Everglades (AD 24) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 15 text:

FIRST LIEUTENANT LCDR. L. E. Wood I The Deck Department of the 'GLADES, composed of First, Second, and Third Divisions, is responsible for the external appearance of the ship, all boom operations, and the care and feeding of all boats. It is also- the primary supplier of Boatswain's Mates. Ah, yes, it is to this department that we owe our grateful thanks for our fine crop of Boatswain's Mates. These are the fearless men who brave the elements every day, and, with pipe in hand, pass the word to any and all. Their cheerful and soothing voices awakened us in the morning and rocked us to sleep at night. And who among us could ever forget that immortal, Trash and garbage are now being dumped over the fantail ? Yes, these are the men who make it all happen, the stalwart men of the Deck Department. In addition to his duties as First Lieutenant, LCDR Wood also served as Big Mama's Navigator. With his small crew of quarter- masters, he shot the stars, read the LORAN, and got us there and back with pinpoint accuracy. And that's no small accomplish- ment, considering the distance we travelled.

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The Engineering Department, under the guidance of Lt. Hatchett, is responsible for the mechanical operation of the ship, including the main propulsion system, the AC and DC generators, the heating and air conditioning, the water systems, and the overall maintenance of all other mech- anical equipment. These are the men behind the scenes, the ones no one sees during Special Sea and Anchor Detail. But it is the little things in our everyday lives that make these men so important to us. They are responsible for keeping us hot in summer and cold in winter for is it ENGINEERING OFFICER LT. M. T. Hatchelt the other Way around?y, They are the ones who keep the lights shining brightly in the scuttlebutts. These are the men who maintain our fantastic cruising speed, and, most important of all, these are the men who got us home . . . eventually. Quite seriously, they are due much credit for having steamed the plant steadily for almost six months, and continuously providing steam and electricity to ships alongside in the Med with never once losing the load. And Lads, THAT is a record this old Gal can be proud of, with her old plant!

Page 16 text:

The Operations Department, under the steady hand of LT, Meakin, had a large increase in their normal workload while in the Med, but they were always able to get the job done. With their affectionate mascot, Cactus Pete, at their sides, they kept the message traffic flowing smoothly. The Sitroom Med Map 007 kept the Ops people abreast of every situation, pointing out essential operating areas, such as Bighi Landing, and other strategic points. The radarmen, another part of the Operations OPERATIONS OFFIOER LT. J.D. Meakin Department, had perhaps one ofthe toughest jobs of all: trying to figure out whata radar- man does when the ship is at anchor. Of course, the quartermasters must be mentioned for their endless devotion to duty, for it was these men who steered us there and back. The men ofthe Operations Department accomplished a great deal of work while in the Med, as the mountains of message traffic through Radio Central prove.