The top of No. 5 Cargo Hatch would have also been fully loaded. While shuttling troops for combat during Operation Overlord’s Normandy landings, the O’Brien returned with wounded men who were housed in No. 5 Hold ‘tween deck.
Today, one level down on ‘tween deck, is the ship's fully equipped machine and electrician’s shop. As spare parts are no longer readily available for Liberty Ships, here aboard the ship, a machinist can repair, restore, or replace many of them with historical integrity.
Similar to No. 4 Hold, No. 5 is also a large capacity hold that now contains concrete ballast. During the Second World War, the cargo itself would have acted as ballast for keeping the ship stable. Water or rubble from bombed-out buildings was often used during a Liberty Ship’s return voyage without cargo.
No. 5 Hold is accessible to crew only, but you can explore it virtually by taking the “Prohibited Areas” tour.
Explore this Station's Gallery
Beyond No. 5 Hold is the Aft House, 5” gun platform and stern of the ship. Proceed to the Aft House and use the port side entrance to explore inside.