January-February - Air Defense Artillery

32
will include: raked bow, cruiser-spoon stern, medium
funnel, modern motor ship composite superstructure,
Hush-decked, cowl-type ventilators, and Dutch-type
electric cranes. The description of this vessel in terms
of symbols is type A-l\IFKM-S; the characteristics, IB-
2G3G4E-5A-6G-7D. The size of the ship, whether
large, small, or medium, should be included in the
description. Seagoing tugs, fishing vessels, and other
classes of ships, usually small or coastal ships are classified
and identified in a similar manner if possible,
though few such ships are listed in the merchant
~hip manual.
I
1
(I )
I
I
B
Figure
M
To review the process, if in doubt about the identity
of a ship, the Coast Artilleryman should pursue the following
procedure when identification by observation of
the name and verification by signals is impossible:
a. Make an estimate of the length of the vessel.
b. Note position of engines.
c. Note sequence and number of:
0) kingposts
(2) masts
(3) funnels
d. Write down the type factors above, as (fig. 16)
A-MFKM-S.
e. Identify the characteristics of:
0) bow
(2) stern
(3) funnels
(4) superstructure
(5) deck
(6) ventilator
(7) electric cranes
f. \\7rite down the characteristics as (fig. 16) 1B-2C-
3C-4E-5A-6G-7D.
g. The observer should record the type and characteristics
and transmit these to a point where the
manual is available and an accurate estimation
may be made of the ship's identity.
h. For the purpose of using the index to the manual,
rearrange typing in order of funnels, masts, and
kingposts. View the profiles on the page indicated
in the index until a vessel is located \\'ith similar
F
THE COAST ARTILLERY JOURNAL
K M
I
I
I
I I
I I I
I I I
I I I
(4) (6) (3) (4) (7) (2)
I I I I I I
I I I J t I
I Gel 0 C
I I
(5) L .J (5)
lEE I
L J
A A
16.-Ship A-MFKM-S; IB-2C-3C-4E-SA-6G-7D.
January-February
characteristics. The vessel so illustrated in the
manual, is probably the vessel viewed.
The United States is constructing thousands of merchant
vessels which, it is expected, \vill more than
counterbalance losses due to the enemy submarines.
These vessels are being built by private and government
shipyards, but the plans and specifications were
prepared by the United States Maritime Commission.
A number of classes of ships have been planned, and
soon great numbers of ships of each class will be in use.
The Coast Artilleryman should familiarize himself with
the distinctive features of the United States Maritime
Commission vessels. When the observer has accomplished
this, his task of identification is greatly simplified,
as these United States Maritime Commission vessels
will soon constitute a high percentage of craft observed.
(Their profiles are shown on pages 44 A and
-14B of the manual.)
The enemy is converting, and has converted, manv
merchant ships. They are used principally as armed
raiders. The United Nations are also converting many
merchant ships for naval and military purposes. There
is often a decided change in the appearance of a con-
"erted ship. By the use of camouHage it is possible to
change the appearance of a ship so that it cannot be correctly
classified. This technique includes the addition
of false funnels or superstructure to disguise the ship.
The camouHageof ships to conceal and to disguise their
features is very common; in fact, almost universal.
There is no way of identifying disguised vessels as their
appearance may change from time to time. The Germans
have made good use of disguises to hide the
identity of merchant raiders both in this war and-the
past \Y~r,and it is to be expected that the Japanese will
do the same.
A record is made of all vessels spotted at specifi~stations
on the coast, particularly at harbor entrances. An
example of this record is shown in figure 17_
Figure 17.-Record of vessels spotted at harbor entrances.
In the application of the principles brought out in
this article, the observer will find himself confronted
with many perplexing problems. He will often first see