In addition to these modern living accommodations, the VEGA is also equipped to render services to her crew that give the shipvirtually complete independence at sea. A full-time laundry takes care of all the washing and pressing of clothing and linens. The barber shop provides free service to all hands, and a clothing and small stores issue room sells new articles of uniform to both officers and enlisted men. Items such as toiletries, smoking equipment, cameras and jewelry, as well as ice cream and other fountain products, are available from the ship's retail store.

    The medical facilities are as modern as the rest of the ship. The treatment room may operate a small pharmacy and laboratory, and is equipped with a water distiller, refrigerator, autoclave, and sterile water tanks. The operating room, which is used only in time of war, has an operating table with the necessary overhead lights, resuscitator, instrument tables and scrub sink. Located within the larger ward space are eight bunks, four of which are surgical beds, a refrigerator, linen and drug lockers, a desk, and a lavatory with shower and wash basin.

    During a regular Navy yard overhaul in 1957, all hospital, living and office spaces were air conditioned, ensuring even temperature and humidity for office work, eating, sleeping, relaxation, regardless of outside temperatures and weather conditions.

    The spiritual side of a sailor's life is also provided for aboard the Vega. While at sea, regular Roman Catholic and Protest Divine Services are held every Sunday under the supervision of lay leaders appointed from the crew.

    The description of the living conditions aboard the VEGA gives an idea of what life is like aboard one of the Navy's newest ships, but only half of the story has been told. What about the VEGA's job? Just what is her function in the fleet?

    In answering these questions let us begin by examining the ship's cargo. In her huge holds the VEGA carries a complete variety of food, ranging from such staples as eggs, meat, potatoes and fresh vegetables to fine spices and herbs. Let it suffice to say that if it is good to eat, the VEGA carries it.

    Once all of the cargo is loaded in her holds at the home port of San Francisco, the VEGA sets out for a three month tour of the Far East. During this period, it is the VEGA's job to supply our naval forces from the Philippines to Japan with the food that they may require.

    This huge supply operation is carried out by two methods. The most frequent of these is the in-port issue. When the Vega pull into a Far Eastern port, the Navy ships in the harbor are waiting and the orders for chow come pouring in. During the few days the VEGA stays in port, her decks are a beehive of activity while her crew goes about the job of filling the orders for food. Often the job becomes an around the clock operation. When the local ships have been replenished, the VEGA moves on to the next port for a continuation of the next operation.