Liberty Ships had five cargo holds with each one having two levels, a ‘tween’ deck, where you are currently standing, and a lower hold directly beneath it. No. 2 Cargo Hold has the largest capacity on the ship.
Cargo holds were originally accessed from the Main Deck using vertical ladders. The ladder you just descended from is a modern addition. Wooden hatch covers form the roof of each hold along with steel beams called “strongbacks” that span and reinforce the opening. Both are removed when loading and unloading cargo from the hold.
The size and depth of the lower No. 2 Cargo Hold can be fully appreciated by looking through the top of the acrylic-covered “trimming” hatch.
Stowage of cargo was a balancing act to maintain the stability of the ship. Objects of various sizes and shapes are needed to fit all the available space within the holds. A return voyage often presented different problems. With little or no cargo leaving the war zone, the ship needed ballast to maintain stability and keep the propeller or “screw” in the water. The ballast used was often sand, rubble from bombed-out buildings, and even water. The crew would sometimes use the flooded holds as impromptu swimming pools.
No. 2 cargo hold currently displays many of the Museum artifacts along its outer walls.
Explore this Station's Gallery
Proceed to No. 1 Cargo Hold through the port side or left entrance where the Museum displays important WWII dioramas, models, and military vehicles.