Dolphin Maneuvering/CPO/Motor Room

Maneuvering

Maneuvering room looking aft from the forward bulkhead. To the engineers, this is the heart of the boat. This is where the electricity produced by the generators is routed to the battery for charging, or to the motors for propulsion. It is the central control station for the entire engineering plant. On the right along the port side is the main control cubicle, which contains large switches and rheostats to control the electrical flow. Below the deck is the motor room, where the huge electrical propulsion motors are located. To the left are what looks like eight crew bunks. This is unusual in that while underway maneuvering is manned 24 hours a day by at least two crewmen. With speed and electrical lineup orders being passed about, it would be a noisy place and and unlikely spot to get any sleep. To our knowledge, this is the only boat with bunks in maneuvering. A ventilation duct dives down through the deck into the motor room below. The access to the motor room is through the oval hatch in the deck at the far end of the second bench.

US Navy Photo Contributed by Roger Torgeson

A close up of a panel in the background of the photo above.

US Navy Photo Contributed by Roger Torgeson

Another view showing a butt kit ashtray and a CO2 fire extinguisher. The potential for a class "C" electrical fire in this space is very real, and using water to put it out would be a bad idea.

US Navy Photo Contributed by Roger Torgeson

The engine order telegraph for the port shaft.

US Navy Photo Contributed by Roger Torgeson

The reverse view of the one above, looking forward and to port with the watertight door to the engine room in the background.

US Navy Photo Contributed by Roger Torgeson

A close up of the photo above, with the battery ventilation controlpPanels.

US Navy Photo Contributed by Roger Torgeson

The propeller shaft revolution counter, mounted on the forward bulkhead above the door. This is a vital piece of equipment in determining maintenance requirements and distance traveled.

US Navy Photo Contributed by Roger Torgeson

A good view of the control cubicle. There are three rows of ammeters and gauges on top, with rheostats below to regulate voltage and speed. The large levers engage/disengage large breakers that determine whether the boat is going ahead or astern, which of the batteries is on line and whether they are line up in series or parallel, and which of the generators is supplying electricity. The engine order telegraph for the starboard shaft is visible. This massive cubicle was manufactured by the General Electric Company.

US Navy Photo Contributed by Roger Torgeson

CPO Berthing

although the Chief's Mess was forward, just aft of the galley, their berthing was in the after end of the Maneuvering Room. There appears to be at least four bunks in the space. Two fixed to the deck with drawers under and two folding above. Unfortunately, this is the only photo of this space so assumptions are being made. It is possible that some of the bunks outside this space, in the maneuvering room, would be for Chief Petty Officers as well.

The table looks to slide away. The leg folds under the table top and clips into place and the whole thing slides away into the cabinet. Note handle on table front.

At the top of the photo is a rod that is the mechanical linkage for the stern planes. Part of the rod has been either covered with a polished metal covering or has been cleaned of paint and polished.

US Navy Photo Contributed by Roger Torgeson

Motor Room

Below the deck in maneuvering is the motor room. This space contains two huge 875 hp Electrodynamic Company motors that turn the propeller shafts when submerged. This view is looking forward. The hatch to maneuvering is above.

US Navy Photo Contributed by Roger Torgeson

Motor room looking aft, this area is directly under the CPO Berthing area.

US Navy Photo Contributed by Roger Torgeson

Aft end of the motor room. Air Compressor? Hydraulic Pump? In fact, we are not sure what this piece of equipment is. A gas bottle is interconnected with this equipment and protective covers are placed around a number of pipes or hoses as if they were in need of protection or a need to protect people from the pipe or hose. At this point we are looking for suggestions as to what this piece of equipment could be. This space is directly under the Chief Petty Officers berthing.

US Navy Photo Contributed by Roger Torgeson

Engine Room | Aft Torpedo Room

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