Everglades (AD 24) - Naval Cruise Book

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.

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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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WEAPONS OFFICER LT. W. C. Church The Weapons Department, under the leader- ship of LT, Church, is the group of men responsible for the reworking of torpedos and the maintenance of Big Mama's own fantastic array of armament. The Weapons Department was constantly swamped with work during the deployment. At least that's what they tell us. No one really knows for sure, and they very shrewdly won't let anyone in to see if they're really as busy t ,.o:' ,E . .Sits as they claim. While Big Mama was in Malta, LT, Church was given the extra job of Senior Shore Patrol Officer. Not an easy job from any- one's point of view, Mr. Church was never- theless able to accomplish the COMMAND- ING OFFlCER'S objectives, and managed to keep things on the beach very ship- shape. 34:4-Q sf. A 'J-'f sz- L' .N ., 13 . , , . v. ww.. 'v-..-