The maneuvering room is where all of Pampanito's changes in speed were made in response to orders from the conning tower, bridge, or control room. Pampanito's engines do not drive the propellers directly; instead, they turn electric generators attached to each engine. Power from these generators was switched to charge the main storage batteries, or to supply the electric propulsion motors. Switching was done with the levers of the propulsion control stand and the cubicle behind it. Because diesel engines require large amounts of air to operate, they are used only while on the surface. U.S. submarines were not equipped with snorkels during World War II. When submerged, power was drawn from the main batteries which supply the same electric motors that the generators supply when the ship is surfaced.
