LCDR Kenneth C. Golding USN ' Gunnery Officer. ROM THE very beginning, ships of the Navy have had a Gunnery Department, and it has been the backbone of every vessel. The ever developing concept of naval warfare has wrought continuing changes until today large Gunnery Departments such as on the TARAWA embody jobs varying in magnitude from simple to complex. Gunnery and seamanship go hand in hand and it is the responsibility of the Gunnery Department to insure that not only does all iirecontrol and gun equipment function properly with well trained crews, but also the appearance of the ship as a whole is creditable. To be an eflicient unit of the Navy, a ship must present a well-kept ap- pearance to other ships and to the public. The neatness of the ship's sides, smart handling of boats, and trim-looking ordnance equipment all go towards giving the ship a good name . The modern iirecontrol equipment and guns on board make obsolete such expres- sions as sighted enemy-sank same because it is no longer necessary to see the enemy to destroy him. To such rates as Firecontrolmen and Gunner's Mates belongs the responsibility of insuring that all ordnance equipment functions properly. Their life is a series of tests, adjustments and repair. The Gunnery Department also acts and Air Group. The loading of all machine gun ammunition and proper delivery from magazines to the flight work. as ammunition supply for the Air Department types of bombs, rockets, torpedoes, mines and care thereof is no small item: safe and proper deck for arming planes calls for efficient team To the lst Lieutenant and Ship's Bos'n goes the responsibility of ship's appearance. The rates of Boatswain's Mate and Seaman bear the brunt of this work, also such duties as making all sorts of canvas covers in the sail locker, running boats, care and upkeep of all life-saving equipment and general cleanliness of the ship. The department is divided into eight divisions, lst through 7th plus the FOX Divi- sion. The 6th Division is composed of the Marine Detachment. Their function is ship's security and the nucleus around which the ship's landing force is formed. Their Commanding Oflicer is a Marine Captain with a lst Lieutenant as his assistant. The Marine Detachment is also the honor guard for all Quarter Deck Ceremonies. It can easily be seen that such a complex organization demands an eflicient adminis- tration section. To the Yeoman rate under the direction of the Department Head goes this responsibility. Records and up-to-date files, watch lists, incoming and outgoing correspondence often keep them burning midnight oil long after the rest of the ship has secured. It is well' known that a department is only as eiiicient as its administration. Take one part each of crossed anchors, Mk 37 director, torpedo, Semper Fidelis, crossed guns, crossed quills, four parts white stripes, add a dash of brass and mix with care. As a result you have a highly eflicient Gunnery Department. Serve freely when neces- sary.
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