Cotten (DD 669) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 18 text:

AFTER ENGINE ROOM The other component of engineers, the after engine room boys, perform the same tasks as up forward except for making the water. This space, although filled with numerous types of machinery, can always be found spic and span because there just isn't any laying down on the job. Taking orders from the forward engine room is never griped about although at times there seems to be an insufficient number of hands to do all the work at once. However, we always get along well and being off a few turns can always be caught up the next hour. FV ' f-figs' I FORWARD ENGINE ROOM just another group of engineers, these men are always on the alert for any odd sounds. It is in this hole where the ship is continually raising or lowering the throttle. Also known as great coffee drinkers, they always have some of this wonderful stuff around. Distilling water is also one of the more important duties of these boys. Keeping the crew happy is good for morale and these men do just that by providing us with sufficient water. We have never been forced to go on water hours to date.

Page 17 text:

SHIPFITTERS Another small group of men but always on the go, these boys are re- sponsible for keeping the ship water- tight, fixing leaky faucets, plus many more duties. Their shop, better known as the ucoffee room is located in the last compartment aft and whether calm or rough seas, you'll always find yourself rolling around trying to bal- ance your coffee in one hand and a poker or pinochle hand in the other. A GANG Whenever pulling into port you'll always find at least one of these boys on hand to run the boats for liberty. just a small gang, they always put their best in everything to keep the crew happy. Taking care of the ice cream machine and keeping constant temperatures in the fruit and frozen food lockers are just two of the many duties always on hand for them to perform. ELECTRICIANS Replacing light bulbs after gunnery practice is only one of the many jobs for Sparks, just a small gang, these boys work together in harmony no mat- ter what job is undertaken. Oh yes, charging the boats' batteries is most important for the crew because if it weren't for them, we couldn't go on liberty. Keep 'em charged, guys.

Page 19 text:

FORWARD FIRE ROOM B-1, this is the bridge, you're smok- ing. That is one of the casual remarks that can always be heard in the for- ward hole. Whether itls cleaning bilges or changing water for coffee, these men are always on the alert be- cause One can never tell from way down therei' what's going on on the outside, Blowing tubes is their de- light, especially after the deck force has just finished painting. QW l 4:18 0 ess? 1 AFTER FIRE ROOM The other part of the Black Gang, these boys are just as alert as up for- ward. If they aren't on their usual watch, they are punching tubes and cleaning firesides or performing some other clean job. Even so, when liberty commences you'll always see these boys up on the quarter deck showered and clean shaven.