Leyte (CVA 32) - Naval Cruise Book

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OS Dlvls 0 FIRST ROVV: K. R. Pierceg A. A. 'Letour menu: ENS. R. Farrellg ENS. R. S. Spring muierg R. G. XfVz1yg G. YV. Beckmang H. J Conley. SECGND ROVV: M. Grossg A. Johnson L. D. NICDOIIZIICL E. E. Bryantg B. G. Gay C. H. Czmrothersg N. M. Arne. THIRD ROXN: E. KN. Simpsong R. F. Beard sleyg R. D. Stzmffordg G. Collettog F. XV. Hulli gen G. A. Pzxrkerg Z. B. St. Johug T. E YVI1 i te.

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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.

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Upper Left: Tactical signals which are displayed during general quarters. This is one means by which ships are maneuvered during such an operation. The flag signals preceded other types of signals by many years. They are still one of the surest means of commu- nication. Center: Signalman Beardsley seen on the signal bridge where he is engaged in delivering u administrative messages. The semaphore method of communication is the fastest visual means. It is restricted at times because ships must be in close proximity for effective communication. Upper Right: The most often used method of visual communication is the flashing light. Stafford operates a twelve-inch light on signal bridge. The range of the light is very great, and it is possible for a ship far over the horizon to receive a message. Lower Left: The Bunting signal flags used by the O-S Division require a great deal of special care. Simpson, petty officer-in-charge of bunting repair, sees that they are stored properly when not in use and that they are free from rips and tears. 1 Center: Super-Binoculars are used for spotting visual messages from other ships and for other specialized purposes. Swartz peers through the glasses on the signal bridge as Chief Way looks on. Chief Way is in charge of all operations on the signal bridge. Lower Right: Carothers is a supervisor of the signal bridge watch, As such, he must keep a complete record of all incoming and out- going messages. All messages must be checked to b t ' h l ' ' ' e cer am t at tiey are correct and that they are free of restricted information. STILL ANOTHER phase of the complex business of communications is the Signal Department, commonly called the OS Division. The men of this division com- prise the eyes of the ship. The Signal Division works in close coordination with the pilot house, keeping it informed as to the where- abouts of nearby ships and looking for other pertinent occurrences. It is through this division that a vast number of the ship's messages are transmitted and received. Utilizing all visual types of communication from hand signals to flashing lights, these men perform an invaluable service during times when other means of communication are not practicable. The LEYTE quartermaster signalmen have earned a high position of respect from other ships.