The Engineering Department

Following are some photos of the Engineering Department passed on by Chief Machinist Mate Archie McFadden.  Many will remember the Chief as the main helper in the ship's hobby shop for many years. He was also instrumental, along with Jim Arbogast and the entire Engineering Department, for what became known as the "cleanest engine room in the fleet".

To the  rest of RADRON ONE,  read it and weep!  Yes, it was the cleanest engine room in the fleet.  The photo shows Ensign Jim Arbogast pointing to a sign at the entrance to the engine room which read:  

                                                                      STOP

YOU HAVE JUST ENTERED THE MOST 

OUTSTANDING ENGINEROOM IN THE FLEET. YOU

ARE INVITED TO INSPECT AND ADMIRE, HOWEVER

PLEASE BE CONSIDERATE OF OUR SPACES. 

EVERY MAN HAS CONTRIBUTED HIS BEST  EFFORT

                                         ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

 As I recall, this sign created quite a stir amongst the other ships of RADRON ONE.  Apparently VADM. F.S. Kivette, who was COMWESTSEAFRON "OK'd" it's presence.  The AGR's came under the operational control of Admiral Kivette when they were not on Picket station.  I can't recall how long the sign remained up or what the final outcome was.  If anyone has any more information on this episode, please let me know: mailto:obrienmate@earthlink.net

Firemen GILBERT on the phone, MAHAVIER at the throttle and   EVANS taking a break.  This photo is looking aft from between the two boilers.

BT Fireman EVANS checks gauges while Fireman MERTES adjusts burners.

BT Fireman GILBERT adjust valve at the H.P. cylinder head.  Note the all aluminum diamond plating on deck an around cylinder heads.