Crew comfort has been well-planned in the Aurora.
Noise levels are low enough that conversations can be carried on without
using the intercom. Chairs are padded and are moveable in many directions;
lighting is muted and the deck is carpeted. Aft of the sonobuoy storage
area is a well-stocked galley, complete with convection oven and coffee
maker, and with room for four to dine. Breakfast might consist of sausages
and French toast with Chinese food for lunch and roast beef for dinner.
On any Aurora mission, crew members take their breaks whenever they
can. Although there are two bunks on board, they don't get used often.
Training and operational exercises have lasted up to 29 days with crews
often absent from home base without warning while they work with ASW forces
of other countries.
