USS HENRY CLAY SSBN-625
ENTERING THE DRYDOCK
(675 DPI)

As the ship entered the drydock, many mooring lines were passed from the
drydock to the ship. The tugs were then cast off and all further movement
of the ship was done using the mooring lines and winches. The crew members
visible onboard the submarine made up the "Maneuvering Watch." The
Maneuvering Watch was "stationed" whenever the ship was to be moored or
cast off from a tender or pier. The Maneuvering Watch was overseen by the
ship's Captain, with the assistance of several officers and chief petty officers.
The majority of men were line handlers, with several "phone talkers," men wearing
sound powered phone sets, who relayed the Captain's orders to the line handlers.

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© 2007 Gerald A. Pollack