[John Rogers]

Here are several thoughts to ponder while we worry about the lost sailors. A large ship such as a carrier has 4 void spaces between the ocean and the machinery/living spaces. They are about 8 feet wide if I remember as we inspected ALL of them before the Big E went into dry dock in 1973 for propeller and shaft work.

On initial sea trials the Enterprise went 44 1/2 knots and was going this fast went she went past the bridge - tunnel that crossed the inlet to the Chesapeake bay. The speed was slowed to max of 30 knots so the shafts would last, something like 6.5 million pound feet of torque!

Here is the scary item, most destroyer and cruisers have a sheet (1/2 to 3/4 inch) of mild steel between the ocean and whatever is inside. My desk area in the #2 engine room of the CGN25 had a large dent in the hull where we were banged by Mike boat!