Evening star., 1939-11-29
NaW's New Ships
More Effective,
Report Declares
Adoption Of High Pressure
Steam Conditions Hailed
By Engineer Bureau

Improvements in engineering fea-
lures, particularly in the adoption
of high-preSsure steam conditions,
have made the Navy's new ships
more effective vessels, Acting Secre-
tary of the Navy Edison was in
formed in the Bureau of Engineer
ing's annual report, released today,
"These improvements, the re-
port set out. represent bold step
forward in the face of conservatism,
trepidation, and no little opposi-
ton
The report was submitted by Rear
Admiral Harold G.. Bowen, who
headed the bureau until Septem-
ber II. when he was relieved by
Rear Admiral Samuel M. Robinson.
Admiral BoWes is now director of the
Naval Research Laboratory, Ana.
costa, and has additional duties as
technical aid to the Secretary of
the Navy
He defended the adoption of high
pressure, high temperature steam
conditions for steam propelled YES
sells of the Maya subject of much
dispute about a year ago-as pro-
viding more efficient and economi-
cal operation of vessels. He pointed
out that new machinery has devel-
oped that is superior to older equip
ment.
Reliable and Easy to Operate.
I'm short" Admiral Bowen COM
mented, "aS we have advanced
steam conditions we have developed
machinery which is not only more
economical, but is also more reliable
and just as easy, or even easier, to
operate, maintain, and protect in
battle. The advances to these con-
ditions have been made by short
conservative, we'll tested steps, and
the Navy has gained thereby"
Admiral Bowen explained that
pressure was advanced gradually
from 200 to the present standard
steam conditions of 600 pounds per
square inch pressure. and $50 de-
grees Fahrenheit temperature.
He reported that much progress"
had been made in perfecting light
weight, high-speed engines for sub
marine propelling machinery. De
sign defects have been overcome"
his report said, "and resulting per-
formances have been gratifying"
New Destroyers Discussed.
In commenting on the new de-
stroyers. some Of which have been
reported as top-heavy, Admiral
Bowen said:
The new 1900 and 1,850-ton de-
stroyers that have joined the fleet
have proved themselves to be re-
liable and efficient in operation.
Such few troubles as have developed
have been relatively minor in ma
ture and are being corrected as the
vessels become available"
Repair facilities afloat are in
adequate to handle the load imposed
by the increase in number, size and
power of new vessels, the report
pointed out.
This situation" it added, may
become acute during the coming
year Repair facilities should be
considered for the Atlantic Squad
ron, particularly if that squadron is
to be augmented by additional YES
seIs.'
Other points in the report in
cluded:
l. During the 1899 fiscal year
progress of shipbuilding was i'm
proved. causes of serious delays were
eliminated or minimized, and some
ships have been completed ahead of
time
2. Shipbuilding wages are showing
a slow, steady rise, while material
has been holding constant level for
several months.
3. Navy yards and inspection Of
fees are handicapped through lack
Of sufficient officers.
a. An Office of research and in
vestigation has been established
during the year to study problems
Of broad interest to the bureau.