As a former virtuoso of the one man band, I take my hat off to those who worked in threes. I find it hard to understand how three men could coordinate themselves enough to keep a good depth. Obviously it could be done, but I fail to see how. Can someone explain?
I have observed American planesmen at work, all junior rates, however they have a CPO sitting right behind them literally telling them every move to make.
I did enjoy the freedom the OMC gave me to use my own initiative to order minor trim adjustments and to use whatever plane and rudder angle I thought best, rather than being conned onto a course, speed or depth by the OOW.
BTW Nutty, the picture looks like the OMC in HMAS ONSLOW, a place where I spent many a happy hour! After the initial learing curve I enjoyed being a planesman, and when it came to underwater looks etc. I did like the bit of extra pressure.
OOPS! can I say underwater look in this forum or must I now shred myself?