History of the U.S.S. Leviathan, cruiser and transport forces, United States Atlantic fleet: Compiled from the ship's log and data gathered by the history committee on board the shipU.S.S. Leviathan History Committee
History
History of the U.S.S. Leviathan, cruiser and transport forces, United States Atlantic fleet: Compiled from the ship's log and data gathered by the history committee on board the ship
U.S.S. Leviathan History Committee
Leviathan (Steamship); Vaterland (Steamship); World War, 1914-1918 -- Naval operations, American
For twenty-four hours the crippled ship made spasmodic runs to the
northward; first one, then the other, then both steering engines became
inoperative. The Engineer Officer grew haggard. The ship’s doctor
insisted that he get some sleep, but a few hours’ restless tossing upon
a couch, and he would be seen again, making his way aft to the steering
engine room.
The solution of the problem came to Lieut. Woodward during one of these
brief respites. Clad in greasy dungarees, reclining upon a couch,
following thirty-six hours of constant toil, Lieut. Woodward suddenly
jumped to his feet and assembled the tired mechanics, and explained his
plan. The machine shop was invaded and a new stem of heavier design and
altered pattern was fitted.
Then, under the anxious eyes of the Captain, Engineer Officer and
First Lieutenant, a test was made. The throttle was thrown clear over,
permitting the engine to race, and the new stem held. It is still
holding, like its mate of similar design, after more than 100,000 miles
through the wind-swept North Atlantic.
[Illustration: UPPER—CLUMP FOR PARAVANES.
CENTER—MOORED IN BREST.
LOWER—THE HUGE RUDDER.]
[Illustration: UNDER WATER BODY OF THE “LEVIATHAN”]
During the voyage south to Cuba, the crew shifted into white uniforms.
The port holes were closed tight and painted deep black. All precautions
were taken against unexpected attack. We passed close aboard Matling
Island, or San Salvador whereon Columbus first set foot in the New World.
We rounded Cape Maysi Light and headed up for the harbor of Guantanamo
Bay. While changing troops at the mouth of the harbor, our great draft
precluding our entrance, the men-of-warsmen initiated the rookies into
the delights of shark-catching.
CATCHING SHARK
L. G. M.
While lying at anchor off the beautiful harbor of Guantanamo Bay, those
of the crew who were off watch were lounging around the open decks and
enjoying the heat of the tropical sun. Among the crew were some old navy
men who had visited this port before and knew from experience that these
waters were infested with sharks. They suggested that a line, hook and
bait of some kind be procured and an attempt be made to catch sharks.
The necessary articles were obtained, the hook being double-pronged. To
this was tied a whole cow’s liver—a juicy and inviting piece of bait.
The waters of the bay were calm and from “B” deck, when the fishing line,
which was of 1 inch hemp, was thrown over, one could see the hook and
bait fully thirty feet below the surface of the water.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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