Sea of Shadows eBook - Navy Thriller.com

CHAPTER 39
USS INGRAHAM (FFG-61)
NORTHERN STRAITS OF HORMUZ
SUNDAY; 20 MAY
2247 hours (10:47 PM)
TIME ZONE +4 ‘DELTA’
Engineman First Class Donald Sebring, the Engineering Officer of the
Watch, stared at a cluster of instruments on the Propulsion and Auxiliary
Control Console. “Oh, come on, not now …”
He keyed his mike. “Bridge—CCS. We’ve got high vibrations on the
output side of the main reduction gears. In accordance with standard
EOSS procedures, recommend slowing one major speed while we
investigate.”
The reply came almost immediately, but it wasn’t the bridge; it was the
commanding officer. “CCS, this is the Captain. Conduct your
investigation but do not reduce speed. You are directed to maintain speed
at all costs.”
The captain’s words took Sebring by surprise. Maintain speed? The
casualty response was clearly outlined in the Engineering Operational
Sequencing System. EOSS called for a reduction in speed while
investigating out-of-tolerance vibrations. Didn’t the CO realize that he
was risking the entire engineering plant?
Petty Officer Sebring switched channels and keyed his mike again.
“Messenger—CCS. We have high vibrations on the output side of the
MRGs.”
“CCS—Messenger, high vibrations on the output side of MRGs, aye.”
The voice belonged to Fireman Sandra Cox. “Do you want me to walk the
shaft?”
Sebring keyed his mike again. “Messenger—CCS. That’s affirmative.
Walk the shaft starting at the MRGs and report ASAP.”
“Messenger, aye.”
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