Goddamn, the last thing you ever wanted to hear anyone say was, “Back at my last ship/command/whatnot.” A universal rolling of the eyes was always present.

It actually is automated. See the large dial, nearest the planesman’s leg? That’s the auto switch. The planes and rudder can operate by maintaining a preprogrammed course, depth and angle. But this works only in calm sea states. When it’s rough, the boat needs a human’s touch. Also, when doing something that requires…