|
Reprinted from the USS
Oklahoma City (CLG-5) 1971-1972 Cruise
Book
CS Division
(Communication Signaling)
Left to right: G Luhn, C Shurson, G
Rothmier, J Backerby, S Mansfield, M Stone, J Hall, W Stater
Older forms of naval signaling are
handled by the men of CS Division. Working high above the
other working spaces of Oklahoma City, the signalmen specialize in a form
of nautical communications as old as the Navy itself: close-in visual
signaling - secure, rapid, effective.
Equally adept at sending and receiving messages and recognizing signals by
flashing light, semaphore and flag hoist, the signalmen are also familiar
with passing honors to other ships and boats and the proper display of
ensigns and personal flags during salutes and personal and national
honors.
In addition, and of equal importance, are the lookout capabilities of
Oklahoma City signalmen. Using high-powered telescopes and
binoculars, the signal gang is able to look, recognize and make positive
identification of any ship or aircraft within visual range. Objects
in the water, such as buoys and life craft, and low flying aircraft just
above the water are often beyond electronic detection capability, so the
eyes of Oklahoma City signalmen prove invaluable.
|
