Midship House Overview

You are now amidship which incorporates the superstructure known as the Midship House. It contained the living quarters for the crew and officers as well as other operational facilities. It also provided the main access to the Engine Room. The house consists of four decks, each of which has a specific purpose.

On the Main Deck are quarters for the US Merchant Marine crew, some members of the Naval Armed Guard, the Galley where meals were prepared, and separate ‘messes’ or eating areas for the Merchant Marine Crew, Naval Armed Guard, and a salon for the Officers. 

There are three levels above the Main Deck and one level below called “‘Tween Deck” which runs the entire length of the ship. Directly beneath the house on ‘tween deck was an area for food storage known as ‘stores’, which contained three large walk-in refrigerators or ‘reefers’ for meat, dairy, and vegetables and offered convenient access to and from the Galley. A modern-day modification now provides direct access to Hold No. 3.

The first level above the Main Deck is the Boat Deck which contains the Lifeboats, Hospital, and Officer’s Quarters. 

The second level is the Bridge Deck where you’ll find the Master’s Stateroom and his office, the Radio Operator’s quarters, and the Radio Room along with the Chart Room, and Wheelhouse. 

The third level forms the roof or the Top of House, where you’ll find the Flying Bridge, and at each corner, four of the ship’s eight defensive 20mm Oerlikon anti-aircraft cannons.