First Division
Boatswain's Mate |
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Gunner's Mate |
"Set the anchor detail!" The word is passed over the ship's general announcing system, and within minutes, the men of First Division are at station, ready to do their important part toward getting HELENA underway. With a turn of the wheel, the anchor slowly begins to rise out of the water . . . . aweigh.
Men of the Fighting First have many other responsibilities to help keep the ship in top-notch condition. Turret 1 is the responsibility of the Gunner's Mates and their strikers, who maintain and operate the big eight-inchers.
Below decks, there is the Sail Locker, the Anchor Windlass room, the Rope and Sand lockers . . . . all part of the First's spaces, plus, of course, their own living compartment. Boatswains Mates and their strikers keep charge of these areas.
Men of the First strive constantly to be "first", and are readily apparent.
From the Helena
1958 cruise book |
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Top and bottom from the Helena 1959 cruise book
FIRST DIVISION . . . . .
tending the huge anchor
and wielding a weapon of fantastic firepower
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