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Click on images to see close-up
 Sam at work
McGrath & Mackelprang |
The Forward Torpedo Room Sam Powell The Spinax has six torpedo tubes, all pointing forward. They are surrounded by pipes, valves, and firing devices. On the starboard is a Fire Control Panel, which is used to set a torpedo's depth, direction, and time of run to the target. The Forward room has room for more than 20 torpedoes; one in each of the tubes, and one or two per each of the 12 skids, depending on the size of the torpedo, and four located in a space under the deck. Four more skids are on the main deck behind fold up bunks, and four more on rails three feet above the deck on which there are four bunks, two on each side of the room which slide out for use. Four of the different types of torpedoes we carried are the MK14, MK 16, MK 27, and the MK 37. They are 19 or 21 inches in diameter and weigh between 1175 and 4000 pounds. In the center of the room there is a ladder leading up through the escape trunk to topside. Four men can fit in the escape trunk. Once inside, the trunk is flooded with water and pressure is equalized. A side door is opened and... out and up you go. High near the overhead are six bunks; two each on the port and starboard sides and two more are located aft center and side-by-side under the torpedo loading hatch; the latter are referred to as the "honeymoon suite!" Aft on the portside are cabinets housing electronics for the sonar, a telephone handset, and other phone connections, and an air conditioning vent. On the starboard side is a signal gun, looking and working like a miniature torpedo tube, through which were launched floating and parachute flares and other types of signals. Next to the signal gun is a stainless steel sink with a fold down basin. Above the sink is a small cabinet used for shaving gear and covered with a mirrored door, just like at home. Just aft of the sink is the forward most "HEAD" on the boat, the officers toilet. The aft bulkhead has feed-throughs for air, water, electricity, and communications; also, a water-tight door and bulkhead flappers that can be closed to seal off the compartment in an emergency. Step through the hatch and continue your tour. Step high and duck your head! S. W. Powell TM 2 (SS)
Aboard 1961-1965 |
 Nellie and friend
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