Francis Marion (LPA 249) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 51 text:

NAVIGATION DEPARTMENT I ENS Luke F. MAYER Navigator The Navigation Department is responsible for the safe navigation and piloting of the slup, for main- taining all charges, and for the maintenance and upkeep of all navigational equipment. This small, but very important and reliable department, under the watchful eye of the Navigator, Ensign MAYER, is a proficient team, plotting courses, taldng fixes and keeping a running log and assisting the OOD in any matters concerning navigation. Often their assistance is unsolicited and loud, but what officer could resist the charm and wit of these helpful Navymen, guiding the Mighty Swamp Fo.x to the four corners of the earth . . . Which direction is Morehead City?

Page 53 text:

MEDICAL DENTAL DEPARTMENT f y v V ,X J LT Norman WALL Medical Officer LCDR Robert G. THOMPSON Dental Officer The Medical Department is responsible for maintaining the health of all personnel assigned to the FRANCIS MARION. It is also part of the Medical Department ' s job to make certain that high sanita- tion standards are met at all times in all spaces, and to carry our periodical inspections to insure that FRANCIS MARION maintains not only these standards but to guarantee she is completely free from any possibility of contagious diseases which may be spread through unsanitary conditions. FRANCIS MARION boasts the most modern medical and dental facilities of any ship in the amphibious fleet. Our Sickbay is a floating hospital, and there have been several cases of serious illnesses that have occured on other ships where the man has had to be transferred to the Swamp Fox Hospital for treatment. Sickbay has a 24 bed ward and a 4 bed isolation ward, a pharmacy, laboratory, X-Ray unit, and a darkroom, plus a special diet Idtchen. The operating room in Sickbay is equal to any found in the best civilian hospitals. We also have extra accommodations in the event of war, which include room for 350 patients plus two auxiliary operating rooms. The Dental Officer and Dental Tcclinician are responsible for the dental care and oral health of all ship ' s personnel, including instructions to the crew in the field of preventative denistry and control of dental disease. The Dentist ' s Office is equipped with the most modern equipment, which includes an air turbine drill and special dental X-Ray facilities. We are all proud of our Medical and Dental Department and can always be sure of a kind word and a ready smile when ever we are in Sick-bay, especially when it is time for shots . The last time I saw your glasses, Jim was just before we closed the guy up. Hell, it don ' t matter Norm, I need a new prescription anyway.