Granby High School Alumni
Norfolk, Virginia (VA)
Alumni Stories
Russell Eugene Theisen
Class of 1955
The first computer installed on a LNG ship
By Russell E. Theisen LSM IEEE
In 1975 I went to work for General Dynamics Satellite Division in Longwood, Florida. After designing the Global Position [GPS] Command Decode using the first Optical Isolator to be used in Space craft design, I was asked to see if I could design a computer system for the Liquid Natural Gas [LNG] Super tanker.
I selected a single board processor and installed it the Standard Coast Guard approved ships Bridge control console.
It was funny to see a 30 foot wide console with a single slot with the computer in the middle so, I installed an arrow with the words control computer is here.?
Up to that time all ship control Bridge were a large cumbersome assortment of instruments. When we delivered it to the GD customer they told me that this was going in a ship flying a Panama Flag since the United States would not allow a LNG Tanker to get with in twenty five miles of an inhabited port.
So our Government insured that no United States of America could benefit of the cheap Liquefied Natural Gas.
I understand that General Dynamics got many repeat orders for my design and it is installed in most LNG Freighter now, except with an improved computer system.
Ships Bridge design of today.
By Russell E. Theisen LSM IEEE
In 1975 I went to work for General Dynamics Satellite Division in Longwood, Florida. After designing the Global Position [GPS] Command Decode using the first Optical Isolator to be used in Space craft design, I was asked to see if I could design a computer system for the Liquid Natural Gas [LNG] Super tanker.
I selected a single board processor and installed it the Standard Coast Guard approved ships Bridge control console.
It was funny to see a 30 foot wide console with a single slot with the computer in the middle so, I installed an arrow with the words control computer is here.?
Up to that time all ship control Bridge were a large cumbersome assortment of instruments. When we delivered it to the GD customer they told me that this was going in a ship flying a Panama Flag since the United States would not allow a LNG Tanker to get with in twenty five miles of an inhabited port.
So our Government insured that no United States of America could benefit of the cheap Liquefied Natural Gas.
I understand that General Dynamics got many repeat orders for my design and it is installed in most LNG Freighter now, except with an improved computer system.
Ships Bridge design of today.
Recent Members
| Elizabeth Roberts | 2003 |
| Gaye Goehring | 1983 |
| Jake Schwartz | 2013 |
| James Peters | 1981 |
| John Macon | 1957 |
| Michael Berry | 1960 |
| Patrice Carlton Carlton | 2001 |
| Philip Liebman | 1968 |
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Happy Holidays!
Happy Holidays!