ANALYSIS OF LIFE ON BOARD THE USS NORTH CAROLINA
According to Captain Blee, “A ship is only as effective as her officers and men, and this was strikingly true of the North Carolina” (B. Blee, p.46). The Captain is the officer in charge of the Ship, responsible for her operation, fighting the efficiency, and crew. His authority over the Ship was absolute. During the course of her six year naval career, North Carolina had nine captains. Each graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland (NC Battleship). Commanding the North Carolina was a prestigious position and a stepping stone to admiral for all her captains. All but one was promoted to admiral upon leaving the Ship, and he was promoted later (NC Battleship).
The crew members on board the USS North Carolina followed a daily routine and had to follow the captains expectations day in and day out. According to my travels to B-55, I discovered that life on board the ship consisted of a wake up call from the boatswain at 0545 every morning which announced "REVEILLE FOR ALL HANDS". Tricing the berth, by making up your bed, folding your blanket, strapping down your bed, and placing it out of the way (USS North Carolina). After the Chow and Assembly call at 0800 the crew members would meet on the deck for Quarters and meet with their division leader and division petty officer. At 0830 the crews were sent to work and finished working at 1630 (USS North Carolina). They received a lunch break at 1200 and dinner at 1730. After dinner the crew was then allowed to relax and write letters to home, play board games, and movies were shown on the ship to help make the experience on the North Carolina more enjoyable.
The crew members on board the USS North Carolina followed a daily routine and had to follow the captains expectations day in and day out. According to my travels to B-55, I discovered that life on board the ship consisted of a wake up call from the boatswain at 0545 every morning which announced "REVEILLE FOR ALL HANDS". Tricing the berth, by making up your bed, folding your blanket, strapping down your bed, and placing it out of the way (USS North Carolina). After the Chow and Assembly call at 0800 the crew members would meet on the deck for Quarters and meet with their division leader and division petty officer. At 0830 the crews were sent to work and finished working at 1630 (USS North Carolina). They received a lunch break at 1200 and dinner at 1730. After dinner the crew was then allowed to relax and write letters to home, play board games, and movies were shown on the ship to help make the experience on the North Carolina more enjoyable.
Views of living conditions from crew members
Living conditions on the ship were unbarring. According to my own travels to the North Carolina Battleship I learned that the men slept in berths with their Division. In the 6th Division, one hundred and forty six men slept together where the beds were stacked vertically. Crew members expressed that there was no air-conditioning available which made living compartments disgusting to sleep in. Bill Taylor, a crew member from the ship stated that “air was taken from topside and blown into the living compartments. At night you would sweat so everything would become damp. The bedding had to be airtight to pass inspection therefore it would become ripe. You could take bedding outside to air out.” Overall men said that you were able to form close bonds with other guys from your Division. Paul Weiser, a Boatswain’s Mate stated that “on the Battleship you worked, lived, and became friends with other guys from your division. It was kind of clannish. Your living area is pretty close to your work area and you tend to stay within your assigned areas.”
Photos From: Personal Photos from the USS North Carolina (Shona Gilmer)
Photos From: Personal Photos from the USS North Carolina (Shona Gilmer)