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| Front Row:.L-R...Nelson,
D.,..Mulkey, G.,.....Johnson,
F.,............Emerson, E.,..............Lincoln,
D. ..Back Row:.L-R...Willis, BTC,..Weber, A.,..Loftis, D.,..Whitt, C.,......Whitworth, C.,........Crume, E. |
| These 11 men have charge of the fireroom. B Division's job is to generate enough steam to assist the ship in fulfilling its commitments both to the fleet and to the men who live on the Kawishiwi. Steam is the vital energy source; using 2 large boilers, it provides power to turn steam turbines to drive the ship, power to drive generators to create electricity for light and a myriad of eletronic equipments. "B division" is also responsible for the ship's fresh water pumps, the ship's oil (bunker) system, and the oil laboratory. The temperature down in the fireroom is often so great that a man can't touch the hand rails without fear of getting blisters. With an average temperature around 110 degrees, it is not uncommon for maximum levels to hover around 130 during steaming periods in hot weather. It takes men of special skill (and endurance) to do it, and do it well. |