Toledo (CA 133) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 21 text:

7 RNS S -Wm .--fm 'W 'Wf NX M S W S , .- SSW . ,, Q Qrgyw 'Wf .sw ,- is W Q- MS ,ISV . S S WZ fa QS ' .A x .. First Row: A. A. EDLUND, F. J. KARTJE, H. D. LEVI, A. G. DAVIS, D. E. HINDMAN, R. E. MCGAUOHEY. Second Row: C. N. BOLICK, N. E. DUNCAN, E. L. FORD, R. K. THORNTON, D. C. GAUSE, O. J. KANALA, R. D. NEVILLE, J. D. MOORE, L. L. MURDACH, H. B. LUTHER Third Row. G. RHEIN, H. R. SCHWARZ, O. G. DINGMAN, L. BASHAM, G. A. SCHNYDERITE, B. J. JACKWAY, J. J. HENESEY, J. L. SNYDER, C. A. ARNOLD. Fourth Row: J. R. MECCA, J. J. HALTER, J. B. SIMMONS, R. L. JOHNSON, L. C. CORHUS, R. N. MCWILLIAMS, C. W. CHRISTIANSEN, D. C. PARENT, H. J. FERGUSON.

Page 20 text:

351 Such words as model I5 teletype, RBB, ANXARC or URA converter mean little or noth- ing to the average sailor but to the men of the CR DIVISION they are as common as knife, fork and spcon. This radio vernacular used by the radio gang is stock language referring to four distinct means of communications. Many crew members are hazily aware of a radio shack aboard ship only by infrequent visits to obtain football or baseball scores. Some may not realize that for twenty-four hours each day this organization acts as a link in one of the world's largest communications systems. Through this constant hum and buzz of static flash vital signals from all corners of the globe. As an ivory pawn each vessel receives orders from strategically placed military com- manders to move from one mission to another on a gigantic water covered chessboard. Over Navy circuits travel operational orders, tactical signals, requests for supplies, weather situations, personnel transfer orders, and other information covering every phase of Navy life at sea. It is for the CR DIVISION to receive these messages accurately and distribute them quickly to the proper officers, and to see that outgoing messages reach their various destinations without delay. Communications are the voice of command and the men of CR DIVISION of the TOLEDO are always prepared to speaklor listen to a multitude of ships and stations throughout the world. ENS R E COLEMAN ENS R A BATEMAN ENS H.A. VANDE KIEFT ENS D L ANDERSON

Page 22 text:

LTJG D F CHILDS ENS T. F. MAHER ENS J. E. BONNER The men whose pictures appear on these pages are signalmen. Their job is an important one: to maintain visual communication. Their rate is Quartermaster. Each of these men to be adept in his art, must spend many long hours pertecting the skills of the signalman--flag- hoist, flashing light and semaphore. lf a tanker is approach- ed to transfer fuel the flags fly fast and furious. lf a harbor is entered and several ships are present lights blink signifi- cantly. Occasionally the flags of the semaphore are used although their use today is limited. Signalmen thrive on competition-and their technique develops by practice much as the technique of the pianist develops by drills. Three yeoman in this division decipher the notes of the whole department-but the man on the recruiting poster is the signalman. The pattern of pennants in the flaghoist, the significance of messages received, the coordination of the movements of ships at sea-all these make up the colorful career of the signalman.