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Power Generation Plant Conversion (TEG) |
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There were seven destroyer escorts converted into Turbo-Electric
Generators (TEG). They were the Donnell
(DE-56), Foss
(DE-59), Whitehurst
(DE-634), Wiseman
(DE-667), Marsh
(DE-699), and two British lend-lease ships; Spragge
(K-572, ex-DE-563) and Hotham
(K-583 ex-DE-574). The American TEGs ships retained most of their weapons with the exception of their triple 21" torpedo tubes, the vacated space being used for water cooling equipment. Two large cable reels and a transformer were added between the X-position director and the smokestack. The transformers installed as part of the conversion (not the same as the Donnell's conversion) provided electricity in six different voltages ranging from 2,400 and 37,500 volts using the ship's GE generators. Later in 1945, when General McArthur's troops entered Manila, they found more than 2000 blocks totally destroyed, including the power grid, bridges and docks. Once Manila Bay was cleared by the paratroopers, the Wiseman (DE-667) moved in to provide electricity and fresh water from 23 March until October 1945. The newly-converted TEG USS Whitehurst (DE-634) joined the Wiseman in August and assisted in power generation and fresh water production until the end of October 1945. These two ships were also used during the Korean war. |
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| Below are a series of photos showing the USS Wiseman (DE-667) preparing to provide power to the city of Manila in the Philippines on 23 March 1945. Since there were so few TEGs, many of the technical details of the operation have been lost in time. I am grateful to the crew of the USS Whitehurst (DE-634) for taking time to properly sequence the photographs and describe what is going on in them. Whenever possible I listed the name of the person that provided the answer. Without their generous support and experience, this piece of history would have been lost forever. Gentlemen, I thank you!. | |
| The two cable
reels with the floats tied (with white cord) on the outside. Five depth
charge arbors are secured on the bulkhead to the right of the ladder. The
transformers are mounted to the right of the cable reels.
The "Bent Thing" mounted on the bulkhead is a water scoop for a "Handy Billy" pump, a gasoline powered pump for fire fighting. - Max Crow The bent object mounted on the bulkhead is a foam applicator. It fit into the nozzle of a fire hose and would be used to apply firefighting foam to burning oil. It could also be used by a second fire party to shower the lead party attacking a fire to keep them cool. They are still in common use today. - Bob Brennan National Archives #BS110556 |
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| Close up of the
tied floats and the stairs leading to the powered reel drive motor and
controls. The transformer is behind the reels.
When we hooked the cables up in Green Cove Springs We hooked up to the
Pier wiring, supplying 2700 volts then each ship tied into a transformer
that National Archives #BS110557 |
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| Feeding the
cables down into the LCVP. - Max Crow
National Archives #BS110558 |
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| Feeding the
cables down into the LCVP and securing the power distribution box. - Max
Crow
National Archives #BS110555 |
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| Feeding the
cables down into the LCVP. - Max Crow
National Archives #BS110560 |
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Floating the cables and distribution box to the power connection point on shore. - Max Crow
National Archives #BS110550 |
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View of the partially-played-out reels as the LCVP takes the cables to shore for final hook-up. - Max Crow
National Archives #BS110554 |
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| Inspecting the
cable reels and cable hook-ups.- Max Crow
National Archives #BS4545 |
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| The Wiseman
(DE-667) is barely visible through the mist in the background. The
power cables are secured to the pier and are clearly visible during low
tide.
National Archives #BS4745 |
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The control panel aboard the USS Wiseman (DE-667) necessary for controlling both the voltage and frequency of the power produced.- Max Crow Maintaining the voltage and frequency within a narrow range was absolutely critical. For example, a too-high or too-low frequency affects electrical devices requiring timing, such as clocks and electric motors (or today, computers). A power grid's cables are gauged to handle a specific frequency, and deviating could cause the wires to overheat and catch fire. National Archives #BS3045 |
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| The cabling
aboard ship necessary to connect the generators to the above-deck
transformers and cable reels.
This looks like it's behind the power board , those cables go up
to National Archives #BS3945 |
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| The crew on the
USS Wiseman (DE-667) in March 1945.
National Archives #BS77300 |
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| Another shot of
the crew on the USS Wiseman (DE-667) in March 1945.
National Archives #BS77301 |
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