Ship's Complement

A Liberty Ship’s complement consisted of two separate crews that worked together. The civilian officers and men of the US Merchant Marine were responsible for operating the ship and the Naval Armed Guard was responsible for operating the guns in defense of the ship. A wartime crew consisted of 43-48 volunteer merchant seamen and 12-28 US Navy Armed Guard signalmen and gunner’s mates.

The United States Merchant Marine

The men of the US Merchant Marine came from all walks of life. They played a key role in transporting the troops and war matériel that enabled United States and Allied Forces to turn the tide of victory against the Axis powers. All the crew members were civilians and were paid by the steamship companies that leased and operated the ships for the US Government.

The non-officers, or unlicensed personnel, belonged to one of the maritime unions and could sign onto a ship either through the union hiring hall or the War Shipping Administration. Officers started as cadets and received training from several cadet training schools. A ship’s captain, or master, was typically an older or experienced mariner from the maritime service or a retired Naval Officer pressed back into service. US merchant seamen were the only civilians who deliberately put themselves in harm’s way in support of the armed services.

The United States Navy Armed Guard

The men of the Naval Armed Guard took care of the guns and all the semaphore and light signaling the ship required. Often referred to as “gunners,” they were commanded by a junior Naval officer. The Armed Guard also supplied signalmen to assist with the communications required for convoy operations. This crew had sailors as young as 17 eligible to join. Many were adventure seekers who wanted to see action as soon as possible. Gunnery training could be completed in a matter of weeks and then it was off to a posting on a merchant ship.