Aloft on a searchlight platform, the smoke watch stands a chilly vigil.  In war, heavy black smudges from the stacks of a warship are dangerous tell-tales to the enemy.  On an aircraft carrier, smoke is doubly dangerous as it also interferes with launching and taking aboard planes.  To engineering officers below, the most desirable smoke condition is a light haze, so a smoke watch is posted to report to the engine room on smoke conditions above decks.  Below may be seen bundled and hooded seamen cleaning the flight deck.