Los Angeles (CA 135) - Naval Cruise Book

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Left to right: Ray, N. E., Karel, N. S., Sharp, C. L., ENS D. E. Robbins, LT D. Smith, Lee, R. H., Park, K. W., VVoolridge, J. R. V DIVISION The airmen of the VH Division are assigned to the ship on temporary additional duty orders. They are aboard only when a helicopter or drone unit is to be operated from the ship. Normally, during the past three years, a helicopter has been carried aboard only when the ship has been deployed to operate in the Far East. The duties of the men assigned to the drone unit are described elsewhere. The duties of the men of the VU Division include maintaining records on the helicopter, keeping it in good repair, and iiying in the helicopter as crew members. The helicopter is used for many duties that were formerly performed by destroyers. LT D. L. Smith or ENS D. E. Robbins make daily guard mail trips in the helicopter when the ship is operating with a task force, calling at each ship of the force. Whenever a carrier of the force is launching or recovering aircraft, the helicopter is manned and standing by to rescue any pilot who might go into the water. Personnel to be transferred between ships that are steaming in, company frequently are transferred by helicopter. Truly, the helicopter is used for a variety of tasks.

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Front row left to right: Gilge J. A. Swearingan D. V. Dixon V. L. LTJG D. L. Cecil Kelley G. K. Coughlin J. A. Second row left to right: Farmei B. R. Puckhaber W. A. Lindblom E. R. Bland R. E. Griiiin M. S. DRONE UNIT The personnel of the Drone Unit consisting of aviation electronics technicians and aviation metalsmiths are assigned to the ship on temporary additional duty orderf. A Drone Unit seives on board Whenever the ship is deployed to operate in WesPa . The duties of these men include maintaining records on the drones assembling and repairing them and assisting LTJG D, A. Cecil the drone contiol officer in the launching and controlling of the drones. The drones' small pilot-less aircraft that are controlled by radio signals are used as targets foi anti-aircraft gunneiy practice. They piovide a very realistic and dif- ficult target for the gunners. The drone unit is called upon to provide services both for the anti-aircraft batteries of the LOS ANGELES and foi any othei ships that might be in company with the LOS ANGELES. The United States Navy is consideied to have the most accurate gunnery of any Navy in the World. The efforts of organizations such as the Drone Unit on the LOS ANGELES contribute greatly to that un k'l the ever-needed practice. 5 ! 3 I 5 3 9 7 ! 7 7 Q! ! ! 3 7 7 I 2 , , . .C ! 7 7 N 7 I ! 7 ' X 1 . . g nery s il by providing effective targets for