Hancock (CVA 19) - Naval Cruise Book

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The Helmsman ' s rudder order is transmitted through an electronic synchro system to steering aft, where the signal, amplified with hydraulic pressure, is applied to the massive rudder. Far helow in the ship ' s heart, the OOD ' s order for more speed is immediately answered hy the boilermen, releasing pent up energy to the gigantic turbines. With a whine, deeper than that of the jets on the flight deck, the turbines i ncrease tempo. Ahead, the boiler crews have the task of maintaining the steam pressure and temperature lost with the increased throttle to the turbines. The boilermen, amidst the roar and sweat of their gargantuan furnaces, open fuel valves. Since early morning, long before the planes were turning up, these men were preparing for the launch, readying the power necessary to drive the ship at full speed and to launch the aircraft from the ship ' s famous steam catapults. All eight boilers have been lit off and standby burners fitted with large sprayer plates, ready for maximum ship ' s speed. When the signal came demanding the speed for the launch, the sweating boiler crews added black oil to the all-consuming inferno of the furnaces additional burners were brought on the line, the steam pressure rose, was transmitted through the turbine, reduction gears, shafts and to the screws. The ship speeds forward.