At the stern, the O’Brien has essential features and equipment for emergency and safe operation. Aft of the house, on both port and starboard sides, are two rectangular removable plates on the deck that lead directly to the steering engine room below.
Cables could be passed up from the rudder post through these openings to the winches on the deck to control it. This is the fifth and final way the rudder could be operated if all other means failed.
During convoy, while traveling in dense fog, the two winches located at the stern could be used to tow a marker buoy to guide the ship immediately behind or for any other towing duties. The blue light on the stern rail was used at night while in convoy and, like the marker buoy, could only be seen by ships sailing immediately behind. The steel rings welded to the deck were used to hold barrels that generated smoke to obscure ships while in combat situations.
Behind the winches and up against the wall of the aft house is safe storage for propane tanks. A leaking tank or an improperly closed valve poses a significant fire and explosion hazard if stored inside the vessel.
Explore this Station's Gallery
Next, we’ll explore inside the Midship House. Continue forward along the aft deck and pause view the house from the outside. To enter the house, continue forward along the exterior passageway and use the entry hatch, or door, at the top of the gangway.