cruise Book

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GUNNERS MATES As is the custom, every lighting ship must have guns and it is the job of this gang to take care of them and be ready at all times for occuring target prac- tices. The five inch and forty milli- meter guns must be spick and span at all times. All of these jobs are taken care of with great enthusiasm because there is always the danger that an emergency might arise. I x N 6' SECOND DIVISION Known as the workhorses of the fantail, these boys are always on call whether it's to prepare for heavy weather or to swab down. Chipping and painting are the two main jobs expected of them but there is always something new to do on the fire. Also, being the largest division on the ship, they' are blessed with some pretty fine card players always on the go during their spare time after working hours. The speed and skill of handling the lowering and hoisting of the boats is just one of the many jobs these boys can be very proud of.

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FIRST DIVISION The Fighting First can always be found on the forecastle either shining the windlass drum or cleaning salt off afterfa heavy storm. These boys can always find work to do even if heavy weather forces them indoors because of the big demand at all times for boatswain stores or odd paint jobs. The word let go can alwaysbe heard up forward and then a big splash from the anchor dropping. Everyone then knows that the teamwork of this divi- sion has once again paid off and liberty will soon begin. QW 3 SHIP'S OFFICE Got a piece of scotch tape? Can I borrow the scissors? Sharpen my pen- cil. Those above are always a few of the hair raising and trying oddities that can be heard during the always busy hours of the day in the office. Besides doing personnel work, .these boys can even stand watches in CIC and main battery when I their help is needed. Always working diligently, they can find time to pass a little bum dope around to keep up the bum dope artists' morale.

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QUARTERMASTERS Taking bearings, hoisting flags, shooting the stars, sending flashing light messages and all around helping on the bridge are all important duties of the quartermasters. On hand at all times for first hand information and gossip, these boys can always be found doing their very best at all times. One of the main sources of scuttlebutt is the usual everyday volunteer job which can always be an exciting one espe- cially if many listeners are available. Shining brass and paintwork is always seen up there on the bridge because the industrious working of this gang is always up to par. Rat si-115155 3 FIRE CONTROL When it comes to aiming guns and repairing gear, these boys really know their job. Many sleeves were shot down and numerous hits on targets were scored by the main battery cuties. One of their favorite pastimes is photography and it isn't unusual to see a number of them heading for the beach overladen with all their equip- ment from Hash bulbs to light meters.