Other than the boiler configuration required for flight ops, we were not really affected by aircraft evolutions. The hangar bay aboard the USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63) after dark., USN

Did I mention it was in February and that in firefighting school one got doused in cold firefighting water quite regularly? He sent a letter to Bureau Of Navy Personnel and I received an orders modification for me to attend SGPI in San Diego (where I had a home and family) rather that firefighting school in Great Lakes. I noted in my letter that attendance at firefighting might be redundant because I taught the course as part of my duties at SWOS. After receiving orders to Wilson near the end of Department Head School, I sent a letter to my prospective CO, outlining that I had completed all prereqs for the Steam Generating Plant Inspectors (SGPI) course that was convening at the same time as a firefighting school to which all prospective Chief Engineers were ordered. I had also taken leave on two occasions while an instructor at SWOS to complete courses that were pre-requisites for the Steam Generating Plant Inspector (SGPI) course. Not only did I have my experience on Kitty Hawk, but I had a degree in Electrical Engineering, and had also profited from my year amongst the Nukes-the only major difference being the way water was boiled. I came to the position much better prepared than my peers. But bottom line, the primary responsibility of the Chief Engineer was to ensure that, when the Captain said '.I intend to go in harms' way' he could.

The Chief Engineer was also the Damage Control Officer, with responsibility for training all damage control parties, maintaining fire and flushing pumps and piping, sewage disposal systems and ships welders. Also included was responsibility for the engines of the small boats, anchor windlass and hydraulic underway replenishment gear. Systems from the keel to the masthead, bow to stern. These included telephones, sound powered phones, announcing systems, wind speed and direction sensors, ship's speed sensors and indicators, alarm systems and 400 Hz generation and distribution. The Chief Engineer is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the propulsion boilers, turbines and shafting, 60 Hz electrical generation and distribution, potable water distillation and distribution, air condition and ventilation, chill water for electronics, and interior communications systems. Adams class guided missile destroyer USS HENRY B.

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