Leyte (CVA 32) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 41 text:

Of, Div s oN First Row: R. C. Holleyg ENS. C. E. Diersg ENS. L DcVictoriag LCDR. C. S. Bakerg LTJG R. W. Watkins ENS. B. A. Leeg C. F. Caesarg R. L. Inzer. Second Row: B. MI. Johnsong D. B. Mollohang K. YV Ebcrhartg T. M. Hendleyg P. M. Longneckerg A Whaleng D. McGi1vz1ryg H. M. Coleman. Third Row: D. L. Toornbsg R. H. Petersong D. E Prangeg D. M. Pettitg T. Robertsg F. M. Mosenthine C. Gillilang R. Yetrnan. Fourth Row: R. E. Daileyg C. T. Kruegerg P. G. Mil lcr: E. VV. Yockersg T. McDonoughg S. D. Foresti.

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Upper Left: Shooting the Rock are ace photographers Webster, Staton and Kinley of the Leyte Photographic Laboratory. The cam- era is fitted with a tele-photo lens which will bring Gibraltar up close for a detailed study. This camera is generally used for aerial photography. Center: Mingles adjusts the lens of his enlarger so that the picture of the Panther jet will be sharp in detail. The Photo Lab is well supplied with all necessary equipment for doing professional quality work. The laboratory is under the supervision of Ensign G. T. Cha man. Uppler Right: john Walters, AGC, USN, is right-hand man to LCDR H. H. Taylor, the ship's Aerological Officer. Chief Walters is seen making up one of the four daily weather maps. These maps utilize weather information compiled by aerographers mates of the department. i Lower Left: A Weather Balloon is released by G. S. Conley as Ellis stands by to make notes of information. This data is used in mak- ing up a weather map each six hours. The area covered by this map extends over nearly one-half of the western hemisphere. Center: LCDR T. Elefter, Air Intelligence Officer, is charged with the custody and dissemination of tactical air information to the Air Group and the entire ship. He also serves as Ship's Historian, preparing a report twice yearly covering all activities of the ship. Lower Right: Molson examines negative which will be' used for Cruise Book picture. Care must be taken to see that the film is developed properly. The Photo Lab accomplished a record job by supplying the Mediterranean Cruise Book with more than three thousand pictures. A SUBDIVISION of the O-I Division is the Aerology Department. Weather and its direct effects on flying and flyers is a subject of paramount importance aboard a carrier. This group of weather specialists must prepare weather information each day, forecasting and advising top staff members of its anticipated effects on scheduled maneuvers. Completing the organization of the O-I Division is the Photographic Department. Composed of a Photographic Officer and many trained photographers, this department is responsible for furnishing photographic services of either a technical or special nature. This department works closely with the Public Information Office in circulating unusual or newsworthy events to the public.

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COMMUNICATION responsibilities extend from the edge Of all types of radio and teletype equipment is Upper Left: Senior Communications Officer, LCDR C. S. Baker, consults ooerations l D 1 p an regarding forthcoming operations. LCDR Baker is responsible for all types of communications aboard the ship, both radio and visual. He is assisted by LTJG R. WY VVatkins. Center: The Communications Department maintains a registered publications library of more than two thousand volumes. Respon- sible for the care of this gigantic library is Ensign B. A. Lee. The task involves a great sense of responsibility. Upper Right: LTJG R. W. Watkins is the Assistant Communications Officer. His work entails the supervision of all external mes- sages of the ship, both incoming and outgoing. He is shown at one of the de Jartm I ent's radio controls checking messages for release. Lower Left: Two of the ship's most popular men are Salvador and Hendley of the Post Office. Engulfed by an incessant flow of letters, postcards, and packages, these men perform their duties with an unparagoned agility. Here they sort incoming mail. Center: One of the busiest spots of- the entire Communication Department is the local operating center. Here incoming messages are duplicated and distributed, while outgoing messages are prepared for transmittal. Radiomen McDonough and Longnecker are two operators. Lower Right: -Outgoing mail must be handled swiftly and efficiently. Hendley is a past-master at sorting and bundling the huge quan- tities of mail involved. He is given staunch support by Holley, Krueger, Sipe, Yockers, and Rossi, Salvador is in charge. handling of large quantities of operational and admin- istrative messages to the proper handling of personal mail. The nucleus of this activity is found in the O-R Division headed by Lieutenant Commander G. S. Baker. The radiomen and telemen of the communications section transmit and receive messages via radio telegraph, radio telephone and radio teletype. A complete knowl- required to ensure the proper manning of all required radio circuits. The record of the LEYTE Communications Department is unexcelled for fast, efficient, and reliable radio communications. The Communications Depart- ment might well be called the lifeblood of naval opera- tions.