EVERY destroyer skipper thinks his ship is the most efficient one in the squadron. Only one can be that, and at present, despite many wardroom and cafe discussions, there is no real system of designating that one. Of course we have the “Battle Efficiency” trophy which combines engineering and gunnery—but shouldn’t the name of that be changed to “Practice Efficiency”—can it logically be claimed that battle conditions are even simulated in any target practice or at any time in the engine room or fire-rooms? Preparation for battle? Maybe—but what way have we of knowing if the organization would continue to function under real battle conditions with the leading personnel dropping right and left and casualties constantly occurring? No commanding officer wishes to see his target practice records spoiled by insertion of arbitrary casualties, so the only relief is another inspection, but a different one—a “simulated battle.”
There was one division commander’s inspection, short and snappy, which developed flaws in the prettiest looking battle preparations—and discovered true merit "in others not so ornate in appearance. It afforded the whole division an opportunity to see their shortcomings and incidentally kept them interested and happy during a spell of very tiresome, monotonous duty.
Here is how it was run. To be sure it entailed a few hours’ extra work on the division commander’s part, but the results were well worth it.
The Inspection Board:
The division commander.
Two other destroyers’ captains (same division).
Two other destroyers’ executives.
Three other destroyers’ engineers.
Two other destroyers’ ordnance officers.
One other destroyers’ torpedo officer.
Four other destroyers’ first lieutenants and communication officers.
The above officers were notified by guard mail, confidential, of the time to assemble on the boat to be inspected, furnished with typewritten copies of instructions—sample below—and told to bring stop watches.
The board assembled on the boat to be inspected, notified the commanding officer, and repaired to chart house to start stop watches at “zero hour.”
Procedure: A designated officer in a small boat near the ship throws overboard a “dummy” (life preservers in an old uniform) and calls “man overboard.” Time taken to get boat in water is noted and a mark is assigned on smartness of crew, and so forth.
Other emergency drills are held in the same manner.
Allow commanding officer a few minutes to restore gear, then blow “zero hour” on whistle—all hands start stop watches and follow procedure as outlined in instruction sheet.
This inspection can be held either underway or at anchor, and is capable of infinite variations.
Instructions for Inspection Board of DD 353:
- Composition and stations of board:
DD 348 Commanding officer, at large; engineer, No. 2 fire-room; ordnance officer, No. 1 gun.
DD 349 Executive, after control; ordnance officer, fire control; communication officer, bridge.
DD 350 Commanding officer, bridge; first lieutenant, amidships; communication officer, radio.
DD 351 Executive, bridge; engineer, engine room; first lieutenant, ammunition supply.
DD 352 Commanding officer, bridge; engineer, No. 1 fire-room; torpedo officer, torpedo tubes.
Each provided with stop watch and instruction sheet.
- Procedure: Commanding officer (348) inform commanding officer (353) that war is on between United States and Black. The 353 is leading a division of destroyers acting as AA close screen in position on engaged bow, speed (20). Enemy main fleet 20,000 yards on starboard bow of United States fleet. Base course 0° true. Engagement about to commence.
- Sound whistle when commanding officer (353) says he is ready to go to general quarters. All observers start stop watches. Whistle is zero time.
Note: Officer in “By Whom” column takes notes of handling of casualty on his sheet.
This inspection is not meant to stir up hard feelings or give anyone a chance to ridicule anyone else. The whole idea back of it is to encourage initiative of subordinates and to broaden the vision of everyone concerned by bringing before him the cold fact that his professional interest should not be limited to the scope of his particular assigned duty, but should extend to the general working of the whole ship. It is intended to show that navy men should be not only masters of one trade but jacks of all trades as well; and so to promote real battle efficiency.