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1. There have been numerous requests from the service for loading trays to facilitate the loading and handling of depth charges in depth charge release tracks. References (b) and (c) show the loading trays for the depth charge release tracks Mark 3 and Mark 6, and track extensions Mark 3 and modifications and for the depth charge release track Mark 9 and modifications, respectively. These trays have been authorized by reference (a) for installation, but have been limited to ships where Navy Yard availability permits, and where such installation is desired by the Commanding Officer of the ship concerned.

2. Loading tray installations are also limited by space considerations, and if permanently secured to tracks or extensions, as in the case of the tray shown on reference (b), may for some ship installations completely block off, or considerably restrict the passageway to the after end of the ship. It is for such limited space conditions that the loading trays shown on references (d) to (m) have been designed. When not in use, these

3. When in the secure position, the fold-up loading trays serve as a satisfactory means of securing the forward ends of the tracks or extensions, and the forward horizontal gate bars need not be installed. For tracks or extensions having double vertical gate bars, as shown on references (n) and (o), the fold-up loading trays cannot be used unless the bars and their upper securing cross members or plates are removed.

4. The fold-up loading trays are, by this letter, authorized where such installations are desired by the commanding officer of the ship concerned and are to be fabricated and installed by Navy Yards, Naval Stations, Naval Operating Bases, tenders, repair ships and ships forces.

5 October 1943

1. Paragraph 1 (b) of reference (a) requested authorization for the installation of a portable cradle extension to Mark 3 depth charge release tracks to assist in loading depth charges. The Philadelphia Navy Yard has designed a loading tray for the subject tracks which, although not portable, is approved by the Bureau. A copy of the drawing of the Philadelphia Navy Yard design is forwarded as Enclosure (A).

2. To assist in loading depth charges into Mark 9 and Nods of depth charge release tracks, the Bureau has designed a loading tray which is similar to the Philadelphia design for the Mark 3 release tracks. A copy of this design is forwarded as Enclosure (B).

3. Authorization for the installation of loading trays on depth charge release tracks is limited to ships. where Navy Yard availability and where such installation is desired by the Commanding Officer of the ship concerned.

1. Reference (a) describes a change of the Depth Charge Track Mark 7 to incorporate a self-latching hand release control.

2. It has been reported in at least two executions of reference (a) that instruction 7b2 has not been carried out properly, possibly through misinterpretation of the note on the Bureau of Ordnance Drawing 284488, piece 4, which is as follows:

It was intended by this note that the 9/16" drill should be made completely through piece 284488-4, with a 90° countersink 110 deep on both sides. The error noted is that the hole has not been drilled completely through piece 284488-4. This may result in the handles operating upon shock and thus accidentally releasing depth charges.

3. It is requested that all installations of Depth Charge Track Mark 7 be investigated to ascertain whether piece 284488-4 has been drilled as described in paragraph 2. If such is not the case, steps should be taken to complete this action.

U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE O-1952

DISTRIBUTION

Requests for additional copies of OP 904 should be submitted on NavExos 158, Stock Forms and Publications Requisition, to the District Publications and Printing Office by which the addressee is serviced.

Standard Navy Distribution List No. 63 (Part 1) and Edition No. 21 (Part 2) of Catalog of Naval Shore Activities.

Two copies unless otherwise noted: 21; 22; 23; 24C, E, F ; 26F, G, H (Norfolk only), U, Z; 27A; 28C, D, E, G, H, J; 29M, N, P, Q, R; 30; 31D; 32A; 33; A3 (CNO) ; A5 (BuShips, BuOrd) ; B5; Fl, 2, 5, 9, 10, 26; J60, 76, 81, 84, 91, 92; K (5 copies) 2A; K2C, 2D, 5B, 11 (NavGun only), 20; K (12 copies) 7-NOL only; L (6 copies) 1; L9, 28; M17 (Norfolk and Pearl only), 46; Special List Xl.

26 Sept 52/5M/1.