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.
