The majority of the ship’s officers were quartered on the Boat Deck. At the top of each cabin door frame, you’ll see a small plaque indicating the officer assigned to the cabin.
Most of the officers enjoyed a private cabin with a desk, settee, and sink. The exception is the purser’s cabin which contained two bunks; however, Liberty Ships typically only carried a single purser. Toilets and showers were also shared among the officers, though they were better appointed than the facilities for the general crew. Liberty Ships transporting hazardous military cargo would sometimes carry an Army cargo security officer.
On occasion, the officers of the SS Jeremiah O’Brien were able to improvise additional luxuries. There have been reports that their shower sometimes doubled as a sauna. A still was also constructed in the engine room and they began to produce distilled spirits during the voyages between Southampton and Normandy. This resulted in an official complaint to the ship’s operator, Grace Line. When the O’Brien returned to New York, the US Coast Guard boarded the ship to search for the still, but it had long since disappeared over the side.
Explore this Station's Gallery
Turn left toward the exterior door. On your left is the Purser's Cabin.