Though the O’Brien was intended to carry cargo during the Normandy landings she also shuttled troops with their equipment and returned with wounded in her tween decks No. 3 and No. 5 holds. Troops were also quartered in No. 4 hold ’tween deck on cots, and others stayed on the main deck.
Some Liberty ships were converted with an extra galley as well as bathrooms or ‘heads’ for troop transport. However, the O’Brien did not have any of these luxuries. In addition to the bunks, the only other accommodations were makeshift open latrines that were hung over the rail on the main deck. The troops did not eat in the ship’s galley and provided their own food from assigned rations.
Today, No. 3 Hold houses the ship’s administrative office, the engineering library, bunks used for the overnight program, storage, freezers for food, and small project work areas.
Explore this Station's Gallery
You are now on Tween Deck in No. 2 Cargo Hold and Museum. Walk to the raised acrylic-covered ‘trimming hatch’ opposite the bottom of the ladder to view the depth of lower No. 2 Cargo Hold. Explore the WWII artifacts featured along the perimeter walls.