"Stand by your bags!" with this cry, signalmen run to their stations from all parts of the signal bridge, ready to send or acknowledge receipt for a flaghoist message. One of the busiest parts of the ship, the signal bridge handles all forms of visual communications, including flashing light, semaphore, and the colorful flags
Signalman strickers go through a period of rigorous training, learning the fundamentals of complex procedures. In a few months, each will have mastered these and will be awarded his turn "on the light."
When time comes to "full dress" ship for national holidays or special occasions, signalmen are on the job, as they are twenty four hours a day. They keep a constant watchful eye, ready to answer in a moment's notice, should the need arise.
Visual communications are still one of the Navy's most effective forms of communications, and OS men help to make them that way by being a smart, snappy signal gang.
ENS David P. Swanson OS Division Officer
CS DIVISION . . . . .
our wondrous world of signals;
in their efficiency
lies the key to successful
task force operations
All pictures on this page are from the 1958-59 Helena Cruise Book, except for the lower left picture which came from the 1959-60 Helena Cruise Book.
This color photo comes from the Neal Hammon collection. Early 1950s.
