Sun Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company Department Data Listing

Data Last Revised: 09.06.02

Note1: The following information has been compiled and transcribed from numerous sources. Corrections, comments and additions are welcome. This information is not complete and will be expanded as time permits. Please leave data and email information at Sun Ship Guest Log. Dave Kavanagh (33M)

Note 2: Department numbering has changed through the years and the department number listed are circa 1960 thru 1980.

Contributions: John Witcofsky, Jim DiCave, Dave Kavanagh

Name: Wetherill Plant

Department Information:

Pattern Makers:

Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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Name: Wetherill Dept.

Department Information:

The Wetherill Department was originally a independent company located approximately 6 blocks from the shipyard and was known as the Robert E. Wetherill Company. This company was internationally know for it's expertise in forging and casting and also for it's capabilities in performing large machining operations. Sun Ship acquired the Robert E. Wetherill plant to expand it's capabilities in the area of forgings and large diesel and steam engine fabrication in the 1920's.

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Name: Drafting-Electrical

Department Information:

Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated. Dave K.

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Name: Electrical

Department Information:

The electrical department expanded thru the years and eventually consisted of areas of specific expertise that included;

Shipboard Electrical Installation (33I):

Responsibilities included electrical construction and repair work on new hulls, conversion and ship repair projects. Due to the unique nature of various parts of new hulls under construction and ship repair projects, duties aboard ship were broken down into specific areas of the ships and electricians and supervisors were assigned to these areas on a consistent basis so they could perform their duties in a expeditious and highly technical manner. The Areas of a typical hull under construction would consist of some of the following; engine room, deck, holds, quarters, wheelhouse, etc.

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Yard Temporary Facilities (33F):

In order to supply temporary electrical power and lighting to hulls, ship repair and industrial products projects, a separate department was created that supplied these necessary electrical power services including; ship shore power, temporary electrical power for area lighting, welding machines, and extension cords for mechanics to use for their electrical power tools and also electrical power for ventilation equipment. In addition, 33F was assigned the responsibility for all electrical stress relief operations (not including stress relief associated with gas heat) of welded joints of high tensile strength materials that need to have their molecular configuration returned to normal after application of localized and high heat caused by welding operations.

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Ventilation Dept. (33V)

Due to the need for maintaining a proper air flow in the working spaces, on a temporary basis, that eliminated high heat, removal of welding smoke and fumes created by various processes, ventilation department was created that was responsible for the proper application and installation of temporary supply and exhaust systems.

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Yard Electrical Maintenance (33M):

The distribution and application of electrical power, maintenance of electrical equipment and installation of new equipment was the responsibility of the electrical maintenance department. As with other departments in the yard, various areas of responsibility were assigned to a group of mechanics with specific areas of technology and experience, which were called a gang. The electrical maintenance department was one of the departments and supported the following disciplines; crane repair, new electrical construction, welding and production equipment repair, electrical maintenance, plant electrical distribution, repair of electronic equipment (Electronics Shop) such as computer controlled machinery and the yard radio communications systems and the motor repair shop (Armature Shop) who repaired all plant and shipboard motors.

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Name: Pipefitters-Ship Installation

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Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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Name: Pipefitters-Plant Maintenance and Facilities

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Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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Name: Coppersmiths

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Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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Name: Machinists-Ship

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Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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Name: Drafting-Hull?

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Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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Name: Rocket Shop-North Yard

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Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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Name: Blacksmiths

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Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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Name: Shipfitters

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Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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Name: Berthing?

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Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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Name: Shipfitters-Fabrication Shop

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Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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Name: TankTesting

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Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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Name: Erectors

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Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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Name: Welding Department

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Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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Name: Burning Department

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Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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Name: Hopeman Brothers

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Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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Name: Carpenters and Stagebuilders

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Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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Name: Rigging Department

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Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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Name: Yard Cleaning

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Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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Name: Transportation Equipment Repair

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Repairs performed on fork trucks, locomotives, vehicles, etc.

Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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Name: Tool Room

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Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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Name: Plate Yard

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Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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Name: Transportation

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Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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Name: ?

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Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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Name: Storeroom

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Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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Name: Yard Laborers

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Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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Name: Plant Engineering

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Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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Name: Plant Mechanical Maintenance

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Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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Name: Plant Security

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Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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Name: Production Planning

Department Information:

Note: Job description for this department would be appreciated.

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