Lake Champlain (CVS 39) - Naval Cruise Book

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?' Try stepping into a W Division working space and you're likely to be greeted by a series of blinking lights, Warning buzzers, and the long, cold muzzle of a .45. For inside the constantly guarded hatch to special weapons, is the realm of TOP SECRET Warfare, where the cloak and dagger treatment is standard procedure. The 20 men of W Division are under LTIG. E.R. Mateer, their Division Officer. He has made it clear that it would be very unwise and unhealthy to delve into their affairs. Associated with special weapons is the Torpedo Shop with LTIG. A.L. Vaughn as Torpedo Gfficer. The shop handles one of the main striking forces of a support carrier, a bloodhound torpedo which homes in on it's hapless target when it is launched. W Division sports the greatest variation in rates on the ship. They carry on their roster ordnancemen, electronic technicians, torpedomen, nuclear Weaponsmen, storekeepers, yeomen, and minernen-all of whom perform an important function in the division's closely guarded work. The secrecy afforded the division spaces probably alleviates one of the most common gripes heard aboard ship! I sure Wish people would quit coming in, so I can get some work done.

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l l l w 3 5 ti S3 .2 55 , 1... .. ,X Q., ,.W..,.w....... - -K -- ......,...2:..,,...,v,,.,.f,,-.k-...,... ..... .m....1.,.,,.:T,, 7,..,-..2Te....WT.,,...,L..T..,H-qi...,..............-...u-...,,,...,-...-.......-...,......W-..,.,,.,,. .., Y . G Division men are often called Powder Pushers. since they handle most of the bombs, rockets, pyro- technics and depth charges aboard ship. These munitions, stored carefully in the ship's maga- zines are treated with as much respect as a tempermental woman, as they can be far more explosive. The sprinkler systems, temperature and storage of these tons of explosives are checked frequently to avoid any unnecessary risk. If a drastic temperature change is noted, the reason .must be found and corrected IMMEDIATELY. G Division is also responsible for the ship's Armory where small arms, magazine keys, and a complete record of all the explosives are kept. ln addition, pup tents, helmets, shovels and M-l's are stored in the Armory along with anything else used by the ship's Landing Party. And when the Champ enters port, the hull is in- spected by divers, who draw their equipment from the Diving Locker-just another of the more than one hundred G Division spaces ? l l I I 3 I l i 1 t E

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V, s S: 7 P! F, 1 ,ft sr Z X a, ZS yy 8..I iI'J.9 e'l2a'C311I'IleIl'l1 Although frequently associated with color guards, honors and field days, the primary duty of the Marine Detachment is forming the nucleus for a ship's landing party. Because of their special training in field infantry duties, the marines-although small in number- would comprise the principle striking force in the event an emergency should arise in which the ship must send over a landing party. Under the command of Captain M.C. Gaffen, USMC, the detachment is also responsible for the ship's security. Guards are stationed at strategic points day and night. During GQ, a special seven- man squad is on call to provide a warm reception for any unwanted boarders. And, of course, when all these tasks are taken care of, the men of the Marine Detachment find time to devote to color guards, honors and those doggone FIELD DAYS! 1---' is li 42 i 5 , 1 gi