The Junior Officer of the Deck remains on the Quarterdeck while I step into the Deck House. He is usually a middle seniority Ensign with a line commission who is in training for OOD. As he progresses in knowledge, he is allowed to handle more and more decisions with the OOD making certain that they are correct.
On these long, cold watches with one having to remain on deck at all times, we switch off so that it ends up only two hours of cold instead of four.
The Boatswain’s Mate has just run one bell over the 1 MC (1230 p.m. ) and I check the entries in the log.
The Mid Watch (0000-0400) entry is the longest since it states the exact situation the ship is in.
“Anchored in Cannes, France in accordance with Commander, Task Group 60.2 message 271030Z November 62 in 45 fathoms of water, with mud and rock bottom. 150 fathoms of chain to the starboard anchor on the following bearings: forward beacon 103.8 degrees True, sette quest light 015.4 degrees true. SOPA is Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Flotilla 10, embarked in USS Boston. Ships present are USS Boston (CAG 1), USS Fox (DD 829), USS Stribling (DD 867), and in Gulf Juan: USS Berry (DD 858), USS Noa (DD 841) and USS Waccamaw (AO-109).”
About the time I finish reading this I am jerked to alertness by the sound of the 888 dial system which has a peculiar sound that is unforgettable.
The Quartermaster has jumped too, and I tell him as he starts to pick up the microphone, “Let it ring twice.”
Sometimes, people had the wrong number and hang up after one ring.
The 888 system is tied to Damage Control Center, Sick Bay, the Bridge, the Quarterdeck and any one of these stations can broadcast via this system on the 1 MC to facilitate coordination of medical aid, repair parties and to keep the OOD informed.
The Quartermaster answers on the second ring.
“Is this an emergency?”
“Yes, it is. There is a fire on the flight deck aft of elevator number one.”
“Do not hang up until told to do so! Where is the fire?” the Quartermaster continues, the inflection in his voice raising somewhat. This was no wrong number.
“Forward, by frame 65.”
“What type of fire?”
“Class C.”
“Where are you calling from?”
“582.”
“What is your name,” the Quartermaster goes on reading from a prepared check off list and writing the answers down in grease pencil.
“Maulden, E Division.”
“Very well, hang up and leave this phone available to handle other emergencies.”
© Tracy D. Connors 2015 All Rights Reserved