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July, 2006 • MarineNews 17 Navy By Edward Lundquist The flotilla of Yard Patrol craft (YPs) is a familiar sight on the waters near the United States Naval Academy at Annapo- lis, Md. The craft provide hands-on under- way training for Midshipmen in naviga- tion, shiphandling and seamanship. YPs also provide interesting duty for 99 Sur- face Warriors assigned as crew to the 21 boats. Each boat has a crew of four. Enlisted Surface Warfare qualified senior Boatswain's Mates and Quartermasters serve as craftmasters, and ESWS qualified Enginemen serve as the chief engineers on each boat. There are also two undesignat- ed seamen on each crew. YP 689 "After being on two destroyers, I basi- cally have my own command," says QMC Randi Dreis of Cleveland, Ohio. "I've done everything I can do in my rate. Hav- ing my own boat is amazing. I've got a great crew. You couldn't ask for a better deal." While Dreis says there are challenges to maintaining craft with wooden hulls, "These are good boats. They may be a lit- tle top heavy, and a bit on the wet side, but they'll plow through the seas." Dreis likes the opportunity he has to get his Coast Guard certification. "Through Navy Knowledge On-Line, I get credit for my training and experience." Being underway is demanding, says EN2 Jason Walter, from Buffalo, N.Y., because he's the sole qualified engineer on board. He maintains and operates the craft's two GM 12V71 diesel engines and two GM 3L71 diesel generators. "If the boat has engineering problems out on the water, you're the only person qualified to do anything about it. It's all up to you." Thankfully, Walter says, the plant is simple and the engines are reliable. The job is demanding, however, because the engineer is responsible for all systems, such as potable water, the electrical distri- bution system, the steering gear, and keeping up with the logs and admin. If there is a fire in the main spaces, the engi- neer is the only individual allowed to deal with it. "My job is to make sure he (pointing to Stock No. HP RPM GPM PSI Price AVPU108-VX 10 1750 0-8.5 3000 $1635 AVPU1517-VX 15 3450 0-17 3000 $1635 311 N. MORGAN ST. DEPT. 6912 CHICAGO, IL 60607-1381 10 HP & 15HP Variable-volume HYDRAULIC POWER UNITS withAdjustable Relief Variable-volume, pressure-compensated Power Units offer great versatility! Easy handwheel control enables you to adjust flow from 0 to maximum GPM. Pressure can also be easily adjusted from 500 to 3000 PSI with a simple turn of a screw- driver. This unit incorporated an extraordinary gov’t. surplus aircraft-style hydraulic pump which is directly coupled to the electric motor mounted on a 30 gal. JIC type reservoir. Comes complete with suction filter, oil level gauge, filler breather, 3/4” NPT return line fitting and clean-out cover. Pump has 3/4” NPT pressure fitting. Electric motors rated at 230/460V, 60Hz, 3 ph. Overall size 36”x24”x34”H. Approx. wt. 350 lbs. Fob Chicago 1 - YEAR GUARANTEE FULL purchase price BACK less trans- portation cost if unsuitable in ANY way! Order Direct! Call (312) 829-1365 Fax (312) 829-9679 ROBERTS ELECTRIC CO. Instantly adjusts flow & pressure to your needs! Special! Save $$$$ Order Direct! Call (312) 829-1365 Fax (312) 829-9679 or use our secured web www.hydrualicbargains.com Limited Offer! Don’t miss out! Get greater control of HIGH-TORQUE hydraulic MARINE equipment, cable & boom winches & steering mechanisms! Circle 235 on Reader Service Card To Make a Reservation, call 1-877-SEA-9494 11 North Square, Boston, MA 0 2113 Voice (617) 227-3979 Fax (617) 227-4005 inn@marinershouse.org www.marinershouse.org Starting at $ 50 per night including breakfast. Lunch and dinner offered daily. Guests must be active seafarers with proof of service. Affordable Luxury When You’re Anchored in Boston The antiquity and charm of the original Mariners House has been updated to include all the modern amenities, featuring completely renovated private rooms, private baths, elegant common rooms and all the in-room necessities of modern life. We now offer a variety of conference packages. Please call for details. 150 Years of Hospitality and Guidance to Professional Mariners MARINERS HOUSE Circle 226 on Reader Service Card Yard Patrol Craft - A Different Kind of Sea Duty Naval Station Annapolis operates 21 YPs to help train Midshipmen at the Naval Academy. (Photo by E. H. Lundquist) JULY MN2006 3(17-24).qxd 7/6/2006 11:36 AM Page 17
