National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Media Services

Harpers Ferry Center

Historic Furnishings Report

Boston National Historical Park

Boston, Massachusetts

USS Cassin Young

USS Cassin Young
APPROVED:

Terry Savage

Superintendent, Boston National Historical Park

October 14, 2004

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA

Media Services

Harpers Ferry Center

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior
USS Cassin Young

Boston National Historical Park

Boston, Massachusetts

Sarah H. Heald

Staff Curator

Media Services

Harpers Ferry Center

National Park Service, 2005

Historic Furnishings Report 
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

2
USS CASSIN YOUNG

Acknowledgments 7 3

List of Illustrations 9

Administrative Information 13

Administrative Data by Vincent M. Kordack, Lead Ranger, 

 Boston National Historical Park 15

Interpretive Objectives 19

Operating Plan 20

Prior Planning Documents 21

Historical Information 23

A Note on Sources 25

Suggestions for Future Research 27

Analysis of Historic Occupancy 29

World War II and Destroyer Design 29

World War II and Service of Cassin Young 31

Post-World War II and the Korean War 35

Cassin Young and the National Park Service 42

Evidence of Compartment Use and Furnishings with Lists of 

 Recommended Furnishings and Implementation Suggestions 47

02 Level 48

 Bridge 48

 Pilot House 53

 Captain’s Sea Cabin 57

 Sonar Control Room 58

01 Level 60

 Radio Central 60

 Passage 01-72 63

 40-Millimeter Mounts 64

 Hedgehogs 65

Main Deck 66

 Five-Inch Guns 66

 Repair Lockers 68

 Wardroom Messroom 70

 Wardroom Messroom Pantry 78

 Passage A-102LAC 79

Contents

CONTENTS
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

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 Combat Information Central 80

 Captain’s In-Port Cabin 83

 Passage A-108T 87

 Vegetable Prep 87

 Galley 88

 Laundry 91

 Battery Charging Room 92

 Passage B-107CL/Damage Control Central 93

 Emergency Radio Room 94

 Sick Bay 95

 Operations Offi ce 98

 Quarterdeck and other Deck Spaces 100

 Ammunition Handling Room 100

 Passage B-111ALM 101

 Crew’s Washroom and Water Closet 102

First Platform 104

 Windlass Room 104

 Passage A-203-2L 105

 CPO Mess 105

 CPO Berthing 107

 CPO Head 109

 Passage A-204-1LM 110

 Mount 51 5” Handling Room 110

 Wardroom Stateroom (203) 111

 Executive Offi cer’s Stateroom (208) 115

 Passage A-205L 117

 Engineer’s Stateroom (207) 117

 Passage A-206-1LC 119

 I.C. and Plotting Room 120

 Engineer’s Offi ce (A-206-1LC) 123

 Barber Shop 124

 Ship’s Offi ce 126

 Berthing (First and Second Platforms) 130

 Post Offi ce 140

 Steering Gear Room 142

 Peacoat Locker 144

 Shipfi tter’s Stores 144

 Carpenter and Shipfi tter’s Shop 144

Second Platform 146

 Crew’s Mess 146

 Food Service 151

 Ship’s Store and Passage 154

 Scullery 155

 Diesel Generator Room 157
USS CASSIN YOUNG

5

Appendixes

Appendix A: “Booklets of General Plans,” 1955, 1957, and 1958 161

Appendix B: “Bureau of Ships Allowance List: Carpenter’s 

Workshop,” July 15, 1953 171

Appendix C: “Arrival Conference Chart,” February 3, 1955 177

Appendix D: “Departure Report Alterations,” 1955 214

Appendix E: “Arrival Conference Chart,” July 7, 1958 221

Appendix F: “Weekly Check-Off List for Repair Locker 

Equipment. Rep. 2,” [no date] 263

Appendix G: “Weekly Check-Off List for Repair Locker 

Equipment. Rep. V,” [no date] 265

Appendix H: “Uniforms for Enlisted Men other than CPO’s,” 

[no date] 267

Appendix I: “Ship’s Store Laundry List,” [no date] 269

Bibliography 271

CONTENTS
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

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USS CASSIN YOUNG

Many people have provided assistance to the 7

benefi t of this Historic Furnishings Report 

(HFR), and I am grateful for their generous 

help. At Boston National Historical Park, 

Chief of Interpretation Bill Foley and Chief 

of Cultural Resources Marty Blatt set wise 

parameters for the scope of this project and 

encouraged their staff to support it. Many 

of the interpretive staff provided me tours 

and access to the various Cassin Young compartments, many of which were “behind the 

scenes,” and provided terrifi c context for understanding the workings of the destroyer. Of 

particular and critical help were Vince Kordack and Bill Casey, who spent many hours 

of their busy workdays in the compartments 

with me, showing me objects and spaces, 

raising important issues, and explaining the 

history and functions of the ship. They also 

provided answers to my streams of e-mail 

and voice-mail queries, not all of which 

came at convenient seasons. Their depth of 

knowledge and patient explanations made 

it possible for me to fathom the operations 

of this ship. They also conducted research in 

the park archives, adding further material to 

support the HFR. Interpretive Ranger Dan 

Gagnon scanned all of the photographs that 

came from the 1950s Cruise Books. Preservation Specialist Steve Carlson provided additional historical context and understanding 

for the destroyer. Museum Specialist Phil 

Hunt provided ongoing archival assistance 

both during my site visits and when my questions trickled in from a distance; he conducted object research as such queries came up; 

and he systematically recorded the inventory, 

which serves in a modifi ed form as the backbone of the object list in the List of Recommended Furnishings portion of this report. 

His help, too, was tremendously appreciated, 

as was his wry sense of humor, which always 

kept things in proper perspective.

At the neighboring Museum Services Center, 

Nancy Waters’ savvy allowed me to step into 

this project-in-progress on the right foot and 

in the right direction. Laurel Racine provided 

helpful review comments on the draft.

At Harpers Ferry Center (NPS), Scott Harmon (now at the U.S. Naval Academy), Bill 

Brown, and John Brucksch initiated this 

project and provided a strong base upon 

which to build. Harmon’s 1984 book, U.S.S. 

CASSIN YOUNG (DD-793): A Fletcher Class 

Destroyer, provided a wealth of information as did Naval Academy Museum Curator 

Robert Sumrall. Fellow Curators Mary Grassick and Carol Petravage reviewed the fi rst 

draft of this report and provided constructive 

comments, questions, and insight. Thanks 

are also due to Carol Petravage for navigating 

this report through government contracting 

and design and printing to its fi nal format. 

Curators-in-training Emily Hooper, Thomas 

and Connor Foulds, and Emma Herrin lent 

their exacting eyes for a close examination 

of Cruise Book photographs. Editor Trese 

Smelser worked on early versions of the HFR, 

provided helpful continuity to the project, 

and assisted in capturing feedback while in 

Acknowledgments

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

8

meetings both on and off the ship. As always, 

illustrator Steve Patricia was a pleasure to 

work with. 

Additionally, this project off ered me the opportunity to work with two most helpful and 

experienced Navy veterans. Wilbert Wiggs, 

of Frederick, Maryland, spent the end of 

World War II as a Gun Director and Fire Offi -

cer on USS Porterfi eld, another Fletcher-class 

destroyer. Mr. Wiggs recalled the Fletchers as 

“suicide” ships because they were so vulnerable and encountered so many kamikazes; he 

also recalled the experience of South Pacifi c 

typhoons in a Fletcher, having weathered 

the waves as the destroyer went “under two 

[waves] and over one” until the storms subsided. His experience provided considerable 

context and meaning to my work with Cassin 

Young. And fi nally, Capt. John H. Hooper, the 

last Commanding Offi cer of Cassin Young, 

graciously shared his recollections of the 

ship’s furnishings and operations and exercised considerable care and precision in his 

recollections to ensure accuracy for his ship’s 

posterity.

Sarah H. Heald

Staff Curator, Harpers Ferry Center

National Park Service

August 2004
USS CASSIN YOUNG

Cover Cassin Young, January 15, 1958. Na- 9

tional Archives and Records Administration, 

Washington, D.C.

Figure 1 “DD 793 Damage Control Diagram 2, Subdivision First Platform and below,” November 1958. 

Figure 2 “DD 793 Damage Control Diagram 3, Subdivision Main Deck and above,” 

November 1958. 

Figure 3 Cassin Young in camoufl age, 

“Broadside View, San Pedro,” January 1944. 

Figure 4 Crew on deck with 5-inch guns in 

background, ca. 1944–45. 

Figure 5 Offi cers playing cribbage, Wardroom Messroom, left, Lt. Cmdr. James R. 

Vallely, and right, Ens. Robert N. Davies, ca. 

August 1959. 

Figure 6 Mess Deck with Christmas tree, 

1956–57. 

Figure 7 Mess Deck, children’s party, 

1956–57. 

Figure 8 Capt. Hooper administering “Oath 

of Offi ce” to newly commissioned offi cer in 

Wardroom Messroom, ca. 1959. 

Figure 9 Cassin Young, January 15, 1958. 

Figure 10 Men on the Bridge, ca. 1944–45.

Figure 11 Refueling at sea, ca. 1952–54. 

Figure 12 Offi cers on Open Bridge, 1954. 

Figure 13 Offi cer on Open Bridge, 1956.

Figure 14 Offi cer at pelorus, Open Bridge, 

1956–57. 

Figure 15 Offi cers on Open Bridge, starboard, 1956.

Figure 16 Open Bridge with signal fl ags, 

1956–57.

Figure 17 Helmsman, Pilot House, 1953.

Figure 18 Boatswain with pipe, Pilot 

House, 1954. 

Figure 19 Lee Helmsman, Pilot House, 

1953.

Figure 20 Radio Man at typewriter, 

1956–57, 

Figure 21 Radio central, 1978. 

Figure 22 Offi cers en route to observe a 

NATO exercise, Wardroom Messroom, ca. 

August 1959. 

List of Illustrations

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

10

Figure 23 Offi cers playing cards in Wardroom Messroom (left to right): Lt. Cmdr. 

James R. Vallely, Executive Offi cer; Ens. 

Robert N. Davies, Supply Offi cer; Ens. Francis Henry, Damage Control Offi cer; Ens. 

Patrick D. Joynt, Asst. Engineering Offi cer; 

Lt. (junior grade) Warren D. Richards, Communications Offi cer; and Lt. (junior grade) 

Thomas B. Worthen, Antisubmarine Offi cer, 

August 11, 1959. 

Figure 24 Offi cers on couch, Wardroom 

Messroom, left, Ens Gary McDougal, and 

right, Lt. (junior grade) Jack Hall, ca. August 

1959. 

Figure 25 Wardroom Messroom, possibly 

Cassin Young recommission, ca. 1952. 

Figure 26 Offi cer with record player in 

Wardroom Messroom, 1956–57.

Figure 27 Offi cer in Wardroom Messroom, 

1956–57. 

Figure 28 Offi cer in Wardroom Messroom.

Figure 29 Wardroom Messroom, 1978. 1978 

Survey, Roll 23, No. 35.

Figure 30 Wardroom Messroom as it will 

appear after refurnishing to 1958. 

Figure 31 Crew in Wardroom Messroom 

Pantry, 1956.

Figure 32 Combat Information Central, 1954. 

Figure 33 Dead Reckoning Tracer, Combat 

Information Central, 1956–57. 

Figure 34 Captain Clifton B. Cates, Jr., in 

his In-Port Cabin, 1956–57. 

Figure 35 Captain’s In-Port Cabin, 1978. 

Figure 36 Captain’s In-Port Cabin as it will 

appear after refurnishing to 1958. 

Figure 37 Cook slicing bread in Galley, 

1956–57. 

Figure 38 Cooks at oven in Galley, 1956–57. 

Figure 39 Cooks chopping vegetables in 

Galley, 1956–57. 

Figure 40 Laundry press, 1956–57. 

Figure 41 Sick Bay, 1956–57. 

Figure 42 Crew member receiving shot, 

Sick Bay, 1953.

Figure 43 Crew member receiving shot, 

Sick Bay, 1954. 

Figure 44 Checking crew member’s throat, 

Sick Bay, 1956–57. 

Figure 45 Operations Offi ce, 1956–57. 

Figure 46 Offi cer at typewriter in Stateroom, 1956.

Figure 47 Offi cer at Stateroom door, 1956.

Figure 48 Offi cer at desk in Stateroom, 1956.

Figure 49 Offi cer seated in Stateroom, 1956.

Figure 50 Offi cer standing in Stateroom, 1956.

Figure 51 Wardroom Stateroom (203) as it 

will appear after refurnishing to 1958. 

Figure 52 Barber Shop, 1954.

Figure 53 Barber Shop, 1954. 

Figure 54 Barber Shop, 1956–57. 
USS CASSIN YOUNG

11

Figure 55 Barber Shop, 1978. 

Figure 56 Ship’s Offi ce, 1956–57. 

Figure 57 Ship’s Offi ce, 1954. 

Figure 58 Ship’s Offi ce, 1954. 

Figure 59 Ship’s Offi ce, 1956–57. 

Figure 60 Ship’s Offi ce as it will appear after refurnishing to 1958. 

Figure 61 Crew’s Berthing, 1956–57. 

Figure 62 Forward Crew’s Berthing, Second Platform, 1953. 

Figure 63 Crew’s Berthing, A-302L, Second 

Platform, 1956.

Figure 64 Crew’s Berthing with upright 

locker, 1956–57. 

Figure 65 Forward Berthing, A-303L, 1978.

Figure 66 Crew’s Berthing as it will appear 

after refurnishing to 1958. 

Figure 67 Post Offi ce, 1954. 

Figure 68 (a) and (b) Postcard, “Souvenir 

of Cuba,” crew member Paul Boone to [?] 

Boone, July 19, 1955.

Figure 69 Post Offi ce, 1978. 

Figure 70 Steering Gear Room, 1978. 

Figure 71 Mess Deck with crew eating, 

1956–57. 

Figure 72 Mess Deck with curtains, 

1956–57. 

Figure 73 Mess Deck, crew playing bingo, 

1954. 

Figure 74 Mess Deck with bunks, 1954. 

Figure 75 Mess Deck with crew member 

and cook, 1956.

Figure 76 Mess Deck, fi eld day, 1956–57. 

Figure 77 Crew’s Mess as it will appear after refurnishing to 1958. 

Figure 78 Mess Cooks serving, Food Service, 1956–57. 

Figure 79 Mess Cooks serving, crew in 

dress uniform, Food Service, 1956–57. 

Figure 80 Food service, mess line, 1953. 

Figure 81 Food Service as it will appear after refurnishing to 1958. 

Figure 82 Mess Cook in scullery, 1956–57. 

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

12
Administrative Information

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

13

USS CASSIN YOUNG
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

14
USS CASSIN YOUNG

Boston National Historical Park was established in 1974 to “preserve for the benefi t and in- 15

spiration of the people of the United States . . . certain historic structures and properties of 

outstanding national signifi cance located in Boston, Massachusetts and associated with the 

American Revolution and the founding and growth of the United States.”1 Most sites within 

the park deal with aspects of 18th-century history in Boston, but closure of the Boston Naval 

Shipyard in 1974 allowed for the preservation of a 30-acre portion of the Charlestown unit of 

the shipyard as part of the new national historical park. This was consistent with designation 

of the Boston Naval Shipyard as a National Historic Landmark in 1966.

The Charlestown portion of the park, when established, consisted of numerous buildings 

and structures; USS Constitution, which is maintained and crewed by the U.S. Navy, was the 

sole warship within the park. In 1978, the National Park Service acquired the Fletcher-class 

destroyer USS Cassin Young (DD-793) from the U.S. Navy. Although Cassin Young was not 

built there, 14 other Fletcher-class destroyers identical to Cassin Young were constructed at 

Charlestown during World War II. Throughout the 1950s, Cassin Young visited the Navy Yard 

for refi ts and overhauls. Thus, the destroyer fi ts directly into the park’s General Management 

Plan objective of enabling visitors “to compare and contrast the roles of the two warships and 

the changes in yard activity”2 over its long history.

In October 1979 Cassin Young was moved into Dry Dock 1 to facilitate rehabilitation and restoration of the warship. Eighteen years in the “mothball fl eet” left the destroyer marred with 

peeling paint, severe rust, and missing parts and weapons, along with extensive marine fouling and metal corrosion over most of the underwater hull. Led by Project Manager Al Phelps, 

a combination of park maintenance staff , contractors, and volunteers sandblasted and repaired all exterior areas, reactivated electrical and air-handling systems, reinstalled ordnance 

and lifelines, restored a number of compartments, and installed a new heating plant. This last 

procedure involved removing most fi xtures from the aft Crew Water Closet (WC), Washroom 

(WR), and Shower compartments (B-111ALM) to accommodate eight conventional oil-fi red 

furnaces. Remaining space in this area became the “paint locker” for use by the park maintenance staff and volunteers. Two other compartments, specifi cally 2-157-1 Crew’s Quarters 

C-201L and 40-millimeter ammunition storage compartment C-201L (Supply and Disbursement Offi ce B-0101-L after 1958 refi t), were reserved as the winter and summer offi ce/work 

spaces for use by park maintenance staff and volunteers. The Torpedo and Ordnance 

Workshop (B-110E) directly off the Quarterdeck became the space used by the park

Administrative Data

by Vincent M. Kordack, Lead Ranger, Boston National Historical Park

1 Boston National Historical Park Act of 1974, Public Law 93-431, October 1, 1974, 88 Stat. 1184.

2 Charlestown Navy Yard: General Management Plan, Vol. II. (Boston: National Park Service, Boston 

National Historical Park, 1980).

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

16

Figure 1 “DD 793 Damage Control Diagram 2, Subdivision First Platform and below,” November 1958. 
USS CASSIN YOUNG

17

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Figure 2 “DD 793 Damage Control Diagram 3, Subdivision Main Deck and above,” November 1958. 
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

18

rangers interpreting the warship. After emerging from Dry Dock 1 in spring 1981, Cassin 

Young opened to the visiting public in June of that year.

The past 23 years have seen ongoing rehabilitation of systems aboard the warship, including full restoration of the aft Engine Room, partial restoration of the forward Engine Room 

and both Fire Rooms, and installation of fi re and water sensors and motion detectors as part 

of the park-wide monitored security system. All structural elements were taken out to completely restore all Offi cers’ Staterooms in 1990–91. A comprehensive inspection of virtually all 

compartments, spaces, and voids took place in 1991–92 to remove historic parts and items left 

aboard when Cassin Young was mothballed. This material, along with that removed when the 

warship arrived in 1978, is maintained as part of the park’s museum collections. Additional 

large-scale restoration projects likely will occur when the dry docking of Cassin Young again 

takes place within the decade.

In 1986 Cassin Young was designated a National Historic Landmark (NHL) as part of an NHL 

theme study of warships associated with World War II in the Pacifi c. Cassin Young, USS Kidd

(DD-661), and USS The Sullivans (DD-537) are the three remaining Fletcher-class destroyers 

in the United States at present. Only Kidd has fully retained her World War II appearance and 

ordnance. Cassin Young had extensive structural fabric altered or added during her various 

refi ts in the 1950s. Since the warship now refl ects her appearance from service during the 

Cold War in the 1950s, her signifi cance to that theme period should be evaluated and, if appropriate, the NHL and National Register documentation for Cassin Young should be amended to extend the period of signifi cance to 1960.

Since completion of dry docking in 1981, two park maintenance staff have been assigned full-time 

to work aboard Cassin Young. These full-time employees have usually been former shipyard workers bringing their skills from previous employment to the job of maintaining the destroyer. Additional support is available on an as-needed basis from other elements of the park maintenance 

and cultural resources divisions, but, without question, the warship depends on the eff orts of 

volunteers to keep it in pristine working order. In fi scal year 2003, 13,376 hours of volunteer time 

were logged aboard, but fi scal year 2004 saw only 11,201 hours of volunteer work done on the 

warship. The decline in total hours sadly refl ects the fact that most volunteers are veterans of service in World War II and/or the Korean War. Their future inability to work aboard Cassin Young

will severely cripple the park’s maintenance and repair of the warship.

The park Interpretive Division has recently taken the lead in facilitating support of onboard 

maintenance and acquisition of period historic furnishings for Cassin Young. Monies from 

the division’s Volunteers-in-Parks account have purchased critically needed equipment and 

materials to allow volunteers and park maintenance staff to more eff ectively maintain the warship. With divisional monies and assistance from the Cassin Young Association, rangers and 

volunteers have been able to strip parts, equipment, and period furnishings off the rapidly 

dwindling number of 1940s- and 1950s-era Naval vessels. Over the past three years, six trips 

to either the former Philadelphia Naval Shipyard or the James River Reserve Fleet in Virginia 

have yielded tremendous results. Materials essential for both maintenance and accurate refurnishing of the destroyer have been obtained on these salvage runs. Hopefully, the park 

and the Cassin Young Association will be able to continue funding trips in conjunction with 

implementation of the approved HFR for Cassin Young.
USS CASSIN YOUNG

The 2002 draft Long Range Interpretive Plan (LRIP) for Boston National Historical Park 19

notes the need for a shift in the interpretation of Cassin Young. Traditionally interpreted solely 

as an object in and of itself, the LRIP calls for the destroyer to be “used as a tool to interpret 

the Navy Yard.”3 Historically furnishing the ship to its 1958 appearance will assist in emphasizing this focus on the larger signifi cance of the Charlestown Navy Yard because Cassin 

Young completed its last overhaul in the Yard in fall 1958. The late 1950s furnishings and interpretation, too, will better support the park’s fourth interpretive theme, which highlights the 

Charlestown Navy Yard and its role as one of the six original U.S. Navy yards. Interpreting to 

this period will also illustrate the LRIP’s subtheme a.: “the Charlestown Navy Yard helped to 

develop and implement new technology to meet the changing needs of a changing navy.”4

Although this HFR does not recommend furnishing all of the compartments on Cassin Young, 

those included in this study are both most easily accessible and broadly representative of 

compartments in the ship. Together, they represent a balanced picture of the varied functions 

and activities that took place on board.

Although all ordnance would have been removed from ships in the South Boston Navy Yard 

prior to docking in Charlestown, for interpretive purposes representative types of ammunition are called for in this HFR in a few areas of the destroyer. Likewise, the 40-millimeter 

guns were removed in the South Boston Annex of the Navy Yard, but to allow the public 

today to understand the function and industrial activity of the Charlestown Navy Yard it is 

recommended that a portal crane be positioned by the ship holding one of the 40-millimeter 

mounts, as if it had just been removed from Cassin Young. This will leave one mount at the destroyer and the other positioned on the pier.

Interpretive Objectives

3 Long Range Interpretive Plan: Boston National Historical Park-Draft. (Boston: National Park 

Service, Boston National Historical Park and Harpers Ferry Center Division of Interpretive Planning, 2002), 38. 

4 Ibid., 6.

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

20 Visitors to Cassin Young view the ship either in a self-guiding fashion or accompanied by a 

park interpreter. Ranger-led tours are off ered on the hour at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. during the summer and are subject to change during the rest of the year due to staffi ng, budget, 

and weather constraints. Group size is limited to 12 people. If touring the ship on one’s own, 

access is only to the Main Deck and aft Berthing; ranger-led tours go above deck two levels 

as well as below deck to the Second Platform (Figures 1 and 2). Special tours of the ship are 

also available, including Fantail talks and programs done as special events such as reunions or 

Harborfest.

Generally, ranger-led tours take the following route through the destroyer: Beginning on the 

Quarterdeck the tour proceeds up the starboard side of the ship. The tour then proceeds 

down the interior ladder into the main Crew’s Mess (two decks down) and then forward 

through the Crew’s Quarters. The group then proceeds up the forward ladder to the next 

deck, which takes the group through the Chief Petty Offi cers’ Mess, Mount 51 Handling 

Room, and Offi cers’ Country (quarters), and past the Internal communications (I.C.) and 

Plotting Room. The tour then proceeds up the ladder to the Main Deck area and concludes 

there next to the starboard whale boat davits. Tour routes do vary, however, and some rangerled tours begin on the ship’s Bridge and then proceed down into the forward third of the ship, 

ending at the same location as the typical tour. Other ranger-led tours start on the Fantail 

or up on the 01 level of the ship before proceeding to the Bridge and down into the ship and 

ending on the Main Deck.

Operating Plan
USS CASSIN YOUNG

Planning documents aff ecting the use and management of Cassin Young are: 21

Boston Naval Shipyard: An Alternative for Development. National Park Service, 1975.

Charlestown Navy Yard: General Management Plan, Vol. II. National Park Service, Boston 

National Historical Park, 1980.

Draft Long Range Interpretive Plan: Boston National Historical Park. National Park Service: 

Boston National Historical Park and Harpers Ferry Center Division of Interpretive Planning, 

2002. 

Sedovic, Wally. Draft Historic Structures Report. Document 457/D6118, Boston National Historical Park, February 1982.

Prior Planning Documents

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

22
USS CASSIN YOUNG

Historical Information

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

23
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

24
USS CASSIN YOUNG

Most of the primary sources used for this HFR are in the National Park Service’s Boston Na- 25

tional Historical Park Archives. 

Photographs

Photographs account for a large portion of the documentation of the furnishings for Cassin 

Young. The bulk of the photographs are in the four Cruise Books from the destroyer’s major 

cruises outside the North Atlantic during the 1950s. The Cruise Books contain brief histories 

of the ship and its cruises, as well as plentiful photographs both of divisions with their offi cers 

and “candids” of seamen at work or relaxing. Just as with domestic snapshots, historic furnishings appear incidentally in the background and foreground of many of these images.

When Cassin Young came to Charlestown and the National Park Service in 1978, the park undertook an extensive photographic survey of the ship. These 1978 images document the destroyer’s appearance; most compartments were disheveled, as was typical of a “mothballed” 

vessel. For purposes of this report they assist in determining when certain changes took place 

on board, as well as serving as a reminder of how thorough a refi tting and refurnishing project was undertaken by the fi rst generation of NPS caretakers prior to opening the ship to the 

public in 1981.

A handful of other photographs were found during the course of the historic furnishings 

research, including color slides from Capt. John Hooper, the destroyer’s last Commanding 

Offi cer, and a few overall views of the destroyer in the National Archives.

Drawings

With every overhaul or major structural change to a ship, the U.S. Navy maintained current 

plans, called a Booklet of General Plans. The original USS Cassin Young Booklet of General 

Plans was not located for this report, nor were the plans from its 1953 overhaul. The three later overhaul plans (1955, 1957, and 1958) were located and employed, however, documenting 

the changes and general appearance of the destroyer in the late 1950s, its period of interpretation (see CD, Appendix A for these General Plans). Although these plans did not note many 

changes that took place—considering them too minor or beyond the scope of such general 

plans—they do reveal a number of important alterations not otherwise documented in the 

photographic or written record of the destroyer.

Government Documents

As federal property, Navy ships typically were subject to thorough paperwork, documenting 

alterations, purchases, and repairs. Those records extant in the archives of Boston National 

A Note on Sources

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

26

Historical Park provided further documentation for furnishings for Cassin Young. The Arrival Conference Charts (see Appendices C and E) detail work expected to be done during 

the scheduled overhaul. Caution must be used, however, because not all of the work actually 

took place, and it often cannot be determined what was and was not done.

In addition, Weekly Sanitary Reports, Alteration Approval Records, and Departure Report 

Alterations (see Appendix D) provided specifi c documentation about Cassin Young furnishings 

and use.

Time did not permit research at NARA in Waltham, Massachusetts, for Supply Availability Listings prior to decommission of Cassin Young. These, or Availability Listings for other 

Fletcher-class destroyers decommissioned at the end of the 1950s, may contain information 

pertinent to Cassin Young historic furnishings.

Oral Sources

Transcribed oral interviews in the park archives provided a wonderful resource that enriches 

this HFR. Although the interviews were conducted with 1940s and 1950s Cassin Young veterans alike, the time constraints of this project focused on the late 1950s period of interpretation. Furthermore, although Capt. John Hooper is among the transcribed interviewees, 

regular e-mail correspondence with Capt. Hooper in 2002–03 allowed the opportunity to ask 

numerous specifi c questions that otherwise could not have been entertained.
USS CASSIN YOUNG

Time and budget constraints impose limits on research. Many areas of the destroyer and its 27

history are diffi cult to understand because of a lack of information. These topics are suggested 

here so as not to be overlooked; they should add to a more complete understanding of Cassin 

Young and its historic furnishings. 

Segregation is an important theme in 1950s American history. As in other areas of American 

life, segregation was part of the military experience and hence, desegregation is a story of interest. In light of this, how were U.S. Navy personnel units structured offi cially and informally 

in the 1950s, and how did this manifest itself on Cassin Young? Were divisions and/or berthing 

compartments segregated? How and when did this change? A quick look at division photographs in Cassin Young’s 1950s cruise books suggests that people of color were not in the 

more technical jobs onboard; this observation is too cursory to be construed as a pattern, but 

it does suggest a potential research topic.

Other areas of future research related to Cassin Young and its historic furnishings are more 

technical or very specifi c, but nonetheless merit mention so that the ship’s historic furnishings 

are not misleading. 

• Quarterdeck and other deck areas. Specifi c objects and areas needing additional research 

include: duty rosters, Plans of the Day, operations manuals, and passes; helmets; whale 

boats (2); depth charges; decoy devices; antisubmarine torpedo launchers in wooden 

cradles; podiums and possibly boards with photos of relevant offi cers; builder’s plate; 

external markings such as the DESRON logo and medals on Bridge. Similarly, staff should 

identify objects added by the Park Service for interpretive purposes that are historically 

inaccurate.

• Sound-powered telephone headsets. How many sound-powered telephone headsets should 

be added to the Bridge and Pilot House furnishings and where were they located?

• Ammunition Handling Room 53. What was kept in the large, graduated, 3-bracket fi xtures?

• Staffi ng. Which division of the Gunnery Department manned the depth charge racks? 

Which division manned the K-guns? Which division manned the hedgehogs?

• Windlass Room. This HFR contains an inventory of items—mostly built-ins—currently 

in the Windlass Room. Further research is needed to determine what was housed there. 

A standard allowance list or compartment checklist for a Fletcher-, Sumner-, or Gearingclass destroyer of the late 1950s might be found at the National Archives or the Naval Historical Center.

Suggestions for Future Research

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

28

• I.C. and Plotting Room. Changes to the I.C. and Plotting Room are likely more complex 

than refl ected in the research for this report; additional research is needed.

• Steering Gear Room. Evidence was scant for furnishings for the Steering Gear Room, especially damage control items. Any additional documentation would be helpful.

• Compartments with potential for future research and refurnishing not included in this project: Arm’s Locker and original Ship Store.
USS CASSIN YOUNG

Introduction 29

Cassin Young, a Fletcher-class destroyer built in 1943, was a member of the U.S. fl eet until 

decommissioned on April 30, 1960.5 The ship was named for Capt. Cassin Young, who received the Medal of Honor after Pearl Harbor and was killed in November 1942 during the 

Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. Constructed in San Pedro, California, as part of the wartime 

push to boost American Naval power in the Pacifi c, Cassin Young served during the last two 

years of the war and saw action in almost every major Pacifi c battle of the war in 1944 and 

1945. Cassin Young suff ered two kamikaze strikes during these years, and at the close of the 

war was undergoing repair from the second of these hits. Reactivated during the Cold War 

years, the destroyer served from 1950 until her fi nal decommission a decade later. She was 

docked at the Philadelphia Naval Yard until the National Park Service acquired Cassin Young

in 1978 to add to its resources in the Boston National Historical Park’s Charlestown Navy 

Yard. The Navy Yard, historically known as the Boston Navy Yard and later, the Boston Naval 

Shipyard, had constructed 14 Fletcher-class destroyers during World War II, and indeed Cassin Young, by then part of the Atlantic Fleet, received four overhauls in Charlestown dry docks 

during the 1950s.6

World War II and Destroyer Design

The frequent changes we have come to experience as the norm in the late 20th- and early 

21st-century due to rapid development of electronics and technology were just starting 

to take place during the Second World War.7 Such responsive redesign and integration of 

new technologies are well illustrated in American destroyer design during World War II, 

Analysis of Historic Occupancy

5 Cassin Young was one of 175 Fletchers built during the war. The Fletchers were the most 

numerous of all the American destroyers in the war and were widely known and famous for 

their actions. Their design made them smaller, sturdier, and faster than their predecessors, 

and their swift production during the war was a noted accomplishment of American industry.

6 Originally known as the Boston Navy Yard, in November 1945 the yard became the Boston 

Naval Shipyard, which is what it was called during the 1950s when Cassin Young underwent 

overhauls there. For purposes of simplicity and consistency, this historic furnishings report 

uses the term Charlestown Navy Yard throughout; the yard has been known as the Charlestown Navy Yard since 1974.

7 Although naval warfare was transformed in the 20th century due to technological change, 

Ronald H. Spector argues “technological determinism is an inadequate method of explaining 

the evolution of war in the 20th Century.” Spector suggests that social and psychological 

factors were perhaps of equal importance because navies with similar weapons systems used 

them in different ways. Ronald H. Spector, At War At Sea: Sailors and Naval Combat in the 

Twentieth Century (New York: Viking, 2001), v–vi. 

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

30

and Cassin Young, as representative of Fletcher-class ships, reveals much of this story.8 Ship 

historian Alan Raven noted that the Fletchers were “a stunning example of World War 

II warship standardization and mass production.”9 Fletcher-class destroyers were under 

construction in December 1941 when the United States entered World War II after the 

Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor, and a total of 175 Fletchers were commissioned between 

1942 and the end of the war. 

The Fletchers were faster and more agile destroyers than their forerunners so as to keep up 

with the other new ships in the American Navy. They contained the latest radar for both airand surface-searching, and were thus equipped to give early warning of attack by air and to 

fi ll the new destroyer role of “radar picket” for the Navy.10 To house all of the new electronic 

equipment yet remain relatively swift in the water, the Fletchers carried fewer 5-inch guns 

and torpedoes than their predecessors. This initially made them somewhat unpopular, but 

eventually they “proved to be the most successful American destroyers of World War II . . . 

because their design . . . was fairly conservative. . . . They were the fi rst American destroyers to 

‘get it right,’ in that hull, plant, and armament all complemented each other and performed to 

the optimum.”11

8 See J. Scott Harmon, U.S.S. Cassin Young (DD-793): A Fletcher Class Destroyer (Missoula, MT: 

Pictorial Histories Publishing Company, 1984), Alan Raven, Fletcher-Class Destroyers (Annapolis: United States Naval Institute, 1986), and Norman Friedman, U.S. Destroyers: An Illustrated 

Design History (Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, 2004) for thorough discussion of how Cassin 

Young and other Fletcher-class destroyers fi t in the context of the development of American 

destroyers and Naval design.

9 Raven, Fletcher-Class Destroyers, 4.

10 Ibid., 4–12. The quick speed of the destroyers and their radar equipment made them ideal 

pickets, operating out ahead of their task groups and using radar to detect enemy presence.

11 Ibid., 14.

Figure 3: Cassin Young

in camoufl age, “Broadside 

View, San Pedro,” January 

1944. BNHPA C1578, Acc. 

C142, Box 1-125.
USS CASSIN YOUNG

31

World War II and Service of Cassin Young

Commissioned on the last day of 1943, Cassin Young and her crew underwent four months 

of training at Pearl Harbor before entering actual assignment in April 1944.12 In fall 1943 the 

United States had gone on the off ensive in the Pacifi c and by spring, as Cassin Young joined 

the fl eet, preparations were underway to attack the Mariana Islands in the central Pacifi c 

Ocean. Over the next fi ve months, commanded by Earl T. Schrieber, she saw regular service screening battleships, rescuing aviators, and fi ghting with various task forces in defense 

against Japanese kamikaze attacks, as well as more mundane tasks such as carrying mail, escorting transports, and assisting with night illumination.

Organization of Work Onboard

Though the ship was small in size, Cassin Young was manned by a crew of 306 enlisted men 

with 19 offi cers. Its operation was complex but well orchestrated via the Naval hierarchy. 

“It takes a well-trained crew to get guns, radar, and engines working together so that the ship 

becomes an effi cient fi ghting machine.” Experienced and skilled destroyer men functioned as 

a team.

At the top of the destroyer’s organization is the commanding offi cer, a commander 

or sometimes a lieutenant commander, who by tradition is called “captain.” He is 

responsible for the ship as a whole, her navigation, operation, battle performance, 

and the well-being of the crew. He is assisted by the executive offi cer—the “Exec” or 

X.O.—who acts as an administrative manager for the captain. The “Exec” is next in 

command and assumes command of the ship if the captain is killed in action or otherwise unable to perform his duties.

Under the executive offi cer are the various department heads, offi cers responsible for 

particular functions of the ship. [During World War II,] destroyers had fi ve departments: gunnery, construction and repair, navigation, engineering, and supply. Each 

of these departments was sub-divided into one or more divisions. [Cassin Young also 

had a] medical offi cer on board, who reported to the executive offi cer.

12 The following summary of Cassin Young’s service during the war is drawn from Harmon,

U.S.S. Cassin Young (DD-793), 19–33.

Figure 4: Crew on deck with 5-inch guns 

in background, ca. 1944–45. BNHPA C1630, 

Acc. C91, Box 1-125.

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32

Gunnery Department: The gunnery offi cer headed the three divisions that were the 

very reason for the destroyer’s existence. The First Division manned the ship’s primary battery, the fi ve 5-inch guns. [The] Second Division was responsible for the maintenance and operation of the 40 millimeter and 20 millimeter anti-aircraft guns. The 

men in these two divisions were rated gunner’s mates (GM). The third division was 

fi re control, or F Division, composed of fi re control men (FC), who manned the gun 

directors, as well as sonar men (SoM) and torpedo man’s mates (TM).

Construction and Repair Department: Under the fi rst lieutenant the repair division maintained the ship’s hull and boats. The boatswain’s mates (BM) and carpenter’s mates (CM) in this division carried on the skills and traditions of the old sailing 

navy as adapted to the new, . . . such as working with rope and line. . . . [Additionally, 

Construction and Repair had] the never-ending chore of painting the hull to protect it 

from the eff ects of sea and weather. . . . The fi rst lieutenant was also the damage control offi cer responsible for correcting battle or accidental damage to the ship and for 

maintaining the water tightness of the hull.13

Navigation Department: . . . [Duties of the navigation department included determining] the ship’s position, directing her course safely from one place to another—

even though the two places might be merely uncharted spots in the ocean—and communicating with people outside the ship. . . . The navigation division was headed by 

the navigator, assisted by the quartermasters (QM). Their responsibility was to know 

where the ship was going, by whatever means were available: piloting when close to 

shore, celestial navigation using the sun and stars, or electronic devices such 

as radar.

The communications division was manned with specialists with a variety of skills: 

signalmen (SM) who knew the use of fl ags and fl ashing light, radiomen (RM), and 

yeomen (YM), who were the ship’s clerical force.

Engineering Department: One of the largest departments in any ship is manned by people 

who—it was said—rarely saw the sun. Under the engineer offi cer, . . . the department was 

composed of four divisions. The machinist’s mates (MM) in the main propulsion, or M, division worked in the engine rooms, operating and maintaining the main propulsion turbines 

and associated equipment. The fi re rooms and boilers were the realm of the water tenders 

(WT) of the boiler, or B, division. This was the hottest, hardest, and dirtiest job in the ship, but 

also the most vital. All power for propulsion, generating electricity, and distilling fresh water 

was created by the boilers. If they ceased working the ship engines died.

The engineering department also included the electrical, or E, division whose electrician’s 

mates (EM) were responsible for the electrical distribution throughout the ship, the electrical 

gyro-compass, boat batteries, and battle lanterns. The auxiliary, or A, division had a miscellany of skills and jobs: care of the many pumps in the ship, air conditioning and refrigeration 

equipment, and the maintenance of the boat engines.

13 The Construction and Design Department was eliminated after the war and its functions 

were placed under the Engineering Offi cer. 
USS CASSIN YOUNG

33

Supply Department: The supply offi cer had many responsibilities: he was in charge of the 

cooks and stewards, food preparation, the ship’s laundry, and the barber shop. He also kept 

pay records for the crew, maintained an inventory of spare parts, and made arrangements 

for provisions, clothing, and all other supplies needed by the ship.14

Wartime Recreation

Although routine work and combat accounted for the bulk of the crew’s time, life on board 

Cassin Young was not without diversion. In fact, such breaks were critical in the context of the 

heavy fi ghting they saw during the Second World War. Navigator Ted Finnegan recalled the 

island breaks in the South Pacifi c:

We used to go to these islands every once in a while, whenever they could get men ashore, 

they would use any opportunity to do that, just to get them off the ship and let them run 

around an island or something. And of course you could never drink aboard ship . . . there 

were usually two or three ships that would join up and send their men ashore, and the 

idea would be just to go out and relax, have some beer and have a cook-out, have some 

steaks.15

Additionally, the ship usually had three movies on board that could be shown when in port. 

Films were screened both on the Forecastle and the Fantail.16

War in the Pacifi c Ocean

With its full complement of crew and offi cers, then, in September 1944 Cassin Young “moved 

to the forefront of the naval off ense in the Pacifi c,”17 entering action in the Philippine Sea as 

part of Task Group 38.3. By mid-October, as American forces returned to the Philippines, 

Cmdr. John W. Ailes III relieved Cmdr. Schrieber on Cassin Young. Cassin Young then went on 

to support Task Group 38.3 carriers in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the largest naval battle in history. During this battle the Japanese bombed USS Princeton (CVL-23), a light aircraft carrier 

in the task group. Cassin Young was involved in its fi refi ght and rescued 120 of her crew when 

Princeton sank. By late November Leyte was suffi ciently secured by the United States that 

Task Force 38 was given its next assignment, in Luzon, the northernmost of the Philippine 

Islands, to assist in preparations for the Allied invasion of the Philippines. In mid-December, 

as American Naval forces worked on the assault of northern Luzon, a devastating typhoon 

struck. Three destroyers sank and there was great loss and damage to many other ships and 

planes. Nearly 800 men in all drowned, but Cassin Young was fortunate not to lose any of her 

crew.

Cassin Young and Task Group 38 continued action in the Formosa and Luzon area into January 1945. In mid-January they experienced more bad weather in the South China Sea while 

refueling. Cassin Young navigator, George T. Finnegan, recalled going for days without knowing their location; “[we] were far out from the fl eet; you couldn’t exchange information by 

14 The description of the division work and duties that precedes is taken from Harmon, U.S.S. 

Cassin Young (DD-793), 16–18 with permission and only minor editorial changes. 

15 George T. Finnegan, interview by Peter Steele, May 18, 1979, transcript, 25-26, USS Cassin 

Young Oral History Project, Boston National Historical Park Archives (henceforth BNHPA). 

16 Charles Tripi, interview by Ray Bloomer, August 23, 1980, transcript, 25, USS Cassin Young 

Oral History Project, BNHPA. 

17 Harmon, U.S.S. Cassin Young (DD793), 21.

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34

radio or otherwise. . . . You were operating completely on your own.” Finnegan noted that 

Captain Ailes would come to the chart room frequently and “ask me, ‘Honestly, do you know 

where we are?’ And I would tell him, ‘Honestly, no I don’t. We’re in the South China Sea 

somewhere.’”18

By late January the Allied Forces were starting on the off ensive toward the islands of Japan 

itself. Cassin Young received a new fi ghter-director to keep current with the latest technology and was painted ocean blue for camoufl age. In mid-March she was assigned radar picket 

duty and screening for Task Force 54, and on March 26 the group began bombing Okinawa 

in preparation for landing. When the Allies landed on Okinawa on April 1, 1945, the fi ghting 

became still more intense. Assigned radar picket duty, Cassin Young drove off air attacks and 

shot down Japanese kamikazes for fi ve days in early April.19 Two of Cassin Young’s fellow radar pickets received three kamikaze hits each and ultimately sank on April 6. After a brief rest, 

Cassin Young returned to radar picket on April 8, and on April 12 saw even more intense fi ghting. One Japanese plane hit the destroyer’s foremast and upper radar, and its bomb shrapnel 

and debris scattered all over the deck, damaging her Forward Engine Room. Compared with 

other ships, Cassin Young suff ered only minor damage, yet one Torpedo Man was killed and 

59 other crew members were injured.20

By the fi rst of June, Cassin Young had been repaired, her crew had undergone training exercises, and she was back in the waters around Okinawa, where the battle had continued. The 

destroyer, however, was plagued by problems in her starboard reduction gears, and these diffi culties sent her back to Saipan for another month of repair work. In mid-July Cassin Young

returned to Buckner Bay near Okinawa, where, aside from weathering a typhoon, things were 

relatively quiet and patrols routine. By the end of the month she was back on radar picket 

and fought off night attacks. One of her fellow radar pickets was not so fortunate and Cassin 

Young assisted with rescue eff orts of that destroyer, which eventually sank.21 A day later Cassin Young suff ered her second kamikaze strike, which would take her out of action for the 

duration of the war.

On July 30, while Cassin Young was on radar patrol at the entrance to Buckner Bay, there 

were reports of planes in the air; the crew had been called to General Quarters, but there was 

considerable confusion as to whether or not an approaching plane was friendly, or even if 

there was more than one plane. Cassin Young’s outboard hanging starboard whaleboat was 

hit fi rst, and the plane came crashing into the destroyer aft of the Emergency Diesel Generating Room. The forward Fire Room was destroyed by the explosion. George T. Finnegan 

18 Finnegan, interview, BNHPA.

19 Cassin Young shot down three kamikazes, one on April 1 and two on April 6, 1945. Other 

kamikazes remained in fl ight and the Combat Air Patrol assigned to her intercepted and shot 

down three or four enemy planes. USS Cassin Young War Diary 31 December, 1943 to 30 

November, 1945, 6-7. National Archives and Records Administration (microfi lm, BNHPA). 

20 On April 12 six kamikazes attacked both Cassin Young and USS Purdy (DD-734); the two 

destroyers shared credit for downing two of the attackers. Additionally, Purdy downed one 

herself, while Cassin Young was credited with downing three, including the one that hit 

the foremast. USS Cassin Young War Diary 31 December, 1943 to 30 November, 1945, 6-7. 

National Archives and Records Administration (microfi lm, BNHPA).

21 USS Callaghan (DD-792), sister ship of Cassin Young, and USS Pritchett (DD-561) were on 

duty with Cassin Young. Cassin Young shot down two kamikaze during this action and 

picked up the Captain and 125 survivors of Callaghan, which sank two hours after being hit.
USS CASSIN YOUNG

35

recalled, “there was pandemonium on the deck, . . . they were trying to get people out of the 

fi re room and still secure the ship so that there wouldn’t be any further extension of the damage.”22 Trapped in the boiler room, the entire watch died. All radio and radar equipment was 

destroyed, and 40-millimeter ammunition, torpedoes, and other explosives were dumped to 

avert additional damage. Twenty-two men lost their lives and 45 were wounded. Cassin Young

was the last warship to be hit by kamikazes during operations at Okinawa, and following 

emergency repairs, she headed back to San Pedro in early August 1945. 

In the course of her more than 18 months of service during World War II, Cassin Young received full or partial credit for downing at least 11 kamikazes,23 suff ered two direct air strikes, 

and lost 23 men. For her outstanding performance at Okinawa the destroyer received the 

Navy Unit Commendation. Repair work in California was fi nished in May 1946, and the ship 

entered the reserve fl eet until the Korean War.

Post–World War II and the Korean War

In June 1950 North Korea invaded South Korea and Cassin Young, as part of the reserve fl eet, 

was recommissioned on September 7, 1951, to assist the United Nations forces supporting 

South Korea.24 The 1940s destroyer received new electronic equipment and quickly moved 

into training exercises and testing of her crew. Early in 1952 Cassin Young began duty in the 

Atlantic Ocean, based in Newport, Rhode Island. She conducted exercises in Narragansett 

Bay but also well to the south in Cuba, Panama, and Puerto Rico. 

In the fall she entered the Charlestown Navy Yard for a four-month overhaul.25 The Charlestown Navy Yard was one of 11 U.S. Naval shipyards in the mid-1950s. Although the quantity of 

work in Charlestown had peaked during the World War II years, then risen somewhat again 

during the Korean War, the 1950s generally marked the beginning of a steady decline in the 

labor force at the Charlestown Navy Yard.26 The work done there was nonetheless crucial to 

the nation’s defense, just less in volume, in part due to changes in electronics and technology, 

in part to changes in naval warfare, and in part to the global political situation. Indeed, the 

Charlestown Navy Yard had become the center for Naval electronic equipment repair for the 

East Coast, and hence for all sonar and other antisubmarine warfare equipment.27

In the postwar years, well into the 1950s, the Charlestown Navy Yard continued to specialize 

in work on destroyers and destroyer escorts.28 Between 1946 and 1955 the Charlestown Yard 

conducted more than 300 destroyer overhauls; Cassin Young accounted for two of those. Following World War II, destroyer-type ships were the vessel category most frequently worked 

on by the Charlestown workers, with more than one-third of their work in 1953 performed on 

22 Finnegan, interview, BNHPA.

23 USS Cassin Young War Diary 31 December, 1943 to 30 November, 1945. 6-7. National Archives and Records Administration (microfi lm, BNHPA).

24 Unless otherwise noted, the summary of the destroyer’s 1950–1960 history that follows relies 

largely upon Harmon, U.S.S. Cassin Young (DD-793), 34–40.

25 Cassin Young was in Charlestown for overhaul from October 18, 1952 to January 6, 1953.

26 Frederick R. Black, Charlestown Navy Yard, 1890–1973: Cultural Resource Management 

Study No. 20, Vol. II (National Park Service, 1986), 661.

27 Black, Charlestown Navy Yard, 707–708.

28 William Gordon, ed. Charlestown Navy Yard (National Park Service, 1995), 72.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
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36

destroyers and nearly half in 1955.29 Cassin Young thus represents typical work undertaken by 

the Charlestown Navy Yard in the 1950s.

The 1952 overhaul was signifi cant because it was the fi rst time Cassin Young had been worked 

on in Charlestown, and it was her only overhaul that was part of a formal Navy program; 

SCB-74 upgraded Fletchers to Cold War–era requirements, making the destroyers suffi ciently 

modern for 1950s warfare.30 As Alan Raven asserted, Fletcher destroyers were modern ships, 

yet they were nonetheless obsolete after World War II. They “lacked the necessary internal 

volume to accommodate all the latest equipment that the war [World War II] had forced into 

development.”31 Destroyers no longer needed to fi ght off slow propeller planes, nor were they 

to engage surface ships via torpedo attack. Indeed, with Russian submarines fully submersible by the end of the war, new antisub equipment was necessary. For Cassin Young the shift to 

antisubmarine warfare required removal of the forward 40-millimeter guns, which had been a 

mainstay of World War II–era destroyer defense, and the addition of hedgehogs, whose depth 

bombs exploded when they came in contact with a submarine. Additionally, a tripod mast, 

which carried more and heavier electronic and radar equipment, replaced the pole mast.32

Following overhaul the offi cers and crew underwent training in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and 

in May 1953 were assigned duties with the Naval Training Station in Florida. Later that year, 

Cassin Young joined the 6th Fleet, serving in the Mediterranean, where “We conducted ASW 

[antisubmarine warfare] exercises all throughout the whole Mediterranean. . . . honing your 

ability to combat submarines.”33 She returned to U.S. waters by late December.

29 Black, Charlestown Navy Yard, 719. See Table 22.

30 After World War II the design of both new Naval construction and conversion of older vessels 

was established by the Ship Characteristics Board (SCB), which assigned design numbers 

that were widely used as a shorthand way of identifying Naval shipbuilding and conversion 

programs within the formal budgetary process and in Naval reference works. SCB-74 was 

the major conversion of Fletcher-class ships to meet 1950s warfare conditions. Boston Naval 

Shipyard converted the lead ship of this program, USS Picking. See Friedman, U.S. Destroyers, 

118 and 121 for a description of the program.

31 Raven, Fletcher-Class Destroyers, 14.

32 See Harmon, U.S.S. Cassin Young (DD-793), 35, for a thorough description of this overhaul.

33 Thomas J. Rudden, interview by Francy Bockhoven, August 13, 1983, transcript, 27, USS Cassin Young Oral History Project, BNHPA. 

Figure 5: Offi cers playing cribbage, Wardroom Messroom, left, Lt. Cmdr. James R. 

Vallely, and right, Ens. Robert N. Davies, ca. 

August 1959. Courtesy of Capt. John Hooper.
USS CASSIN YOUNG

37

In May 1954, almost a year after the armistice, Cassin Young joined the 7th Fleet in the Pacifi c, 

operating briefl y near the Philippines and patrolling the Korean coast by late July. By the end 

of November the destroyer had completed its assignment and returned to Newport. While 

maintaining combat readiness, monitoring Korean merchant shipping, and executing a regular schedule of exercises, Cassin Young had fi red her guns only once during this period of service in the Pacifi c.

Social Life and Issues in the 1950s

Under less severe war stress than their 1940s predecessors, Cassin Young crew in the 1950s 

experienced more opportunities for “liberty” and entertainment such as playing cards (Figure 

5). Movies remained ever popular and the ship had a library as well. Damage control man Anthony Marra recalled:

we didn’t pick up television at sea. . . . But we had movies every night . . . on the fantail [at 

the stern of ship] . . . during the winter we’d be in the mess hall down below. They had a 

screen and everything . . . 50 or 60 guys jammed in there, watching the movie . . . sometimes 

it was the same movie, 3 or 4 nights in a row. If it was bad weather we couldn’t get alongside 

another ship to swap movies. . . . And there was a library. . . . A lot of books, pocket books, 

paperbacks to read.34

The era permitted more extensive seasonal celebration 

as well: at Christmas, trees decorated the Quarterdeck 

and the Crew’s Mess (Figure 6).35 Cassin Young’s itinerary during the 1950s allowed the men opportunity 

34 Anthony Marra, interview by Peter Steele and Lionel Shapiro, May 16, 1979, transcript, 20-

22, USS Cassin Young Oral History Project. Another crew member, Bill McGee, recollected, “I 

think we saw the Caine Mutiny at least 9 times in a four month period! . . . we would never 

get a real fi rst-run movie. We used to trade off butter for a good movie . . . rather than a 

1939 John Wayne movie or something!” Bill McGee, interview by Francy Bockhoven, July 25, 

1980, transcript, USS Cassin Young Oral History Project, BNHPA.

35 “They normally had two Christmas trees aboard each year . . . one outside on the quarterdeck, about 6’ tall at least. With various colored electric lights, no other decorations. One 

year it was on the 01 level, tied onto the area of the torpedo crane, when they were moored 

starboard side to a pier. The other tree was in the crews’ mess, with the same type of electric 

light decorations. At least one year this tree was about as tall as the overhead would allow.” 

Anthony Marra, interview by Peter Steele, October 17, 1979, transcript. Peter Steele, ”Note 

to File,” December 11, 1984, Cassin Young Vertical File, drawer 2, BNHPA. 

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

Figure 6: Mess Deck with Christmas tree, 1956–57. 

BNHPA, “Mediterranean Cruise, USS Cassin Young,” 

Box 182.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

38

to visit ports worldwide. Capt. John Hooper recalled the in-port routines: “of course, all the 

sailors were interested in liberty. We had port and starboard liberty . . . one group of people 

would have the duty one day, while the other group would have liberty the next day.”36 As the 

four Cruise Books from her Mediterranean and world cruises attest, the destroyer saw ports 

ranging from England, Italy, and Greece to Hong Kong and Bahrain. Her crew visited tourist 

sites and sporting events, and sponsored meals for children along the way (Figure 7).

During these years when struggles for integration played an important role in American domestic politics and life, the racial makeup and circumstances of our country were mirrored on 

board the ships of the U.S. Navy. It has been suggested that the berthing areas were segregated 

during World War II, and that on Cassin Young the First Platform compartment that today is 

the Barber Shop was where African American crew members slept. The author has not been 

able to pursue this line of research for the HFR enough to draw any reliable conclusions, but 

examination of the make-up of the various divisions may indicate patterns of employment 

on the ship. If such patterns existed it is highly unlikely that they would be unique to Cassin 

Young but rather would be representative of such trends in the Navy as a whole. Indeed, for 

example, Rear Admiral Thomas J. Rudden, Commanding Offi cer of Cassin Young for a year 

and a half in the mid-1950s, noted one such pattern when interviewed in 1983.

A steward was assigned to a part of the ship as part of the ship’s company. An extremely high 

percentage of them were Filipino. At one time they were all black. And then they shifted over 

to Filipino. . . . And they would mostly serve the wardroom. One might be assigned to the 

captain, take care of the captain’s needs. . . . At that . . . point in time, there was a waiting list 

of Filipinos that would be a four-hundred year supply! That’s how popular it was! . . . a very 

popular rate for Filipino people . . . it led to citizenship, which was one reason why.37

36 Capt. John Hooper, interview by Margaret Driscoll, August, 1982, transcript, BNHPA.

37 Rudden, interview, BNHPA.

Figure 7: Mess Deck, children’s party, 

1956–57. BNHPA, “Mediterranean Cruise, 

USS Cassin Young,” Box 182. 
USS CASSIN YOUNG

39

Overhaul Work in the Charlestown Navy Yard

In spring 1955 Cassin Young again entered the Charlestown Navy Yard for overhaul. The 

destroyer fi rst off -loaded her ammunition at Hingham in the South Boston Annex of the 

Charlestown Navy Yard and then went to Charlestown for actual work.38 Maintaining a military fl eet requires regular maintenance and overhauls. A ship’s crew can do some of this labor, 

but specialists must undertake other aspects of the work. 

Time in the yard characteristically included repainting, major mechanical work, and modernizing both strategic and domestic elements on any given ship. Major changes to Cassin Young 

in 1955 continued to focus on the shift away from World War II destroyer practice and included removal of three of the ship’s four depth-charge tracks and projectors, shortening of the 

mast, and the addition of new surface-search radar, AN/SPS 10. Additionally, the aft corners 

of the Navigation Bridge Deck were removed, and ultimate UHF equipment was installed as 

part of the SPS-28 air-search radar. Charlestown Navy Yard workers upgraded the ship with 

a host of “habitability,” or domestic, improvements at this time as well. “Rearrangement and 

improvements” took place in the following compartments: Crew’s Mess, Food Service line 

and facilities, Scullery, Wardroom Mess, CPO (Chief Petty Offi cer) Mess, and Forward Crew’s 

Head and Washroom. Ventilation was improved and fl uorescent lighting was introduced in 

many areas; individual bunk lights were added in the Wardroom Staterooms and CPO Berthing.39 It was estimated that Cassin Young’s 1955 overhaul would cost $191,000, with habitability improvements accounting for about half of the expense.40

Cassin Young and the Cold War

Following renovations, the destroyer headed to Cuba for refresher training. Propeller and 

boiler diffi culties disrupted the exercises, but by fall she had returned north for more drills 

off the New England coast. Cassin Young shipped out to the Mediterranean as one of 15 ships 

in its task group in February 1956. There they participated in routine exercises with Greece’s 

Royal Hellenic Navy. In mid-April 1956 Cassin Young shifted to duty in the Red Sea and a 

month later headed back to the United States. Once in New England, the destroyer’s crew 

installed washdown gear to assist in the event of atomic or chemical warfare. Although the 

washdown piping and nozzles are no longer on Cassin Young, they were standard equipment 

during the Cold War years. Damage Control Man Marra recalled:

There was a very fi ne spray that was supposed to be turned out. Actually, it was salt water 

from the fi re mains. It was turned on in chemical warfare attack to wash the ship down, from 

any atomic blast or any radiation that we would get. We’d just engulf the whole [exterior] 

ship in a spray, mist-like . . . from the bridge all the way down to the main deck. [Did you ever 

have to use it?] We turned it on, just to see how it would operate, in exercises.41

38 Anthony Marra, interview by Peter Steele, May 16, 1979, transcript, 57, USS Cassin Young 

Oral History Project, BNHPA; and Charles W. Snell, compiler, “The Odyssey of the Destroyer 

USS Cassin Young (DD793), September 7, 1951–April 29, 1960: Extracts from the Deck Logs 

of the Vessel” (National Park Service, 1979), 20, “Appendices” 1958 Itinerary. 

39 “Arrival Conference Chart,” February 3, 1955, 4700.2 Arrival Conference Charts, 1954-

55, USS Cassin Young Operational Archives, Record Group (RG) 3, Oversize, Box 2, File 

15, BNHPA; and “Records of Overhaul,” sheet 3/23, 4700.2; Records of Overhaul, March 

23, 1955–June 22, 1955, USS Cassin Young Operational Archives, RG 3, Box 74, Folder 9, 

BNHPA.

40 Chief, Bureau of Ships, to Chief, Bureau of Ordnance, Commander, Boston Naval Shipyard, 

December 3, 1954, 4700.2, RG 3, Part 2/4 Box 74, Folder 9, BNHPA. 

41 Marra, interview, May 16, 1979, transcript, 60–62, BNHPA. 

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

40

Additionally, amid the anxieties of the Cold War–era, Navy procedures called for personnel to 

remain below waterline following atomic attack, and ships at sea kept farther apart than in the 

past so as to minimize exposure in the event of radioactive fallout.42

In July 1956 Egyptian President Abdul Nasser nationalized control of the Suez Canal and tensions between Egypt and Israel made a Middle Eastern war appear imminent. Cassin Young

was sent back to the Mediterranean in November as part of the United States’ increased 

Naval force. The crew spent two months in intensive antisubmarine and antiaircraft warfare 

practice, but tensions subsided, and in February the destroyer returned to Rhode Island.

In June 1957 the ship again entered the Navy Yard in Charlestown.43 Major work done in this 

overhaul included enclosing the Open Bridge and updating the Pilot House, as well as installing still newer radar (AN/SPS-28) and sonar. Changes to both the Crew and CPO Berthing 

refl ected the smaller crew manning the ship by the late 1950s, and the replacement of the 

crew’s Main Deck trough toilets with WCs indicates the shifting times and need for improved 

facilities in the Navy.44

Following the overhaul, training in Cuba was plagued by engineering problems, but the ship 

went on to a variety of assignments in 1958—one in the Caribbean, another off Newfoundland, and a third in the Mediterranean and Baltic with the Sixth Fleet. In August 1958 Cassin 

Young reentered the Charlestown Navy Yard for yet another overhaul.45 Her communication 

and electronic equipment was upgraded, the now well obsolete, 40-millimeter guns were 

removed, and the passage outside the Scullery was fully converted to a passage with a new 

Ship’s Store.46 Other habitability changes included installing tile fl ooring on the decks of the 

Berthing Compartments. Yeoman Theodore George Johndrow recalled the considerable difference made by such a seemingly mundane change: 

They put tile on the decks in the berthing spaces, and they completely renovated the mess 

decks and everything. It really made a big diff erence! Because when you got up in the morning and slapped your fl at feet out on that cold, clammy, wet steel deck in the morning, that 

you could hardly stand up on, because of the condensation from everybody breathing down 

there. Because you didn’t have any ventilation down there, to speak of, in the berthing 

spaces.

47

Command of Cassin Young passed to Lt. Cmdr. John H. Hooper from Cmdr. Clifton B. Cates, 

Jr., on September 4, 1958. Following refresher training at Guantanamo Bay, Cassin Young

returned to Rhode Island in early December. The Berlin Crisis in fall 1958 had prompted an 

42 Malcolm Muir, Jr. Black Shoes and Blue Water: Surface Warfare in the United States Navy, 

1945–1975. (Washington, D.C.: Naval Historical Center, 1996), 38–39. See also The Bluejackets’ Manual. 16th ed. (Annapolis: The United States Naval Institute, 1960). Chapter on 

“ABC Defense” begins on 376. Damage Control Offi cers had fi lm badges and dosimeters to 

monitor radiation on board.

43 Cassin Young was in overhaul from June 12, 1957 to September 12, 1957.

44 “Booklet of General Plans,” 1957, S0103-432372, USS Cassin Young Design & Construction 

Drawings, Series I, RG 3, Plates 3 and 7–9, BNHPA.

45 Cassin Young’s 1958 overhaul in Charlestown dated from August 8 to October 4.

46 “Booklet of General Plans,” 1958, Plates 3–6; and Harmon, U.S.S. Cassin Young (DD-793), 

39-40.

47 Theodore George Johndrow, interview by Diane Diamond, August 14, 1983, transcript 11, 

USS Cassin Young Oral History Project, BNHPA.
USS CASSIN YOUNG

41

increased American presence in the Mediterranean, and in March 1959 the destroyer rejoined the Sixth Fleet 

there. During her extended stay on this assignment, Cassin Young received the Battle Effi ciency “E” award in 

recognition of excellent performance. Despite the admirable performance, former Chief Engineer Gary MacDougal recalled the condition of the ship as “pretty poor,” attributing the situation to “underspending.” He 

noted, “I think we did a lot to make it useable but . . . it was old. We submitted more requests for the shipyard 

than any other ship.”48

Regardless of conscientious offi cers and crew, by the late 1950s, technological and electronic changes made 

it increasingly diffi cult to retain older ships in the U.S. Naval Fleet. Additionally, expectations for living standards had risen. As historian Malcolm Muir, Jr., noted, “as more commodious ships entered the fl eet in the 

1950s, sailors regarded service in the older destroyers as a real hardship. One offi cer complained to the CNO 

in 1962, ‘In the World War II ships, creature comfort is positively non existent. The essential element of privacy, so important to human dignity, is almost wholly lacking.’”49 Unable to accommodate both personal needs 

and the new equipment required to keep her current for Naval warfare, in fall 1959 Cassin Young entered the 

Charlestown Navy Yard in preparation for inactivation.50 In February the destroyer headed south to be mothballed at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, and on April 29, 1960, the ship was again put on reserve in the Atlantic 

Reserve Fleet.

48 Gary MacDougal, interview by Francy Bockhoven and Peter Steele, June 18,1980, transcript, 31, USS Cassin 

Young Oral History Project, BNHPA.

49 Muir, Black Shoes, 15–16.

50 Cassin Young spent three weeks in the yard in November 1959. The destroyer underwent an “interim availability,” the most limited work the yard offered. Among other things, major systems on the ship were tested and 

necessary repairs were undertaken, the hull was cleaned, and ordnance repairs were performed. Black, Charlestown Navy Yard, 790.

Figure 8: Capt. Hooper administering “Oath of Offi ce” to newly commissioned offi cer in Wardroom Messroom, ca. 1959. Courtesy of Capt. John Hooper.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

42

Cassin Young and the National Park Service

In October 1974 Congress included a portion of the recently disestablished Boston Naval Shipyard within 

the new Boston National Historical Park under its long-time unoffi cial name of Charlestown Navy Yard. 

Elements of the new park’s interpretive themes recognized the Yard’s “functional role in relation to the U.S. 

Navy,” and the signifi cance of USS Constitution and the history of the Naval yard.51 Recognizing the signifi -

cance of the 20th-century history of the Charlestown Navy Yard, four years later the Army Reserves towed 

Cassin Young from Philadelphia to Charlestown during training exercises, and the ship was placed on indefi nite loan to the National Park Service.52 The Charlestown Navy Yard had constructed 14 Fletcher-class 

destroyers during World War II and conducted overhauls and repairs on such ships, including Cassin Young, 

over the years. Returning Cassin Young to Charlestown helped the National Park Service better interpret the 

complete history of the Charlestown Navy Yard.

Rather than restore the ship to its original appearance, the Park Service determined to rehabilitate the destroyer, retaining the many changes it underwent in the Charlestown Navy Yard in the 1950s. Interpretation 

of the World War II years was still deemed vital, however, and to this end, many 1940s features were reintroduced. The ship was in sound structural shape, but it underwent three years of work in preparation for public 

visitation. Curator Peter Steele wrote a few years after the ship opened to the public:

A multitude of stored parts were reattached in their proper location, including air-search radar, surfacesearch radar, gun director radars, gun directors and homing torpedo launchers. Other equipment and parts 

51 Boston Naval Shipyard: An Alternative for Development (National Park Service, 1975), 92.

52 Linda Canzanelli, “Welcome Aboard the U.S S. Cassin Young,” The Broadside (National Park Service, Boston National Historical Park, Winter 1979); and Charlestown Navy Yard: General Management Plan, “Loan Agreement 

between Department of the Navy and Department of the Interior, April 1, 1978.” See Appendix D, 67, 1980. 

“Loan Agreement between Department of the Navy and Department of the Interior,” April 1, 1978, as printed in 

Appendix D, 67, Charlestown Navy Yard: General Management Plan (Boston National Historical Park). 

Figure 9: Cassin Young, January 15, 1958. NARA RG 428-N-1046479. Washington, D.C.
USS CASSIN YOUNG

43

were acquired, from bunk frames and mattresses to quadruple 40mm gun mounts, 21-foot torpedoes, depth 

charges, infl atable life rafts, and a wooden, 26-foot motor whaleboat.53

Docked today in the Charlestown Navy Yard at Pier One East, just north of Constitution, Cassin Young has 

been open to visitors since 1981. Maintained by the National Park Service and an exceptionally dedicated 

crew of volunteers, many of whom presently are veterans of the Second World War, the destroyer provides 

the opportunity for learning about Naval history, World War II, the Cold War, and the work and signifi cance 

of the Charlestown Navy Yard. In the absence of a historic resource study and with only a cursory draft historic structures report, this HFR more fully documents the history of Cassin Young, focusing specifi cally on 

its historic furnishings. The report also provides the National Park Service the opportunity to select a consistent period of furnishings and appearance for the destroyer so as to present an accurate historic restoration 

for the public.

53 Peter Steele “To Rehabilitate a Warship,” CRM Bulletin, Vol. 7, No. 2 (July 1984), 11.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

44
USS CASSIN YOUNG

Furnishings Plan

FURNISHINGS PLAN

45
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

46
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

47

Evidence of Compartment Use and 

Furnishings with 

Lists of Recommended Furnishings and 

Implementation Suggestions

54 As noted in the “Overview and Interpretive Objectives” of this report, Cassin Young has more compartments 

than included in this HFR. The compartments for which there are Lists of Recommended Furnishings are generally 

those open to the public at present.

55 See the “Note on Sources” section of this report for more extensive information.

This portion of the HFR presents evidence of room use and furnishings compartment by compartment 

on Cassin Young.

54 Where documentation permitted, this portion of the HFR includes a summary of each 

compartment’s history, physical changes, and major furnishings and furnishings changes. In all cases exact 

locations of furnishings may need to be confi rmed when these Lists of Recommended Furnishings are put 

in eff ect.

Although each compartment, historically and when in use, held far more than this report recommends, it has 

been decided to primarily present the compartments as the Navy would have upon inspection with all “ship 

shape” and little out and about and visible. For example, binoculars appear in Figure 12 and would have been 

in regular use on the Bridge and in the Pilot House; when not in use, however, they would not have been left 

out on a surface but put away in a secure spot. In some compartments, such as the Wardroom Mess, a number 

of smaller furnishings have been called for as there is space to securely include them and they help convey the 

common activity of the compartment without appearing that they were typically left lying around. 

The General Plans for Cassin Young are limited in their scope; historic photographs are fairly uncommon, as 

is written documentation.55 In the absence of such citable evidence both for Cassin Young and for comparable destroyers, extant furnishings from the late 1950s and earlier are often the only evidence upon which a 

compartment’s historic furnishings could be based. Park interpretive staff have provided their sense and guidance as to what is historically accurate, but as a result, this HFR may err on the side of “under-furnishing” the 

spaces. Should additional documentation surface in the future, furnishings could be added as evidence and 

use merit.

Historic furnishings listed in the “Recommendation” column of the Lists of Recommended Furnishings typically are acquired from antiques dealers or contractors specializing in reproduction furnishings. For a 20thcentury Naval vessel, however, there are also Inactive Reserve Fleet ships, for example, USS Des Moines, from 

which objects may be acquired.

For current operations and safety purposes there is an active sound system on Cassin Young. This system 

should be located as inconspicuously as possible so as not to confl ict with the historic furnishings or the unit’s 

operation.

Staffi ng, budget, and overhaul plans will in part determine how the HFR for Cassin Young is implemented. 

Should the entire report not be implemented of a piece, this report recommends certain priority compart-
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

48

ments due to interpretive and historic furnishings need. Top priority should be refurnishing the aft Crew 

Berthing Compartments, making them fully accurate and accessible to self-guiding tours. Although not 

available other than on NPS-led tours, Forward Crew Berthing should be addressed simultaneous with aft 

because the same basic furnishings are needed and it will be most cost-eff ective to treat all berthing compartments at the same time. The next priority should be compartments on the Main Deck—those seen by 

all visitors to the destroyer, whether on a self-guiding or NPS tour. In particular the Wardroom Messroom, 

Wardroom Pantry, and the Captain’s In-Port Cabin should be addressed fi rst. Third on the priority list are the 

Crew’s Mess and the Ship’s Store, both on the Second Platform. At this time it is best not to further prioritize 

the remaining compartments as there are many diff erent variables at play; circumstances will likely change 

and they will need to be taken into account when prioritizing. 

It should be noted that when these recommendations are implemented in aft Crew Berthing, the small exhibit 

on crew life presently located there will be removed. Relocating this exhibit, or an updated version thereof, to 

the Main Deck will allow greater public access; it could be placed in the mount 54 Handling Room.

02 Level

Bridge 

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

When a ship was underway, the Offi cer of the Deck and the Junior Offi cer of the Deck positioned themselves 

on the Bridge. Unless the weather was especially bad—very cold or in the midst of a hurricane—these Watch 

Offi cers did not stay in 

the Pilot House. They 

kept their watch from the 

Bridge Wings or the Open 

Bridge forward of the Pilot 

House. From this prime 

vantage point the Watch 

Offi cers had a good view 

of the sea forward of the 

destroyer and easy access 

to the Bridge Wings. Open 

bridges were added to 

Naval design during World 

War II because it was found 

in combat that the Captain 

needed more freedom to 

move from side to side of 

the ship. The necessity of 

passing through the Pilot 

House not only slowed him 

Figure 10: Men on the Bridge, ca. 1944–45. BNHPA C1638, 

Acc. C80, Box 1-125.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

49

down, but in a rapidly changing situation, he 

could not keep his eyes on a target. The Open 

Bridge forward of the Pilot House gave the 

Captain the freedom to maneuver himself 

and the ship.

The Open Bridge had the tools necessary for 

the Offi cer of the Deck to handle the ship 

safely. The radar repeater, with the conical 

rubber hood shown in Figures 12 and 13, 

showed the relative position of the ships and 

aircraft around one’s own ship.The compass 

repeater (above the radar repeater in Figure 

13) allowed the Offi cer of the Deck to check 

his course; the allidade on the compass permitted a more accurate bearing of an object 

than could be obtained from the radar. Additionally, at sea there would probably be a 

“maneuvering board”—tables of paper approximately 12 inches square with a circular 

grid printed on them—readily available. The 

Junior Offi cer of the Deck used these on the 

small table (just beyond the offi cer in Figure 

13) to calculate the closest point of approach 

of another ship. When steaming in formation, it was necessary to keep the ship within 

prescribed limits of the assigned range. The 

maneuvering board could thus be used to 

calculate the course and speed necessary for 

the ship in the event of a formation change. 

A second compass repeater, on the port 

Bridge Wing, was called a pelorus (Figure 14). 

It was used in conjunction with an allidade 

device to sight and obtain a bearing on a ship, 

aircraft, or navigation mark. If the ship was 

entering or leaving port a member of the 

piloting team would use the pelorus to take 

bearings on navigational marks and relay the 

bearings to the Quartermaster, who plotted 

the bearings on a chart. The point where two 

or more simultaneous bearings crossed gave 

a “fi x,” pinpointing the ship’s position. The 

pelorus was also used to avoid collisions by 

determining the movement of another ship 

relative to one’s own. If a series of bearings 

showed movement toward the Bow, the tarFigure 11: Refueling at sea, ca. 1952–54. 

BNHPA C1595, Acc. C 213, Box 1-125.

Figure 12: Offi cers on Open Bridge, 1954. BNHPA, Acc. 16, 

from “Cassin Young Cruise Book Photos” folder.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

50

get would pass ahead of you; if the bearing 

fell aft, the target would pass astern. 

The aft portion of the Bridge was known as 

the Signal Bridge, where various means of 

communication, such as signal fl ags, louvered 

fl ashing light, and semaphore were stored 

and used. Even at the time that Cassin Young

was decommissioned, these low-tech means 

of communications were still used, despite 

the fact that radios had been in use since 

World War I. Signal fl ags and semaphore 

were used in daytime, fl ashing light at night. 

These had limited range, and outside that 

range could not be picked up by an enemy 

and did not reveal the destroyer’s presence, 

an important consideration in wartime. 

Many of the maneuvering orders were sent 

by fl ags or light, and experienced Offi cers of 

the Deck interpreted the signals without the 

aid of the Signalmen. The Signalmen, however, were an essential backup and confi rmation of the Offi cer of the Deck’s understanding of the signal.

Chronology of Changes to Bridge

• 1955—“provide standard type (AN/SPA4) radar repeaters in open bridge and 

pilot house”56

 —“remove aft corners of Navigation 

Bridge deck”57

• 1957—“rearrangement of Open Bridge 

and pilot house”58

Bridge Figures: 10–16 

56 “Completed Ship Alterations,” November 6, 1953, 

9020.2, Completed Ship Alterations, 1954–59, USS 

Cassin Young Operational Archives, RG 3, Box 113, 

Folder 20, BNHPA; and “Arrival Conference Chart,” 

February 3, 1955, 4700.2, RG 3, Oversize Box 2, File 

15, BNHPA. 

57 “Records of Overhaul,” 4700.2, Records of Overhaul, March 23, 1955 – June 22, 1955, RG 3, Box 

74, Folder 9, sheet 7/23, BNHPA.

58 “Completed Ship Alterations,” August 1957, 

9020.2, Completed Ship Alterations, 1954–59, RG 

3, Box 113, Folder 20, BNHPA.

Figure 13: Offi cer on Open Bridge, 1956. BNHPA, 

“Mediterranean Cruise,” Box 182, folder 5.

Figure 14: Offi cer at pelorus, Open Bridge, 1956–57. BNHPA, 

“Mediterranean Cruise, USS Cassin Young,” Box 182. 
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

51

Figure 15: Offi cers on Open Bridge, starboard, 1956. 

BNHPA, “Mediterranean Cruise,” Box 182, folder 5.

Figure 16: Open Bridge with signal fl ags, 1956–57, 

“Mediterranean Cruise, USS Cassin Young,” BNHPA, 

Box 182.

List of Recommended Furnishings

A number of items on the Bridge should be removed for the winter months when visitation is lower and 

weather will contribute to their more rapid deterioration. These include the signal fl ags and bags, helmets, 

coff ee pot, and pots.

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Forward Bridge Compass repeater Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Conical rubber hood on Figure 13 Acquire and secure to repeater.

 radar repeater

Rudder angle dial Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Engine telegraph repeater Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Range azimuth fi nder Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Forward Bridge Dials Extant in compartment Use extant object.

—Port

Mark 37 sonar director Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Forward Bridge Phone Extant in compartment Use extant object.

—Starboard

Public address box Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Forward Bridge Sound-powered phone Extant in compartment Use extant object.

—Aft
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

52

Books and manuals, on 2 aft Book shelves extant in Acquire 2 shelf bars; acquire/

 bulkhead shelves; bars to secure compartment reproduce books and manuals*

 books on shelves and 2, 29-inch-wide shelves.

Port Bridge Signal lamp Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Circular socket Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Telephone stowage boxes, 4 Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Azimuth compass Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Starboard Bridge Signal lamp Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Circular socket Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Signal fl ag cleats Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Beacon switch manual key Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Captain’s chair Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Gyro repeater azimuth compass Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Voice tube Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Phone box headsets Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Aft Bridge Helmets, 10–15, in rack Figures 15-16 Acquire and secure to ship.

Flags, in signal bags Figures 15-16 Acquire and secure to ship; 

 remove seasonally.

Coffeepot, in windshield, port 8/27/02 Hooper to Heald e-mail Acquire and secure to ship.

 side, near signal bags

*Appropriate topics and titles: book of fl ag signals, radio/telephone procedures, zig-zag patterns, notice to mariners, night order book; 

Jane’s Fighting Ships; Watch Offi cer’s guide; telephone lists for offshore calls to Navy Yard; Cassin Young yard work schedule.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

53

Pilot House 

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

The Pilot House was the command center of a ship; it was intimately connected with the Bridge that surrounded it, but from the Pilot House itself the ship was directed and steered. Here, the Offi cer of the Deck, 

his assistant, the Junior Offi cer of the Deck, and the watch personnel tended to their duties, ensuring the 

safety of the ship, and navigating and maneuvering in accordance with the directives of the Commanding 

Offi cer. There were generally four lookouts on duty with each watch; one on each wing of the Bridge, one 

forward on the Bow, and one aft on the Fantail. They kept their eyes open for ships, aircraft, debris, people in 

the water, or anything that appeared unusual. The Lookouts, Messenger, and Helmsmen rotated their duties 

periodically throughout the watch, and more frequently during bad weather. In particularly bad weather no 

Lookouts were assigned to positions exposed to the weather.

Other members of the watch team were the Boatswain’s Mate of the Watch, several Lookouts, the Helmsman and Lee Helmsman, and a Messenger. The Helmsman was the individual who actually steered the ship. 

The helm was a large brass disk with a wooden 

rim. A rudder angle indicator, or pointer, told 

the Helmsman how far over the rudder was at a 

particular time. The Helmsman steered according to directions of the Conning Offi cer, either 

the Offi cer of the Deck or the Junior Offi cer of 

the Deck, whoever was giving the maneuvering 

orders at the time.

The 1953 photo of a Cassin Young Helmsman 

(Figure 17) shows part of the magnetic compass 

and one of the iron compensating spheres in the 

foreground. A magnetic compass was necessary 

in the event of a gyro compass failure. Since a 

magnetic compass did not depend on electricity, 

it could be used in an emergency. Above and behind the Helmsman are the polished brass ends 

of speaker tubes that connected the Helmsman’s 

station with the Bridge Wings and the top of 

the Pilot House. The Captain or Offi cer of the 

Deck used voice tubes to relay messages to the 

Helmsman without going to the door of the Pilot 

House or having another person relay the message—an asset when maneuvering in diffi cult 

situations requiring a rapid response. The clipboard behind the Helmsman shows how Cassin 

Young’s crew conducted routine business. In 

all likelihood the clipboard held the Plan of the 

Day, which gave the times for important events 

of the day such as reveille, meals, and exercises. 

Indeed, Figure 18 shows the Boatswain’s Mate of 

the Watch making an announcement over the 21 

Figure 17: Helmsman, Pilot House, 1953. BNHPA, 

“Mediterranean Cruise,” Box 182, folder 3.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

54

MC, the Captain’s shipwide speaker system. To his left a clipboard is handily available.

In Figure 19 the Lee Helmsman, whose duty it was to indicate 

to the men in the Engine Rooms the desired engine speed 

using the engine order telegraph, is in the foreground. This 

device told the men in the Engine Rooms not only the general 

speed but also indicated the exact number of revolutions per 

minute that was desired for the ship’s propellers.

In the Pilot House were three alarms: the general, chemical, 

and collision alarms. They were painted in bright colors: red, 

green, and yellow. Each morning these were tested, with an 

announcement made beforehand to warn the crew. On a destroyer such as Cassin Young, General Quarters (red alarm—

all men at their battle stations) was expected to be set within 

three minutes. 

The General Plans recorded changes in the Pilot House in 

both 1957 and 1958. The upholstered chair and locker were 

added on the starboard side in 1957, and the next year the 

chair was moved slightly aft to accommodate the addition of 

the Single Sideband Radio (SSB-1).59

Chronology of Changes to the Pilot House 

• 1955—“provide standard type (AN/SPA-4) radar repeaters in open bridge and pilot house”60

• 1957—“rearrangement of Open Bridge and pilot house”61

Pilot House Figures: 17–19

59 “Booklet of General Plans,” 1957 and 1958, S0103-432372, USS Cassin Young Drawings, Series I, RG 3, Plate 5, BNHPA. 

60 “Completed Ship Alteration,” November 6, 1953, 9020.2, Completed Ship Alterations, 1954–59, RG 3, Box 113, Folder 20, BNHPA; 

and “Arrival Conference Chart,” February 3, 1955, 2, 4700.2 Arrival Conference Charts, 1954–55, RG 3, Oversize, Box 2, File 15,

BNHPA. 

61 “Completed Ship Alteration,” August 1957, 9020.2, Completed Ship Alterations, 1954–59, RG 3, Box 113, Folder 20, BNHPA. 

Figure 18: Boatswain with pipe, Pilot 

House, 1954. BNHPA, Acc. 16, from “Cassin 

Young Cruise Book Photos” folder.

Figure 19: Lee Helmsman, Pilot House, 

1953. BNHPA, “Mediterranean Cruise,” Box 

182, folder 3.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

55

List of Recommended Furnishings

A few fi xtures that postdate the 1958 period of interpretation need to be removed from the Pilot House. These 

items are: 

• the socket below the clock, port bulkhead; install conventional electrical outlet in visually unobtrusive 

location for NPS maintenance

• the former TV monitor box and radio equipment on the chart table.

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Deck Chair Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Drafting arm, on chart table Sleeve to receive drafting arm Acquire.

 extant

Engine telegraph Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Helm Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Compasses Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Protractor and manuals, 2, on Standard furnishing for Acquire and secure to table.

 chart table compartment

Rudder degree dial Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Overhead Spyglasses, 2, in holders attached Holders extant in compartment Acquire and secure to holders.

 to overhead

Overhead lamp Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Forward Mugs , inside pigeon holes Extant empty pigeon holes Acquire.

bulkhead

Grease pencil for Plexiglas tactical Extant Plexiglas Secure Plexiglas and acquire

 situation board, above chart table grease pencil; record of tides, 

 weather, etc.

Phones, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Circular socket with plastic cap Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Clinometer Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Wall-mounted desk Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Navigation lamp, on wall- Sleeve to receive lamp Acquire.

 mounted desk extant 

Circular socket Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Wind direction and speed dials Extant in compartment Use extant object.

RCA SSB-1 radio-comm. equipment Extant in compartment; Plate 5, Use extant object.

 1958 Booklet of General Plans

Starboard Reproducer62 Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Circular socket with brass cap Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Aft bulkhead Sound-powered phone Extant in compartment Use extant object.

62 A reproducer was the amplifying portion of an audio system used in various compartments throughout the destroyer.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

56

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Clipboards, 2, one hanging over Figures 17–18; 8/27 and 8/29/02 Acquire and secure to ship.

 voice frequency, other in location Hooper to Heald e-mail63

 to be determined 

Running lights control panel Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Circular sockets with plastic caps, 6 Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Phones, 6 Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Radio set controls Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Heater Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Navigational beacon control Extant in compartment Use extant object.

panel

Switch boxes Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Circular sockets Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Speaker/amplifi er, 2 1 knob not extant Acquire.

Public address microphone and Extant in compartment Use extant object.

board

Pitometer Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Public address amplifi er power Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Casualty steering control Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Damping switch Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Heater control Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Gyro compass alarm Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Collision alarm Extant in compartment Use extant object.

General alarm Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Port Navigational radar Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Speaking tube Extant in compartment Use extant object.

21 MC Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Clock Extant in compartment Extant reproduction object remains.

Navigation lamp Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Intercom control box Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Chart table Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Loudspeaker Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Reproducer Extant in compartment Use extant object.

63 “I’m sure that I had a clipboard available on the bridge [in the pilot house] to hold current effective information 

relating to events both internal and about the formation of the ships in company. Also, a clipboard for drafting 

a message(s) to be sent by the ship via radio/visual or verbal, over one of the voice frequencies which we were 

guarding.” E-mail Capt. John Hooper to Sarah H. Heald, August 29, 2002, National Park Service, Harpers Ferry 

Center, Department of Planning and Research, Harpers Ferry, WV (henceforth HFC).
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

57

Captain’s Sea Cabin

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

The Captain’s Sea Cabin was very utilitarian, in contrast to his In-Port Cabin, where there was a comparative 

sense of luxury. The Sea Cabin’s primary purpose was as a sleeping space for the Captain while the ship was 

at sea. The Captain had to have ready and quick access to the Bridge at all times, and in an emergency, the 

distance from his cabin on the Main Deck might be too far, particularly given the necessity to negotiate two 

ladders. Additionally, the Sea Cabin became the Captain’s principal accommodation in the event that an offi cer senior to the Captain was riding the ship, in which case the ranking offi cer berthed in the In-Port Cabin. 

Captain Hooper noted that most of the Commanding Offi cer’s belongings were kept in the In-Port Cabin 

with just a “small amount of gear up on the sea cabin.”64

A 1954 document, marked “completed,” suggests that the Captain’s Sea Cabin and the Sonar Room on Cassin Young were switched, in all likelihood to provide greater space for the growing needs of sonar technology. 

Some modifi cations to the Sea Cabin may have taken place subsequent to the change, since the berth described in the 1954 Alteration Approval Record is not extant in the cabin today.65

Chronology of Changes to the Captain’s Sea Cabin 

• 1954—[marked “completed”] “BRIEF: REARRANGEMENT OF CAPTAIN’S SEA CABIN. . . . In order to 

utilize available space to the utmost, install a hinged type berth which can be raised in the stowed position 

and relocate the desk and chair under the berth as requested. . . . This shipalt should be reported complete 

with the accomplishment of the interchanging of the Sonar Control Room.”66

Captain’s Sea Cabin Figures: None

List of Recommended Furnishings

A brass hook on the door postdates the 1958 period of interpretation and should be removed from the Captain’s Sea Cabin.

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Overhead lamp Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Forward Lamp Extant in compartment Use extant object.

bulkhead

Phone Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Switchboard indicator Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Starboard Lamp Extant in compartment Use extant object.

bulkhead

Folding desk Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Aft bulkhead Books and manuals on shelves, 9/6/02 Hooper to Heald e-mail Acquire 2 shelf bars; acquire or 

 with bars to secure books in place reproduce books and manuals 

 and 5–10 popular fi ction paper-

 backs to fi ll 2 29-inch-wide 

 shelves.

64 Capt. John Hooper, interview, BNHPA.

65 “Alteration Approval Record,” October 8, 1954, 9020.2, Alteration Approval Records, USS Cassin Young Operational Archives, RG 3, Box 113, Folder 20, BNHPA.

66 Ibid.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

58

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Port Bunk with mattress, pillow, Standard furnishings for extant Acquire reproduction

sheet, blanket, Navy bedspread bunk mattress, sheets, pillow, blanket, 

 and bedspread.

Shower sandals at foot of bed Standard furnishing for Sea Cabin Acquire reproductions.

Washroom Mirror Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Cabinet Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Sink Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Toothbrush, bar of soap, Standard furnishing for bathroom Acquire soap, toothpaste,

toothpaste, shaving gear shaving gear; use toothbrush 

 BOSTC 00138.

Jacket, foul weather, with Standard furnishing for Captain’s Acquire reproduction.

 “Captain” stenciled on back, on Sea Cabin; Figure 12

 Washroom door hook 

Towel, white terrycloth, and wash Standard furnishings for bathroom Use extant door rack; acquire 

cloth, on door rack textiles.

Fire Control Station 

No documentary evidence found for this compartment.

Sonar Control Room

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

The use of sonar for underwater surveillance was standard by the 1930s, and two crew members monitored 

the electronic equipment from this compartment. It appears that Cassin Young’s Sonar Room was originally in 

a neighboring compartment but was switched to this larger space in 1954 as the technology expanded.67 Two 

units extant in the compartment display Boston Shipyard labels. The Data Distribution Panel on the forward 

bulkhead contains a label, “Made by Boston Shipyard,” and the amplifi er units for the Mk5 attack director 

have tags attached to them indicating they were calibrated in the Boston Naval Shipyard.68

Chronology of Changes to Sonar Control Room

• 1958—“install model AN/SQS-4 Sonar”69

Sonar Control Room Figures: None

67 Ibid.

68 The tags read: “calibrated by Boston Shipyard 1R 787.”

69 “Completed Ship Alterations,” May 19, 1958, 9020.2, Completed Ship Alterations, 1954–59, RG 3, Box 113, 

Folder 20, BNHPA.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

59

List of Recommended Furnishings

Assorted equipment is stored in Sonar Control at present. A more secure storage space, and one not historically furnished, should be designated for this equipment. A box of lights and a spare phone need to be removed from Sonar Control.

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Deck Seats, fi xed, 2, mid-compartment Extant in compartment Leather seats and backs need 

 conservation.

Overhead Lamps, overhead, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Forward 21 MC Extant in compartment Use extant object.

bulkhead

Data distribution panel Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Sonar set control Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Magnetic controller Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Starboard Range/bearing indicator Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Azimuth range Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Mark 6 control panel Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Aft bulkhead Attack director Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Sonar receiving set, AN/SQR-8 Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 with headset and breastplate

Sonar set, AN/SQS-4 with headset Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 and breastplate

Rudder angle dial Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Engine order equipment Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Sonar depth dial Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Sound-powered telephone Extant in compartment Use extant object.

switch box

Port MT ready switch Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Starboard MT ready switch Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Log indicator Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Port Boxes Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Vent set Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Speaker arm Extant in compartment Use extant object.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

60

01 Level

Radio Central

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

Radio Central, along with the nearby Coding or Crypto Room, was a highly classifi ed area, for which appropriate security clearance was required for admission. In these rooms, all of the radio messages came to the 

ship, or were sent from the ship. Incoming 

messages were typed and placed on a clipboard and routed to the Captain and others 

as appropriate. Many messages in and out of 

Radio Central were coded, including even 

simple things, such as orders for a ship to be 

somewhere at a certain time. Coded messages were deciphered in the Crypto Room 

and the key to decoding the messages was 

changed every day. Routine messages were 

routed on a schedule, but priority messages, 

requiring immediate action, were delivered 

to the Captain as soon as they were decoded 

and typed.

This compartment is one that seems to have 

been relatively untouched over the years 

since Cassin Young was decommissioned, 

and much of the historic radio equipment 

remains.

Chronology of Changes to Radio Central

• 1958—“NT-23146 located on supervisor’s desk in radio central”

 —“TBL-7, #7068, radio central; 

replace with AN/SRT”70

Radio Central Figures: 20–21

Figure 20: Radio Man at typewriter, 1956–57, “Mediterranean Cruise, USS Cassin Young,” BNHPA, Box 182.

70 “Completed Ship Alterations,” July 7, 1958, 9020.2, Completed Ship Alterations, 1954–59, RG 3, Oversize, Box 

2, Folders 17, 22, and 28, BNHPA. 
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

61

List of Recommended Furnishings

Modern items used for operating the radios today should be kept out of sight so as not to confuse the visiting 

public.

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Forward Radio Overhead lamp Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Central

Deck Chairs, 2 Extant in compartment; Figures Acquire chair identical to extant 

 20 and 21 chair; conservation of extant 

 chair upholstery needed.

Forward Radio-teletype equipment Extant in compartment; Figure 21 Use extant object.

bulkhead

Current regulator Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Plexiglas chart on bulkhead Figures 20 and 21 Acquire reproduction and mark 

 with grease pencil.

Starboard Switch panels Extant in compartment; Figure 21 Use extant object.

bulkhead

Door Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Reproducer Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Port bulkhead Long desk Extant in compartment; Figure 21 Use extant object.

Figure 21: Radio central, 1978. BNHPA 1978 Survey, Roll 13, No. 32.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

62

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Pigeonholes, metal, with spare Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 parts

Teletype machines, 2 Extant in compartment; Figure 21 Use extant objects.

Teletype terminal set Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Frequency shift converters, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Comparator Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Rectifi er power unit Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Radio receivers, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Radio phone adapter Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Radio transmitter Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Radio receiver Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Antenna loading coil Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Meter fi eld Extant in compartment Use extant object.

21 MC Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Aft Radio Overhead lamps, 5 Extant in compartment; Figure 21 Use extant objects. 

Central

Port Desks, 2, with typewriters, 2, Extant in compartment; Figures 20 Use extant objects. Conservation 

chairs, 2, and lamps, 2 and 21 of chair upholstery needed.

Butt can Figure 21 Acquire reproduction or 

 period piece.

Radio logs in typewriters Figure 20 Acquire reproductions.

Desk fi les Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Papers in desk fi les Standard furnishing for offi ce desk Acquire reproductions.

Coupler transmitter Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Monitor Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Power supply Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Radio receivers, 3 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Frequency shift converter Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Frequency indicator Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Electrical fi lter assembly Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Rectifi er power amplifi er Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Telegraph key Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Radiophone adapter Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Radio receiving sets, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Rectifi er power unit Extant in compartment Use extant object.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

63

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Shelf with books and manuals Extant in compartment; Figure 21 Reproduce select manuals and 

 books as listed in Acc. 26 

 Inventory, pp. 323, 327–332, 

 336, 339, 341–342; shelf is 23 

 inches wide.

Transmitter group Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Telephone Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Switchboard indicator Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Starboard Radio receiving sets, 6 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Radio transmitters, 3 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Battle lantern, under speaker- Hardware extant in compartment Acquire reproduction or period 

 amplifi er system piece.

Emergency Supply Manual Extant in compartment Use extant object.

control

Aft Power supply panels Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Nitrogen bottle holders, 2, Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 AN/SRT-15

Forward Compartment check-off list Hardware extant in compartment Acquire reproduction check-off 

 list.

Dial instrument Figure 20 Acquire reproduction or period 

 piece.

Clipboard and paper(s), on Figure 20 Acquire reproduction or period 

 forward bulkhead clipboard and papers.

Fire extinguisher Hardware extant in compartment Acquire reproduction or period 

 piece.

Passage 01-72

List of Recommended Furnishings

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Compartment check-off lists, 2, Hardware extant in compartment Acquire reproductions, 

 on Chart Room door 8-1/2 × 11 .

Compartment check-off list, Hardware extant in compartment Acquire reproduction, 

 port side, by stairs 8-1/2 × 11 .
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

64

40-Millimeter Mounts

Use, History, and Furnishings

Like all Fletcher-class destroyers, Cassin Young originally had ten 40-millimeter antiaircraft guns mounted 

on its decks. These guns worked in coordination with the ship’s full complement of 5-inch and 20-millimeter guns and were a vital part of mid-20th-century Naval warfare. During Cassin Young’s post–World War 

II tenure the 40-millimeter guns continued to be maintained. In her 1955 Charlestown Navy Yard overhaul, 

gun No. 42 was repaired, and replotting adjustments were made to a number of the guns with the installation 

of the new AN/SLR-2 radar. Repairs to 40-millimeter mounts slated for as late as the June 1958 overhaul of 

the ship were cancelled, and in fact the guns—no longer of practical use—were removed from the destroyer 

at the South Boston Navy Yard in August of that year prior to the ship entering the Charlestown Navy Yard 

for its fi nal overhaul.71 Comparison of the 1955, 1957, and 1958 Booklets of General Plans not only shows the 

removal of the 40-millimeter guns, but the renaming of a few compartments that came with their removal.72

The National Park Service reintroduced some 40-millimeter antiaircraft guns to the ship in the early 1980s as 

part of the Park Service’s renovation of the ship in preparation for public visitation.

Chronology of Changes to the 40-Millimeter Mounts

• 1955—“repair 40mm mount # 42”73

 —“install AN/SLR—2 equipment (includes replotting fi ring cut out cams on 2 40mm quads, 1 40mm twin 

and 2 5”/38 mounts)”74

• 1958—for 1 40MM Twin mount MK1 Mod. 2: “Strengthen the fi ring mechanism cover side plates to 

prevent the plates from distorting and cover door from sagging . . . Remove fi ring mechanism cover (spray 

shield) from 1 40MM . . . install re-inforcing ribs to side plates of frame assembly. . . . Weld . . . reinstall 

spray shield(s) on carriage . . . Cancel; reason: Deslant Action”75

 —“Repairs to 40 MM Mounts—Cancelled [n.d.] - for 3 mounts (#’s 41 (quad Mk. 4); Mt. 42 (Quad Mk. 4); 

Mt. 43 (Twin Mk. 1 Mod. 2))—most repairs focus on train brakes and anticipators and elevation adjusters”76

 —“Removal of gun foundations & blanking of holes after removal of 40 MM guns. . . . After removal of 40 

mm guns burn off and remove gun ring foundations clean deck blank holes in deck in way of removed 

gun rings. Install lap patches to empty shell disposal openings. Install lap patches to holes in deck after 

removal of cable areas.”77

List of Recommended Furnishings

Because 40-millimeter guns were not on Cassin Young in fall 1958, it is recommended that they be removed as 

part of the refurnishing of the ship to this later time period. Although they were actually removed at the South 

Boston Navy Yard, the park would like to exhibit a gun on the adjoining pier at the Charlestown Navy Yard as 

if it was being removed. This would both enhance the industrial feel of the yard and retain on view a World 

War II–era gun so critical to the destroyer, its history, and its interpretation.

71 Bernard Cooney, interview by Francy K. Bockhoven, February 12, 1980, transcript, 34, USS Cassin Young Oral History Project, BNHPA.

72 “Booklet of General Plans,” 1955, 1957, and 1958, S0103-432372, plates 3, 4, 5, and 6, USS Cassin Young

Drawings, Series I, RG 3, BNHPA. 

73 “Records of Overhaul,” 4700.2, Records of Overhaul, March 23, 1955 – June 22, 1955, RG 3, Box 74, Folder 9, 

sheet 6/23, BNHPA.

74 Ibid., sheet 8/23.

75 “Job Order,” June 3, 1958, Records of Overhaul, RG 3, Part4/4, Box 75, Folder 3, BNHPA.

76 “Job Order,” June 23, 1958, Records of Overhaul, RG 3, Part 4/4, Box 75, Folder 3, BNHPA.

77 “Job Order,” August 29, 1958, Records of Overhaul, RG 3, Part 4/4, Box 75, Folder 3, BNHPA.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

65

Hedgehogs 

Use, History, and Furnishings

Antisubmarine weapons—hedgehogs—were added to Cassin Young in the post-Second World War years and 

were certainly on the ship by 1952–54, as they are evident in a refueling photograph of the destroyer (Figure 

11; the hedgehogs are the long, narrow projectiles clustered together at an angle on the left side of the photograph).78 As The Bluejackets’ Manual described, hedgehogs made direct hits on submarines, exploding on 

contact. “Strictly a surface ship’s weapon, they are propelled forward in patterned groups by a gun-fi ring 

charge.”79

Chronology of Changes to Hedgehogs

• 1955 and 1957—MK 11 PROJ P/S located between Navigating Bridge and No. 2 5-inch gun80

• 1958—Same hedgehogs, but location changed to aft and to the side of the Navigation Bridge.81

Hedgehogs Figure: 11

List of Recommended Furnishings

Cassin Young would not have had any ammunition on board while in the Charlestown Navy Yard but rather 

would head to Hingham when going out to sea to have ammunition loaded. To help the visiting public better 

understand the workings of the destroyer, however, it is recommended that hedgehogs be displayed on board 

the ship.

78 Hedgehogs are also noted in the “Booklet of General Plans,” 1955, 1957, and 1958, plates 3, and 6, USS Cassin 

Young Drawings, Series I, RG 3, BNHPA.

79 The Bluejackets’ Manual, 16th ed., 266. 

80 “Booklet of General Plans,” 1955, 1957, plates 3, and 6, USS Cassin Young Drawings, Series I, RG 3, BNHPA.

81 “Booklet of General Plans,” 1958, plate 3, USS Cassin Young Drawings, Series I, RG 3, BNHPA.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

66

Main Deck

5-Inch Guns

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

Like all Fletcher-class destroyers, Cassin Young originally had a total of fi ve 5-inch guns centrally mounted 

on the Main Deck and the 01 level of the ship. The largest of the gun types arming the destroyer, they used 

semifi xed ammunition and could fi re a 54-pound projectile more than 8.5 miles at an elevation of 45 degrees. 

When not in use, the barrel adjustment mechanics were shrouded (Figures 3 and 4) to protect them from the 

sea elements.

The 5-inch guns were dual-purpose weapons—that is, they fi red at surface targets or they were elevated up to 

85 degrees to fi re on aircraft. With the complete enclosure of the gun, it became too heavy to be trained and 

elevated by hand. Within the gun house were motors that helped do this heavy work. Assisting to fi nd the target and aim the guns was the gun director, which was mounted atop the Pilot House. The director had both 

optical range fi nders and radar. Information from the director was fed to the gun fi re computer in the I.C. 

Room, then sent to the guns so as to determine where to aim to “lead” the target to a hit.

Until World War II, if the ship’s crew was fi ring at an airplane, the computer also had to estimate how much 

time it would take after fi ring until the projectile was close to the aircraft. It was necessary manually to set, 

or “cut” the fuzes to the correct time, which might be in hundredths of a second. One of the great inventions 

of the war was the VT, or variable time fuze, which had a small radio transmitter and receiver built into the 

nose of the projectile. When the gun was fi red, the shock broke a small vial of electrolyte, which the spinning 

of the projectile forced into a small battery. The projectile then began transmitting a radio signal. When the 

projectile came within range of an aircraft, the signal bounced off the plane and the receiver in the projectile 

detected the refl ected signal. When the projectile was within the lethal kill radius, it exploded. Therefore, it 

was no longer necessary to calculate the time of fl ight between gun and airplane. This weapon became vitally 

important as multiple air attacks became more and more common during the war.

Eleven crew members manned the gun house of each 5-inch gun. Crew loaded shells and explosives that were 

hoisted up from the Handling Room below into the gun, and all was ready in the event of electronic problems 

and the need to manually fi re the gun. 

Chronology of Changes to 5-Inch Guns 

No major changes appear to have been made to Cassin Young’s 5-inch guns. The reference that follows appears to be typical of the ongoing maintenance the guns required.

• 1958—conditions noted (mounts 51–55) about “train and elevation response” of each gun; either “satisfactory, rough, or not within paper limits.” “Action: correct defi ciencies.”82

5-Inch Gun Figures: 3–4 (all exterior, no interior images)

82 “Memorandum from Code 290 to Code 221 Subj: USS Cassin Young—Report on Dynamic 

Test and Error Recordings of 5 /38 Caliber Mounts,” September 5, 1958, 4700.2, Records of 

Overhaul, RG 3, Part 4/4, Box 75, Folder 3, BNHPA. 
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

67

List of Recommended Furnishings

The gun houses of mounts 51 and 55 are on the Main Deck, and although the public can not enter them, they 

may be viewed from a small platform a few steps up from the deck. This report recommends that both gun 

houses remain open for visitors to see, since they are at opposite ends of the ship and the Main Deck is open 

for the public to visit unescorted. The park should consider adding supplemental lighting to these spaces to 

make the interiors more easily seen by the public. All the 5-inch guns on Cassin Young should be shrouded, as 

they would have been when not in use.

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Emergency lights, red, 5 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Sound-powered phone trumpet Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Port Heaters Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Projectile rack Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Hoist switch Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Starboard Circular sockets Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Training elevation indicator switch Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Auto-parallax Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Telephone selector switch Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Heater Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Fire and load switches Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Forward Train indicator regulator Extant in compartment Use extant object.

bulkhead

Defl ection indicator adjustment Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Gun Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Hoist Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Gun elevator Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Aft bulkhead Reproducer Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Switches Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Battle lanterns, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Circular socket Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Heater Extant in compartment Use extant object.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

68

Repair Lockers

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

Cassin Young’s repair parties for damage control on board the destroyer used Repair Lockers. There are four 

Repair Lockers on the Main Deck of Cassin Young, and the destroyer had three repair parties. The forwardmost Repair Locker (No. 1) is just forward of the Wardroom Messroom on the port side. It held equipment 

to handle battle or accidental damage forward of the forward bulkhead of the foremost Fire Room. Repair 

2 is also in the forward portion of the ship, and it primarily housed materials for casualty power operations. 

Repair 3 was for correcting damage to the ship aft of the aft Engine Room, and Repair 5 was concerned with 

casualties in the engineering spaces. The Damage Control Assistant directed all emergency repairs from Damage Control Central, the passage outside Repair Locker 5.83 The diff erent Repair Lockers were stocked with a 

wide array of emergency and repair equipment, all of which was used when fi ghting damage, putting out fi res, 

controlling fl ooding, plugging holes, providing fi rst aid, or correcting the listing of the ship due to too much 

water taken in on one side. By the 1950s equipment for handling atomic, biological, and chemical warfare was 

present as well.

Chronology of Changes to Repair Lockers

No major changes appear to have been made to Cassin Young’s Repair Lockers. Stocking of each Repair 

Locker undoubtedly changed over the years, but no specifi c evidence of such changes was found while 

researching this report.

Repair Lockers Figures: None (see Appendix F for a completed, April 1959, check-off list for Repair 2.) 

List of Recommended Furnishings 

Cassin Young Repair Lockers appear to be well furnished, although, to date, time has not permitted a thorough inventory of them, nor has research revealed a solid understanding of their exact contents in 1958. In 

essence they should contain standard repair and fi refi ghting gear such as “handy-billies” (handheld water 

pumps), protective clothing, plugs, and the like. The lists that follow refl ect the most recent inventory of these 

lockers.

Repair Locker 1 (Repair Party Locker A-1021/2A)

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Port Exhaust cover, ventilation fan Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Cylinder deck, to hedgehogs, Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 overhead

Starboard Shelf, holding brass nozzles, Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

hose fi ttings and fi tting tools,

 small, heavy coupling hammer

Fire extinguisher, brass Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Hose attachments, long brass Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Brass nozzles Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

83 E-mail, Hooper to Heald, August 12, 2002, HFC.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

69

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Coil of canvas hose Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Shelves, short, 4, holding gas Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

masks and oxygen canisters on 

 top 2 shelves

Sledges, mauls and damage Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

control “corks,” on bottom 2 

 short shelves 

Hose attachments, longer brass Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Overhead Lamp Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Repair Locker 2

The forward Repair 2 area was part of a passage just aft of the Captain’s Inport WC and Shower. Unlike the 

other Repair Lockers on the Main Deck, this was more of a station than an actual repair storage area. Two 

sets of emergency power cables were kept here on racks. Appendix F is a check-off list for Repair 2, but it is 

unclear where all of the enumerated items would have been located in the actual passage.

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Emergency power cables, 2 Rack extant in compartment 1 power cable extant, acquire 

 second emergency power cable 

 and hang on rack.

Repair Locker 5

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Port Gas masks Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Shore and plug kits in canvas Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 sacks

Brass cables with hooks Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Starboard Shelf, holding wood shims and Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

asbestos gloves

Forward Hose bin with several hoses Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

bulkhead

Shelves, with oxygen breathing Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

apparatus canisters, brass nozzles

Axes, sledges, wrenches, Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

mallets, red helmets, gas masks

Tool belts, tool boxes Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Overhead Overhead lamp Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Circular socket Extant in compartment Use extant object.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

70

Aft Repair Locker 3

According to its door label, this Repair Locker housed asbestos fi refi ghting equipment. This shallow locker 

will remain closed and thus unfurnished.

Wardroom Messroom 

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

The Wardroom Messroom served multiple functions on Cassin Young: offi cers’ dining room, conference 

room, lounge, movie theater, and if necessary, operating room. Two seatings of each meal were served in the 

Wardroom to accommodate the change of shifts and the number of offi cers on board. The Captain ate with 

the offi cers and presided at the head of the table. The Executive Offi cer sat at the Captain’s right hand, with 

offi cers alternating back and forth across the table in order of rank. A white tablecloth and silverware lent an 

air of style to the setting, and as 1st Lt. MacDonald recalled, “We ate a little better! . . . We would have special 

dinners once in a while, and of course we kicked in. They gave us a food allowance.”84

84 Don MacDonald, interview by Francy K. Bockhoven, August 14, 1983, transcript, USS Cassin Young Oral History 

Project, BNHPA. 

Figure 22: Offi cers en route to observe a 

NATO exercise, Wardroom Messroom, ca. 

August 1959. Courtesy of Capt. John Hooper.

Figure 23: Offi cers playing cards in Wardroom Messroom (left to right): Lt. Cmdr. 

James R. Vallely, Executive Offi cer; Ens. Robert N. Davies, Supply Offi cer; Ens. Francis 

Henry, Damage Control Offi cer; Ens. Patrick 

D. Joynt, Asst. Engineering Offi cer; Lt. (jg) 

Warren D. Richards, Communications Offi cer; and Lt. (jg) Thomas B. Worthen, Antisubmarine Offi cer, August 11, 1959. Courtesy 

of Capt. John Hooper. 
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

71

The stewards serving the offi cers were usually Filipino or African American, as were 

the cooks. The stewards wore white mess 

jackets when both serving and working in 

the Pantry. In addition to waiting on the offi cers, they were responsible for cleaning the 

table and changing the tablecloth as well as 

emptying ashtrays and restowing magazines 

on a daily basis. Once a week the stewards 

polished the silverware and changed any 

slipcovers in use.85 Generally, slipcovers were 

85 “Supply Department Order No. 12, Subj: Instructions to Personnel of the Stewards Branch” n.d. [ca. 1958–59], 

4400, USS Cassin Young Operational Archives, RG 3, Box 60, Folder 7, BNHPA. 

Figure 24: Offi cers on couch, Wardroom Messroom, left, 

Ens Gary McDougal, and right, Lt. (jg) Jack Hall, ca. August 

1959. Courtesy of Capt. John Hooper.

Figure 25: Wardroom Messroom, possibly Cassin Young recommission, ca. 1952. BNHPA, “from 

framed photo in NA/NH fi le.”
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

72

used for more formal occasions to cover 

the Wardroom’s chairs and cushions on the 

two couches. By at least the late 1950s, Capt. 

Hooper recalled, the slipcovers were white 

with brown piping (Figures 23, 27 and 28).86

Other than for special occasions, these covers would have been removed when Cassin 

Young was at sea. 

For meetings in the Wardroom, a green baize 

cloth covered the table, but silver was still 

present, as the situation merited (Figure 22). 

In the evening, more than any other time 

during the day, the Wardroom Mess hosted 

offi cers as they relaxed, reading or playing 

cards, listening to a record, watching a movie, 

or if in port, the television.87 A U.S. Navy 

Motion Picture Transfer and Inventory Record for Cassin Young for March 1957 indicated the types of movies viewed, although it is 

not known if these were exclusively for offi -

cers or crew, or seen by all. In a period of two 

weeks, this record showed 11 movies brought 

on board to screen.88 Popular card games 

included cribbage (Figure 5) and bridge. The 

incidental ashtrays and cigarettes in a number of the Wardroom photographs betray the 

smoking habit common of the era. In a closed 

space like the Wardroom, when there were a 

number of offi cers present, there would often 

be a haze of cigarette smoke fl oating in the 

upper half of the compartment.

86 E-mail, Hooper to Heald, June 9, 2002, HFC.

87 Although a television was present in the Wardroom 

Mess (Figures 20 and 23), it is not clear that it was 

actually used often. Captain Hooper recalled, “it 

was ‘useless’ while at sea once the ship was out of 

sight of land, and I can’t remember ever watching 

any program on it.” E-mail, Hooper to Heald, June 

9, 2002, HFC.

88 “U.S. Navy Motion Picture Transfer and Inventory 

Record,” March 31, 1957, 4440.2, USS Cassin 

Young Operational Archives, RG 3, Box 61, Folder 9, 

BNHPA. Among the movies listed were The Scarlet 

Spear, Football Bowl Games, 23 Paces to Baker 

Street, Bhowani Junction, and The Revolt of Mamie 

Stover.

Figure 26: Offi cer with record player in Wardroom 

Messroom, 1956–57, “Mediterranean Cruise, USS Cassin 

Young.” BNHPA, Box 182.

Figure 27: Offi cer in Wardroom Messroom, 1956–57, 

“Mediterranean Cruise, USS Cassin Young.” BNHPA, Box 182.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

73

During General Quarters, or at any other time of emergency, 

the Wardroom could be converted to an operating room. The 

only known time that this occurred on Cassin Young was during the Second World War when they were unable to transfer 

a crew member with appendicitis to a larger ship. Cassin 

Young’s doctor, Lt. Eugene S. Sevensma, later recalled his

fi rst appendectomy at sea. . . . It was not practical because of nightfall and heavy seas, to transfer the person 

to a larger ship . . . . the Captain was given permission to 

‘proceed on independent course and station,’ which meant 

that he would leave the Task Force, and steer a course that 

would create the least roll and pitch to the ship. The Pharmacist Mates and I started to make preparations to do the 

surgery in the wardroom. . . . The patient was then transferred to the Captain’s stateroom on the main deck next to 

the wardroom.89

Research indicates only a few changes in furnishings in the 

Wardroom Mess over the years that Cassin Young saw service, 

but its World War II appearance would have been a bit more 

formal than it was by the mid-1950s. In its original confi guration a few of the case pieces in the Wardroom, 

while utilitarian and metal, had mahogany and other wood decorative elements.90 In 1955 the destroyer’s 

Wardroom Mess received new furnishings when the Navy refurbished a number of vessels of the same class; a 

“MEREDITH type wardroom table and serving table” replaced the earlier pieces, and the fl oor was redecked 

with “fi re retardant linoleum tile.”91 These are thought to be the fi xed furniture extant on the destroyer today.

89 “Cassin Young 50th Anniversary Commemorative Booklet, Cassin Young,” Vertical fi le, drawer 1, Lt. Eugene S. 

Sevensma, “The Appendectomy,” BNHPA.

90 The serving table and linen locker had a “mahogany fi ddle board,” and a 36 × 74 bookcase boasted “pilasters 

and solid panels.” The serving table likely was where the present serving table is on the aft bulkhead; the location 

of the bookcase is not known. The Jamestown Metal Corporation made these pieces of furniture. “Design and 

Construction Records,” April 13, 1943, 3450, “S” Map Case 14, Drawer 1, Folder 3, Sheet 18-101, BNHPA.

91 The term “MEREDITH type” refers to the mid-1950s alterations to USS Meredith, a Gearing-class destroyer that 

received a wide range of “improvements” as a test of upgrading destroyer livability for offi cers and crew alike. 

“All the factors that go to make a ship a home,” included fl uorescent lighting, seating with backs on benches in 

messes, new paint colors to brighten appearance, improved crew washrooms, lockers and bunks. The goal was to 

increase effi ciency on board and to keep re-enlistment rates high. See “Fighting Ships: They’re Still Snug But a Better Fit,” All Hands: The Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin, (January 1954), 2–6. Cassin Young received 

many of these MEREDITH type alterations in its 1955 overhaul. The Cassin Young Wardroom Messroom may have 

had rugs on the deck prior to 1954, as some destroyers in its class did. The 1954 paperwork also noted: “All 

existing wardroom rugs should be removed.” “Alteration Approval Record,” April 27, 1954, 9020.2, RG 3, Box 

113, Folder 20, BNHPA. The cost for materials in this rearrangement was $2,067, while the total price was $8,572. 

“Departure Report Alterations,” 1955, USS Cassin Young Operational Archives, RG 3, sheet 13/23, BNHPA.

Figure 28: Offi cer in Wardroom Messroom, 

1956–57, “Mediterranean Cruise, USS Cassin 

Young.” BNHPA, Box 182.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

74

Figure 29: Wardroom Messroom, 1978. BNHPA 1978 Survey, Roll 23, No. 35.

In the early 1950s 1st Lt. Don MacDonald made a mahogany case to display the sword and Congressional 

Medal of Honor donated to the destroyer by Cmdr. Cassin Young’s widow.92 As Figure 8 shows, the case hung 

on the forward bulkhead of the Wardroom, surmounted by a bronze ship’s plaque mounted on a mahogany 

shield. Assorted other furnishings in the Wardroom Mess appear in historic photographs of the compartment.The World War II–era durable Navy china with blue band and anchor continued to be used through the 

end of the 1950s (Figures 22 and 26). In addition to silver and slipcovers, fashionable curtains hanging at the 

portals and doorways distinguished the compartment. Indeed, just like the style on land, the textiles on board 

refl ected changing design trends, as seen in the abstract and asymmetrical shapes of the postwar curtain fabric 

(Figure 27), which by the late 1950s was replaced by a more staid brown and beige plaid (Figures 5, 22–23).

Comparison of the Booklets of General Plans indicates virtually no major changes in the compartment between 1955 and 1958. A shelf was added to the forward corner, port side, in 1957. It was labeled “PHO” and 

may have been for the phonograph (there is no indication via other hardware that a phone was ever in this 

corner), but a television set appears on this corner shelf in photographs from the period (Figures 22 and 27). 

A moveable coff ee table of the same style as the built-in Wardroom furniture was between the two starboardside couches by at least 1955 (Figures 5 and 23).93

Wardroom Messroom Figures: 5, 8, 22–29

92 Marra, May 16, 1979, transcript, 58–59. Don MacDonald, interview, Arsen Charles, January 21, 1985, Note to 

fi le [write up of phone conversation], “Cassin Young—Ship Furnishings” Folder, Cassin Young Vertical File, drawer 

1, BNHPA. 

93 “Booklet of General Plans,” 1955, plate 7, USS Cassin Young Drawings, Series I, RG 3, BNHPA.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

75

List of Recommended Furnishings

The modern public address system and “wayside” panel on the forward bulkhead should be removed, as 

should the operating lamp, as it would only have been installed when actually in use. Moveable stanchions 

should be acquired to demark visitor pathway and provide security for reproduction objects.The Wardroom 

Mess is furnished as it might have appeared, with offi cers having coff ee and discussing their departure from 

the Charlestown Navy Yard after its 1958 overhaul.

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Fluorescent lights, 8 Extant in compartment; Figure 8 Use extant objects.

Emergency lamps, red 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Mid- Mess table Extant in compartment; Figures 5 Use extant object.

compartment and 22–28; Booklets of General 

 Plans (hereafter “Booklets”) 1955, 

 1957, 1958 

Table cover, green felt Extant in compartment; Figures Acquire reproduction.

 5, 22, and24

Chart, Boston harbor Logical furnishing for interpretive Acquire reproduction.

 scenario

Figure 30: Wardroom Messroom as it will appear after refurnishing to 1958. Illustration by 

Steven N. Patricia.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

76

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Coffee cups partially fi lled with Logical furnishing for interpretive Acquire period pieces and

 artifi cial coffee, saucers, scenario; Figures 22, 25, and 26 artifi cial coffee.

teaspoons, napkins, 3 each 

Cream and sugar bowls with Logical furnishing for interpretive Acquire period pieces and

 artifi cial cream and sugar, sugar scenario; Figures 22, 25 and 26 artifi cial cream and sugar.

tongs 

Ash trays, 2, with artifi cial Logical furnishing for interpretive Acquire or reproduce. 

cigarettes scenario; Figures 5 and 22–24

Package of cigarettes Logical furnishing for interpretive Acquire or reproduce Winston

 scenario; Figures 5 and 22–24 cigarette package.

Cigarette lighter Logical furnishing for interpretive Acquire period piece.

 scenario; Figure 24

Chairs, 8, arm Figures 22-24 and 27-28 Use chairs presently in 

 compartment.

Forward Corner shelf Figures 22 and 27; Booklets 1957, Use extant object.

bulkhead 1958

Television, on corner shelf Figures 22 and 27 Acquire.

Framed item, possibly “framed Figure 22; 1960 Stowage Plan Acquire or reproduce.

 Unit Commendation award 

 Cassin Young DD-793 signed by 

 James Forrestal, Secretary of Navy” 

Fans, 2 Figures 8 and 22 Acquire, paint same color as 

 bulkhead.

Cassin Young’s sword and medal Figure 8; Marra interview Use sword BOSTC 00224; 

of honor in mahogany case acquire or reproduce medal of 

 honor and case.

Plaque, battle effi ciency “E,” Figures 8 and 22; 1960 Stowage Use original shield presently in

 Destroyer force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Plan Crew Berthing exhibition.

Couch Booklets 1955, 1957, 1958; Use extant object; reupholster.

 Figures 23 and 24

Throw pillows, 2, on couch Figures 23 and 24 Acquire reproductions with 

 upholstery to match couches.

Framed print of painting, over Figure 5; 1960 Stowage Plan Acquire or reproduce.

 couch, “Bremerhaven Marine 

 Academy” 

Starboard Curtains, 2 pair, brown and beige Figures 5 and 23; 1980s Acquire reproductions based on

bulkhead plaid with solid brown tie-backs, reproduction of original curtain accs. BOSTC 171 and 223 (original) 

 for portholes presently in Captain’s In-Port Cabin and BOSTC 277 (reproduction), 

 cat. BOSTC 00265 and 00273.

Portieres for door to Main Deck Figures 5 and 23; 1980s Acquire reproductions based on

 reproduction of original curtain accs. BOSTC 171 and 223

 presently in Captain’s In-Port Cabin (original) and BOSTC 277 

 (reproduction), cat. BOSTC 00265 

 and 00273.

Screen door Figures 5 and 23 Acquire or reproduce.

Aft bulkhead Serving table with drawers and Booklets 1955, 1957, 1958; Use extant object.

 cabinets under window to Pantry Figure 24 
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

77

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Framed photograph of Capt. 1960 Stowage Plan Acquire or reproduce; [possibly at

 Cassin Young Norfolk Shipyard or Naval 

 Services Ctr., Arlington, VA].

Coffee-warmer, 2-burner, on Figure 26 Acquire.

 serving table

Coffee pots, 2, on coffee warmer Figure 26 Acquire.

Magazine rack, 6 rows Extant in compartment Use extant object, 29 inches wide.

Magazines to stock rack Logical furnishing for interpretive Acquire or reproduce.

 scenario

Portieres on door to passage Extant hanging hardware; Figures Acquire reproductions based on

 5 and 23; reproduction of original accs. BOSTC 171 and 223

 curtain presently in Captain’s In- (original) and BOSTC 277

 Port Cabin (reproduction), cat. BOSTC 

 00265 and 00273.

Radio, set in wall Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object. 

 1955, 1957, 1958 

Thermometer Extant in compartment Use extant object. 

Fans, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects; paint same 

 color as bulkheads.

End table, at end of couch Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

 1955, 1957, 1958; Figures 23 

 and 24 

Ashtrays, 2, on end table Figures 5, 23, and 24 Acquire.

Couch Booklets 1955, 1957, 1958; Use extant object; reupholster.

 Figures 23 and 24

Throw pillows, 2, on couch Figures 5 and 24 Acquire reproductions with 

 upholstery to match couches.

Book shelves, 2 Figure 24 Acquire or reproduce.

Books for book shelves, hard cover Figure 24 Acquire or reproduce books, 

 including A Sailor’s Life, popular 

 fi ction, Reader’s Digest

 condensed books, titles 

 published by the Naval Institute 

 Press, and books with reference 

 letters in white on spine.

Port bulkhead Speaker/amplifi er Extant in compartment; Figures Use extant object. 

 26 and 28

Clock Extant in compartment; Figures Extant reproduction object 

 26 and 28 remains.

Framed, autographed photograph 1960 Stowage Plan Acquire or reproduce.

 of Chief Naval Offi cer, Admiral 

 Burke

Reproducer Extant in compartment Use extant object. 

Curtains, 2 pair, brown and beige Figure 22; reproduction of Acquire reproductions based on

 plaid with solid brown tie-backs, original curtain presently in accs. BOSTC 171 and 223

 for portholes Captain’s In-Port Cabin (original) and BOSTC 277 

 (reproduction), cat. BOSTC 

 00265 and 00273.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

78

Wardroom Pantry

Compartment Use, History, and 

Furnishings

Perhaps no place on the ship more exemplifi ed the need for organization and having 

everything in its proper place than the Wardroom Pantry. In this tight, effi cient space, the 

offi cers’ food was prepared. The cooks then 

passed the prepared food through to the 

stewards at the serving table in the Wardroom. 

The Pantry gives an appreciation of the close 

quarters in which many of the crew worked 

and how neatly everything had to be stowed 

when at sea. Everything—plates, cups, silverware—was stowed so that it was safe from the 

rolling and pitching of the ship. Inspection 

was conducted on a weekly basis to ensure 

that the Pantry remained clean and sanitary.

Nothing in the written record indicates that 

any changes were made to the Wardroom Pantry over the course of Cassin Young’s service.94

One historic image of the compartment (Figure 31) shows how the space was stocked in 1956 and also reveals 

two fi xed furnishings not in the compartment today—a fan on the aft bulkhead and stainless steel shelving for 

cups and saucers on the port bulkhead above the sink. It is not known when or why these were removed, but 

in the absence of evidence supporting their removal, they should be reintroduced so as to present a more fully 

furnished Pantry.

At some point since the National Park Service has had possession of the destroyer, a window was cut through 

the aft bulkhead to provide a look into Combat Information Central (CIC) for interpretive purposes. This 

window should be fi lled back in. A Plexiglas barrier should be installed at the entry to the Pantry so that the 

small furnishings of a fully stocked space will remain securely in place for all visitors to view.

Wardroom Pantry Figure: 31

List of Recommended Furnishings

The chrome-plated towel dispenser on the aft bulkhead postdates 1958 and should be removed; likewise, the 

opening in the aft bulkhead should be covered.

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Overhead lamps, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Emergency lamp, red Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Port Sink Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Dish rag, hanging on sink Figure 31 Acquire dish rag.

94 The Booklets of General Plans show no changes to the compartment from 1955 to 1958.

Figure 31: Crew in Wardroom Messroom Pantry, 1956. 

BNHPA, “Mediterranean Cruise,” Box 182, folder 5.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

79

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Counter with storage/draining Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 space below

Plate rack with plates and saucers Extant in compartment; Figure 31 Acquire plates and saucers.

Potato chip bags, 2 Figure 31 Acquire bags.

Cup and saucer rack with cups Figures 22 and 31 Acquire rack and cups and saucers.

and saucers

Glass racks with large tumblers Rack extant in compartment; Acquire tumblers.

 Figure 31

Forward Counter with drawers and cabinets Extant in compartment Use extant object.

bulkhead

Coffee can, can opener, coffee Appropriate furnishings for coffee Acquire coffee can, can opener, 

fi lters having been served in adjoining coffee fi lters.

 Wardroom

Glass rack with parfait glasses Extant in compartment; Figure 31 Acquire parfait glasses.

Shelving with plates, serving Extant in compartment; Figure 31 Acquire plates, serving bowls, 

bowls, water pitchers, sugar bin, water pitchers, sugar bin, and

with dry goods glass jars glass jars.

Refrigerator Extant in compartment; Figure 31 Use extant object.

Starboard Door, with check-off list Hardware extant in compartment Reproduce check-off list.

Aft bulkhead Fan Mounting hardware extant in Acquire fan.

 compartment; Figure 31

Vent exhaust Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Call box for stewards Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Passage A-102LAC

No documentary evidence was found for this compartment, other than the three 1950s Booklets of General 

Plans. The Booklets indicate no change in the passage.

List of Recommended Furnishings

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Overhead lamps, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Emergency lamp, red Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Port Plexiglas window (plotting board) Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 to CIC with hinged cover and wall

 hook

Circular socket Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Starboard Coat hooks Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Reproducer Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Red emergency lamp Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Switches and connection boxes Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Forward Circular socket Extant in compartment Use extant object.

bulkhead
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

80

Combat Information Central (CIC)

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

Immediately aft of the Wardroom Pantry was CIC, the fi ghting center of the ship. Developed during World 

War II to combat surface, subsurface, and air targets simultaneously, CIC is an indication of how complex 

naval warfare became during the war. With the possibility of attacks from such varied sources as other ships, 

aircraft, and submarines, a new way of analyzing threats emerged. It was no longer possible for the Captain, or 

any single individual, to evaluate a target and direct the ship’s weapons to engage it. Indeed, to defend against 

the multiple attacks, there were multiple weapons that could be brought to bear. Submarines could be hit with 

torpedoes, depth charges, or hedgehogs. Surface targets could be opposed with guns, both the fi ve-inch main 

battery and the 40-millimeters, or they could be attacked with torpedoes. The guns also defended against air 

attacks. 

In CIC all of the information needed for attack or defense was plotted and evaluated. Information from radar 

and sonar was fed to CIC, where the targets’ courses and speeds could be plotted. Cassin Young’s course and 

speed were also known. Due to lack of space, the seaman who consolidated all of this information actually 

stood in the passage outside CIC, and using headphones, recorded the data on a Plexiglas board for those 

within to read. Notably, this meant he had to write backwards with his grease pencil to be read from inside 

CIC.

In the Combat Information Center another device, the “dead reckoning tracer,” was used to plot other ships 

and targets. The tracer looks like a large glass-covered table covered with paper (Figure 33). A mechanism 

within the table used information on the ship’s course and speed and moved a lighted dot in accordance with 

that information. Data on the various targets were plotted relative to the lighted dot. This plot gave a fairly 

true indication of the real maneuvers of one’s own ship and the targets around it.

During World War II and throughout the 1950s when Cassin Young was in service, it was most common for 

a destroyer’s Captain to remain on the Bridge during General Quarters (all hands at battle stations). Most 

Commanding Offi cers felt it was best to be out in the open to evaluate the threats to the ship and to combat 

them. An evaluator, one of the more senior and experienced offi cers, would take station in CIC to analyze the 

information and pass it to the Captain. By the last decades of the 20th century the Captain’s General Quarters 

station moved to inside CIC. 

Figure 32: Combat Information Central, 1954. BNHPA, “World Cruise, USS Cassin Young,” Box 182, folder 5.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

81

Only a handful of changes to Cassin Young’s CIC were found in the written and pictorial record in the course 

of research for this HFR. It is likely that far more changes took place, however, since radar and sonar technology evolved continuously through the 1950s.

Chronology of Changes to CIC

• 1953—Jan. 1953 “CIC Rearrangements”95

• 1955 and 1956 (12/15/55 and 2/28/56)—“install engine order telegraph in C.I.C.”96

• ca. 1957—Comparison of 1955 and 1957 plans shows a fourth piece of radar added to the recessed area of 

CIC and the location of one of the radars changed to accommodate the additional radar.97

• 1957—marked “completed”-“BRIEF: INSTALL MODEL AN/SPS-28 AIR SEARCH RADAR”98

CIC Figures: 32 and 33

List of Recommended Furnishings

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Incandescent lights with Extant in compartment; Figure 32 Use extant objects.

metal shade, 2

Port Loudspeaker Extant in compartment; Figures 32 Use extant object.

 and 33

Bearing range indicator Extant in compartment; Figure 33 Use extant object.

Target bearing indicator Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Range indicator Extant in compartment; Figure 33 Use extant object.

Speed in knots dial Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Figure 33: Dead Reckoning 

Tracer, Combat Information 

Central, 1956–57. BNHPA, 

“Mediterranean Cruise, USS 

Cassin Young,” Box 182.

95 “Completed Ship Alterations,” 9020.2, Completed Ship Alterations, 1954-59, USS Cassin Young Operational 

Archives, RG 3, Box 113, Folder 20, BNHPA.

96 Ibid.

97 “Booklet of General Plans,” 1955, and 1957, plate 7, USS Cassin Young Drawings, Series I, RG 3, BNHPA.

98 “Alteration Approval Record,” September 12, 1957, 9020.2, RG 3, Box 113, Folder 20, BNHPA.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

82

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Clipboard with papers, on Figure 32 Acquire.

 bulkhead

Fan Figure 32 Remove painted fan extant in 

 compartment today and mount 

 unpainted fan in location seen in 

 Figure 32.

Clock Figure 33 Acquire.

Starboard Dim-light screen Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Multicircuit switch box with Extant in compartment Use extant object.

circular socket

Sliding door to passage Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Mid-compartment Dead reckoning tracer Extant in compartment; Figures 32 Use extant object.

 and 33; Booklets 1955, 1957, 1958 

Pencils, 2, on dead reckoning Figure 33 Acquire.

 tracer

Package of cigarettes, on dead Figure 33 Acquire.

 reckoning tracer

Paper, covering surface of dead Figure 33 Acquire.

 reckoning tracer

VK-4 Radar plan position Extant in compartment; Figure 33 Use extant object.

indicator

MK-5 radar target designation Extant in compartment Use extant object.

indicator

Radar plan position indicator Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Battle lanterns Extant in compartment; Figure 33 Use extant objects.

Forward Edge-lighted status boards, 2 Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects.

bulkhead 1957 and 1958 

Plexiglas plotting boards, 2 (1 Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects.

 on passage wall, 1 on Pantry wall) 1957 and 1958 

Plexiglas screen to Pantry Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

 1957 and 1958

Speaker/amplifi er Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Radio set control Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Selector switch Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Aft bulkhead Transceiver switchboards, 3 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Speaker/amplifi er Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Phones, 4 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Control Radio sets, 3 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

AF amplifi ers, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Plexiglas status board Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

 1957 and 1958
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

83

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Recessed area, Indicator range Extant in compartment Use extant object.

middle of aft 

bulkhead

Control radar Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Mixer amplifi er, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Control indicator Extant in compartment Use extant object.

AN/SPA-4A radar plan position Extant in compartment Use extant object.

indicator

Amplifi er—magnetic control Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Interconnecting box Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Overhead light Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Captain’s In-Port Cabin 

Compartment Use, History, and 

Furnishings

The Captain’s Cabin on the Main Deck of 

Cassin Young is called “in-port” because it 

was rarely used while at sea. In comparison 

to the accommodations of the other offi cers, 

the In-Port Cabin was rather luxurious. It 

had curtains over the porthole, a little more 

space, and its own bathroom complete with 

shower and head. As Captain John Hooper, 

the last Commanding Offi cer of Cassin Young, 

noted in a 1982 interview, his belongings 

were, “mostly kept in [my] inport cabin,” 

with just a small amount in the smaller Sea 

Cabin.99

Cassin Young’s commander also used his cabin as an offi ce. Figure 34 shows Captain Cates 

working at his In-Port Cabin desk; there were 

wooden letter trays on the desk that were 

labeled with what appear to be an “O” and a 

“P,” probably for “Outgoing” and “Pending.” 

99 Capt. John Hooper, interview, transcript, 4–5, 

BNHPA. 

Figure 34: Captain Clifton B. Cates, Jr., in his In-Port 

Cabin, 1956–57. BNHPA, “Mediterranean Cruise, USS Cassin 

Young,” Box 182.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

84

The Captain’s Cabin was not always empty when the ship was at sea. On occasion the Division or Squadron 

Commodore would ride on Cassin Young and the Captain gave up his Stateroom to the Commodore. In emergencies the compartment could also provide a private space for a crew member. One such instance was documented during World War II after Lt. Eugene S. Sevensma, the ship’s doctor, performed an appendectomy. 

Following the surgery, “the patient was transferred to the Captain’s stateroom.”100

Receipts for the original furniture used in 

the In-Port Cabin indicate that in 1943 the 

compartment contained a “chiff onier with 

a locker and writing shelf,” and a “bookcase 

and linen locker,” both noted as having a 

“French Grey” fi nish. At some point subsequent to the 1940s these original pieces were 

replaced.101 Whether or not this change occurred simultaneous with the 1950s shifts 

in the cabin is not known. According to the 

Booklet of General Plans, rearrangement of 

the cabin took place in 1957. The Captain’s 

wardrobe was moved from the port to the 

starboard side of the cabin, a large armchair 

was added to the furnishings, and the desk 

was shifted forward along the starboard 

bulkhead to make room for the armchair.102

The historic photograph of the compartment, Figure 34, shows the arrangement just 

prior to these changes.

The curtain fabric used in the In-Port Cabin was identical to that used in the neighboring Wardroom on 

Cassin Young. A 1956–57 photograph of Captain Cates, at his desk in the In-Port Cabin (Figure 34) shows that 

the material in the portieres that provided privacy for the WC was the same as that used elsewhere on the 

destroyer at this time (Figure 27). Likewise, reproduction brown and plaid porthole curtains are extant in the 

cabin today, and they are identical to the fabric visible in the 1959 color photographs of the Wardroom Mess 

(Figure 5).

A comment in a 1980s interview noted there was green carpet in the compartment in the early 1950s.103 No 

other evidence about fl ooring has been found, but it is likely that this remark referred to a green linoleum or 

vinyl fl oor, rather than carpet.

Captain’s In-Port Cabin Figures: 34 and 35

100 “Cassin Young 50th Anniversary Commemorative Booklet,” Vertical fi le, drawer 1. Lt. Eugene S. Sevensma, “The 

Appendectomy,” BNHPA.

101 Comparison of the dimensions of the present and 1943 furnishings indicates that the chest of drawers in the 

cabin now is wider but not as high as the chiffonier, and that the current wardrobe is larger than the 1943 bookcase and linen locker. “Design and Construction Records,” April 14, 1943, Design and Construction Records “S,” 

3450, Map Case 14, Drawer 1, Folder 3, Sheets 5-101 and 18-101, BNHPA.

102 “Booklet of General Plans,” 1955, 1957, and 1958, plate 7, USS Cassin Young Drawings, Series I, RG 3, BNHPA.

103 “The carpet in the Captain’s in-port cabin was green.” Arsen Charles January 21, 1985. Note to fi le, [write up of 

phone conversation with Don MacDonald who was on Cassin Young from 1951-53]; “Cassin Young—Ship Furnishings” folder in Cassin Young Vertical File drawer 1, BNHPA. 

Figure 35: Captain’s In-Port Cabin, 1978. BNHPA 1978 Survey, 

Roll 1, No. 3.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

85

List of Recommended Furnishings

The List of Recommended Furnishings for the Captain’s In-Port Cabin calls for a slight rearrangement of 

the compartment based upon the Booklets of General Plans. It also calls for small items to be placed in the 

adjoining WC. To protect these smaller items, a Plexiglas barrier should be inserted at the doorway to the WC.

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Overhead lamps, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Port Bunk, with drawers underneath Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Mattress, pillow, sheet, blanket, Standard furnishings for extant Acquire reproduction mattress, 

navy bedspread (light blue cotton bunk sheets, pillow, blanket, and 

 with lighter blue stripes and bedspread.

 “fouled anchor” symbol in center) 

 on bunk 

Portieres on rod at door Hardware extant in compartment Omit due to proximity to public 

 looking into compartment.

Starboard Armchair, aft end of compartment Extant in compartment; Booklet Use extant object.

 1958

Desk, forward of armchair Figures 34 and 35; extant in Use extant object.

 compartment; Booklet 1958 

Figure 36: Captain’s 

In-Port Cabin as it 

will appear after refurnishing to 1958. 

Illustration by Steven 

N. Patricia.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

86

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Letter trays, 2 Figure 34 Acquire.

Framed photograph of Captain’s 8/27 and 8/29/02 and 3/4/03 Reproduce.

 family Hooper to Heald e-mails 

Papers, on desk Standard furnishing for desk Reproduce.

Side chair, at desk Extant in compartment; Figure 34 Use extant object.

Slip cover, on side chair Figure 34 Acquire.

Shelves Extant in compartment; Figure 34 Use extant object.

Books and manuals, on shelves Figure 34 Acquire based on 8/27 and 

 8/29/02 Hooper to Heald e-mails; 

 2 shelves: 29-1/2 inches wide 

 and 10-1/2 inches high.

Fan Extant in compartment; Figure 35 Use extant object.

Radio, on shelf Extant in compartment; Figure 35 Use extant object.

Phone Extant in compartment; Figure 35 Use extant object; move forward 

 and remount just forward of 

 radio shelf.

Switchboard indicator Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Wardrobe, forward of desk Extant in compartment; Booklet Use extant object.

 1958; Figure 35

Curtains on porthole Reproduction curtains extant in Reproduce, based on accs. 

 compartment; Figure 5 BOSTC 171 and 223 (original) 

 and BOSTC 277 (reproduction), 

 cat. BOSTC 00265 and 00273.

Forward Chest of drawers Extant in compartment; Booklet Use extant object.

bulkhead 1958

Circular socket Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Blue uniform blouse with Figure 34 Acquire or reproduce.

 commander’s stripes and service 

 ribbons on hanger on bulkhead 

 hook 

Lamp, mounted on bulkhead at Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 head of bunk

Aft bulkhead Portieres on rods at door to WC, Figure 34 Reproduce; use fabric based on 

 pushed open to starboard side accs. BOSTC 171 and 223 

 (original) and BOSTC 277 

 (reproduction), cat. BOSTC 

 00265 and 00273.

Clock Figure 34 Acquire.

Captain’s WC- Sink Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

Port 1958

Mirror and cabinet, above sink Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Toothbrush, bar of soap, Standard furnishing for bathroom Acquire soap, toothpaste, 

toothpaste, shaving gear shaving gear, and toothbrush 

 similar to BOSTC 00138.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

87

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Towel, white terrycloth, and Standard furnishing for bathroom Acquire towel and wash cloth.

wash cloth, on aft bulkhead rack

Captain’s WC- Shower curtain Standard furnishing for bathroom Acquire.

Starboard

Passage A-108T

This passage, leading to the Barber Shop below, needs a compartment check-off list, 8-1/2 × 11.

Vegetable Prep

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

No compartment-specifi c documentation was found for the Vegetable Prep area. 

List of Recommended Furnishings

Due to visitor fl ow through this compartment, it is recommended that no additional furnishings be added to 

the Vegetable Prep space.

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Overhead lamps, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Forward Switch box Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Potato peeler Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Work table Extant in compartment Use extant object.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

88

Galley 

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

The Galley was a relatively large compartment, or suite of 

compartments, much like an institutional kitchen. Here, the 

crew’s meals were prepared. Dominating the scene were 

three large steam kettles, or coppers, in which much of the 

food was cooked. There were also ovens, mixers, and other 

food preparation tools. Cassin Young served 300–350 hungry 

men three times a day; additionally, sandwiches were made 

for those going on midwatch after midnight (see Crew’s Mess 

and Food Service for more information on food and holidays).

The volume and nature of work in the Galley depended upon 

the destroyer’s schedule and port stops. If she was at sea for 

several weeks some of the prepared food was gone, which 

meant extra cooking. For example, bread was a staple and 

when the supply brought on board in the last port was eaten, 

it had to be baked fresh. Having served on Cassin Young in 

1957 and 1958, mess cook Bill McGee recalled the round-theclock baking. His frustration with the old equipment they 

used was also evident. 

[We] bake[d] bread every night. That was about 100 loaves 

of bread a night. . . . We would work from seven o’clock in 

the evening to around eight o’clock the next morning . . . 

just putting out breads and pies and cakes and muffi ns and 

donuts

 . . . making 100 loaves of bread 

from scratch, with a beat-up 

mixing machine that was probably made in 1938.104

Figure 37: Cook slicing bread in Galley, 

1956–57. BNHPA, “Mediterranean Cruise, 

USS Cassin Young,” Box 182.

Figure 38: Cooks at oven in Galley, 1956–57. BNHPA, “Mediterranean Cruise, USS Cassin Young,” 

Box 182.

104 Bill McGee, interview by Francy Bockhoven, July 25, 1980, transcript, 2, BNHPA. 
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

89

Regular use of the Galley equipment on Cassin Young necessitated frequent repairs and replacements.105 The 

1958 Booklet of General Plans indicated two major changes in the Galley during the overhaul of that year. A 

double oven replaced a standard oven at the port end of the bank of ovens, and a fryer was added at the starboard end, replacing an oven that had been there. The Engineering (Electrical) Work List for this overhaul 

justifi ed this change and noted that the existing ovens had just been rewired in August 1957; “ranges require 

constant repair; does not keep proper heat, doors don’t close tightly.”106

Sanitary concerns were of critical importance in the close quarters of a World War II–era destroyer. Amid the rigorous cooking schedule the Galley was a hot and wet environment with the constant cleaning taking place as well. 

A 1958 Supply Department Order spelled out the procedures for keeping the Galley in acceptable shape:

These spaces shall be cleaned completely after 

each meal or use. Decks, shelves, sinks, and 

ranges will be completely scoured. Air vents 

and fans will be cleaned regularly, usually 2 or 

3 times per week. . . . Drains and catch basins 

will be scalded daily and fl ushed with detergents and disinfectants periodically.107

Although the crew’s food was prepared in the 

Galley, the serving line was forward and two 

decks down. All food had to be carried by the 

mess cooks from the Galley to the steam line. 

Carrying hot food out on the Main Deck and 

down narrow ladders could be diffi cult in 

rough weather.

Galley Figures: 37–39

105 Numerous repairs and changes were recorded for the Galley or Vegetable Prep space between 1955 and 1957:

 Dec. 6, 1955 greased and repacked mixing machine

 Nov 1, 1956 repair mixer machine

 July 10, 1957 installed new mixer in galley

 July 17, 1957 installed all new blades on potato 

 cutter

 July 18, 1957 changed oil in vegetable peeler

 Aug. 20 1957 installed new blade and sharpener in 

 meat slicer

 Sept. 5, 1957 installed steam kettles in galley

 “Galley Equipment,” 4700.2, Repair Log, 1951-58, USS Cassin Young Operational Archives, RG 3, Box 76, Folder 

1, 169.

106 “Approved: 2 ranges with oven and 3 griddles, mfr. Edison General Electric Appliances Co. Volts 440 AC; 60 

cycles.” “Engineering (Electrical) Work List,” July 23, 1958, 4700.2, Records of Overhaul, Part 2/4, Box 75, Folder 

1, BNHPA.

107 “Supply Department Order No. 4,” 4400, Supply Dept. Orders, 1958, Box 60, Folder 7, BNHPA. Smoking and the 

residual cigarette butts were also a cleanliness concern in the Galley, and note was made in the weekly reports if 

there were cigarette butts on the deck. See “Medical Department Sanitary Inspection Report,” October 4, 1956, 

6240.1, Weekly Sanitary Reports, RG 3, Box 93, Folder 23, BNHPA.

Figure 39: Cooks chopping vegetables in Galley, 1956–57. 

BNHPA, “Mediterranean Cruise, USS Cassin Young,” Box 182.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

90

List of Recommended Furnishings

A Plexiglas barrier should be added at the door to the adjoining Provision Room, which adjoins the galley at 

aft, to ensure that the small galley items there remain in place. 

Fully furnishing the Galley—with skillets, fry pans, baking pans, opened and unopened cans and all manner 

of cooking utensils—would be impractical due to public access. An interior wayside should be used there 

to help convey the activity in the compartment. Figures 38 and 39 could be placed on such a panel to show 

the Galley in use and feature items the public sees, complemented by other furnishings and images of crew 

members. Locating this panel near the port entry to the Galley would orient the visitor well and give the same 

viewpoint had by the photographer of Figure 39.

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Overhead lamps, 9 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Port Reproducer Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Westinghouse switch Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Fan Figures 37 and 39 Acquire.

Starboard Steam kettles, 3 Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects.

 1955, 1957, 1958 

Forward Ovens, 5 Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects.

 1955, 1957, 1958

Fryer, at starboard end of bank Booklet 1958 Acquire.

 of ovens

Aft Sink Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

 1955, 1957, 1958

Counter Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Shelf above counter Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Containers on shelf, such as Figure 39 Acquire or reproduce and install 

 baking powder, vinegar, lard behind Plexiglas to ensure 

 security.

Measuring cups, hanging from Figures 37 and 39 Acquire and secure to hooks.

 hooks above

Mixer Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

 1955, 1957, 1958

Condition check-off list in frame Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Provision Room Counter Extant in compartment Use extant object.

and Bread locker, 

aft of Galley

Shelves Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Meat slicer Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Dough hook Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Scales Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Circular socket Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Speaker amplifi er Extant in compartment Use extant object.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

91

Laundry 

Compartment Use, History, and 

Furnishings

The small Laundry Compartment on Cassin Young was used primarily for cleaning 

offi cer’s uniforms and ship supplies such as 

galley linens, towels, and bed sheeting. As 

Anthony Marra, who worked on the destroyer from 1955–58, recalled, destroyers did 

not have the capacity to do laundry for the 

entire ship, so the crew typically washed their 

own clothes—in salt water. As a result, they 

dressed for the most part in dungarees rather 

than dress blues.

Your dress blues, you had to have them cleaned 

and pressed. They didn’t have the facilities. 

They had a presser up there in the laundry, 

but they did mostly the chiefs’ and the offi cers’ 

clothes, shirts, like that. Once in a while they 

would do our uniforms.108

The bulk of the documented changes to furnishings in the Laundry Compartment on 

Cassin Young occurred in the 1957 overhaul 

at the Charlestown Navy Yard. The positions 

of Laundry’s press and extractor were exchanged, and both the press and washer were 

replaced with new equipment.109

Laundry Figure: 40

108 Marra, interview, May 16, 1979, transcript, 11-12, BNHPA.

109 Cassin Young 1950s “Repair Log” details the following:

 Laundry Press—new press installed Aug. 1957

 Laundry Dryer—American Laundry Machine Co.—18 × 36

 Laundry Extractor—new extractor 1/25/54—Hoffman Machine Co. 17 basket—20lbs max.

 Laundry washer—American Laundry Machine Co. 24 × 36 35 lbs, dry weight—new washer Aug. 1957.

 “Laundry Equipment,” 4700.2, Repair Log, 1951-58, RG 3, Box 76, Folder 1, 27, BNHPA. Other documentation 

for the Laundry may be found in “Completed Ship Alterations,” 9020.2, Completed Ship Alterations, 1954–59, 

RG 3, Box 113, Folder 20 and “Booklet of General Plans,” 1955, 1957, and 1958, plate 7, BNHPA.

Figure 40: Laundry press, 1956–57. BNHPA, “Mediterranean Cruise, USS Cassin Young,” Box 182.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

92

List of Recommended Furnishings

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Passage into Check-off list Extant hardware to hold Reproduce.

Laundry check-off list

Overhead Overhead lamps, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Forward Laundry extractor Extant in compartment; Booklet Use extant object.

bulkhead 1958

Circular socket Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Switch for extractor Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Switch for tumbler Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Starboard Washer Extant in compartment; Figure 40 Use extant object.

Press Extant in compartment; Booklet Use extant object.

 1958; Figure 40

Aft bulkhead Dryer Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Motor control box Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Battery Charging Room 

Battery Charging Room Figures: None

List of Recommended Furnishings

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Overhead lamps, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Port Steel shelves Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Radio transmitter equipment Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Radio phone adapter Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Large circular sockets Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Coiled cable Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Starboard Transformer Extant in compartment Use extant object.

RF tuners, 8 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Voltmeter Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Forward DC supply breaker box Extant in compartment Use extant object.

bulkhead

Power supply Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Fire extinguisher, on wall bracket Extant in compartment Use extant object.

“Safety Precautions” placard in Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 metal frame—DESGEN

Switch box Extant in compartment Use extant object.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

93

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Switch assembly Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Aft bulkhead Heater Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Antenna switch assemblies Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Hooks for coiled cable and cable Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Condition check-off list, Frame extant in compartment Reproduce.

 8-1/2 × 11 (on inside of door)

Passage B-107CL/Damage Control Central 

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

Cassin Young’s damage control crew was prepared for mitigating all manner of damage to the destroyer. At 

General Quarters the Midships Passage (B-107CL) served as Damage Control Central, the point from which 

repair and damage control were orchestrated. Here damage control diagrams were posted and phone lines 

could connect the Damage Control Offi cer with all the critical points in the ship. He and his assistants recorded any damage on the damage control diagrams. Like a fi re chief, the Damage Control Offi cer directed the 

repair of damage, putting out fi res, controlling fl ooding, or correcting the listing of the ship due to too much 

water on one side.

Damage Control Central Figures: None

List of Recommended Furnishings

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Overhead lamps, 3 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Forward Coiled cable, on wall hook Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Switch boxes Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Battery charger Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Reproducer Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Bulletin board in case, damage Extant in compartment Extant case remains; reproduce 

control drawing 1958 damage control drawings.

Alarm switches Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Circular socket Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Switchboard indicators Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Phone stowage box Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Phone Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Aft Coiled cable, on wall hook Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Metal frames, 2, (empty) on Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 wood panel
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

94

Emergency Radio Room 

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

The Emergency Radio Room was usually unmanned except during General Quarters. Two other radio rooms 

on the destroyer handled routine radio communication, but the Emergency Radio Room had both sending 

and receiving equipment and its own power supply.

Other than the addition of a table to the room in 1957, no documentation specifi c to Cassin Young was found 

for this compartment.

Emergency Radio Room Figures: None

List of Recommended Furnishings

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Lights, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Forward Switch panel Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Starboard Radio receiving set Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Radio transmitter Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Radio receiver Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Power panel Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Phones, 3 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Transformer Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Battle lantern Extant in compartment Extant in compartment; acquire 

 missing handle.

Speech amplifi er unit Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Radio receivers, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

PHILNAVSHYD signs—operating Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

instructions for receivers and 

 phones

Port Battle lantern Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Trunk Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Public address grid current Extant in compartment Use extant object.

control

Radio transmitter Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Aft Ventilation shaft Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Connection boxes Extant in compartment Use extant objects.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

95

Sick Bay 

Compartment Use, History, and 

Furnishings

Sick Bay on Cassin Young saw regular use 

during World War II primarily for minor injuries—breaks, abrasions, illnesses—but also 

to stabilize an injured man’s condition until 

he could be transferred to a larger ship with 

more extensive medical facilities. Medical 

Offi cer Dr. Eugene Sevensma recalled in the 

1940s working with American pilots, having 

considerable equipment he never had to use, 

and also having narcotics kept in a locked 

safe. The destroyer crew would rescue pilots 

and take them fi rst to Sick Bay

and take off their wet clothes. And they 

usually had a Mae West [vest] on, and all 

these pilots carried a .38 revolver. So I had 

all these .38 revolvers. At one point I must 

have had ten or fi fteen of them, and I gave 

them away to people. . . . make sure they 

were okay medically and then put them 

up in a cabin somewhere until we were 

able to get them back to their own ship. . . . 

I had drills for drilling through people’s 

skull; I had rib instruments for doing chest 

surgery. Well, I really wasn’t expected to 

do that stuff , and I don’t know whose idea 

it was to put it on the ship in the fi rst place, 

because my job was just to keep people 

alive to get them to the hospital. And so 

then your job is to stop bleeding and treat 

shock and things of this nature. . . . I had a 

safe in sick bay that we kept certain things 

in, such as alcohol, which came in gallon 

tins, and also morphine and other narcotics.110

Sick Bay would have seen less activity during the 1950s as the destroyer was not involved in active warfare. 

Minor medical concerns would have continued to be treated there however. In addition to treating routine 

accidents and illnesses, Sick Bay provided the crew condoms, free of charge.111

Figure 41: Sick Bay, 1956–57. BNHPA, “Mediterranean 

Cruise, USS Cassin Young,” Box 182.

Figure 42: Crew member receiving shot, Sick Bay, 1953. 

BNHPA, “Mediterranean Cruise,” Box 182, folder 3.

110 Eugene Sevensma, interview by Francy Bockhoven, August 23, 1980, transcript, BNHPA.

111 John T. Cerstvik to William L. Brown, III, August 13, 1999, Harpers Ferry Center (HFC).
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

96

Cassin Young’s Booklets of General Plans indicated no 

change in the compartment between 1955 and 1958. A few 

minor alterations are evident when one compares the present compartment with its historic photographs; Sick Bay had 

multiple rows of shelving for bottles of medicines in the mid1950s (Figure 43), and at some point after 1957 new faucets were installed at the sink.

Sick Bay Figures: 41–44

List of Recommended Furnishings

Sick Bay presently displays a number of medical instruments and equipment used for medical procedures. 

Although many of these implements may well have been used in the compartment, they would not have been 

left out unsecured on trays and counters. This plan calls for their removal—by virtue of not being included in 

the recommended furnishings—and only furnishings likely to be visible under ordinary circumstances 

are listed.

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead M-1 steel helmets, white with Figure 42 Acquire.

 red crosses, 2, hanging by their 

 straps from pipes

Wood crutches, pair Figure 42 Acquire.

Port Sink Extant in compartment; Figure 44 Use extant object; acquire 

 faucets as in historic photograph.

Medicine bottle, wired between Figure 44 Acquire.

 pipes at sink

Doctor’s mirror, hooked on pipe Figure 42 Acquire.

Figure 43: Crew member receiving shot, Sick Bay, 1954. BNHPA, “World Cruise, USS Cassin Young,” Box 182, folder 5.

Figure 44: Checking crew member’s throat, Sick Bay, 1956–

57. BNHPA, “Mediterranean Cruise, USS Cassin Young,” Box 

182.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

97

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Light bulb on cord, draped Figure 42 Acquire.

 over pipe

Sterilizer Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Counter with cabinets and drawers Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Towel, on counter by sink Figure 44 Acquire.

Typewriter Extant in compartment Use extant object.

500-volt connector Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Circular socket Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Starboard File cabinet Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Cabinets under counter tops, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Fan Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Check-off list, 5 × 7 Mounting hardware extant in Reproduce.

 compartment

Aft bulkhead Autoclave Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Towel, hanging on autoclave wheel Figure 44 Acquire.

Paper cup dispenser fi lled with Mounting hardware extant in Acquire and install on original

paper cups compartment; Figure 41 mount.

Safe Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Motor control Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Forward Antidote locker Extant in compartment Use extant object.

bulkhead

Surgical table with head at Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object, placed in

 forward bulkhead 1955, 1957, 1958 newly specifi ed location.

Blanket, on surgical table Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Battle lantern Mounting hardware extant in Acquire.

 compartment
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

98

Operations Office 

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

Administration of the destroyer’s day-to-day activity took place in the Operations (Supply) Offi ce. Paperwork 

for tasks such as keeping the crew fed and paid, keeping the ship stocked with spare parts, cooking and serving meals, cleaning clothes, and cutting hair all went through this compartment. Much as visitors experience 

it today, non-Supply Offi ce staff conducted their business here from outside the offi ce in the passageway. Cash 

was on hand here (see Figure 45 with dollar bills in the foreground) and a businesslike operation prevailed. As a 

1958 Supply Department Order stated: “Outside personnel will be admitted to the Supply Offi ce only when their 

business actually requires it. Normally, business of outside personnel will be conducted at the window.”112

The Booklets of General 

Plans from 1955 and 1957 

indicated that the compartment was laid out much as it 

is today, but with the addition of a table and fi le cabinet 

at the aft end of the compartment. A piece of furniture, 

probably annotated as a Key 

Locker, was on the port side 

of the compartment.113 In 

the 1958 General Plan the 

compartment was shown as 

vacant and called the “Operations Offi ce,” whereas it was 

labeled “Supply Offi ce” in 

1955 and 1957. It is not clear 

what this 1958 change indicated, but it seems unlikely 

that this compartment was 

actually vacant and empty 

in 1958. For purposes of this 

HFR, then, it is recommended to present the space as documented in the slightly earlier General Plans, with the additional corroborating 

evidence provided in Figure 45, a 1956–57 photograph of the compartment. 

The only other evidence pertaining to Cassin Young’s Operations Offi ce came from the tender’s work orders, 

which indicated ongoing mechanical problems with the typewriter in the offi ce114 and a 1960 memo that listed 

an adding machine and a “calculating” machine for the Supply Offi ce.115

Operations Office Figure: 45

112 “Supply Department Order No. 3,” 4400, Supply Department Orders, 1958, RG 3, Box 60, Folder 7, BNHPA. 

113 The annotation on the General Plans appears to read “KEY LKR.”

114 Both Royal and Remington typewriters were recorded in these work orders. “Tender Work Orders,” July 1, 1959 

and August 5, 1959, 4235.2, RG 3, Boxes 50 and 59, Folder 10, BNHPA.

115 “Equipment Not Covered in Ship’s Allowance List,” April 15, 1960, 4441, Operational and Logistics Records, Box 

62, Folder 12, BNHPA. The complete listings read: “Machine, Adding and Subtracting, 13 in. listing carriage” and 

“Machine Calculating, listing or non-listing, 8 or 10 columns.”

Figure 45: Operations Offi ce, 1956–57. BNHPA, “Mediterranean Cruise, 

USS Cassin Young,” Box 182.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

99

List of Recommended Furnishings

Access to the Operations Offi ce should continue to be limited because of the small size of the offi ce and its portable 

furnishings. Looking across the barrier while in the Midships Passage, visitors can view the space quite well.

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Overhead lights, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Port Key locker Booklets 1955, 1957 Acquire

Starboard Counter/desk Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Cabinet, 2-door, on wall above Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 desk

Clipboards, 2, with Operations Figure 45 Acquire.

Offi ce papers, hanging on cabinet 

 doors 

Shelves Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Supply Department Order and Supply Dept. Orders, 1958, Reproduce.

Organization Book, on shelf C1678 4400, Box 60, folder 7, 

 BNHPA; Figure 45 shows that 

 shelf was not fi lled 

Chairs, 2, at desk Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Typewriter, on desk Extant in compartment; Figure 45 Use extant object; remove 1 

 typewriter.

Adding machine, on desk 1960 memo Acquire based on 1960 

 specifi cations.

Plan of the Day, in typewriter Appropriate furnishing for offi ce Reproduce based on Plan of Day, 

 1959, 5000.4 Box 81, folder 8, 

 BNHPA.

Stamps rack and rubber Appropriate furnishing for offi ce Acquire.

stamps, on desk

Typewriter eraser, on desk Appropriate furnishing for offi ce Acquire.

Letter trays, 2, with papers, on Figure 45 Acquire.

 aft control box

Aft Table Booklets 1955 and 1957; Figure 45 Acquire.

Calculating machine, on table 1960 memo Acquire based on 1960 

 specifi cations.

Notebooks, COSAL116, on table Figure 45 Reproduce.

File cabinet Booklets 1955 and 1957 Based on available space, acquire 

 2- or 3-drawer cabinet, or 

 cabinet for index or COSAL 

 punch cards.

Vent exhaust system Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Control box Extant in compartment Use extant object.

116 Coordinating Shipboard Allowance List.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

100

Quarterdeck and Other Deck Spaces

List of Recommended Furnishings

To be consistent with the 1958 period of interpretation and furnishing of Cassin Young, a number of items on 

the Main Deck need to be removed and/or replaced (see Suggestions for Future Research).

Ammunition Handling Room

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

There were fi ve 5-inch gun mounts on Cassin Young, and on the deck below each mount was that gun’s Ammunition Handling Room. When at General Quarters, these compartments were each manned with seven 

crew, working in close quarters to load projectiles and powder for the guns. This type of fi ve-inch gun mount 

was introduced to the U.S. Navy in the late 1930s. In these mounts the shell and powder hoists to the gun were 

incorporated on its axis. Ready service projectiles and powder were kept in the Ammunition Handling Room, 

but these could be used rapidly. Additional ammunition was kept in separate magazines in the lowest depths 

of the ship, where it would be protected from the enemy’s fi re. Crews in the magazines fed the shells and 

powder into hoists that lifted them to the Handling Rooms where additional men transferred the rounds into 

the shell and powder hoists that then lifted the rounds into the guns. This loading system made it possible to 

enclose the mounts because rounds did not have to be handed to the loaders from outside the mount itself.

To ensure that the round exploded when it was supposed to, the gunfi re computer set the fuzes to detonate 

the round after a certain amount of time. In Cassin Young gun mounts the fuzes could be set in the hoist while 

the round was on its way to the gun.

Ammunition Handling Room Figures: None

List of Recommended Furnishings

While in the Charlestown Navy Yard there would not have been any ammunition on board Cassin Young. 

For our current purposes of interpreting the appearance and function of the destroyer, however, this report 

recommends furnishing the centrally located Mount 53 Ammunition Handling Room so as to give the public 

a better understanding of how the ship looked and was used. Park interpreters will want to point this out to 

the public.

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Overhead lights, 4 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Port Vent set Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Check-off list Hardware extant in compartment Reproduce list, 8-1/2 × 11”.

Projectile rack, stocked with Extant in compartment Extant rack remains; acquire 

 powder casings powder casings and relocate 

 materials presently stored here to 

 Building 107.

Vent set Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Starboard Vent set Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Switches and bell for hoist #3 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Phone, in bulkhead cradle Extant in compartment Use extant object.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

101

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Projectile racks, stocked with Extant in compartment Extant racks remain; acquire 

 projectiles projectiles.

Storage container, with Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 moveable square panels

Vent set Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Switches, overhead lights Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Mid- Hoist to turret No. 3, with 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

compartment projectiles 

Forward Heater Extant in compartment Use extant object.

bulkhead

Rack for cable Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Emergency power cables on rack Extant hardware Acquire or reproduce.

Riser terminal Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Battle lantern Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Aft bulkhead Sprinkler Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Fire extinguisher rack Extant in compartment Use extant object. 

3-bracket arrangement, large, Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 graduated

Passage B-111ALM 

List of Recommended Furnishings

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Overhead lamps, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Emergency light, red Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Port Heater Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Transformer Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Starboard Vent set Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Forward Control box Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Sprinkler control glass and dial Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Mount and riser cables Extant in compartment Acquire 1 riser switch. Use extant 

 cables.

Riser terminal Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Submersible pump connections Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Switchboard Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Aft Ammunition hoist Extant in compartment Use extant object.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

102

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Reproducer Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Circular socket Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Storage cupboard, 2-door, metal Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Transformers, 3, over cupboard Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Hoist control switch Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Fuse box Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Crew’s Washroom and WC

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

The crew’s Main Deck Washroom and WC was one of four such spaces for crew on Cassin Young. As the General Plans showed, there were two adjoining Washrooms and two adjoining WCs. The Washrooms contained 

banks of sinks and mirrors—11 in the port side compartment and 6 in the starboard side compartment—and 

2 shower stalls. 

There was not much privacy on board ship, particularly at the time Cassin Young was commissioned. The enlisted men’s toilets were a trough with water running along it and wood slats for the men to sit on. The WCs 

were modernized in 1958 when the three, three-man trough toilets were replaced with nine individual toilets; 

major plumbing work accompanied this change, and new “neoprene terrazzo” fl ooring was laid.117

Crew’s Washroom and WC Figures: None

List of Recommended Furnishings

These compartments presently contain the ship’s heating system and provide storage for paint and other 

maintenance supplies. This plan recommends that an alternative location be found for the supply items so that 

the WCs may be restored and viewed. Additionally, in the Washroom the fi ve sinks along the port bulkhead 

are extant so that side of the compartment can be restored to its original appearance. If it is possible to relocate the entire heat plant, then the entire port side compartment could be historically furnished and left open 

to the public for self-guiding tours.

The Ammunition Handling Room for gun No. 54 is immediately aft of the Crew’s WC; this is also directly 

above the aft Crew Berthing compartments on the First Platform. To help visitors understand the proximity 

between aft Crew Berthing and the WC they used up on the Main Deck, it is recommended that Ammunition 

Handling Room No. 54 be open to the public, thus allowing the path the crew took to be visible. Building 109 

has housed an exhibition about Cassin Young in recent years, but this building will no longer be available as 

exhibition space. Handling Room No. 54 can house traditional museum exhibitions, so as to provide interpretive exhibition space on the Main Deck of the destroyer.

117 The Records of Overhaul noted: “rip out and junk the 3-man troughs in WC, together with the soil drain deck fi ttings and branched section of the drain main, prep to laying out individual shock-proof WC units. . . . clean deck 

and prep and install neoprene terrazzo covering. . . . fabricate and install sanitary partitions to suit no. of WCs.” 

“Job Order,” August 15, 1958, 4700.2, Records of Overhaul, RG 3, Part 3/4, Box 75, Folder 2, BNHPA. Also see 

“Booklets of General Plans,” 1955, 1957, 1958, plate 7, BNHPA.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

103

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Washroom- Overhead lights, 9 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Overhead

Emergency light, red, 1 Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Port Sinks, 5 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Bar of soap, at each sink Standard furnishing for a bathroom Acquire.

Hand towels, at each sink Standard furnishing for a bathroom Acquire.

Mirrors, 5 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Heater Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Showers, 2 Booklets 1955, 1957, 1958 Restore to 1958 appearance.

Forward Switch boxes Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

bulkhead

Hot water heater control Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Circular socket Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Aft bulkhead Reproducer Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Sprinkler controls and gauges Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

WC Toilets, 9, with partitions Booklets 1958; Records of Restore and reproduce as

 Overhaul, Aug. 1958 necessary.

Neoprene terrazzo fl ooring Records of Overhaul, Aug. 1958 Reproduce.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

104

First Platform

Windlass Room 

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

The Windlass Room, at the forward end of the First Platform, contained all manner of windlass apparatus 

used for lifting and hauling materials for Cassin Young. The 1955, 1957, and 1958 Booklets of General Plans 

indicated no change in the appearance of this compartment, and no other evidence related to the Windlass 

Room has been found.

Windlass Room Figures: None

List of Recommended Furnishings

See the section “Suggestions for Future Research” for ideas to fl esh out the historic furnishings of this compartment. The areas that appear to need furnishings have been boldfaced and italicized in the list that follows and 

were beyond the scope of this HFR.

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Overhead lamps, 4 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Windlass apparatus Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Forward Switches Extant in compartment Use 

bulkhead extant objects.

Speaker Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Starboard Storage area with mesh doors Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Need to specify items kept in this 

 area that would be visible to public. 

Red and green boxes mounted Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 on bulkhead

Radiator Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Condition check-off list Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Port Storage areas with mesh doors, Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 shelves inside

Need to specify items kept on 

 these shelves that would be visible 

 to public. 

Anchor windlass operating and Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

lubricating diagrams

Shelves, along bulkhead Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Need to specify items kept on 

 these shelves that would be visible 

 to public. 

Steel mesh closet Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 Need to specify items kept in this 

 area that would be visible to public. 
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

105

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Metal box, mounted forward Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Mid- Motor control box for windlass Extant in compartment Use extant object.

compartment

Artifi cial respiration Extant in compartment Use extant object.

instructions (philnavshyd)

Form “In Case of Electric Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Shock,” taped to windlass

Windlass Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Aft Battle lantern Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Switches Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Submersible pump connections Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Motor control Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Passage A-203-2L 

The only “furnishing” in this passageway between the Windlass Room, the CPO Mess, and the Crew’s Head 

was a compartment check-off list.

CPO Mess 

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

The CPO Mess, like the Wardroom Mess for the ship’s offi cers, served as a private dining and meeting room 

for the Chief Petty Offi cers on Cassin Young. Just forward of their berthing, the CPOs’ long and loyal service 

was recognized by accommodations, which, while not luxurious, were a considerable step above those of the 

lower ratings. CPOs had their own mess area and mess cooks to help prepare and serve their food. Young 

sailors—seamen or fi remen—were assigned to the chiefs’ quarters on a rotating basis. The CPOs did not have 

to stand in line for meals, and so they ate from plates, not trays. 

During the day a chief could always get a cup of coff ee in the mess, and in addition to its use as a dining room, 

the chiefs’ mess was also their lounge, a place to relax. In the evening they might show a movie, or in port, 

watch television. Their in-depth knowledge of their specialties, their leadership qualities, and their key position between the crew as a whole and the offi cers made CPOs vitally important to the smooth running of the 

ship. A signifi cant mark of respect awarded to a junior offi cer was to be invited to the chiefs’ mess to share a 

cup of coff ee while talking over the aff airs of the division or department.

The original appearance of Cassin Young’s CPO Mess is not documented, however, it is known that at least 

two distinct remodelings of the compartment occurred—one in 1955 and the other just two years later. Because the original General Plans as well as those from the 1953 overhaul have not been located, the nature of 

the changes in 1955 is not clear, but more than $10,000 worth of work was undertaken to “rearrange” the mess 

at this time. In all likelihood this included the installation of “Meredith-type” mess arrangements.118 In 1957 

118 A “habitability improvement . . . rearrange CPO Mess” with a “material charge” of $1,887 and a total cost of 

$10,073 was noted for the 1955 overhaul. “Departure Report Alterations,” 4700.2, Departure Report Alterations, 1955, RG 3, Box 74, Folder 9, sheet 13/23, BNHPA. The reference to “Meredith type” mess arrangements 

may be found in “Completed Ship Alterations,” March 17, 1955, 9020.2, Completed Ship Alterations, 1954–59, 

RG 3, Box 113, Folder 20, BNHPA. For additional information on “Meredith” improvements see footnote 91.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

106

the CPO Mess again saw change, this time driven by the enlargement of the Crew’s Head, just forward of the 

CPO Mess on its starboard side. At this time the CPO Mess lost roughly 1/5 of its space in the forward area, 

starboard side. As comparison of the Booklets of General Plans from 1955 and 1957 shows, the refrigerator 

had to be relocated from its aft location to its present forward spot, and the sink and counter were relocated, 

with the loss of some counter and storage space.

CPO Mess Figures: None

List of Recommended Furnishings

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Fluorescent lights, 6 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Lamp, red, 1 Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Forward Water cooler Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object; replace

bulkhead 1955, 1957, 1958 missing hardware.

Battle lantern Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Reproducer Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Refrigerator Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

 1957, 1958 

Starboard Bulletin board Extant in compartment Use extant object; reproduce and 

bulkhead post announcements, etc., 

 as appropriate.

Magazine rack with magazines Rack extant in compartment; Acquire magazines (rack has 6

 such as Time, Life, Navy Times, 6/8/02 Hooper to Heald e-mail levels, 29 inches wide).

All Hands, Reader’s Digest 

Coffee stand Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Coffee pot and 2-burner Standard furnishing for CPO Mess Acquire.

warmer, on coffee shelf

Breadbox Extant in compartment Use extant object.

2-door cabinet Booklets 1957 and 1958 Use extant object.

Utensil tray Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Glass tray Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Glasses, in glass tray Standard furnishing for CPO Mess Acquire.

Counter Booklets 1957, 1958 Use extant object.

Sink Booklets 1957, 1958 Use extant object.

Paper towel dispenser Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Port Curtains, along port bulkhead Standard furnishing for CPO Mess Reproduce.

Benches, 2, booth-style, Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects.

 upholstered with green Naugahyde 1955, 1957, 1958 

Table Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

 1955, 1957, 1958

Side chair, along aft side of table, 6/10/02 Hooper to Heald e-mail Acquire.

 with green Naugahyde upholstery
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

107

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

CPO wardrobe Booklets 1955, 1957, 1958 Extant in compartment.

Aft Counter Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

 1957, 1958

Dish rack Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Dishes, stacked in rack Standard furnishing for CPO Mess Acquire (china with an anchor 

 and “USN” top mark on back 

 was pattern used in World War II

 and on Cassin Young in 1950s).

Stove/hotplate Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Fan Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Circular socket Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Fluorescent lights, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Speaker/amplifi er Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Radio receiver Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Television on corner shelf Standard furnishing for CPO Mess Acquire.

Bench, booth-style, upholstered Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

 with green Naugahyde 1955, 1957, 1958 

Table, with open manual, and 2 Table extant in compartment; Determine correct pattern for 

coffee cups and saucers other items are likely furnishings 1958. Acquire anchor pattern or

 for interpretive scenario use square knot pattern cups 

 and saucers; reproduce manual.

Side chairs, 2, with green 6/10/02 Hooper to Heald e-mail Acquire or reproduce.

 Naugahyde upholstery

Emergency lamp, red Extant in compartment Use extant object.

“Butt” can, wall-mounted by Physical evidence extant in Acquire or reproduce.

 bulkhead hatch compartment; Figures 15 and 63 

CPO Berthing

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

Befi tting their status between the enlisted ratings and offi cers, chiefs’ berthing accommodations were a blend 

of enlisted and offi cers. Chiefs did not have the privacy of the offi cers, but they had somewhat more space 

than crew members and shared their space with considerably fewer men. Additionally, because their uniforms 

were not compatible with the type of storage required of the other enlisted men, CPOs required upright lockers where caps and coats could be hung.

Very few furnishings changes appear to have taken place in the CPO Berthing Compartments on Cassin 

Young. Comparison of the 1955, 1957, and 1958 Booklets of General Plans indicates that just one of the three 

forward bunks in the starboard compartment was removed in 1957. There are individual bunk lights in these 

compartments today, and they may well have been introduced in 1954 when bunk lights at unspecifi ed locations were added on Cassin Young,

119 or perhaps in 1957 when “improvements” were made to CPO Country. 

119 “Completed Ship Alterations,” April 27, 1954, 9020.2, Completed Ship Alterations, 1954-59, RG 3, Box 113, 

Folder 20, BNHPA.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

108

These later changes may also have included changes in fl ooring, but they may have just been the changes in 

the CPO Mess due to the enlargement of the Crew’s WC.120

CPO Berthing Figures: None 

List of Recommended Furnishings

CPO Berthing (port)

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Overhead lamps, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Forward Locker, upright Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

bulkhead 1955, 1957, 1958 

Aft Locker, upright Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

 1955, 1957, 1958

Emergency lamp, red Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Battle lantern Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Circular socket Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Port Bunks, 6 Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects.

 1955, 1957, 1958

Mattress cover, top sheet, Standard bunk furnishings Acquire.

pillow, pillow case, blanket, 6 

 of each for 6 bunks

Starboard Lockers, upright, 4 Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects.

 1955, 1957, 1958

CPO Berthing (starboard)

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Overhead lamps, 3 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Port Lockers, upright, 6 Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects.

 1955, 1957, 1958 

Emergency lamp, red Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Battle lantern Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Circular socket Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Starboard Bunks, 8 Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects; remove 1 of 

 1955, 1957, 1958 the 3 forward bunks.

Mattress cover, top sheet, Standard bunk furnishings Acquire.

pillow, pillow case, blanket, 8 

 of each for 8 bunks

Forward Locker, upright, 1 Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

bulkhead 1955, 1957, 1958 

Lamp, wall, for top bunk Extant in compartment Use extant object.

120 In November 1957 it was noted: “enlarge crew’s forward WR-WC space and improve CPO Country.” “Completed 

Ship Alterations,” November 6, 1957, 9020.2, Completed Ship Alterations, 1954–59, RG 3, Box 113, Folder 20, 

BNHPA.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

109

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Aft Lockers, upright, 3 Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects.

 1955, 1957, 1958

CPO uniforms, on hangers in Replace door of 1 locker with 

 1 locker121 Plexiglas; acquire and hang 

 uniforms in locker.

CPO Head 

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

Located adjoining the CPO Berthing Compartments, it is not known if the CPO’s Head was modifi ed at all 

prior to 1955. The CPO Head saw no major changes between 1955 and 1958, however, a new deck was installed in its 1958 overhaul.122

CPO Head Figures: None 

List of Recommended Furnishings

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Overhead lamp, 1 Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Forward Shower Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

bulkhead 1955, 1957, 1958 

Shower curtain Standard furnishing for shower Acquire.

Aft Urinal Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

 1955, 1957, 1958

Sinks, 2 Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects.

 1955, 1957, 1958

Towel dispenser Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Metal box Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Port Toilets, 2 Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects.

 1955, 1957, 1958

Starboard Condition check-off list Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Operating instructions for Extant in compartment Use extant object.

sprinklers

121 It does not matter which rating is shown on the sleeve because all chiefs lived together. All of the uniforms in the 

locker should bear the same rate and rating insignia, however.

122 ”Job Order,” September 19, 1958, 4700.2, Records of Overhaul, 1958, USS Cassin Young Operational Archives, 

RG 3, Part 2/4, Box 75, Folder 1, BNHPA.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

110

Passage A-204-1LM 

List of Recommended Furnishings

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Overhead lamp, 1 Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Emergency lamp, red, 1 Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Forward Submersible pump connections Extant in compartment Use extant object.

bulkhead

Aft Fire hose Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Port Condition check-off list Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Speaker/amplifi er Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Mount 51 5-Inch Ammunition Handling Room 

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

(See Main Deck 5-Inch Guns, p. 66; ammunition came up from the handling room to the gun above.)

List of Recommended Furnishings

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Overhead lamp, 1 Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Emergency lamp, red, 1 Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Forward Sign, “Safety Precautions— Extant in compartment Use extant object.

bulkhead Magazines & Handling Rooms” 

Operating instructions, “5ʺ Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 .38-Caliber Handling Room Crew”

Heater Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Aft Projectile holder Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Ammunition hoist Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Hoist controls Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Switches Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Heater Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Port Rack for powder canisters Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Projectile holders (2 tiers) Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Starboard Projectile holders Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Battle lantern Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Condition check-off list Extant in compartment Use extant object.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

111

123 Dave O’Connell, interview by Francy Bockhoven, May 29, 1980, transcript, 18–19, BNHPA.

Wardroom Stateroom 203

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

Although most of the Offi cers’ Staterooms were not large, they at least aff orded a small amount of privacy. 

A curtain (Figures 47 and 48) could be closed at night to cut off the light from the passageway. On the bulkheads outside the Staterooms of Cassin Young, slots were provided to hold the resident offi cers’ calling cards, 

a convenient way to identify who lived where. As with the rest of the ship, the accommodations were spartan; 

there was not room to leave papers or clothing lying about. Each side of the central passageway in Offi cer’s 

Country was lined with Staterooms. 

Offi cers’ Staterooms contained not only living accommodations, such as a bed, bureau, and wardrobe, but 

were also fi tted out for work. Among other types of paperwork generated in these compartments, a World 

War II veteran recalled that it was here that offi cers read and censored crew members’ correspondence, ensuring that no secret information was publicly released.123 Each offi cer had a desk and a safe in which were 

kept confi dential papers and manuals, and in some instances, a .45-caliber automatic pistol. The Supply Offi cer, for instance, wore a pistol on paydays to protect the cash. Generally two men lived in each room, but the 

rooms could be augmented with an additional bunk that was like one of the crews’ bunks and was fi tted above 

the upper permanent bunk. 

Figure 46: Offi cer at typewriter in Stateroom, 

1956. BNHPA, “Mediterranean Cruise,” Box 

182, folder 5.

Figure 47: Offi cer at Stateroom door, 1956. 

BNHPA, “Mediterranean Cruise,” Box 182, 

folder 5.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

112

Stewards were responsible for making the offi cers’ beds on 

a daily basis, and this was usually done immediately after 

breakfast. The Navy of the 1950s was still quite segregated, 

and the stewards’ rating was largely fi lled with African Americans and Filipinos. They prepared and served the meals for 

the offi cers, made the bunks up daily, and took care of the offi cers’ laundry. 

Originally, all Cassin Young Staterooms were outfi tted with 

a “chiff onier with locker and writing shelf” supplied by the 

same company that supplied the furniture in the Wardroom 

Stateroom and the Captain’s Cabin.124 Although these pieces 

were slated for replacement in 1958, this did not actually take 

place and the original chests of drawers remain.125

124 “Design and Construction Records,” April 13, 1943, 3450, RG 3, “S” 

Map Case 14, Drawer 1, Folder 3, Sheet 5-101, BNHPA.

125 Measurement of the extant chests confi rms that they are the same size 

as the 1943 ones. Further, the 1958 Records of Overhaul noted the 

“Substitution of secretary bureaus for chiffoniers in offi cer staterooms,” 

as “Uncompleted Approved Deslant Class Items,” June 7, 1958, 4700.2, 

Records of Overhaul, 1958, RG 3, 1/ 4, Box 74, Folder 13, BNHPA.

Figure 48: Offi cer at desk in Stateroom, 1956. 

BNHPA, “Mediterranean Cruise,” Box 182, folder 5.

Figure 49: Offi cer seated in Stateroom, 1956. 

BNHPA, “Mediterranean Cruise,” Box 182, 

folder 5.

Figure 50: Offi cer standing in Stateroom, 1956. BNHPA, “Mediterranean 

Cruise,” Box 182, folder 5.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

113

Wardroom Stateroom Figures: Figures 47–50 show other Offi cers’ Staterooms on Cassin Young; Figure 

46 is Wardroom Stateroom 203.

Figure 51 Wardroom 

Stateroom (203) as 

it will appear after 

refurnishing to 1958. 

Illustration by 

Steven N. Patricia.

List of Recommended Furnishings

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Overhead lamps, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Port Thermometer Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Portiere, in door to passage Extant hardware in compartment; Acquire reproduction.

 3 Figures 42 and 4

Starboard Bunks, 2 Booklets 1955, 1957, 1958; Use extant objects.

 Figures 46 and 48–50

Mattresses, pillows, blankets, Figures 46 and 48–50 Acquire reproductions.

mattress covers, top sheets,

and bed spreads, 2 of each126

Fan, wall-mounted Figure 50 Acquire or reproduce.

Safe, combination Extant in compartment; Figure 50 Use extant object.

126 Use a light blue woven bedspread with a lighter blue, or off-white, stripe, approximately 1 inch wide, running from head to foot; 

in the middle of the spread was a circle of the same lighter color with a fouled anchor design in the middle. The blanket should be 

folded at the foot of the bunk.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

114

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Laundry bags, 2, on hooks by Figure 46 Acquire.

 top bunk

Forward Bunk lamps, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

File cabinet, 4-drawer, atop Booklets 1955, 1957, 1958 Use extant object.

 double-door cabinet

Chests, 6-drawer with pull-out Booklets 1955, 1957, 1958; Use extant objects.

 writing shelves and lockers above, 2 Figures 49 and 50 

Aft Clothing rack, hooks and shelf Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects.

 1955, 1957, 1958

Service dress blue, service dress Figure 49; standard furnishing for Acquire or reproduce.

white, service dress khaki, Offi cers’ Stateroom 

bridge coat, khaki trench coat,

 2 sets for each offi cer127

Caps, on shelf, 2 each for each Figure 49; standard furnishing for Acquire or reproduce.

 offi cer128 Offi cers’ Stateroom 

Shoes, 6 pair, black, khaki, and Figure 49; standard furnishing for Acquire or reproduce.

 white, on deck below hanging Offi cers’ Stateroom 

 clothes

Sink Booklets 1955, 1957, 1958; Use extant object.

 Figure 46

Mirror and cabinet, over sink Booklets 1955, 1957, 1958 Use extant objects.

Soap, toothpaste, and glass in Standard furnishings for Offi cers’ Acquire.

 holder Stateroom

Towel Figure 46 Acquire.

Desk, fold-down Booklets 1955, 1957, 1958; Use extant object.

 Figures 46 and 50

Typewriter, portable, and paper Figures 46 and 48 Acquire.

Bookshelf Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

 1955, 1957, 1958

Technical manuals, paperback Figure 46; standard furnishing for Acquire.

novels, 3 or 4 of each on bookshelf Offi cers’ Stateroom

Wire letter trays, 2, in lower shelf Figures 46 and 50 Acquire.

 above desk

Papers, on bookshelf and in letter Figures 46 and 48 Acquire.

 trays

Armchair, at desk Figures 48 and 49 Acquire.

127 The insignia should be that of ensigns and lieutenants (junior grade). 

128 The cap cover could be changed according to the season or the prescribed uniform: blue and khaki in the winter, 

white and khaki in the summer. The caps in the Staterooms should be changed seasonally also. In the winter 

the offi cers and chiefs wore a blue cap cover with their blue uniforms. There would also be a khaki cover for the 

times when a wash khaki working uniform was worn.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

115

Executive Officer’s Stateroom (208) 

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

During wartime the Executive Offi cer shared this compartment with the ship’s doctor. By the 1950s, however, 

the Executive Offi cer was one of the few people on board who had the luxury of a private Stateroom, which 

was a little larger than that of other offi cers, as befi t his rank and responsibility. The Executive Offi cer was 

the second in command of the ship and would replace the Captain if, for instance, he were killed in battle. 

The Executive Offi cer was the administrative offi cer of the ship and was in charge of the day-to-day operations, such as overseeing personnel matters, regulating leave and liberty, ensuring that all watch sections were 

manned, and running the Ship’s Offi ce. On a destroyer such as Cassin Young, the Executive Offi cer was also 

often the navigator. Although he was not a watch stander, he was up at dawn and at dusk to “shoot” the stars, 

or to get the altitude of the stars using a sextant. Even though there were electronic means of getting a navigational fi x at sea, such as LORAN, the navigator verifi ed the electronic readings by calculating his position 

using astronomical observation. 

The Executive Offi cer’s Stateroom was furnished similarly to the junior offi cers’ staterooms, as it too was used 

as an offi ce. When the executive offi cer was working in the compartment, many personnel fi les in manila folders would have been out, but these were locked up when not in use and therefore not an appropriate furnishing for this study.

The Booklets of General Plans indicate that in 1955 there were two berths in this compartment and that one 

was removed in 1957. Then in 1958 the General Plans made note of a second berth again, “CPO over.” 

Like in the other Offi cers’ Wardrooms the 1943 chiff onnier was to be replaced in the 1958 overhaul; however, 

this was not a high enough priority and did not happen.129

Executive Officer’s Stateroom Figures: No specific photographs were found; Figures 46–50 provide 

good comparative evidence.

List of Recommended Furnishings

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Overhead lamp, 1 Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Port Bunk Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

 1955, 1957, 1958

Mattress, pillow, blanket, Standard furnishing for Stateroom Acquire.

mattress cover, top sheet, and 

 bed spread

Wall light Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Shelf Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Books and manuals, on shelf; Standard furnishing for Stateroom Acquire.

 subject matter focusing on 

 personnel and navigation

129 “Design and Construction Records,” April 13, 1943, 3450, RG 3, “S” Map Case 14, Drawer 1, Folder 3, Sheet 

5-101, BNHPA notes the original piece. Correspondence from 1958 indicates that it was not replaced. Commanding Offi cer, Cassin Young, to Commander, Boston Naval Shipyard, June 7, 1958, 4700.2, Records of Overhaul, 

1958, RG 3, 1/4, Box 74, Folder 13, BNHPA. 
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

116

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Starboard Desk Booklets 1955, 1957, 1958 Use extant object.

Plan of the Day, mimeographed, Standard furnishing for Stateroom Reproduce.

 on desk

Pen, on desk Standard furnishing for Stateroom Acquire.

Photograph, family members, in Standard furnishing for Stateroom Acquire and/or reproduce.

 small easel frame on desk

Letter trays, wire, 3, and papers Extant in compartment Use extant objects; acquire papers.

Armchair, at desk Standard furnishing for desk Use extant object; upholstery on 

 chairs needs treatment or 

 replacement.

Phone Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Desk lamp, wall-mounted Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Switchboard lights Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Thermometer Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Chest of drawers Booklets 1955, 1957, 1958 Extant original object remains.

Forward Sink, with mirror and cabinet Booklets 1955, 1957, 1958 Use extant objects.

Soap, toothpaste, and glass Standard furnishing for Stateroom Acquire.

 in holder

Towel Standard furnishing for Stateroom Acquire.

Aft Clothing rack, hooks, and shelf Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects.

 1955, 1957, 1958

Service dress blue, service dress Figure 49; standard furnishing for Acquire or reproduce.

white, service dress khaki, Stateroom 

bridge coat, khaki trench coat,

 2 sets 130

Caps, on shelf, 3 Figure 49; standard furnishing Acquire or reproduce.

 for Stateroom

Shoes, 3 pair, black, khaki, and Figure 49; standard furnishing for Acquire or reproduce.

 white, on deck below hanging Stateroom 

 clothes

Bookshelf Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Books and manuals in bookshelf; Standard furnishing for Stateroom Acquire or reproduce.

 subject matter focusing on 

 personnel and navigation

Log desk, wall-mounted Booklets 1955, 1957, 1958 Use extant object.

File cabinet, 1-drawer, in corner Booklets 1955, 1957, 1958 Use extant object.

 next to desk

130 These uniforms would have the rank of a lieutenant commander with two wide and one narrow stripe or the 

gold oak leaf.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

117

Passage A-205L

List of Recommended Furnishings

This is the passage in Offi cer’s Country, into which all of the Offi cers’ Staterooms opened.

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Overhead lamps, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Port Circular socket Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Condition check-off list Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Emergency lamp, red Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Starboard Mailbox Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Condition check-off list Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Water cooler Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Forward Emergency lamp, red Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Battle lantern Hardware extant in compartment Acquire or reproduce.

Calling cards, offi cers’, in sleeves Hardware extant in compartment Reproduce.

 on walls outside Staterooms

Engineer’s Stateroom (207)

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

The Engineer Offi cer was the only offi cer, except for the Captain and Executive Offi cer, who had a telephone—bunkside—in his Stateroom. This was needed because he was on call at all times in the event of an 

emergency. A casualty in the Engineering Department could threaten the ship itself. The Engineer had to be 

immediately available to the men of his department who were standing watches in the Engine Rooms and 

Fire Rooms. If there was a failure of any of the machinery, or a casualty, the Engineer Offi cer had to be on the 

scene immediately, working with his men to fi nd the cause of the problem, and report the cause, status, and 

repercussions of the problem. The boilers provided all of the energy for operating the destroyer. Without the 

boilers, there was no electricity, no fresh water, no ventilation, and no power to move the ship. Indeed, even 

without a phone call, if the ship suddenly got quiet in the middle of the night, the Engineer woke up and knew 

there was a problem. As Mechanical Division Chief Engineer MacDougal recalled, the responsibility was always with him, and the fact that Cassin Young was an old ship by the late 1950s only multiplied the concern.

When you run out of fuel, the lights stop, everything! And you just fl oat around in the dark. That was the 

single biggest fear of the chief engineer. . . . ’losing the load,’ where you get some water into the turbine 

and you have to shut it down. . . . And that’s why the phone was right by the bed there. It was a constant 

kind of black cloud that you had to deal with, with an old ship like this. And we lost oil a few times.131

Another unusual aspect of the Chief Engineer’s Stateroom was its size. It would have been shared with one 

other relatively senior offi cer, but the spaciousness of the compartment was so that the Engineer could use his 

131 MacDougal, interview, transcript, 23-24, BNHPA. 
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

118

Stateroom as a branch offi ce. This was likely the case during World War II when there was a large desk along 

the starboard side, but it appears that by the mid-1950s a table at the foot of the Engineer’s berth served as the 

only work surface.132

Chronology of Changes to the Engineer’s Stateroom

• 1955—“Radar equipment MK.25 MOD.3 SER.395 Plans in OP.1845. compt A-206-1LC [Engineer’s 

WRSR, (207)] FR. 64”133

Wardroom Stateroom Figures: None

List of Recommended Furnishings

Drawing upon the General Plans for Cassin Young, this report recommends removing the large table on the 

starboard side of the compartment. In all likelihood, it was part of the National Park Service’s original refurnishing of the destroyer and based upon the physical space of the compartment but not on primary evidence 

for the late 1950s period of interpretation.

The Stateroom would be furnished much like the Junior Offi cers’ Stateroom and the Executive Offi cer’s Stateroom. Rank insignia would be for a lieutenant or lieutenant (junior grade).

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Lamps, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Port Bunks, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Lockers, 3, under lower bunk Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Safe, wall-mounted, between Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 feet of bunks

Storage rack, overhead, metal Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 Set of service dress blue, service Figure 49; standard furnishing for Acquire or reproduce.

dress white, service dress khaki, Offi cers’ Stateroom

bridge coat, khaki trench coat,

 2 sets for each offi cer 

Shoes, 3 pair, black, khaki, and Figure 49; Standard furnishing for Acquire or reproduce.

 white, on deck below hanging Offi cers’ Stateroom

 clothes, 2 sets for each offi cer 

Telephone, on bulkhead next to Hardware extant in compartment Acquire.

 lower bunk

Table, at aft end Booklets 1955, 1957 1958 Acquire.

Wire letter trays with papers, Standard furnishing for Offi cers’ Acquire and/or reproduce.

 including Fuel and Water Report, Stateroom 

 and bell sheets134

Starboard Key boxes, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Clock Extant in compartment Extant reproduction object 

 remains.

Fan Hardware extant in compartment Acquire.

132 “Booklet of General Plans,” 1955, 1957, and 1958, plate 8, BNHPA.

133 “Arrival Conference Chart,” February 3, 1955, 12,4700.2, Arrival Conference Charts, 1954–55, RG 3, Oversize 

Box 2, File 15, BNHPA.

134 See “Engineer’s Offi ce” for a description of the water reports and bell sheets.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

119

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Book shelves, 2 high Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

 1955, 1957 1958

Technical manuals, on shelves Acc. 26, pp. 157–184, 188–192, Reproduce manuals for 2, 

 and 210–215 30-inch-wide x 11-1/2-inch-high 

 shelves.

Side chair, against bulkhead Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Forward Chests, 6-drawer with pull-out Extant in compartment; Booklets Extant original objects remain.

 writing shelves and lockers above, 2 1955, 1957 1958 

Bunk lights, 2 Partially extant in compartment Acquire 1 bunk light and shade.

Fan Hardware extant in compartment Acquire.

Aft File cabinet, 4-drawer Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

 1955, 1957, 1958

Sink with mirror, cabinet and Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects.

 shelf 1955, 1957, 1958

Toothbrush, bar of soap, Standard furnishing for sink Acquire soap, toothpaste, shaving 

toothpaste, shaving gear on gear, and toothbrush similar to 

 sink, 2 sets BOSTC 00138.

Passage A-206-1LC (forward, by Engineer’s Stateroom, aft, outside I.C. and Plotting Room)

The forward portion of this passage was in Offi cer’s Country between the Engineer’s Stateroom and the 

Executive Offi cer’s Stateroom. It contained three storage lockers and safes of varying sizes. The linen locker in 

this passage appears to be the original,135 and it is likely that the two safes are original to Cassin Young also. All 

three storage spaces appear on the 1950s General Plans for the destroyer. 

The aft section of the passage adjoins the I.C. and Plotting Room and contains stairs up to the Main Deck.

List of Recommended Furnishings

Doors to the linen locker and safes can be removed and Plexiglas panels can be inserted so that these storage 

areas may be historically furnished and seen by the public.

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Forward Safe, large Extant in compartment; Booklets Remove and label door and place 

 1955, 1957, 1958 in storage; fabricate Plexiglas 

 insert.

Code books, bags, and Standard furnishing for Acquire and/or reproduce.

weights, on shelving in safe compartment

Aft Bulletin board in glass case Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Plan of the Day, posted on Standard furnishing for Reproduce.

 bulletin board compartment

Safe, small, under stairs Extant in compartment; Booklets Remove and label door and place 

 1955, 1957, 1958 in storage; fabricate Plexiglas 

 insert.

135 The receipt, from the Jamestown Metal Corporation, Marine Division Agents at L.F. Dietz & Associates on Madison Avenue in New York City, for a linen locker in this compartment noted it as: 21 w × 42 h × 24 d with three 

adjustable shelves, French Grey. “Design and Construction Records,” April 13, 1943, 3450, RG 3, “S” Map Case 

14, Drawer 1, Folder 3, Sheet 18-101, BNHPA.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

120

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Silver fl atware and Standard furnishing for Acquire.

hollowware, in safe compartment

Linen locker Extant in compartment; Booklets Remove and label door and place 

 1955, 1957, 1958 in storage; fabricate Plexiglas 

 insert.

Tablecloths, napkins, towels, on Standard furnishing for Acquire.

 shelves of linen locker compartment

Port Reproducer Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Connection box Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Starboard Motor, exhaust vent control Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Circular socket Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Forward Bracket with black cable Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

I.C. (Internal Communications) and Plotting Room 

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

Serving two major functions, the I.C. and Plotting Room was the nerve center of Cassin Young. First, it was 

the central “telephone exchange” for the entire ship, with all communications routed through the switchboards lined against the bulkheads. Its second function, and for the purpose of the ship as a vessel of war its 

most important, was as the location for the gunfi re control computer; this is the large box in the center of the 

fl oor covered with dials, switches, and handles. All information regarding Cassin Young’s course and speed, 

the velocity of the wind, the target’s course and speed, and the eff ect of the rotation of the Earth, known as 

the Coriolis eff ect, was entered into the computer. Unlike today’s electronic computers, this was an electromechanical device; the gunfi re computer was fi lled with gears and dials and much of the information entry 

was done manually. Although some of the information was entered electronically, sailors with sound-powered 

phones would receive other information and dial it in by hand. 

The main 5-inch battery guns were actually fi red from the Plotting Room. The computer sent the gun mounts 

the bearing and elevation information, and the guns were then pointed in the right direction and elevated to 

the correct angle. The men in the mounts were basically there to load ammunition and serve as backup if the 

computers did not work. Firing by “local control” was possible, but turning the heavy gun and elevating it by 

hand were slow and arduous. When the computer reached a good fi ring solution, triggers on the computer 

were pulled and the gun fi red. 

Additionally, the I.C. and Plotting Room held the master gyroscopic compass, a large cylindrical object. It 

maintained true north and fed its information to the compass repeaters on the Bridge.

Cassin Young’s Arrival Conference Charts note plenty of work taking place in the I.C. and Plotting Room during overhauls, but no major changes are noted on the extant General Plans from the 1950s.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

121

Chronology of Changes to the I.C. and Plotting Room

• 1955—“Master gyro compass” [nature of work unknown]

 —“Computer MK.1A MOD.13 SER. 1529, dwg #222940. Compt. A-207-C” [nature of work unknown]

 —1 tape recorder [probably repaired by tender]136

• 1958—“install fl uorescent lighting fi xtures”137

I.C. and Plotting Room Figures: None

List of Recommended Furnishings

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Lamps, 7 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Lamp, over stable element Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Destruction bill Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Port Phone Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Indicator-transmitter Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Switch “SUP. VENT No 267” Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Circular socket Extant in compartment Use extant object.

FB-105/FB-108 box Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Reproducer Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Magazine sprinkling alarm Extant in compartment Use extant object.

switchboard

Signal generator Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Shelves, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects; acquire bar 

 to hold items in place.

Books for shelving Standard furnishing for Acquire or reproduce.

 compartment

Amplifi ers, 3 Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects.

 1955, 1957, 1958

Transformers, 3 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Shaft revolution indicator Extant in compartment Use extant object.

system

Starboard Transfer box for emergency Extant in compartment Use extant object.

lighting

Compass control panel Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Fan Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Compass Extant in compartment Use extant object.

136 “Arrival Conference Chart,” February 3, 1955, 8, 13 and 21, 4700.2, Arrival Conference Charts, 1954-55, RG 3, 

Oversize Box 2, File 15, BNHPA.

137 “Arrival Conference Chart,” July 7, 1958, 4700.2, Arrival Conference Charts, 1958, RG 3, Oversize Box 2, Folder 

17, 12, BNHPA. The compartment has incandescent lighting today. It is not clear if the replacement fi xtures noted 

here were actually installed; other items on the Arrival Conference Chart were marked “cancel,” but these were 

not.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

122

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Metal cabinet, 5-drawer with Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

 condition check-off sheet on side 1955, 1957, 1958 

Intercom Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Switch “EXH VENT No 2-71” Extant in compartment Use extant object.

A.C./D.C. Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Ammeter/voltmeter Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Hinged table Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Main battery announcing Extant in compartment Use extant object.

reproducer

Clock, above hatch to passage Mounting hardware extant in Acquire.

 compartment

Mid- Action cutout switchboard with Extant in compartment Use extant object.

compartment 2 mounted lights

Internal communications Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

switchboard with several signs:

 “SAFETY PRECAUTIONS—ELECTRICAL;”

 “MASTER GYRO COMPASS 

 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS;” 

 “MAINTENANCE OF ELECTRICAL 

 BONDING AND GROUNDING;” “IN 

 CASE OF ELECTRIC SHOCK;” 

 “RESUSCITATION BY . . . ARTIFICIAL 

 RESPIRATION” 

Master gyro compass Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

 1955, 1957, 1958

Computer with sign “DANGER Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects.

 HIGH VOLTAGE” and stable 1955, 1957, 1958

 element 

Forward Relay transmitter Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Distance transmitter Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Differential alarm relay Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Brass clanger Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Heavy machine gun control Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

switches, 3

Casualty power supply Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

system/I.C. board terminal 1955, 1957, 1958: “IC Switches” 

Automatic corrector Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Dimmer control Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Cable, black rubber, reeled on Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 bracket

Aft (Actual aft Battle telephone switchboard Extant in compartment Use extant object.

bulkhead is all 

wiring. These 

items stand 

2–3 feet out.) 
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

123

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Main fi re control switchboard Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 with 2 mounted lights

Stable element controls Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects.

 1955, 1957, 1958

Engineer’s Office (A-206-1LC)

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

The Chief Engineer’s Offi ce adjoined his Stateroom. On ship, the offi ce was called the “Log Room” because 

all of the engineering logs, or records, were maintained there. These records included the daily fuel and water 

report, indicating how much fuel had been consumed during the day and how much remained on board, how 

much fresh and feed water had been used, how much had been made by the evaporators, and how much was 

on board. The Engineer sent a signed daily report of this information to the Captain.

Another important record used and fi led in the Engineer’s Offi ce was the bell sheet. Every time the Bridge 

ordered a change of speed—even just one rpm of the propeller shafts—that change was noted in the Engine 

Rooms on the bell sheets, so called because the signal from the Bridge for a speed change was a ringing of a 

bell in the Engine Rooms. Additionally, records were kept on all of the machinery in the department—when 

each piece was last overhauled and how it was performing.

The Engineering Department maintained still more records, all of which were fi led in the Log Room.

The 1950s General Plans for Cassin Young indicate no change in the compartment for the years they include.

Engineer’s Office Figures: None

List of Recommended Furnishings

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Lamp, 1 Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Starboard Desk, with 4 drawers on left Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

 1955, 1957, 1958

Rubber stamps and ash tray, Standard furnishing for Acquire.

 on desk compartment

Side chair, at desk Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Typewriter, on desk (slide Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 retractable surface back to place 

 typewriter at appropriate level)

Letter tray, wire Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Engineering records, signed, in Standard furnishing for Reproduce.

 letter tray compartment

 2-shelf book shelf, wall-mounted Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

 1955, 1957, 1958
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

124

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Engineering manuals and Standard furnishing for Reproduce, drawing from 

technical materials, on shelves compartment items such as Damage Control 

 Books, Yard Work Request Folder, 

 Engineering Casualty Control 

 Manual, and Naval Boiler and 

 Turbine Laboratory Report. Use 

 Acc. 26, pp. 53–66, 76–78, 81–88, 

 91–100, 104–7, 154–57, 182, 

 184–87, 192–93, 198–200, 204–6, 

 208–9, 215–17 and 364(2nd)–371, 

 BNHPA.

Damage control drawing, Standard furnishing for Reproduce.

 mounted on bulkhead compartment

Forward Metal box, locked, for liberty cards Extant in compartment Use extant object.

“PRIMARY BATTLE TELEPHONE” Extant in compartment Use extant object.

and indicator lights on panel

Brackets Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Aft Metal fi le cabinet, 5-drawer Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

 1955, 1957, 1958

20-tray document box with Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

double-door cabinet on top 1955, 1957, 1958 

Documents, in trays Standard furnishing for Reproduce.

 compartment

Barber Shop 

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

During the war years, at least three crew members berthed in this 

compartment, which also served as the destroyer’s Barber Shop. 

In 1957 the three bunks along the port bulkhead were removed. 

The 1957 General Plans also noted the addition of radar in the 

forward portion of the compartment, most likely overfl ow from 

the Mark 25 Radar Room just forward of the Barber Shop. None 

of the General Plans show a barber’s chair in the space, although 

it may simply have not been the sort of equipment of which note 

was made. Earlier historic photographs (Figures 52 and 53) of the 

compartment show crew members receiving haircuts, but there 

is no barber chair with arm visible, suggesting that the one there 

presently may be a 1957, or later, addition. 

Sanitary Reports for Cassin Young indicate that the barbershop 

was a bit of a makeshift operation. “As soon as there is a designated barber, space is in need of complete renovation. A sterilizer 

should be ordered immediately. The present set up is satisfactory, 

but is useless in rough weather as pan loses sterilizing solution and 

it is not fi xed to bulkhead.”138 Subsequent Sanitary Reports indi138 “Medical Department Sanitary Inspection Report,” July 21, 1955, 

6240.1, Weekly Sanitary Reports, RG 3, Box 93, Folder 23, BNHPA. 

Figure 52: Barber Shop, 1954. BNHPA, “World Cruise, USS Cassin Young,” 

Box 182, folder 5.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

125

139 Ibid., October 4, 1956 and September 5, 1957.

140 “Barber services are limited to hair cutting; . . . rendered on an impartial basis and . . . no compensation therefore 

is accepted. . . . clean white trousers and barber’s jacket are worn during working hours . . . personnel are not 

allowed to loiter in the barbering spaces.” 4400, [n.d., 1958-60], RG 3, Box 60, Folder 7, BNHPA. 

Figure 53: Barber Shop, 1954. BNHPA, 

“World Cruise, USS Cassin Young,” Box 182, 

folder 5.

cated steady use, noting, “Barber Shop: Good considering 

work load,” and the ongoing absence of a sterilizer. 139

Two of the historic photographs have crew members in the 

background as hair was being cut, which, in conjunction with 

later statements prohibiting loitering in the compartment, 

point to this as a social area of the ship where crew relaxed 

and shared conversation. Haircuts were free of charge, and 

the barber wore a white uniform.140

Barber Shop Figures: 52–55

List of Recommended Furnishings

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Light, incandescent, 1 Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Lights, fl uorescent, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Starboard Circular socket Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Battle lantern Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Red lights, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Port Control apparatus for Sup. Vent Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 No 2-67 with vented metal box 

 underneath

Figure 54: Barber Shop, 1956–57. BNHPA, 

“Mediterranean Cruise, USS Cassin Young,” 

Box 182.

Figure 55: Barber Shop, 1978. BNHPA 1978 Survey, Roll 5, 

No. 4.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

126

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Sink Extant in compartment; Figure 55 Use extant object.

Selector switch for radar Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Mirror Extant in compartment; Figure 55 Use extant object.

Containers, hair powders and oils, Figure 54 Acquire.

 in shelf in front of mirror

Cabinet Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Barber’s chair Extant in compartment; Figure 55 Use extant object.

Forward Radar repeater driver unit Extant in compartment; Figure 55; Use extant object.

 Booklets 1957 and 1958

Aft Condition check-off list in metal Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 frame

Sign “Safety Precautions . . . in Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 Barber Shop” (PHILNAVSHYD)

Clothing hooks Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Fan Hardware extant in compartment Acquire.

Ship’s Office

Compartment Use, History, and 

Furnishings

Just like any other organization or business, 

a ship had people to manage information for 

consideration and distribution, and organizational superiors to whom its commanders 

answered. The Ship’s Offi ce was the administrative center of the ship, the compartment 

in which all of these functions were managed. 

The Executive Offi cer was the senior administrative offi cer, and the Ship’s Offi ce was his 

nerve center. His staff of Yeomen maintained 

the personnel records for the crew of the 

destroyer, handled the offi cial correspondence, prepared the daily Plan of the Day, 

and performed a myriad of other duties. This 

offi ce, with its typewriters and fi le cabinets, 

was more like a business offi ce than any 

other space on the ship. The Yeomen, akin 

to clerks and typists in the civilian world, did 

not stand watches under normal cruising 

conditions. Like the cooks, they worked long 

hours independent of the watch rotation.

Figure 56: Ship’s Offi ce, 1956–57. BNHPA, “Mediterranean 

Cruise, USS Cassin Young,” Box 182.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

127

Every day the Yeomen in the offi ce produced 

a Plan of the Day outlining the major events 

of that day, such as the time for meals, duty 

sections, Quarterdeck watches (if in port), 

and, most importantly, what time liberty 

started.

The Ship’s Offi ce was crowded and busy. Cassin Young yeoman Theodore G. Johndrow, 

on board from May 1958 until March 1960, 

recalled never being caught up with the paperwork—typing forms and correspondence 

and doing fi ling. “There were lots of nights 

that I was typing the plan of the day, for example, at 8, 9, 10 o’clock, maybe. Or I would 

hopefully get the plan of the day typed up 

and signed and ran off and delivered around 

the ship prior to taps, which would be at 10. 

But there were a lot of nights it was late.”141

Docking in port brought no relief. “When 

we pulled into port, the rest of the crew was 

going on Liberty. But that was when we received our mail, so we had more work to do 

than we did when we were at sea!”142

Johndrow also recalled the experience of bad 

weather in the Ship’s Offi ce in 1958–59; even 

with objects well secured, something invariably was loose. No doubt this happened in 

numerous other compartments as well.

I was in the offi ce in the evening, and it was 

terribly rough in there; things were fl ying 

all over. I was trying to type up the plan of 

the day, and I remember Bernie Cooney 

came in. He looked around and said, ‘You 

ought to get hazardous duty pay, just to 

work here!’ And he did not more than 

leave, when a two-hole punch fell from 

somewhere, and it probably would have 

knocked his brains out if he had still been 

there! But the ship would take a roll, and 

you’d slide backwards in that little ship’s 

141 Johndrow, interview by Diane Diamond, August 14, 

1983, transcript, 10, BNHPA.

142 Ibid., 3.

Figure 57: Ship’s Offi ce, 1954. BNHPA, “World Cruise, USS 

Cassin Young,” Box 182, folder 5.

Figure 58: Ship’s Offi ce, 1954. BNHPA, “World Cruise, USS 

Cassin Young,” Box 182, folder 5.

Figure 59: Ship’s Offi ce, 1956–57. BNHPA, “Mediterranean 

Cruise, USS Cassin Young,” Box 182.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

128

offi ce, and the chair would go back against the bulkhead, and your feet would go up automatically to the desk 

to keep the typewriter from falling off !143

All of the Department of the Navy instructions would be kept in the Ship’s Offi ce: notices from the Secretary 

of the Navy’s Offi ce, from the Chief of Naval Operations, from type commanders, squadron commanders, 

and countless other entities in the various chains of command. Most of these were kept in loose-leaf binders 

such as can be seen on the shelves behind the sailor in Figure 57. 

General Plans and historic photographs indicate a series of minor changes to Cassin Young’s Ship’s Offi ce and 

likely point to increased paperwork as the 1950s progressed. Figure 57 shows a series of three fi le cabinets at 

the forward end of the compartment. By 1955 only two fi le cabinets were here,144 and in 1957 a table was added next to the forward fi le cabinets.145 Two fi le cabinets and a table remain in this location today. In 1958 a fi le 

cabinet was added at the forward end of the starboard table,146 and although the extant historic photographs 

are too early to show this, the offi ce retains this confi guration of fi le cabinet and table along its starboard side 

today. Comparison of historic photographs (Figures 58 and 59) also reveals that the metal doors on the cabinet at the aft end of the compartment were replaced with sliding Plexiglas doors (extant today) sometime between 1954 and 1956–57. Most likely at that same time, as Figures 58 and 59 also indicate, the open, wire letter 

trays mounted on the bulkhead forward of the cabinet were replaced with the 11-slot metal document holder 

presently in the offi ce.

Ship’s Office Figures: 56–60

Figure 60: Ship’s Offi ce as it will appear 

after refurnishing to 1958. Illustration by 

Steven N. Patricia.

143 Ibid., 15–16.

144 “Booklet of General Plans,” 1955, RG 3, BNHPA.

145 Ibid., 1957.

146 Ibid., 1958.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

129

List of Recommended Furnishings

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Overhead lamps, 2 Extant in compartment; Figure 57 Use extant objects.

Starboard 2-unit metal shelves, mounted Extant in compartment; Figures 57 Use extant object; acquire bar for 

 high and 58 upper shelf.

Notebooks and manuals, on shelves Figures 57 and 58 Reproduce from Acc. 26, 

 especially using personnel and 

 administrative manuals.

4-drawer fi le with upright fi le on Extant in compartment; Booklet Use extant object.

 top 1958

Desk/table, long Extant in compartment; Figures Use extant object.

 56–58; Booklets 1955, 1957, 1958

Typewriters, 3, on desk Extant in compartment Use extant objects; reproduce 

 forms and place in typewriters. 

 For blank Tender Work Requests, 

 see C1678 5213.1, n.d., Box 86, 

 folder 8, BNHPA; for sample Plan 

 of the Day, see “Plan of the 

 Day,” December 5, 1959, 

 5000.4, Box 81, folder 8.

Plan of the Day, in typewriter— Standard furnishing for Ship’s Reproduce.

 partially complete Offi ce

Side chairs, 3 Figure 58 Extant in compartment.

2-hole punch, on desk Johndrow interview Acquire.

Desk pens in holders, 2, on desk Figures 56 and 58 Acquire.

Ash tray, on desk Figure 58 Acquire.

Rubber stamps and holder, on Figure 58 Acquire.

 desk

Typewriter eraser, on desk Standard furnishing for Ship’s Acquire.

 Offi ce

Stapler and staple remover, on Standard furnishings for Ship’s Acquire.

 desk Offi ce

Wooden shelves, underneath Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 desk/table

Papers, in shelves Standard furnishing for Ship’s Reproduce, including carbon 

 Offi ce paper, onion skin, stationery, and 

 blank forms.

11-slot metal document holder, Extant in compartment; Figure 59 Use extant object.

 above desk

Papers, in shelves above desk Standard furnishing for Ship’s Reproduce.

 Offi ce

2-shelf cabinet with sliding Extant in compartment; Figures Use extant object.

 Plexiglas doors 56, 58, and 59; Booklets 1955, 

 1957, 1958 

Manuals and papers, on shelves Standard furnishing for Ship’s Reproduce.

 in cabinet Offi ce
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

130

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Fluorescent lights, over desk, 2 Extant in compartment; Figures Use extant objects.

 57 and 58

Port Cabinet for allowance inspection Extant in compartment; Figure 59; Use extant object.

 cards Booklets 1955, 1957, 1958 

“Pigeonhole” metal document Extant in compartment Use extant object.

holder

Papers, in shelves Standard furnishing for Ship’s Reproduce.

 Offi ce

Forward 4-drawer fi le cabinets, 2 Extant in compartment; Figure 57; Use extant objects.

 Booklets 1955, 1957, 1958

Desk/table Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

 1957–58

Side chair, at desk Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Typewriter, on desk Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Typewriter eraser, on desk Standard furnishing for Ship’s Acquire.

 Offi ce

Aft Fan Extant in compartment; Figures Use extant object.

 58 and 59

Phone with brass indicator Extant in compartment Use extant object.

panel

Berthing (First and Second Platforms)

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

Space was at a premium in a ship, and probably no place better 

refl ected the lack of privacy and space than did the Crew’s Berthing Compartments. Bunks were stacked three high, and most of an 

individual’s possessions were kept in a footlocker under the lower 

bunks, on the deck. In some compartments there were upright 

lockers, but more commonly, there were three footlockers under 

each tier of bunks.

The original Cassin Young bunks probably had a rectangular tubular frame to which was lashed a piece of canvas upon which the 

mattress was placed. By the 1950s (Figures 62 and 63) Cassin Young 

had a second bunk type that used wire links and springs rather 

than canvas. Enlisted men did not use a sheet to cover the mattress; 

instead a white cotton bag was slipped over the mattress from head 

to foot. These were commonly referred to as “fart sacks.” The bunk 

had an upper sheet and a white Navy blanket folded at the foot. A 

pillow with case would be at the head of the bunk. As 1950s crew 

member Anthony Marra recalled: “there was no tucking sheets under or anything. The mattress cover tied at the ends. Like a big bag 

Figure 61: Crew’s Berthing, 1956–57. 

BNHPA, “Mediterranean Cruise, USS 

Cassin Young,” Box 182.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

131

that you slip the mattress in. And the blankets were just folded to probably 2' square, and just sat on top of the 

bed, and the pillow at the other end.”147

The head and foot of adjacent bunks, both alongside and above and below, were alternated. During the day 

the bunks were “triced up,” or folded up (Figure 63), to clear the aisles and provide access to the footlockers. 

Metal hooks were used for this purpose, and such a hook appears behind the sailor in the upper left-hand 

corner in Figure 62. 

During the war and postwar years, smoking was a popular habit. A “butt kit,” or ashtray, is mounted to the 

stanchion in the upper right corner of Figure 63, and the middle sailor is holding a cigarette or small cigar. 

Sailors could smoke almost anywhere most of the time. However, when the ship was refueling or handling 

ammunition, the “smoking lamp” would be put out throughout the ship, indicating “no smoking.”148 Smoking 

was also prohibited in the berthing compartments at night, between taps and reveille.

147 Marra, interview, May 16, 1979, transcript, 85, BNHPA.

148 The term “smoking lamp” comes from the days of wooden ships when smoking was restricted to certain areas at 

certain times and sailors did not carry matches or lighters. A lamp fl ame, the “smoking lamp,” was provided to 

light the tobacco.

Figure 62: Forward Crew’s Berthing, Second Platform, 1953. BNHPA, “The Mediterranean Cruise,” Box 182, folder 3.

Figure 63: Crew’s Berthing, A-302L, Second Platform, 1956. BNHPA, “Mediterranean 

Cruise,” Box 182, folder 5.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

132

On some ships the Executive Offi cer permitted photos of family or girlfriends to be 

tucked into the mattress springs. It is not 

known if this was the case on Cassin Young

although such items would certainly have 

been found on the inside of the footlockers. 

Each sailor kept his laundry in a canvas laundry bag, suspended from his bunk, and wash 

was done once a week.149 Weekly inspections 

helped ensure that these berthing areas remained reasonably clean. Comments on the 

Weekly Sanitary Reports from 1955 through 

1957 range from “butt kits not emptied, trash 

can full, personal gear adrift,” and “empty 

dirty cups adrift on locker tops, cigarette 

butts on deck, empty milk cartons in cigarette 

butt kits,” to “clothes adrift and some very 

fi lthy sack covers,” and “dirty coff ee cups 

adrift on locker tops, fi lthy: much paper and 

cigarette butts adrift on deck.”150 Another 

report indicates the types of personal gear 

that sometimes did not get put away properly—in aft Berthing Compartment C-204 L, “Personnel should 

be instructed to stow personal gear in lockers. Towels may be hung neatly on bunk, but shoes, toilet articles, 

clothing etc. should not be left adrift.”151

Each berthing compartment had its unique advantages and shortcomings based on its location, although all 

appear to have suff ered from poor ventilation.152 In Aft Berthing on the First Platform, World War II torpedo 

man Dave O’Connell related: “I slept in the extreme far-back end of the ship [C-205L]. You could hear the 

propellers turning while you were asleep, but you got used to it.”153 Crew member Bernard Cooney berthed 

both in the forward and aft compartments during his tenure on Cassin Young. 

When I fi rst came on board I was in the fi rst division [A-303 L]. . . . The only rough part was sleeping up in the 

bow when the ship slapped water, sometimes you would end up on the deck. . . . Then I was transferred down 

to division two [C 205 L], which is in the fantail section. Down in the aft section you had just the opposite. 

When the screws came out of the water, you would think you were lying on an instant fi nger, the vibrations 

were super great! But you didn’t get thrown out of your bunk.154

Yeoman Johndrow recalled the smell where he berthed, “back aft, in the OC division [C-204 L]. I had a top rack, and 

right at the foot of my rack was a vent from the fuel tanks. It was just terrible!”155 Anthony Marra recounted that while 

serving as a Damage Control Man in the mid-1950s, he switched to better bunks as they became available. “I changed 

bunks as often as I wanted. Every time there was one vacant, I moved into it, kept moving into a better area. I was in a 

149 John T. Cerstvik to William L. Brown, III, August 13, 1999, HFC. 

150 “Medical Department Sanitary Inspection Report,” July 21, 1955, September 27, 1956, October 4, 1956, and 

January 24, 1957, 6240.1,Weekly Sanitary Reports, RG 3, Box 93, Folder 23, BNHPA. 

151 Ibid., August 26, 1955.

152 Johndrow, interview, transcript, 11, BNHPA.

153 O’Connell, interview, transcript, 47, BNHPA.

154 Cooney, interview, transcript, 5, BHNPA.

155 Johndrow, interview, transcript, 11, BNHPA.

Figure 64: Crew’s Berthing with upright locker, 1956–57. 

BNHPA, “Mediterranean Cruise, USS Cassin Young,” Box 182.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

133

corner, where it was really dark. I could sleep and 

nobody bothered me.”156

Nothing, however, compared to the typhoons 

Cassin Young crew weathered during the Second World War. Medical Offi cer Dr. Eugene 

Sevensma spoke of the two storms he endured, 

one of which was so severe that three other destroyers in the task force sank.

That lasted about three days. . . . I remember . . . 

the extreme depression and fatigue. Just fi ghting 

this tremendous roll, twenty-four hours a day, 

three days in a row. . . . You don’t get seasick, 

but you had to strap yourself in your bunk so 

you didn’t fall out. . . . You didn’t feel like sleeping yet you couldn’t stay awake; you didn’t feel 

like eating, you couldn’t because of the roll; you 

couldn’t concentrate on something like reading. . . . It was exhausting, a really strange experience.157

Evidence for which divisions berthed in which compartments on Cassin Young was located for the years 1955–

57. In the charts that follow, the information about occupancy in the 1955, 1956, and 1957 columns comes 

from the Weekly Sanitary Reports. The column labeled “Coile” was derived from CPO Richard Coile’s statement, in reference to the years 1956–57.158

First Platform—Aft Berthing

Compartment 1955 1956 1957 Coile

C-201 L159 Supply Supply ? Supply

 Division Division

C-203 L Engineering Engineering Engineering

 Division Division Division

C-204 L Operations Operations

 Division Division

C-205 L 2nd Division 2nd Division 2nd Division 

 with Deck 

 and Gunnery

 No Fox or M No Fox or M M Division—

 locations locations somewhere

 noted noted aft

 Repair Division—

 somewhere aft

156 Marra, interview, transcript, 81, BNHPA.

157 Sevensma, interview, transcript, 17, BNHPA.

158 “Medical Department Sanitary Inspection Report,” July 21, 1955, August 26, 1955, September 27, 1956, October 4, 1956, and January 24, 1957, February 8, 1957, and September 5, 1957, 6240.1, Weekly Sanitary Reports, 

RG 3, Box 93, Folder 23, BNHPA. An interview or statement from Cassin Young CPO Richard E. Coile, used in a 

2001 draft Historic Furnishings Report, confi rms these locations; no citation was found for this information.

159 Compartment C-201L is immediately forward of C-203L on the starboard side. C-201L is not part of the HFR but 

is included in this table as part of the information found on berthing locations.

Figure 65: Forward Berthing, A-303L, 1978. BNHPA 1978 

Survey, Roll 3, #12.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

134

Second Platform—Forward Berthing

Compartment 1955 1956 1957 Coile

A-302 L Repair Repair Fox

 Division Division Division

A-303 L 1st Division 1st Division 1st Division 

 with Deck 

 and Gunnery

Only a handful of documented furnishings changes were found for these berthing compartments on Cassin 

Young. In 1953 the Completed Ship Alterations report made note: “standardize crew’s berthing.”160 It is not 

known precisely what this meant; however, it may have been when all the bunks were switched to the wire 

frame type. No change was indicated for the aft Berthing Compartments in the General Plans, and only the 

removal of what appears to be the forwardmost bank of three lockers by 1957 occurred in the forward Crew’s 

Berthing, compartment A-302L.161 A dramatic change from the crew members’ point of view occurred in the 

1958 Navy Yard overhaul when tile fl ooring was put on the deck in the berthing areas. “It really made a big 

diff erence! Because when you got up in the morning and slapped your fl at feet out on that cold, clammy, wet 

steel deck in the morning, that you could hardly stand up on, because of the condensation from everybody 

breathing down there [sic].”162

Berthing Compartment Figures: 61–65

160 “Completed Ship Alterations,” July 1953, 9020.2, Completed Ship Alterations, RG 3, Box 113, Folder 20, BNHPA.

161 “Booklet of General Plans,” 1955 and 1957, plate 9, BNHPA.

162 Johndrow, interview, transcript, 11, BNHPA.

Figure 66: Crew’s Berthing 

as it will appear after refurnishing to 1958. Illustration 

by Steven N. Patricia.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

135

List of Recommended Furnishings

• All bunks should be wire spring type—replace all canvas ones. All 1950s photographs of the destroyer 

show wire bunks; the canvas type likely was added in the 1980s by the National Park Service.

• All crew had canvas laundry bags hanging from their bunks. 

• One footlocker and one upright locker should be furnished in both a forward and an aft compartment. 

A “dopp kit,” or small case for toiletries, would be prominent. A photo or two of a family and a girlfriend 

can be taped to the inside of the locker lid. The insignia on the uniforms should be consistent with the 

historical use of the compartment. (See Appendix H, “Uniforms for Enlisted men other than CPO’s.”)

• Butt kits would be readily available in each compartment. 

• All 228 bunks should be triced up and furnished, alternating head and foot, with the following:

• Mattress

• Mattress cover

• Pillow

• Pillow case

• Sheet

• Blanket—white with blue stripe

Broken down by compartment this is:

• C-203L 66 bunks

• C-204LM 42 bunks

• C-205L 66 bunks

• A-302L 21 bunks

• A-303L 33 bunks

Aft Crew Berthing

Volunteers presently use aft Crew Berthing lockers for storage of their personal materials. If no other space 

is available to them for this purpose, it should be asked that 1950s-style locks be used to secure their lockers. 

Small exhibits in C-203L should be removed to be replaced by furnishings, as specifi ed below.

Aft Crew’s Berthing, C-203L, Engineering Division

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Overhead lights Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Starboard 3 Bunks/3 lockers fwd, 3 bunks/ Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 3 lockers aft

 3 Bunks/3 lockers, between Extant in compartment Acquire 3 bunks and mattresses 

 other starboard bunks and lockers with pillows, blankets, top sheet, 

 and mattress cover. Remove USN 

 uniform items on hangers.

Port 9 Bunks (3 × 3 high) with 9 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

lockers underneath

 2 Upright lockers, 1 atop the Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 other, at aft end

Forward 12 Bunks with lockers Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 underneath (2 wide × 2 end-to-end 

 × 3 high)

Fan Extant in compartment Use extant object.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

136

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

 12 Bunks, as above, with light Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

switch panel at aft end

Light, red Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Upright lockers, 4, (2 wide × Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 2 high)

Bunks, 3, with lockers under Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Bunks, 6, with lockers under Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 (2 end-to-end, 3 high)

Bunks, 6, with lockers under Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 (2 end-to-end, 3 high)

Red lights, 2 (1 at port fwd door, Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 1 at starboard)

Aft 3 Bunks/3 lockers under Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Upright lockers, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 6 Bunks/6 lockers under Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 (2 bunks wide, 3 high)

Ladder Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Speaker/amplifi er Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Fire Apparatus Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Canvas hose on wall mount Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Upright lockers, 2, (1 atop another) Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 3 Bunks/3 lockers under Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Lights, red, 2, (1 at port aft door, Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 1 at starboard)

Plywood board with Damage Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Control Instructions, and

Watch, Quarter and Station Bill

Frames for Condition check-off Extant in compartment Use extant objects; reproduce 

lists, 2 check-off lists.

Aft Crew’s Berthing, C-204LM, Operations Division 

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Overhead lights, 9 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Starboard 9 Bunks/9 lockers under (3 × 3) Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Laundry bags, 3, hanging from Standard furnishing for Berthing Acquire.

 central bunks Compartment

Port 9 Bunks/9 lockers under (3 × 3) Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Forward 6 Bunks/5 lockers under (2 w × 3 h, Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 outside row has only 2 lockers 

 under)

 3 Bunks/3 lockers under Extant in compartment Use extant objects.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

137

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Upright lockers, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 3 Bunks/3 lockers under Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Upright lockers, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 6 Bunks/5 lockers under, as above Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Aft Fan Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Speaker/amplifi er Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Against port Upright lockers, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

bulkhead of 

Mount 55 

Handling Room:

Bunks, 3 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Upright lockers, 3 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Against fwd Circular socket Extant in compartment Use extant object.

bulkhead of 

Handling Room: 

Metal cabinet, waist-high w/ Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 double doors

Battle lantern Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Circular socket Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Compressed air apparatus Extant in compartment Use extant object.

and tank

Against Drinking fountain Extant in compartment Use extant object.

starboard 

bulkhead of 

Handling Room: 

Bunks, 3 Standard furnishing for Acquire bunks, etc. Remove small 

 Berthing Compartment exhibit for display in another 

 location.

Lockers, under missing bunks, 3 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Upright lockers, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Fan Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Mirror Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Condition check-off lists in Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

metal frames, 2

Aft Crew’s Berthing, C-205L, 2nd Division, and Deck and Gunnery

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Overhead lamps, 12 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Starboard 3 Bunks/3 lockers under Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Upright lockers, 5 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 3 Bunks/3 lockers under Extant in compartment Use extant objects.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

138

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Hamper Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Port 3 Bunks/3 lockers under Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Upright lockers, 5 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 6 Bunks/6 lockers under Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Mid- 12 Bunks/12 lockers (2 bunks l × Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

compartment 2 w × 3 h) 

 9 Bunks/9 lockers under Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

“Butt” can, mounted on post by Physical evidence extant in Acquire or reproduce; fi re alarm

 current fi re alarm pull at foot of compartment; Figures 15 and 63 may need to be relocated.

 ladder 

 12 Bunks/12 lockers under Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 (toward aft)

Forward 6 Bunks/6 lockers under (2 w × 3 h) Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Reproducer Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Sprinkler control valve Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 6 Bunks/6 lockers under Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Air escape valve Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Upright lockers, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 6 Bunks/6 lockers under Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Aft Fire plug Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Hose coiled on bracket Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Fan Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Speaker/amplifi er Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Forward Crew’s Berthing

Forward Crew’s Berthing, A-302L, Fox Division 

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Overhead lights, 5 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Starboard 9 Bunks (3 × 3 with lockers Extant in compartment; Figure 63 Use extant objects.

 under aft 6)

Personal items in sample Appendix H Prop locker lid open; acquire and/

 footlocker, aft or reproduce personal items; 

 install Plexiglas on top to secure 

 and preserve objects.

“Butt” can, mounted on post by Figure 63 Acquire or reproduce; mount on 

 bunks ventilation pipe below existing 

 thermostat.

Emergency lamp, red Extant in compartment Use extant object.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

139

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Port 9 Bunks (3 × 3, aft 6 with lockers Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 under)

Midships Standing locker, (3 h × 2 w), aft Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 of forward ladder, mirror on back

Personal items in sample standing Appendix H Remove locker door; acquire and/

 locker, middle level, forward or reproduce personal items; 

 install Plexiglas on top to secure 

 and preserve objects.

Forward Battle lantern Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Condition check-off list Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Fuse boxes Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Amplifi er/speaker Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Circular sockets Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Reproducer Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Jacket hooks, on bar Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Laundry bags, 3, hanging from Standard furnishing for Berthing Reproduce.

 hooks Compartment

Holder for fi re extinguisher Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Aft 3 Bunks with lockers below Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 3 Upright lockers, to aft port side Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 of compartment

Condition check-off list Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Emergency lamp, red Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Forward Crew’s Berthing, A-303L, 1st Division (Boatswain’s Mates and Seamen)

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Overhead lamps, 6 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Emergency lights, red, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Starboard 9 Bunks (3 high) Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 9 Transom lockers under bunks Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Port 9 Bunks (3 high) Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 9 Transom lockers under bunks Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Midships 6 Bunks Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 6 Transom lockers under bunks Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Laundry bags, 3, hanging from Standard furnishing for Berthing Reproduce.

 hooks by bunks Compartment

Mailbox Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Thermometer Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Battle lantern Extant in compartment Use extant object.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

140

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Forward Bunks, 3 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 3 Transom lockers under bunks Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Condition check-off list: Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 plumbing/freshwater system

Watch, Quarter and Station Bill, Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 on large piece of plywood

Speaker/amplifi er Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Reproducer Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Circular socket Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Pea coat locker Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Light, red Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Aft Bunks, 6 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 3 Transom lockers, under port Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 row of bunks

Lights, red, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

“Butt” can, mounted on I-beam, Figure 63 Acquire or reproduce; mount on 

 starboard side of hatch to Crew’s I-beam.

 Mess

Post Office

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

Other than the historic photographs, no evidence was located concerning furnishings and use of the Post Offi ce on Cassin Young. The 1950s General Plans do not detail any items in the compartment. Mail was certainly 

posted from the destroyer—Figures 68a and b show a postcard of Cassin Young in Havana, Cuba, postmarked 

“CASSIN YOUNG”—and operations in the Post Offi ce likely focused on posting and distribution of incoming mail. 

Post Office Figures: 67–69

Figure 67: Post Offi ce, 1954. BNHPA, 

“World Cruise, USS Cassin Young,” Box 182, 

folder 5.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

141

Figure 68: (a) and (b) Postcard, “Souvenir 

of Cuba,” crew member Paul Boone to [?] 

Boone, July 19, 1955, BNHPA C1665, Acc. 

C314, Box 1-126.

Figure 69 Post Offi ce, 1978. 
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

142

List of Recommended Furnishings

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Overhead light and shade, 1 Extant in compartment; Figures Use extant object.

 67 and 69

Starboard Mail slot, in bulkhead Extant in compartment Use extant object; mark “Mail” 

 by slot.

Bag or box for deposited mail Standard furnishing for mail slot Acquire or reproduce.

Mail in box Standard furnishing for mail slot Reproduce.

Forward Fan, mounted on bulkhead, port Figure 67 Acquire.

 side

Shelf, 5 feet off deck Figure 67 Acquire.

High stool Standard furnishing for Mail Room Acquire.

Aft Safe Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Cabinet, beneath counter Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Counter Extant in compartment; Figure 67 Use extant object.

Scales, mail, on counter Figure 67 Acquire.

Rubber stamps, on counter Standard furnishing for Mail Reproduce.

 Room; Figures 67 and 68

Postcards, 10, on counter Figure 68 Reproduce.

Cupboards, metal with doors, 4, Figure 67 Use extant objects.

 above counter

Pigeon holes, beneath cupboards Extant in compartment; Figure 67 Use extant objects.

Port Bulletin board, mounted on Figure 69 Acquire or reproduce.

 bulkhead

Postings, on bulletin board Figure 69 Reproduce.

Steering Gear Room

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

The Steering Gear Room housed the machinery 

that turned the ship’s massive single rudder. Other 

than the one reference and fi gure listed below, no 

documentation was found for the furnishings or 

appearance of this compartment. 

Chronology of Changes to Steering Gear Room

• 1958—“July 23, 1958, work on Synchro motor 

in pilot house and aft steering; Mfr. Waterbury 

Tool Co.—work on slip rings, bearings, etc.”163

Steering Gear Room Figure: 70

163 “Engineering (Electrical) Work List,” July 23, 1958, 

4700.2, Records of Overhaul, RG 3, Part 2/4, Box 75, 

Folder 1, BNHPA.

Figure 70: Steering Gear Room, 1978. BNHPA 1978 

Survey, Roll 9, No. 19.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

143

List of Recommended Furnishings

A Plexiglas barrier should be placed at the entrance to the Steering Gear Room so that visitors may look in 

and see it and its furnishings. 

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Overhead lights, 6 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Brackets with 4” × 4” shoring Hardware extant in compartment Acquire.

timbers

Starboard Locker Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Valves, 3, in deck Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

“Safety Precaution” handbill Frame extant in compartment; Reproduce, 8-1/2 × 11 .

 Figure 70

Brackets, on bulkhead Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Control apparatus box Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Circular socket Extant in compartment. Use extant object.

Steering Gear Motor No. 1 Extant in compartment. Use extant object.

Stop/Start switch

Submersible pump outlets, 2 Extant in compartment. Use extant objects.

Large box for Motor No. 1 Extant in compartment. Use extant object.

Reproducer Extant in compartment. Use extant object.

Large box connected to Extant in compartment. Use extant object.

 “Close/Open” switch

Port Magnetic controller box Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Fuse boxes, with circular sockets Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 underneath

Check-off list Frame extant in compartment Reproduce, 8-1/2 × 11.

Phone, in brass cradle with Extant in compartment Use extant object.

circular socket underneath

Large metal box on wall for Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 Motor No. 2

Steering Gear Motor No. 2 Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Stop/Start switch

Sign: “WHEN THIS SIREN Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 SOUNDS . . .”

Sign: “Safety Precautions for Extant in compartment; Figure 70 Use extant object.

 Steering Gear”

Sound-powered telephone Extant in compartment Use extant object.

headset case

Diagrams in metal frames, 3; Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 Wiring, Operating, Lubricating

 charts

Cable, heavy black rubber, reeled Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 on wall bracket
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

144

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Hinged-top metal box, low on Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 bulkhead

Locker, double-width Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Midships Steering gear—wheel, compass, Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

rudder angle indicator motors,

shaft, cranks, tanks

Forward Locker, with steel mesh walls, Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 shelving inside

Steering Power Transfer Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Switchboard

Battle lantern Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Aft Locker, double-width Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Peacoat Locker 

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

There was not enough space for the crew to hang their peacoats in their Berthing Compartments; consequently, this compartment served as the Peacoat Locker. No specifi c evidence was found for its furnishings. 

This compartment may have been used for another purpose, perhaps chemical warfare materials storage, by 

1958. In the absence of fi rm information on its use and furnishings, it has been decided not to furnish this 

compartment at present.

Shipfitter’s Stores

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

It appears that in the mid-1950s this compartment held chemical warfare material, but by 1958 it was converted to a storeroom for the Shipfi tter’s supplies.164 As such, all manner of materials used for metal repair on the 

destroyer would have been kept here in 1958, including tools used by pipefi tters, plumbers, and metalsmiths.

List of Recommended Furnishings

The Shipfi tter’s Stores compartment will not be historically furnished and will continue to be used by park 

maintenance.

Carpenter and Shipfitter’s Shop 

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

At the very rear of the destroyer on the First Platform, the Carpenter and Shipfi tter’s Shop served basically as 

the repair shop for Cassin Young. As Damage Control Man Anthony Marra recalled, this compartment was 

“where most of the repair crew hung out—the pipefi tters, sheet metal, and damage controlmen. They had a 

drill press in there that we took off an aircraft carrier they were scrapping.” Work done in the shop included 

164 The compartment label reads “Chemical Warfare Material” for 1955 and 1957, and in 1958 it was changed to 

“Shipfi tter’s Store Room.” “Booklet of General Plans,” 1955, 1957, and 1958, plate 8, BNHPA.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

145

“sheet metal work, pipefi tting, plumbing, carpenter work, which consisted of damage control work and carpenter work.”165

Cassin Young’s Repair Log for the 1950s noted three of the larger pieces of equipment in the shop, although 

no note was made of specifi c repairs to them. The lathe was a Reed Prentice “sliding gear head-driving pulley—560 rpm,” the drill press was a No. 2 fl oor type by Leland Giff ord, and the bench grinder was made by 

Hisey Wolf Machine Company.166

The General Plans show a square desk added in the aft area of the shop in 1957, and the drill added by 1958. 

No other evidence of changes or furnishings for the Carpenter and Shipfi tter’s Shop was located.

List of Recommended Furnishings

The Carpenter and Shipfi tter’s Shop compartment will not be historically furnished and will continue to be 

used by park maintenance.

165 Marra, interview, transcript, 89–90, BNHPA.

166 “Repair Log,” 91, 4700.2, Repair Log, 1951-58, RG 3, Box 76, Folder 1, BNHPA. During the 1958 overhaul the 

Reed Prentice lathe had its threading assembly worked on. See “Job Order,” June 27, 1958, Records of Overhaul, 

RG 3, Part 4/4, Box 75, Folder 3, BNHPA.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

146

Second Platform

Crew’s Mess 

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

Cafeteria, lounge, movie theater, and church—all of these describe the Crew’s Mess area, which originally 

was also a berthing area with 10 bunks to accommodate the large size of Cassin Young’s wartime crew. At 

mealtime, the crew ate there (Figure 71) after fi lling their trays in the adjoining service line. Early meals, for 

the mess cooks and the next watch, saw the space a bit less crowded but with prep work for the meal about 

on the tables (Figure 72). During peacetime, on weekends, and in the evening hours, the Crew’s Mess served 

as a recreation space; bingo was a popular pastime167 (Figure 73), as was backgammon—called acey-deucy in 

the Navy—or just reading, talking, watching a movie, or if in port, television. Cassin Young Crewman Bernard 

Cooney, recalled, “in certain ports where you could hook up, you’d have a television down at the mess hall to 

watch. . . . On stormy days we’d have the movies down at the mess hall.”168

Cassin Young’s Crew’s Mess underwent a number of changes over the years. In 1955 not only were the bunks removed and curtains and fl uorescent lights added, but tables and seating appear to have been updated as well.169

167 Bingo was a popular way for the crew to raise some money for the ship’s welfare and recreation fund. 

168 Cooney, interview, 32, BNHPA.

169 Both written and visual evidence documents these changes. Compare Figures 62 and 63 from 1954—prior to bunk 

removal and with older tables and benches—with fi gure 66 from 1956. See also “Departure Report Alterations,” 

March 25, 1955, 4700.2, Departure Report Alterations, 1955, RG 3, Part 2/4 Box 74, Folder 9, BNHPA; for the 

Crew’s mess “Summary of Arrival Conference,” March 22, 1955, 9020.2, RG 3, BNHPA notes: “Design Offi ce check 

for possibility of removing ten (10) bunks from mess hall as result of reduced complement to 285;” “Completed 

Ship Alterations,” March 17, 1955, Completed Ship Alterations, 1954-59, RG 3, Box 113, Folder 20, BNHPA notes: 

“provide Meredith type messing arrangements;” “Departure Report Alterations,” 1955, sheet 13/23, 4700.2, RG 3, 

Box 74, Folder 9, BNHPA notes: “Habitability improvement—rearrange Crew’s Mess-material charge $1,887, total: 

$10,073;” and “Arrival Conference Charts,” 1955, 4700.2, RG 3, Oversize Box 2, File 15, BNHPA. Footnote 91 

contains additional information about “Meredith” improvements.

Figure 71: Mess Deck with crew eating, 

1956–57. BNHPA, “Mediterranean Cruise, USS 

Cassin Young,” Box 182.

Figure 72: Mess Deck with curtains, 1956–57. 

BNHPA, “Mediterranean Cruise, USS Cassin 

Young,” Box 182.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

147

The harsh edges of the space were softened 

with curtains that helped give it a more 

friendly, homelike feeling. Chief Gunner’s 

Mate Richard E. Coile, who served on Cassin Young for about four years, recalled that 

the curtains pictured in the Cruise Books of 

the time (Figures 6, 7, 71, 72, 75, and 76) had 

a beige background with a red, blue, and yellow print. Receiving hard and regular use, 

this compartment likely saw more renovation 

than was documented in archival materials. At 

least two other times, in 1958 and 1959, reupholstery or repair was done to the chair and 

bench seats in the mess.170 One fan is extant 

in the compartment currently; however, there 

may have been as many as six fans, as this was 

recommended by the Medical Department in 

1957.171

The nature of life and work on board Cassin 

Young in the 1950s was markedly diff erent 

from during World War II. Visits from children at various world ports (Figure 7), and 

the celebration of Christmas with trees on 

board (Figure 6), point to these more relaxed 

times in the Crew’s Mess. Anthony Marra 

remembered, 

they normally had two Christmas trees aboard 

each year . . . one outside on the quarterdeck, 

about 6’ tall at least. With various colored electric lights, no other decorations. One year it was 

on the 01 level, tied onto the area of the torpedo 

crane, when they were moored starboard side to a pier. The other tree was in the crews’ mess, with the same type of 

electric light decorations. At least one year this tree was about as tall as the overhead would allow.172

By at least 1955 there was a soda machine on the forward bulkhead of the Crew’s Mess, which would have 

been unheard of during the 1940s.173

Crew’s Mess Figures: Figures 6, 7, and 71–76

170 “Tender Work Request,” August 20, 1959, 4235.2, RG 3, Box 59, Folder 10, BNHPA. Footnote 91 contains additional information about “Meredith” improvements.

171 Six 14-inch and 16-inch fans were recommended for purchase for the Crew’s Mess Hall. “Medical Department 

Sanitary Inspection Report,” September 5, 1957, 6240.1, Weekly Sanitary Reports, RG 3, Box 93, Folder 23, 

BNHPA. 

172 Anthony Marra, interview, October 17, 1979. Peter Steele, note to fi le, December 11, 1984, Cassin Young Vertical File, drawer 2, BNHPA.

173 “Booklet of General Plans,” 1955, 1957, and 1958, BNHPA.

Figure 73: Mess Deck, crew playing bingo, 1954. BNHPA, 

“World Cruise, USS Cassin Young,” Box 182, folder 5.0

Figure 74: Mess Deck with bunks, 1954. BNHPA, “World 

Cruise, USS Cassin Young,” Box 182, folder 5.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

148

Figure 75: Mess Deck with crew member and cook, 

1956. BNHPA, “Mediterranean Cruise,” Box 182, 

folder 5.

Figure 76: Mess Deck, fi eld day, 1956–57. BNHPA, 

“Mediterranean Cruise, USS Cassin Young,” Box 182.

Figure 77: Crew’s Mess as it will appear after refurnishing to 1958. Illustration by Steven N. Patricia.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

149

List of Recommended Furnishings

To give the public a good sense of the multiple uses of the Crew’s Mess it is recommended that the compartment be set up with two diff erent vignettes. One portion of the mess will show tables set as if the crew was 

eating; the other portion will show recreation with a bingo game as well as some backgammon in progress. 

All of these small furnishings items should be fi xed in place because the natural visitor pathway through this 

compartment will put the public in close proximity to many easily portable items. 

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Fluorescent lights, 14 Extant in compartment; Figure 6 Use extant objects.

Starboard Curtains, 3, lining bulkhead Hanging hardware extant in Reproduce based on extant 

 compartment; Figures 5–7, 22, original curtain seen in Figures 5, 

 23, 71, 72, 75, 76 22, and 23.

Rectangular tables, 4 Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects.

 1955, 1957, 1958; Figures 6, 7, 

 71, 72, 75, and 76

Bench seats, 4, backed, 2-man, Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects; reupholster 

 inner side of tables 1955, 1957, 1958; Figures 6, 7, with brown-orange fabric.

 71, 72, 75, and 76 

Seating benches, along hull Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects; reupholster

 1955, 1957, 1958; Figures 6, 7, with brown-orange fabric.

 71, 72, 75 and 76 

Fan Extant holes for mounting; Acquire and install using existing 

 “Sanitary Report,” 1957 mounting holes.

Forward Television Extant in compartment; Use extant object.

 Cooney interview

Fan Extant in compartment; Use extant object.

 “Sanitary Report,” 1957

Chelsea Clock Extant in compartment Extant reproduction object remains.

Round sockets, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Beverage machine Hardware extant in compartment Acquire.

Air tanks, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Battle lanterns, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Lights, red, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Fan Extant holes for mounting; Acquire and install using existing 

 “Sanitary Report,” 1957 mounting holes.

Port Curtains, 3, lining bulkhead Hanging hardware extant in Reproduce based on extant

 compartment; Figures 5–7, 22, original curtain seen in Figures 5,

 23, 71, 72, 75, and 76 22, and 23.

Tables, rectangular, 4 Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects.

 1955, 1957, 1958; Figures 6, 7, 

 71, 72, 75, and 76

Bench seats, 4, backed, 2-man, Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects;

 inner side of tables 1955, 1957, 1958; Figures 6, 7, reupholster with brown-orange 

 71, 72, 75, and 76 fabric.

Seating benches, along hull Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects; reupholster 

 1955, 1957, 1958; Figures 6, 7, with brown-orange fabric.

 71, 72, 75, and 76
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

150

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Napkin dispenser, salt and Figures 6, 7, 71, 72, and 74 Acquire.

pepper shakers, catsup and

mustard containers—1 of each 

 on 2 tables toward forward part 

 of compartment

Trays, 4, each with plate, bowl, Figures 6, 7, and 71–74 Use trays from Bldg 107, thirdcoffee cup, paper cup, fork, fl oor storage or acquired from

knife, spoon USS Des Moines.

Artifi cial foods on tray and in Figures 6, 7, 71, and 72 Use trays from Bldg 107, third-

 cup, bowl, and plate—Sloppy Joes, fl oor storage or acquired from

 french fries, soup, vegetable, USS Des Moines.

 ice cream174

Midships Tables, rectangular, 3 Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects.

 1955, 1957, 1958; Figures 6, 7, 

 71, 72, 75, and 76 

Benches, backless, 2-man (3 Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects; reupholster 

 forward of tables, 3 aft) 1955, 1957, 1958; Figures 6, 7, with brown-orange fabric.

 71, 72, 75, and 76 

Bingo, for 8, set up on 2 Figure 73 Extant in compartment;

 rectangular tables—bingo cards, Use extant objects.

 8, bowls of beans, 4 

Tables, square, 2, forward of the Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects.

 3 rectangular ones 1955, 1957, 1958; Figures 6, 7, 

 71, 72, 75, and 76 

Chairs, single swivel (1 each side Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects; reupholster

 of the 2 square tables), 8 1955, 1957 1958; Figures 6, 7, with brown-orange fabric.

 71, 72, 75, and 76 

Backgammon board, set up on Standard furnishing for Acquire.

 square table compartment

Aft Table, rectangular Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

 1955, 1957, 1958; Figures 6, 7, 

 71, 72, 75, and 76 

Benches, 2-man, 2 Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects; reupholster

 1955, 1957, 1958; Figures 6, 7, with brown-orange fabric.

 71, 72, 75, and 76 

Battle lanterns, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Lights, red, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Sockets, round, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Coffee urns, 2, atop metal cabinet Extant in compartment; Booklets Acquire 1 urn to match extant 

 1955, 1957, 1958 coffee urn.

Speaker/amplifi er Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Reproducer Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Water cooler Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

 1955, 1957, 1958

174 Ice cream was always a popular dessert and one not often available on a destroyer at sea, but in port it was probably available daily. It was served in fl at rectangles, about 3 × 4 inches and an inch thick and wrapped in thin white 

cardboard.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

151

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Fan “Sanitary Report,” 1957; extant Acquire and install using existing

 holes for mounting mounting holes.

Magazine rack Figures 6 and 76; extant in Use extant object.

 compartment

Magazines in plastic covers, Figures 6 and 76; Hooper e-mail Acquire 1958 issues of All Hands,

 in rack, 8 Navy Times, Reader’s Digest, Life,

 Time, and Sports Illustrated; 

 place in plastic covers.

Metal sign: “OVERBD DISCH Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 HAND PUMPS—53”

Power panels Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Food Service

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

Three times a day meals were served cafeteriastyle to the entire crew. Additionally, before the 

midwatch, sandwiches probably would have been 

prepared to nourish those who had to stand the long 

four hours after midnight. 

Meals were served on partitioned metal trays, except for soups and cereals, which were served in 

heavy white glass bowls. Coff ee was served in white 

glass mugs; milk and juice were served in glasses. 

Trays were picked up from racks at the beginning of 

the serving line. Food was generally plentiful, but 

could get repetitious. Sumner Wheeler, a former 

crew member and current volunteer on board Cassin Young, has submitted two weekly menus from 

the ship. One dates from January 1945, the other 

from the mid-1950s. Several things stand out in a 

comparison of the menus. Many of the same items 

are found on both menus: hash brown potatoes and 

creamed minced beef for breakfast, frankfurters 

and sauerkraut for supper. In the earlier menu there 

were fewer choices at each meal than in the later 

period. Also, during World War II the sailors were 

off ered “Chilled KLIM,” a brand of powdered milk. 

Note that “klim” is “milk” spelled backward.

Most ships tried to make an eff ort on holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, to have special 

meals. There were no alcoholic beverages permitted 

on board American ships, so celebrating the holidays was a sober aff air. Figure 79 shows the crew in 

Figure 78: Mess Cooks serving, Food Service, 1956–

57. BNHPA, “Mediterranean Cruise, USS Cassin Young,” 

Box 182.

Figure 79: Mess Cooks serving, crew in dress uniform, Food Service, 1956–57. BNHPA, “Mediterranean Cruise, USS Cassin Young,” Box 182.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

152

the serving line wearing their dress uniforms, indicating a holiday meal. 

Destroyers carried a rating known as “cooks,” who 

prepared the meals; serving and cleaning up was left to 

the “mess cooks.” Each division on Cassin Young supplied one or more mess cooks, who served for one to 

three months. Mess cooks came from the lowest ranks 

on board ship, and it was not a sought-after job. They 

served the meals and afterward cleaned and washed 

the trays and utensils and emptied the trash. At sea the 

trash was dumped over the Fantail of the ship; in port 

the garbage cans were taken ashore and emptied into 

trash dumpsters.

Major renovation of Cassin Young’s Food Service Compartment took place as part of the 1955 Navy Yard overhaul. The “habitability improvement” cost 

$15,276.00 and included the replacement of incandescent lights with fl uorescent, and “rearranging” the compartment.175 Although one historic photograph (Figure 80) predated these changes, it is still diffi cult to discern exactly what rearranging took place. The steam tables, or at least their location, appear to have remained 

unchanged, but a large serving vat at the end of the line in 1953 was removed. An “ice cream hardening cabinet,” toward the end of the serving line, appears to be new with the 1955 overhaul; in 1957 a small serving table 

was added at the forward end of the compartment. A “book” locker and an overhead locker were also added, 

port side, in 1957. The toaster and 

its stand that are in the compartment today were added as part 

of the 1958 overhaul in Charlestown.176

Food Service Figures: Figures 

78–80

175 “Habitability improvement—rearrange crew’s food service space 

and fl uorescent lighting-material 

charge: $2,241, total: $15,276.” 

“Departure Report Alterations,”1955, sheet 14/23, 4700.2, 

RG 3, Box 74, Folder 9, BNHPA.

176 “Booklet of General Plans,” 1955, 

1957, and 1958, plate 9, BNHPA.

Figure 80: Food service, mess line, 1953. BNHPA, “The 

1953 Mediterranean Cruise,” Box 182, folder 3.

Figure 81: Food 

Service as it will appear after 

refurnishing to 1958. Illustration by Steven N. Patricia.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

153

List of Recommended Furnishings

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Fluorescent lights, 8 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Lights, red, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Starboard Cabinet, for mugs and bowls Extant in compartment; Figures Use extant object.

 78 and 79; Booklets 1955, 1957, 

 1958

Bowls, 50, and mugs, 50, on Figures 78 and 79 Acquire and secure in place.

 cabinet

Utensil tray, on top of cabinet Extant in compartment; Figure 78 Use extant object, BOSTC 310.

Forks, knives, and spoons, 50 Figures 78–80 Acquire and secure in place with 

 each, in utensil tray Plexiglas front.

Steam tables Extant in compartment; Figures Use extant objects.

 78–80; Booklets 1955, 1957, 1958

Steam trays, 5, with artifi cial Figures 78–80 Acquire.

food

Ice cream hardening cabinet Extant in compartment; Figures Use extant object.

 78 and 79; Booklets 1955, 1957, 

 1958 

Compartment check-off lists, 2: Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 air/freshwater/fuel oil systems in 

 metal frames

White plastic card on Safety Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 Precautions in event of food 

 poisoning

Forward Portable sterilizer Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Aft Thermometer Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Port Large rack for trays, at aft end Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 of compartment

Trays, 96, in racks Figures 79 and 80 Use trays from Bldg 107, third-

 fl oor storage, or acquired from 

 Des Moines; secure with Plexiglas 

 front.

Large rack, for additional trays Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Trays, for rack Figures 79 and 80 Use trays from Bldg 107, third-

 fl oor storage, or acquired from 

 Des Moines; secure with 

 Plexiglas front.

Overhead locker, keep sliding Extant in compartment; Booklet Use extant object.

 metal doors closed 1957 and 1958 

Book locker Extant in compartment; Booklet Replace plywood doors with 

 1957 and 1958 metal ones, modeled on doors of 

 locker above.

Table, with 2 open shelves beneath Extant in compartment; Booklet Use extant object.

 1958
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LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Bread, on shelves Standard furnishing for Acquire artifi cial loaves; secure 

 compartment on shelves.

Toaster, on table Extant in compartment; Booklet Use extant object.

 1958

Serving table Extant in compartment; Booklet Use extant object.

 1957 and 1958

Ship’s Store and Passage 

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

During World War II and well into the 1950s this compartment provided berthing for six crew members with 

two sets of three berths and an equal number of transom lockers. By 1957 the berths had been removed and 

the compartment was no longer labeled “crew’s berthing,” but simply called a passage; it had three lockers, 

although they were diff erent from those extant in 1955. In the 1958 overhaul the Ship’s Store was relocated 

here from the Main Deck—all lockers were removed from this space and an interior wall was added to create 

two compartments: a narrower passage and the Ship’s Store.177

On paydays, which were twice per month, the ship’s store was a very popular place. It did a steady business 

the rest of the month, but on the days the crew got paid it was particularly busy. Its stock in trade was cigarettes, candy, and toiletries, but it also carried stationery and some souvenirs, such as the ship’s patch. When 

the ship was outside the territorial limits of the United States, cigarettes could be sold tax-free—these were 

called “sea stores.” Cigarettes were cheap even considering the wages of the period.

A late 1950s Supply Department memo suggests a number of diffi culties the ship’s store encountered, from 

bugs in the inventory to crew purchasing items on credit to frustrations over irregular store hours and prices.

Sales are made for cash only . . . credit is never extended to anyone . . . sales are rung up on the register 

promptly. Sales room is sprayed weekly with an insecticide prescribed by the medical offi cer. . . . open for business during the prescribed hours, and whenever the salesroom is required to be closed during those hours, that 

a sign is posted outside the space to indicate when it will be open for business. That a current and accurate 

price list be posted conspicuously by the ship’s store.178

Ship’s Store Figures: None

List of Recommended Furnishings

All items presently furnishing the ship’s store should be removed, to be replaced by the objects specifi ed 

herein, which all date to 1958.

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Lights, 2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Starboard Metal shelves, 4 high Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Cartons of cigarettes Standard items for compartment Acquire or reproduce.

177 “Booklet of General Plans,” 1955, 1957, and 1958, plate 9, BNHPA.

178 “Supply Department Order No. 14,” [n.d., 1958–1960], 4400, RG 3, Box 60, Folder 7, BNHPA.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

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LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Port Metal shelves, 2 high Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Stationery and envelopes, Standard items for compartment Acquire or reproduce.

postcards, shaving cream,

aftershave, razors, razor 

blades, soaps, candy, Cassin 

Young patches

Display window Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Bulletin board, mounted on Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 store bulkhead in passage

Postings on bulletin board, Supply Dept. memo Reproduce.

 store hours

Aft Light, red, 1 Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Door to passage, metal mesh, Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 split opening

Posting on door—“Open Supply Dept. memo Reproduce.

 tomorrow at 12:00 p.m.”

Scullery 

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

The lowest ranks on Cassin Young supplied the mess 

cooks, who cleaned up in the scullery after meals. The 

work was considered so undesirable that mess cooks 

served in frequent rotation in the job. In addition to 

washing all dishes, utensils, and cups, the mess cooks 

disposed of garbage and had to keep their workspace 

very clean.

Their work was closely monitored because cleanliness on 

the small ship was critical to maintaining good health on 

board. At times, the Weekly Sanitary Report noted, “scullery and garbage machines need cleaning,”179 or “a complete fi eld day [cleaning day] will be held in these spaces 

[scullery and crew’s mess] after each meal . . . to enforce 

this constant cleanliness.”180

Like numerous other compartments on Cassin Young, the 

scullery underwent “habitability improvement” as part 

of the 1955 overhaul in the Charlestown Navy Yard. No 

documentation was found showing the confi guration of 

Figure 82: Mess Cook in scullery, 1956–57. 

BNHPA, “Mediterranean Cruise, USS Cassin 

Young,” Box 182.

179 “Medical Department Sanitary Inspection Report,” September 5, 

1957, 6240.1, Weekly Sanitary Reports, RG 3, Box 93, Folder 23, 

BNHPA. ”

180 “Supply Department Order No. 4,” 1958, 4400, Supply Dept. 

Orders, 1958, RG 3, Box 60, Folder 7, BNHPA. 
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the space prior to 1955, but the scullery was substantially rearranged and fl uorescent lighting was added at a 

total cost of more than $19,000.181 The scullery remained substantially the same after the 1955 overhaul, with 

documentation indicating only major cleaning, polishing, and general repair of equipment.182

Scullery Figure: 82

List of Recommended Furnishings

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Fluorescent lights, 4 Extant in compartment Use extant objects. 

Circular socket Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Starboard Slots, for used trays and utensils Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 

Mess trays, 7, in slots Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Receiving table, for used trays, Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 with shelf underneath for utensils

Portable tray or utensil racks, 5 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Utensils, in utensil rack Standard furnishing for Acquire.

 compartment

Garbage grinder, with a control Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

box wall-mounted above it 1955, 1957, 1958 

Plastic sign on care and Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 maintenance of grinder, wall-

 mounted with corner screws

Table Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Port Table, stainless steel, with storage Extant in compartment Use extant object.

racks underneath

Rack, 1, with trays, 5, on table, Extant in compartment Use extant objects; reproduce 

 rinsed and ready to be washed appearance of dirty trays to show 

 function of compartment; secure 

 trays to rack.

Dishwashing machine Extant in compartment; Figure 82; Use extant object.

 Booklets 1955, 1957, 1958

Forward Signs, 2, on bulkhead Figure 82 Acquire or reproduce.

Rack, with 12 clean cups, coming Standard furnishing for Acquire cups, use extant rack.

 out of dishwasher compartment 

Table, with shelves underneath Extant in compartment; Figure 82 Use extant objects.

 for tray/dish racks

Racks, 4, empty, on shelves Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 beneath table

Sink Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object; faucet and 

 1955, 1957, 1958 handles needed.

181 “Habitability improvement—rearrange scullery and fl uorescent lighting-material charge $4,159, total: $19,129.” 

“Departure Report Alterations,” 1955, sheet 14/23, 4700.2, RG 3, Box 74, Folder 9, BNHPA.

182 “Records of Overhaul,” April 29, 1958, 4700.2, RG 3, Part 2/4, Box 75, Folder 1, BNHPA.
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

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LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Cleaner, scrubbing pad, scrub Standard furnishing for Acquire.

brush, dish towel, on counter to compartment

 starboard side of sink

Motor control box Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Aft Counter Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

 1955, 1957, 1958

Trays, 3, on counter, starboard Standard furnishing for Reproduce.

 side, with bowls, mugs and compartment

 utensils, dirty with food scraps

Rack, 1, with trays, 5, on table Extant in compartment Use extant objects; reproduce 

 port side, rinsed and ready to be appearance of dirty trays to show 

 washed function of compartment; secure 

 trays to rack.

Condition check-off list for Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 freshwater system

Diesel Generator Room 

Compartment Use, History, and Furnishings

This Diesel Generator Compartment contained a diesel-powered emergency electrical generator, which 

became important in the event the ship’s service generators went off line because of battle or accident. If the 

ship lost power, the diesel generator started up and provided a limited amount of power to the vital functions 

of the ship. During General Quarters one or two men were locked into the room to make certain the generator worked when it was supposed to. Toward the end of July 1945, when Cassin Young was off Okinawa, the 

ship suff ered its second kamikaze blow. The Japanese plane hit just aft of the Diesel Generator Room, on the 

starboard side, into the forward Fire Room. The concussion jammed the door, and the enginemen servicing 

the generator were trapped in the space, along with the very noisy diesel engine, for hours.

The General Plans for Cassin Young indicate no changes in the Diesel Generator Room from 1955–58, and no 

other sources revealed information about this compartment.

Diesel Generator Room Figures: None

List of Recommended Furnishings

LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Overhead Lamps, 6 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Starboard Storage battery switch Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Instrument panel, with dials, Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 oil clarifi er

Diesel engine Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant object.

 1955, 1957, 1958

Sign: “Emergency Diesel Operations” Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Port Condition check-off list for access, Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 ventilation, plumbing, compressed 

 air 
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LOCATION OBJECT EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

CO2 tanks Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

Signs: Diesel Generator, 2, CO2 Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 fi re extinguishing system, 1

Box for sound-powered phone Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 headsets

Sign: “Leave This Area” Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Desk, fold-down, with lamp Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects.

 1955, 1957, 1958

Circular socket Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Phone Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Exhaust vent box Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Riser terminal Extant in compartment Use extant object.

Transformer boxes, 3 Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects.

 1955, 1957, 1958

Form taped to bulkhead “In Case Extant in compartment Use extant object.

 of Electric Shock . . .”

Aft Instrument panels and transfer Extant in compartment; Booklets Use extant objects.

contractors 1955, 1957, 1958 

Signs: “Operating Instructions,” Extant in compartment Use extant objects.

 “Safety Precautions,” 

 “Resuscitation,” “Exhaust 

 ventilation” 
USS CASSIN YOUNG FURNISHINGS PLAN

Appendixes 159
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Appendix A

“Booklet of General Plans,” 1955, S0103-432372, USS Cassin Young Design & Construction Drawings, Series I, 

Record Group 3, BNHPA.

For complete detail please view these General Plans in their electronic format or in their original format, both 

available at the Park Library.

APPENDIX A
U S S C A S S I N Y O U N G N AT I O N A L PA R K S E R V I C E H I S T O R I C F U R N I S H I N G S R E P O R T

Plate 1: Title Page

Plate 2: Dimensions and Data

Plate 3: Outboard Profile

Plate 4: Inboard Profile

162
U S S C A S S I N Y O U N G

163

Plate 5: Bridges

Plate 6: Superstructure Deck

Plate 7: Main Deck

Plate 8: 1st Platform

A P P E N D I X A
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Plate 9: 2nd Platform

Plate 10: 3rd Platform

Plate 11: Hold

Plate 12: Cross Section Sketches
U S S C A S S I N Y O U N G

165

A P P E N D I X A

“Booklet of General Plans,”1957, S0103-432372, USS Cassin Young Design & Construction Drawings, Series I, 

Record Group 3, BNHPA.

Plate 1: Title Page

Plate 2: Dimensions and Data

Plate 3: Outboard Profile

Plate 4: Inboard Profile
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Plate 5: Bridges

Plate 6: Superstructure Deck

Plate 7: Main Deck

Plate 8: 1st Platform
U S S C A S S I N Y O U N G

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A P P E N D I X A

Plate 9: 2nd Platform

Plate 10: 3rd Platform

Plate 11: Hold

Plate 12: Cross Section Sketches
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168

“Booklet of General Plans,” 1958, S0103-432372, S0103-432372, USS Cassin YoungDesign & Construction 

Drawings, Series I, Record Group 3, BNHPA.

Plate 1: Title Page

Plate 2: Dimensions and Data

Plate 3: Outboard Profile

Plate 4: Inboard Profile
U S S C A S S I N Y O U N G

169

A P P E N D I X A

Plate 5: Bridges

Plate 6: Superstructure Deck

Plate 7: Main Deck

Plate 8: 1st Platform
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Plate 9: 2nd Platform

Plate 10: 3rd Platform

Plate 11: Hold

Plate 12: Cross Section Sketches
USS CASSIN YOUNG

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Appendix B

“Bureau of Ships Allowance List: Carpenter’s Workshop,” July 15, 1953, 3369, USS Cassin Young Operational 

Archives, Record Group 3, Part 1, Vol. 4, BNHPA.

APPENDIX B
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Appendix C

“Arrival Conference Chart,” February 3, 1955, 4700.2, Arrival Conference Charts, 1954–55, Record Group 3, 

Oversize, Box 2, File 15, BNHPA. 

APPENDIX C
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Appendix D

“Departure Report Alterations” [select pages], 1955, 4700.2, Record Group 3, Box 74, folder 9, BNHPA.
USS CASSIN YOUNG

215

APPENDIX D
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Appendix E

“Arrival Conference Chart,” July 7, 1958, 4700.2, Record Group 3, Oversize 1958 Box 2, Folder 17, BNHPA.

APPENDIX E
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Appendix F

“Weekly Check-Off List for Repair Locker Equipment. Rep. 2,” [no date], 3100.86, Record Group 3, Box 28, 

Folder 9, BNHPA.

APPENDIX F
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Appendix G

“Weekly Check-Off List for Repair Locker Equipment. Rep. V,” [no date], 9030.2, Record Group 3, Box 115, 

folder 22, BNHPA. 

APPENDIX G
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Appendix H

“Uniforms for Enlisted Men other than CPO’s,” [no date]. 4441, Uniform Requirements, 1959–1960, Record 

Group 3, Box 62, Folder 12, BNHPA. 

APPENDIX H
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Appendix I

“Ship’s Store Laundry List,” [no date], 4060.1, Record Group 3, Box 37, Folder 10, BNHPA. 

APPENDIX I
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Bibliography

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

271

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Bibliography

Books and Government Reports

Black, Frederick R. Charlestown Navy Yard, 1890–1973: Cultural Resource Management Study No. 20, Vol. II, 

National Park Service, 1986.

The Bluejackets’ Manual, 15th ed. Annapolis: The United States Naval Institute, 1957.

The Bluejackets’ Manual, 16th ed. Annapolis: The United States Naval Institute, 1960. 

Boston Naval Shipyard: An Alternative for Development. National Park Service, 1975.

Charlestown Navy Yard: General Management Plan, Vol. II. National Park Service, Boston National Historical 

Park, 1980.

Friedman, Norman. The Fifty-Year War: Confl ict and Strategy in the Cold War. Annapolis: Naval Institute 

Press, 2000.

Friedman, Norman. U.S. Destroyers: An Illustrated Design History. Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, 2004. 

Gordon, William, ed. Charlestown Navy Yard. National Park Service, 1995.

Harmon, J. Scott. U.S.S. Cassin Young (DD-793): A Fletcher Class Destroyer. Missoula, Mont.: Pictorial Histories Publishing Company, 1984.

Long Range Interpretive Plan: Boston National Historical Park-Draft. National Park Service: Boston National 

Historical Park and Harpers Ferry Center Division of Interpretive Planning, 2002. 

Muir, Malcolm, Jr. Black Shoes and Blue Water: Surface Warfare in the United States Navy, 1945–1975. Washington, D.C.: Naval Historical Center, 1996.

Raven, Alan. Fletcher-Class Destroyers. Annapolis: United States Naval Institute, 1986.

Sedovic, Wally. Draft Historic Structures Report. Document 457/D6118, Boston National Historical Park, February 1982.

Snell, Charles W., compiler. “The Odyssey of the Destroyer USS Cassin Young (DD793), September 7, 1951–

April 29, 1960: Extracts from the Deck Logs of the Vessel.” National Park Service, 1979.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

Spector, Ronald H. At War At Sea: Sailors and Naval Combat in the Twentieth Century. New York: Viking, 2001.

Steele, Peter. “To Rehabilitate A Warship” CRM Bulletin, Vol. 7, No. 2, July 1984, pp. 8–11.

United States Navy Occupational Handbook: A Manual for Civilian Guidance Counselors, Schools and Libraries, 

also Employment and Youth Agencies. 5th ed. Washington, D.C.: Bureau of Naval Personnel, 1966.

War Diary, Cassin Young, National Archives and Records Administration, microfi lm, BNHPA.

Articles and Project Correspondence 

Canzanelli, Linda. “Welcome Aboard the U.S.S. Cassin Young,” The Broadside, National Park Service, Boston 

National Historical Park, Winter 1979.

Correspondence to and from William L. Brown, III, and Sarah H. Heald. Harpers Ferry Center, Media Department (Historic Furnishings Offi ce Files), National Park Service, Harpers Ferry, WV. 

“Fighting Ships: They’re Still Snug But a Better Fit,” All Hands: The Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin, January 1954.

Manuscript Collections

Boston National Historical Park Archives, Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown, Mass. Records of Cassin 

Young, Charts, Photographs, Cassin Young Cruise Books, Booklets of General Plans, Cassin Young interview 

transcripts (enumerated below).

Interviews

Cooney, Bernard. Interviewed by Francy K. Bockhoven, February 12, 1980. BNHPA—no box or folder #. Cassin Young Crewman, [May] 1958–1960.

Finnegan, George T. Interviewed by Peter Steele, May 18, 1979. BNHPA—no box or folder #. Cassin Young fall 

1944–end of WWII, Navigator; Assistant Gunnery Offi cer during General Quarters.

Hooper, Capt. John, Interviewed by Margaret Driscoll, August 1982. BNHPA—no box or folder #. Last Commanding Offi cer of Cassin Young, Sept. 4, 1958 until decommission, April 29, 1960.

Johndrow, Theodore George. Interviewed by Diane Diamond, August 14, 1983. BNHPA Box 2, folder 1. Yeoman, May 1958–March 1960.

MacDonald, Don. Interviewed by Francy K. Bockhoven, August 14, 1983. BNHPA Box 2, folder 5. Cassin 

Young, First Lieutenant, fall 1951–spring 1953.

MacDougal, Gary. Interviewed by Francy Bockhoven and Peter Steele, June 18, 1980. Cassin Young, 1958–

1960. BNHPA Box 2, folder 6. Asst. M (mechanical) Division Engineer and Chief Engineer.

274
USS CASSIN YOUNG

Marra, Anthony. Interviewed by Peter Steele and Lionel Shapiro, May 16, 1979. BNHPA Box 2, folder 7. Crew 

member, Damage Control Man, Petty Offi cer, Cassin Young, 1955–Sept. 1958.

Marra, Anthony. Interviewed by Peter Steele, October 17, 1979. BNHPA Box 2, folder 7. Crew member, Damage Control Man, Petty Offi cer, Cassin Young, 1955–Sept. 1958.

McGee, Bill. Interviewed by Francy Bockhoven, July 25, 1980. BNHPA Box 2, folder 9. Cassin Young crew 

member, 1957–58.

O’Connell, Dave. Interviewed by Francy Bockhoven, May 29, 1980. BNHPA Box 2, folder 12. Cassin Young

crew member, Torpedo Man, 2nd Class, WWII. 

Rudden, Thomas J. Interviewed by Francy Bockhoven, August 13, 1983. BNHPA Box 3, folder 1. Rear Admiral, 

Commanding Offi cer, Cassin Young, Dec. 1952–July 1954.

Sevensma, Dr. Eugene. Interviewed by Francy Bockhoven at the Charlestown Navy Yard, Bldg. 5, August 23, 

1980. Transcription, BNHPA Box 3, folder 2. Medical Offi cer, Cassin Young, World War II.

Taitt, Eugene, and Charles Tripi. Interviewed by Ray Bloomer, August 23, 1980. BNHPA Box 3, folder 8. Electricians, Cassin Young; Taitt: 1952–56, Tripi: 1943–March 1946.

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