No. 4 Cargo Hatch & Hold

Like the other hatches on the main deck, the No. 4 Cargo Hatch would have been fully loaded while at sea. During Operation Overlord’s Normandy landings, the O’Brien also shuttled troops who were quartered in No. 4 hold ‘tween deck on cots while the rest stayed on the main deck.

Currently, sitting on the hatch is a modern-day electric generator and, in the hold, one level down on ‘tween deck, is the ship's fully equipped wood shop and parts stores.

Below ’tween deck is a large capacity hold that today contains concrete ballast to provide stability for the ship. During WWII, the cargo would have acted as ballast. On return voyages, rubble from bombed-out buildings or water was often used.

No. 4 Hold is accessible to crew only, but you can explore it virtually by taking the “Prohibited Areas” tour.