Everglades (AD 24) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 17 text:

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-..-

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.

Page 18 text:

The Dental Department of the EVERGLADES is composed of four dentists, led by Dr, Collier, and numerous dental technicians. These are serious and dedicated men, and if a problem should arise, they always do their best to get to the root of it. Even though the going may be somewhat painful, nevertheless, the results are always clear out and shining. Although Big Mama's dentists are Navy men through and through, professionally they're like any other DENTAL OFFICER CDR R. D. Collier dentists. They always wait until you have two drills, a pick, a suction hose, four clamps, and one elbow in your mouth, and then proceed to ask a series of questions that couldn't possibly be answered in twenty- five words or less. These men have done a fine job, though, and have been able to make vast improvements in the dental health of not only Big Mama's crew, but the crews of many other Sixth Fleet units as well.