US Navy USS Saufley DD465 1952 Living Conditions

Saufley earned 16 battle stars during World War II, making her one of the most decorated US ships of World War II.
US Navy Documentary about living conditions aboard this Fletcher Class Destroyer . Saufley was re-designated a DDE in 1949 and then an EDDE (experimental) and used for experimenting with new Sonar systems until 1962 when reclassified as a DD, then participating in the movie PT109 as well as the Blockade of Cuba.
Saufley served admirably in the Pacific in WWII, instrumental in the sinking of two Japanese submarines as well as participating in several key operations. The future Commander, Naval Opertions, Admiral Elmo Zumwalt was Executive Officer of the Saufley 1945 - 46

[@Ed-lz4jv]

I bet they ban this film at the navy recruiting offices

[@kurochi89]

Nah, why ban this? If anything it shows how far and nice our current ships have come.

[@FingersKungfu]

I think it's not too bad. I just watched a documentary about the living conditions of crews in 17th-century sea-going ships and galleons. This looks so much better.

[@wilsjane]

What was wrong. Everything looked clean, the food was good and after a day working with steam turbines, all you would want to do in your bunk was sleep. The most noticeable part was the spirit of comradeship among the crew. This is far more important than a fancy cabin and computer games.

[@welshpete12]

I wonder what would happen if anyone snored !!!

[@sasquatchalleged5759]

It's a weapons platform not some phukking Holiday Inn Motel.

[@jaddy540]

I was a FC2C, aboard DD40 in WWII. I was a plank owner, and finished the war on her. HERE IS THE DAILY ROUTINE. We went to General Quarters every morning, from one hour before sunrise, to one hour after. The same thing every evening, at sunset. We also had two 4-hour watches, each day. If bogies ,or an attack took place,we stayed at GQ until the threat passed,for one additional hour. I spent about 40 minutes every day, checking out,and servicing 40 millimeter guns and sights, #41, and #45. Also spent maybe an hour a day repairing headsets,with broken wires. Then, if we were under attack,or bogies in the area, it was back to GQ plus one hour after the threat, and the all-clear was announced. Now, add in one hour for chow lines and eating. No comparison with peace-time duty! We were truly exhausted from this schedule. But, we came back alive! I am pushing 99 years old. 41/2 moths to go!

[@braintrusts]

Awesome post, swabbie!! Your testimony is a terrific testimony of how hard sailors on fighting ships must work, and, it is hard, tedious work. Thanks for your service in WWII and hope you make it to 100!!

[@judsonkr]

Did ya make it to 99?

[@ChileMiPais]

I'm 4th generation Army, my hat's off to you sir.

[@technophant]

Good for you. Thanks for sharing

[@mwbright]

"The farts... The farts... Dear, God, the farts..."

[@momotheelder7124]

You have to appreciate the honesty in the video, no pretending that things are ideal when they aren't.

[@g00gleminus96]

Yeah but this film was only intended for viewing by a select few people working in the Navy Department, probably some kind of advisory board or some such thing. Notice the first words on the screen: "Confidential." This wasn't interned for viewing by the common man, that's for sure!

[@momotheelder7124]

for sure. Even so, being willing to learn from mistakes is a way of achieving excellence. plenty of establishments will ignore unpleasant truths until they bite them in the arse.

[@Losttoanyreason]

Well this was a confidential film for the war department not for showing the general public.

[@s.sestric9929]

This was probably made to explain why the Navy needed new destroyers when they had dozens of WWII built ships with low time in mothballs; some mothballed right after they were accepted from their builders.

[@braintrusts]

Yes, intended mostly for Congress, attempting to convince them that creature comforts are important for the well-being of the crew, which affects battle-readiness as well as re-enlistments. That's whats great about this film: an honest attempt to improve living conditions. Yet, am sure Navy recruiters in that day wouldn't and really couldn't convey how "cozy" destroyer conditions were. Also, the old diesel submarines' "accommodations" were more sardine-like than any destroyer. Actually, the larger ships had MUCH better accommodations for the crew and recruiters didn't know where men would be assigned.

[@wes11bravo]

So much respect for these guys. My grandfather, CPO Franklin W. Shrack, ran the electronics shop on a destroyer tender (USS Hamul/AD-20) around the time this film was made. He first enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1932 as a radio repair tech for a fighter squadron in the Panama Canal Zone. He stayed in the Ohio National Guard, reenlisted in the Navy in WWII, was all through the Pacific (in The Solomons, Russell Island, Guam, etc) running radio sites. After WWII, he worked for the Post Office, going back on active duty during Korea. He then worked for the CAA/FAA as a radar maintenence supervisor until the 80s. 47 years of government service!

[@braintrusts]

You have much to be proud of in your Grandfather Shrack!! It is men like him who make this country great! Thanks for posting.

[@charlesrace1415]

I was a Sonar Man aboard the Saufley in 1962. She was my first ship -- right out of sonar school in Key West. She was a great Ship! She fought her way through almost every major sea battle in the Pacific during WWII.

[@braintrusts]

Way too cool!!! Thanks for your service the our USN and to our country! (I, too, was a sonarman, but on the USS Myles C Fox DD-829)

[@keyweststeve3509]

Ah yes! Fleet Sonar School, right across the road from beach at the southern tip of the island if you were at the one on Truman Annex. I actually played for the Fleet Sonar School baseball team in Military Little League. Great times!!!

[@glennredwine289]

braintrusts: Just wondering, what kind of work did you do when you got out? Was considering going Navy nuc back in the '70, thought Navy schools were most comprehensive in Electronics, actually.

[@glennredwine289]

and also to you Key West: what kind of work did you do, when you got out? did you use your electronics background?

[@keyweststeve3509]

I realize I wasn't very clear in my post. I was just a Navy brat who grew up in Key West. I did my time in the Army and unfortunately my only background was the M16, M203 and M60. Coincidentally I did go to college on the GI Bill and now run a team of electronics technicians in the Charlotte area.

[@sebione3576]

"The cook's left shoe, also doubling as the ships chapel, is well above the navy standard capacity of three square millimeters per man. Meals are prepared in the head, where here you see a stew brewing in the toilet. In fair weather, men can be seen throwing a football down a three foot long passageway, that also doubles as storage for ammunition, fire fighting equipment, office supplies and dirty laundry."

[@braintrusts]

@Commentor1 They didn't show me this video in the recruiters office, and am sure no one else saw it either. The Gearing class destroyers had very similar living conditions through the mid-70's. Newer ships did have better conditions, but not ideal.

[@danschmidt4498]

Understated by a long shot. For real.

[@davidpayne9336]

I miss 688 life. Sometimes.

[@danschmidt4498]

@@davidpayne9336 I had to smile when you said " sometimes" as I myself served on an FFG that was finally decommissioned however I do miss my shipmates mainly.

[@dougtaylor7724]

Lmao!!!

[@user-fs5lc2dl7t]

What an eye opener to the resilience of our military...God bless them all back in 1952 and today as well.

[@braintrusts]

Glad you were enlightened. Most folks have no idea what the military offers in fighting units. I spent almost four years on a similar destroyer ((~50 years ago), and not trying to sugarcoat it, but one does get used to the close quarters, lack of creature comforts and difficult surroundings. I do, however, recommend it to anyone who wants to learn a LOT of things in a very short time. Thanks for posting!!

[@jacktuttle3421]

I spent eight weeks on board of Fletcher class destroyer in 1969 for midshipmen’s training. It taught me what Navy life was all about and gave me a life long respect for sailors.

[@braintrusts]

Jack: There weren't many Fletchers left in '69, but it sure gave you a taste of how rugged that life really is. As you also learned, I imagine, is that the officers really didn't have it any better, other than the wardroom food service and slightly more comfortable sleeping quarters. Being at sea on a Tin Can in heavy weather is a great equalizer for the discomforts/hardships that that brings. Thanks for postings!!

[@retnav92]

Joined when I was 17 yrs old out of high school, and served aboard 5 ships during my career ('71 - '92). They consisted of an AO, FF, AD, ARDM, and an ARS, in that order. Four of them were WW2 era vintage, and one was a new FF that we commissioned in 1973. The living conditions on the older ships were okay, but nothing spectacular. "Character building" days for sure that have served me a lifetime. Go Navy! 🇺🇸👍

[@braintrusts]

Thanks for your service in the greatest Navy in the World!! Yes, I agree that serving on any Navy ship will build character, but serving on a old Greyhound will teach one things that can't be taught anywhere else. My four years on a Gearing DD helped launch a productive working career in technical things. Thanks for posting!!

[@TheCarnivalguy]

One of my family members was a USNA graduate, Class of 1932. One of his assignments was as the first Commander of the Fletcher class destroyer, USS Porter DD-800 from June 1944 to Dec 1945. He retired as Captain in 1962 after 30 years of service. Great video!

[@braintrusts]

Thanks for posting! Your relative had no small task with the Porter, as all destroyer officers and crew have to be, in spite of specialties, have multiple jobs and watches, and do all of them well to be successful Tin Can Sailors. Have you seen the posting about the Porter at www.navsource.org/archives/05/800.htm It would seem there's a photo of the C.O. addressing the crew as well as a portion of his message. Again, thanks for that little bit of history!

[@TheCarnivalguy]

@@braintrusts Yes, that was me who submitted the photo and info to Nav Source.

[@patrickgroll2046]

Utmost respect. There would be a scandal if any prison put inmates through these conditions, yet these guys did it freely and kicked ass all over the world with high morale and competence.

[@bernardbober7300]

This is the ship my Dad served on during WWII. He worked in the boiler room, and his battle station was on a five inch gun. I wish he were alive to see this.

[@braintrusts]

Our great country is grateful for your your dad's service aboard a USN destoryer! It's a wonderful and life-changing assignment. Am sure he had some great stories to tell of his time aboard. Am glad you enjoyed the video!

[@flahertyrick88]

My grandfather served on uss saufley during ww2 they probably knew each other

[@isaacdestura7495]

weird that he worked in a boiler room, but his battle station is a gun

[@gnarf250]

@@isaacdestura7495 not at all.

[@hinesphil]

Stribling and Boardlon 1966 to 1970 BT2 Boilerman. All of this look very familiar. Nothing much had changed. As bad as it was, my 4 years taught me a lot. Had time to grow up. Realized that we had it pretty good compared to the rest of the world. Today I think we still do.

[@bharn253]

Exactly!

[@ronald6138]

THANKS FOR THE VIDEOS AND COMMENTS Dad was Korea and id has been 9 yrs since he past , but you gave life to all his stories . Thank You for your service .

[@braintrusts]

You're welcome, and yes, the comments and my replies, I think, are important to expand or clarify how the ship's crew accommodations affected the men. It's indeed difficult to explain to someone who has never endured long periods at sea on a destroyer or other small vessel how tedious, boring, dangerous and crazy it can be, and at the same time be adventurous and fun at the same time. The added benefit is the friends you make that last a lifetime. The good (and bad) memories of men who serve on ships persist until the grave, and, I presume, beyond that.

[@oldhendy785]

USS Henderson DD-785 (old gearing class destroyer) was my home from 1964-'68.

[@braintrusts]

Yes, the good "old Navy" days. Those old "cans" were amazing, considering their age the abuse they would take at sea under harsh conditions. I was on DD-829 from '69 - '72 and don't regret a moment (in hindsight). When we were on liberty overseas, coming back to the pier and seeing our "home" brightly lit up with the American flag on the stern was always a relief. Thanks for posting.

[@Ryan-ju4pn]

The cramped conditions here bring back fun memories. I went on my first underway in 1992 aboard a Sturgeon class submarine and being one of the most junior people I was placed with other newbies to sleep in the torpedo room. We each got our own mattress, lined up end-to-end and five long, with a torpedo on one side and the bulkhead on the other. If you weren't on the ends you crawled over the the guys that were between you and your mattress. Storage space was a seabag that you kept on your mattress. After this, I graduated to hot-racking, which was a real rack but you rotated with other people for your turn to sleep in it. After a year on board, I made it to an exclusive rack. At 20 years old it felt like an adventure.

[@lelandrogers1078]

I spent my time in the late '60s on minesweepers. All of this brought back memories. Sometimes I regret not staying in for 20 and retiring.

[@braintrusts]

From those I've talked to, minesweepers can be tough duty, being a small crew and multiple responsibilities. THANKS for your service!! Yeah, staying for the full 20 was a target I didn't want to shoot for after spending 3.5 years on a very actively deployed destroyer. I never regretted getting out, as I knew that another 16 years would change me for the worse, plus I loved having me freedom. Am sure you have good memories, as I do, though. Thanks for posting.

[@poetcomic1]

Had a neighbor who did his twenty and got out at 38 with a nice pension, went to college and became a high school teacher and retired 25 years later at 63 with TWO full pensions and was bored so worked part time. His wife had a full pension as well from the post office. They were borderline rich.

[@dirtydave2691]

My Dad served in the U.S. Navy at this period on the U.S.S. Rainier. They resupplied ships with ammo off the Korean peninsula during the war. He said ship life was crowded and either miserably hot or freezing. Still he was very proud of his service. Coincidentally my Uncle Jack was a Marine that earned a Silver Star at Chosin. He never talked about his service.

[@braintrusts]

Sounds like your Dad and Uncle Jack served our Nation well!! The veterans from the Korean conflict are often ignored, but their work was no less valiant than any other conflict. You have a right to be loud and proud about their work for this great Nation!! Thanks for posting.

[@3DPDK]

This pretty much changed by the late 70's early 80's. Most of the surface (as opposed to sub-surface) fleet had been re-fit with curtained racks. They aren't much bigger; you still can't sit up in bed, but you at least have a feeling of some privacy. The curtains are blue which blocks the red lights that burn all night in birthing compartments. There was the threat of having to "hot rack" (two guys sharing the same bed alternately) during deployment to the Red Sea for Desert Storm, but it wasn't necessary - thank God! The heads were also updated to have individual stalls. One of the B.S. parts of this film was the air conditioning being installed for the comfort of the crew. TOTAL B.S. It was installed to insure that electronic equipment, then working on heat emitting vacuum tubes at the time this film was made, remained cool enough to operate. The fact that it also helped the squids be a little more comfortable was completely unintentional. The comfort level of a sailor today is 500% better today than it was 70 years ago but it took about 30 or 40 years from the time of this film to accomplish that.

[@francissqueen]

I spent 26 years in the navy.witch includes, two DDs,one FF,one MSC,one MCS,a LCC and a LPD.1967 to 1993.DD-782 had the worst berthing,MSC-207 was the best duty.DD-982 the newest one.the navy was good for me.

[@braintrusts]

BZ's to you and your career in the USN!! The US Navy is a great way to spend a short or career enlistment. Well, at least it was a few decades ago....

[@robertyerkes5017]

That CIC section that is just how my ship USS Conway DDE 507 was .Wow does that bring back memories .

[@ThePr8head]

WOW I thought I had it bad when I was on the Nimitz! It was like Heaven compared. These men are Heros!

[@CreatorCade]

My grandfather served on this ship at the time they filmed this. I grew up hearing him telling stories about the Korean War and staying aboard this ship. I miss him and his stories very much.

[@braintrusts]

Am sure your grandfather endured and enjoyed his time aboard this destroyer. Life could be difficult and tedious, at least at sea, but having good shipmates/friends makes it easy to endure.

[@traveller4790]

Man, you had to really love the Navy to live in conditions like these - either that or you were drafted and had no choice. My father was on board the USS MISSISSIPPI from 1947-1951, and I've listened to hours of his tales of life aboard the old battleship. It started out life as BB-41 and was built during World War I, and after serving in World War II it was reclassified as an Experimental Auxiliary Gunship and was marked as EAG-128. Since the ship was built in the early 1900s there was NO air conditioning, with the only ventilation being forced draft ventilation. Below decks in the summertime was like being in an oven, and all of the sailors took every chance they got to go topside on deck. The living conditions were tight as well, with 5 sailors to a row of bunks. His locker consisted of a 12x12 inch door in the wall with the locker being about 2 feet deep, and what couldn't fit in there went into his seabag. I've seen the pictures he took, and I admire him and any other sailor who lived in conditions like that.

[@USNVA11]

I was an Electronics Technician aboard USS Ponce (LPD-15) from ‘83 to ‘87. Our berthing compartment was a little roomier but the head was tiny. It had three shitters, three pissers, six wash basins, and three shower stalls. The head was cramped and at least one of the shitters was out of commission most of the time. The air conditioning for our compartment was a joke too, as in there wasn’t any. That place cooked you good in the tropics. A lot of times I would rig a hammock up in the SPS-40 radar equipment room because the a/c was arctic in there. Loud as hell when the radar was running though. Had to use ear plugs. Got to see some awesome places around the world. Fun times !

[@ve7cbh]

A sad but true fact: A/C primary job is to keep the electronics cool. If the sps-40 (long range air search) went down in the box it was a big deal. Go Navy (RCN)

[@BigKWS]

My hat goes off to these guys. Their berthing areas were *much* smaller than the ones we had onboard the Perry-class frigate I was on back in the '80s.

[@braintrusts]

The Sumners, Fletchers and Gearing classes of destroyers had much in common: poor accommodations for the crew. Perry and Knox class tried to make that better. Thanks for your service and also for posting!

[@patrickrobinson317]

OMG - my respect for them has just sky rocketed. God bless them all.

[@cjdavis2684]

The ships were designed for war time use in 1942/1943 and they even had more men on them at that time. And seeing as how many Fletcher's were built during WWII. and the battle records this class of Destroyers had. They were damn fine ships!

[@jonathanhansen3709]

I grew up in the Navy. I saw these kind of accommodations when I was a kid. That’s why I joined the Air Force.

[@jasonperry4215]

My grandfather was on the uss sauflee in ww2 in the Solomon Islands… the ship got hit by Japanese khamakazi’s and my grandfather along with a bunch of other guys ended up overboard floating around at sea for 7 hours before he was rescued. He was watching his fellow navy men die all around him .. he was always a strong swimmer and he said he’s treading water until his legs won’t … after a few hours he sees a us ship in the distance he was like ok here we go I’m safe … but then he watched the ship turn around and he was devastated… he said he blacked out after that and doesn’t remember much but he said the second ship came hours later and had multiple skiffs out patrolling and looking for survivors. Finally he was safe. … I remember going to the ocean as a little kid and I said dad how come grampa always swims way out into the ocean isn’t he going to get tired. And my dad use to say “ no he won’t get tired he’s had plenty of practice “ I never knew what that meant until I was much older and my grandfather told me first hand what had happened I interviewed him for a school project. He was 20 years old when that happened to him … his hair turned starch white within a year after his ship got hit …. He never talked about what happened to him. He only told me because I asked him what the war was like for a school project… I still think of him a lot even though he’s been gone for a while now. He was one bad ass mfr

[@phillyphilly1076]

Hahahahah them coming up and down the stairs not giving a fuck about who’s coming or going is hilarious!

[@braintrusts]

Yeah, it does look funny, but usually, it just isn't that congested. And, life is a lot easier when you wait for the other person or persons to go up or down is just the normal thing to do; while living in close quarters is normal, you don't want to INCREASE the contact with mates. Besides, it was frowned upon. I suspect that the film-makers made it that busy-congested to make a point with Congress, who they were trying to get better funding from crew comforts. Thanks for noticing and posting.

[@WootTootZoot]

I saw this in 1970, I joined the Air Force.

[@braintrusts]

Can't say I blame you!! But, living under those conditions for a few months or years helps create very lasting bonds between shipmates that often last a lifetime.

[@marconius101]

And i the ARMY...

[@seikibrian8641]

"living under those conditions for a few months or years helps create very lasting bonds between shipmates" Thus the saying that 264 men went to sea, and 132 couples returned. ;-)

[@M70ACARRY]

braintrusts don't ask, don't tell?

[@ThePaulv12]

Indeed. The Royal Navy commissioned Capt Donald Macintyre in about 1968 to investigate homosexuals in its ranks. The conclusions were hysterically funny. He quoted Winston Churchill who was First Lord of the Admiralty at one time when he said (wtte) the traditions of the Royal Navy are rum, sodomy and the lash. (Churchill's reference below but Macintyre used it in his report) www.theguardian.com/notesandqueries/query/0,,-1433,00.html Macintyre found if they removed homosexuals and the 50+% of men that sinned homosexually then the Royal Navy would cease to operate. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/sacking-gay-sailors-would-have-scuppered-fleet-8955972.html news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk/2378811.stm www.theage.com.au/world/secret-british-files-give-cause-for-a-little-naval-gazing-20021101-gduqv8.html

[@donclark7699]

Great Video. Served on Wallace L. Lind DD 703 back in 67 and 68. it was nice to be young. Great memories looking back on it.😁

[@Ma007rk]

I was in the Army. I remember hearing all these stories about peeling potatoes when on KP. I remember my first KP duty. It was brutal. We were up at about 2:30AM and didn't get back to our Battery until about 6:30PM. We never had to peel potatoes. Right before I went into BCT (Basic Combat Training) the Army had just changed over to dehydrated potato flakes where all you had to do was add water, and POOF! You had instant potatoes.

[@braintrusts]

Thanks for your service!! Never peeled potatoes but ate lots of instant mashed potatoes along with instant everything else and canned hamburgers.Thanks for posting!!!

[@jhonyermo]

WTF does this have to do with this video?

[@Ma007rk]

@@jhonyermo Nothing.

[@capt.titustheunstoppable8491]

I served on CG-51 GATES of hell. I've toured ww2 Era destroyers. I was spoiled. A Tico Cruiser is basically a luxury ship when compared. Still lack of privacy. But, you could go most anywhere without using the weather decks.

[@vickiterranova1992]

Amazing this country producing young men and women to man these ships in 2023

[@braintrusts]

Not sure if the current young folks would put up with the lack of creature comforts found in the old ships. But in times of war, all bets are off.

[@samhouston1673]

I was in the Navy. As C-130 Loadmaster, I felt like a king with all that cargo space. Plenty of choices as to hang my hammock. That is why I wanted to end my career at sea. I was too pampered the Fleet Logistics side. Much appreciation to those men to put up with that cramped space on every cruise.

[@johng4250]

I rode destroyers (tin cans) in the 60's and nothing much had changed since this film was made.

[@scottbarber6694]

Forrest Sherman class DD's were a world of difference (DD-931, 1962-3)

[@johng4250]

the DD I rode was 731, I suspect 931 was as different from 731 as 731 was from the film. Great days, what the hell happened?

[@Mulepick]

By 1980 Forrest Sherman was tough living. Heat didn't work, water leaks in berthing compartments. Went to a Perry class and that was plush.

[@thesceptic7968]

Me too. Although Royal Navy. At least we had our daily tot of rum. Dam, I can't imagine serving on a 'dry' ship.

[@knowsmebyname]

Was it as miserable as it looks?

[@gilbertgoldsmith1158]

I was on the USS Forrest Sherman DD 931, 1968 and 1969 was an IC3, slept most of the time on an air mattress in our work space with the gyro.

[@braintrusts]

Seems the DD-931 was homeported in Newport, RI in that period, which we were also, the DD-829. Not sure I'd have enjoyed the air mattress, but our gyro room was also Plot and contained the IC patchboard. Was mostly quiet and cool during non-working hours, but on the Gearing class, was adjacent to the steamy/stinky scullery. Thanks for serving and posting!

[@georgecomeau2096]

57-60 RODE THE 938 IT WAS LIKE THE HOLLYWOOD HILTON COMPEARED TO THE WW2 DD's 32 yrs Bosn C

[@benjamingleason9616]

Fascinating film! I often wonder what life was like back then in these type of ships. Almost unthinkable now... Thank you so much for posting.

[@braintrusts]

The living conditions improved only slightly through the Sumner-Gearing Class destroyers, all built in the '40s, as they got fitted for A/C in the berthing spaces in the 1960's, but not much else, other than regular toilets. Living conditions were still cramped and VERY minimalist. These destroyers were the mainstay of the fleet (over 100 of them) until the '70's. See other great videos that accurately depicts life on a USN DD at: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5maqpqFit-Sjck (my personal favorite) and kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGS3lKyvaJ2fpKs While the toilets were normal, the seating arrangements were not: in the forward head the crew faced each other while seated and knees either touched or overlapped. If both tried to wipe simultaneously, they bumped heads. Thanks for viewing and commenting on the video. I'm glad the Navy produced it way back when.

[@michaeldigh5046]

Thank you so much for finding and posting this. My grandfather was on this ship during his service in WWII.

[@pwrplnt1975]

Thank God, I joined the Navy 40 years later!! GO NAVY!!

[@braintrusts]

Thanks for your service in the USN!! You must have been on a newer ship, as I served 68 - 72 on a Gearing DD. the Myles C Fox, but aside from berthing with A/C, little had changed. Thanks for posting.

[@cpope625]

I was on a slightly larger Tin Can in 1967, but our berthing compartment was almost identical to the one filmed here.

[@sandrammer]

When I went to my first ship in 1972 the racks shown were the same I got until the middle '70s when the coffin racks were installed.

[@bobbiemitch]

I was on the Robert K Huntington DD 781 in the late 60's, E Division berthing quarters was slightly bigger and the head was on the same level. Same racks and lockers.

[@braintrusts]

Thanks for your service in the USN!! As you are aware, the Sumner was the start of the Gearing Class DD, only making the Sumner ~25' longer giving it LOTS more fuel. I had slept aft as well as forward, and aft was usually more stable. Berthing in the foc'sle could be problematic in heavy seas. But, still many good times. Thanks for posting.

[@JoeyP322]

When I was a kid in the 70’s, I used to visit the various Navy ships and submarines at the Navy Yard in Philadelphia... I enlisted in the Air Force

[@braintrusts]

When I joined the Navy I had never even been on or seen a Navy ship and had no idea what the living/working conditions would be. It sure was a shock to my system the day I reported aboard, but there was no turning back at that point. But, what a grand adventure it was, living aboard a destroyer and traveling around the World. It was worth every discomfort.

[@BuggsOgden]

I have a lot of respect for the tin can sailors, especially the guys who served aboard the WWII era vessels. I served on a carrier (USS Ranger) during the Vietnam war, and while it was cramped, (over 5,000 men) it was way better than what these men are dealing with. We had a lot smoother ride as well. If I had it to do over though, I would still join the Navy.

[@gunbunny1948]

Should have tried out the Army's living conditions, dig your own space, eat out of cans, live in the rain, mud, dust, cold and heat.

[@ericwsmith7722]

Thanks for your service !

[@CaesarInVa]

I was on the Ranger in the early 80s (CAW-13). My berthing compartment was 03-244-1L. Amazing that I still remember it.

[@se4g4e]

Ranger crewman here as well, early 80's. Machinist Mate in engine room number 4. Survived a major fire that killed seven of my shipmates. Not good times.

[@willisowen7419]

I agree,USS ORISKANY always felt sorry for our plane guard destroyers in heavy weather!!!!

[@BritanniaPacific]

During the 60s, the navy had the fletcher, and other classes of ships modernized. Few fletchers were still in service for fram conversion. They went from tin cans to fram cans.

[@Hadduck]

My first ship was an arleigh burke, I enjoy watching these old videos.

[@waynettedavis96]

Thanks for sending this. Quite an education on close living!

[@braintrusts]

It looks pretty rough in this day and age, but one gets used to it. I served on a similar destroyer for 3 1/2 years with many deployments and you get used to valuing what little space that was "yours".

[@thesceptic7968]

Dreadful conditions. I served in the Royal Navy and one of my ships was an ex WW2 Destroyer. We didn't have bunks, just hammocks which did give more living space when they were stowed away but was still cramped. No air con and when we visited the Far East it was like living in an oven. Strange but true. We just accepted it and got on with our job. Sailors are sailors so well done my American friends. (At least we had a tot of rum everyday to help ease the pain)

[@dzikijohnny]

Was it a WW1 destroyer?

[@stephencarey5074]

A chap who had been on the Arctic convoys said they had a frozen horse strapped to the after deck, from which the "cook" of the mess sawed off a hunk for the actual cooks to boil to shreds, then collect it and a tub of ruined veg and cart it to the mess... All whilst being bombed, strafed and torpedoed, with no chance of survival if you hit the water!

[@Seamus322]

...we had weed...

[@rutabagasteu]

@@dzikijohnny 1950s.

[@lelandcox4089]

The CPO had their own bunks rooms and mess area. The officers had rooms they shared but not much room. The enlisted space was close and tight. 50 guys slept in an area the size of my den! I went aboard one of the newest destroyers and they have lots more space and work room. Our ET shack was maybe 8x8 and had a workbench and filing cabinets in it. Right over the port screw! Lots of vibration!

[@jimrosson5697]

Leland Cox

[@chrisC052]

20 years in the Navy,sure does bring back memories.

[@braintrusts]

Thanks for your many years of service!! Mine was only 4 years, and one only one Gearing Class DD: USS Myles C Fox DD-829 mylescfoxdd829.net

[@robharding4028]

Nothing but total respect for these brave submariners and the dangerous jobs they do in the name of their Country, and folks within it, many of us lack the basic realisation, the dangers involved with such an occupation. But because of discussions from ex naval family members, It gave me an insight that many never even hear about.

[@braintrusts]

Just to be clear, this is a USN Fletcher class destroyer commissioned 29 August 1942. It was one of the most decorated ships serving in combat in WWII. You are correct, though, that most people have no understanding of the sacrifice of those who serve in the military under adverse conditions. While they often complain, they look back on their service with pride and most would say they'd do it again.

[@robharding4028]

@@braintrusts Appreciate the feed back !

[@mickdunn8423]

Great collection of Videos! ENJOY!! Don't repost as if you have 'special knowledge! ENJOY & LEARN!

[@braintrusts]

I wish there were MORE documentary videos like these, as the public needs to see the sacrifices of those that served.

[@northernrebel7480]

I served aboard submarines back in the 80s and 90s. The space given to the sailors on a destroyer seems huge to me!

[@braintrusts]

Thanks for your service in the Silent Service!! YES, subs have VERY little space and VERY tight quarters. I have been aboard both diesels and nukes and both have less space than a destroyer although the nukes are much nicer. Diesel boats are indeed a challenge. Thanks for serving!! (and commenting)

[@pacra]

love this film thank you for uploading it!

[@braintrusts]

It has had a very wide viewing with over 125,000 views; surprised me how many find in interesting.

[@coleparker]

This was my father's navy. I was born in 53. My father served from 1944 to 1964.

[@meridius-]

My dad was on the uss putnam , in Navy 53 to 56, proudly served

[@alaba9050]

Accurate to the N't degree. Lived the Fletcher Class Tin Can sailor's life for 3 years. SCPO USN (Ret.)

[@braintrusts]

Thanks for your service, Chief!! Sumner and Gearing class were only a slight improvement, aside from berthing space A/C; sure needed it in the Mid-East.

[@knowsmebyname]

If you enjoy naval fiction I highly recommend David Poyer The Circle. It takes place on a Fletcher Class. The book made such an impression on me that I read it 10 years ago and have sought out video of the Fletcher Class from time to time to marry the visuals of the ship to the wonderful detail of that book. I am grateful for this video for the same reason.

[@carlmurray6108]

One of my favorite naval novels by Mr Poyer about the fictional DDG Fletcher Class Reynolds Ryan. Great ending!

[@gawainethefirst]

The USS Kidd, the USS Casin Young, and the USS Sullivans are all museum ships worth visiting.

[@kenthartland8581]

Agree on the book. It left me with the constant pounding of the waves on the hull. That guy can write. Right up there with Red Storm Rising abd anything by James Lee Burke. But I digress...

[@Wormhole798]

But you got through it...and your better for it...you served your nation. Well done.

[@garyhanson8708]

Right on, Fred!

[@teamdunny]

Thank you for your service!

[@johnmcnaught7453]

Saw the thumbnail of the throttleboard and got nostalgic. Spent a lot of time in the ER's of the Gearings in particular. As for habitability, by today's standards they were terrible, but we didn't seem to mind (We were young then). No CCTV, AIR CONDITIONING. By the way, as a kid I walked to school 5 mile round trip barefoot and uphill both ways.

[@braintrusts]

Yes, we were young then, many years ago; too many years ago. You can get used to almost anything when you're young, and, well, the USN gave us no choice on ship assignments. As for me, am glad I was assigned to a Gearing DD, as it taught me to be tolerant of others that were different than me.

[@TOFKAS01]

Yes, a very good video for airforce-recruitement.....

[@rooftopvoter3015]

In 68, I passed the draft physical but the Navy called the very next day. I was down at the recruiter before he hung up the phone.

[@michaelashcraft8569]

Ever try to swim off a flying plane?

[@matt8863]

These men sacrificed parts of their lives, in conditions that make today's prisons seem like a country club...And all to protect us civilians, our nation, and allow us to live in a free country.... Sadly, some people just don't appreciate it.

[@phillipzx3754]

@Geo Thomas ....Phuck you! I did 6 years active duty in the Army from 71 through 77. That POS commie Trumpov you worship had to make up a medical condition to avoid serving our country. You need to stop watching Fox Noise. Your brain is rotting.

[@phillipzx3754]

"Sadly, some people just don't appreciate it."...Yup. McDonald Trumpov being one.

[@Moltenbramley]

Freedumb

[@rutabagasteu]

@Geo Thomas People like you are the problem. I tend to be a liberal. I am also a US. Navy veteran. 6 years honorable service. Did you serve or do you just have a big ego ?

[@zaineridling]

Stop begging for valor. We were happy to SERVE OUR COUNTRY back then; we weren't always looking for praise like all fake vets walking around in Walmarts! 💯

[@sergiozaza9341]

Thank you to all that served , each and every one a true patriot and hero .

[@charlesboyer8207]

Amen!

[@danschmidt4498]

Thank you also and please keep in mind that although my years in the US Navy are in the past I have made an oath to almighty God to continue serving the people in peace and in truth. I ask for strength to increase during these times please.

[@yepiratesworkshop7997]

Thank you for remembering us. You're the people we do it for.

[@CharcoalBlasterdog]

is your space bar key okay?

[@RoadCaptainEntertain]

Had my Father, Uncle and 2 Cousins on the DE527 USS O'Toole, DD492 USS Bailey. DD365 USS Cummings and DMS10 USS Southhard all WWII. Everyone saw action and they were great men to know.

[@yanni2112]

I did 3 ships over my 12 yrs but it was the 80's and a couple in the 90's, I thought it was great , and I was Enlisted!

[@rackattackgamer7928]

Q: What did the submarine say after being depth charged by this ship? A: You're killing me Saufley. 🤣

[@danschmidt4498]

Oh boy oh boy oh boy he he he

[@danschmidt4498]

Lets keep a sober mind through these days for we shall indeed receive all the loving promises of God through what christ has already done once and for all. The labours are few and I myself am asking for faithful prayers please.

[@scubaguy007]

That’s a dad joke right there. But I assure you a depth charge in those days was not very soft. 😉

[@patsmith6867]

. . . . . a Submarine killed by Flack ?

[@servicarrider]

Why is it always exciting to go back in time?

[@braintrusts]

Because we often look back at a sanitized view, looking at those "good old days" as somehow more romantic or interesting than our current seemingly mundane life. You'll often here people say that in their youth they had little-to-no money yet were happier than now. As we age, we usually gain more assets and responsibilities, which complicate things and make our lives less simple than when we were young. We long for simplicity and youth.

[@deltavee2]

Until you retire, then it is way less complicated and the freedom each day to do what you want is glorious.

[@evilpandakillabzonattkoccu4879]

6:32 "this space.....is considerably superior to the forward crews washroom, which was too small to be photographed." ...physically or morally? 0.o

[@josephastier7421]

That must have been the "Officer's Club"

[@raywhitehead730]

Hey, I noticed that the rack mattress pads are much thicker then the ones I had on the USS Guam in 1975. And the sleeping racks were 6 high on the Guam ,,,these guys got it made. And in the field we slept on the ground wet or dry.

[@patrickyoung2117]

I respect all you squids that can handle high tides and storms and barf-producing waves. I never even considered the Navy, I get sick when the boat starts swaying. So I enlisted in the luxurious U.S. Army, where we lived like peasan......errr...KINGS!

[@braintrusts]

Thanks for your service in the U.S. Army!! I joined the Navy because a) I didn't know how rough it got on a destroyer and b) I couldn't see myself sleeping in a foxhole. All things considered, though, I think squids had it better in that we had: a) three hot meals/day b) showers every day and c) clean, dry bunks. When in combat ops in the Tonkin Gulf in support of ARVN, US Marines and US Army, I knew then how much better we had it at sea than they did in the jungles and swamps. My salute to all the men on the ground and in the air serving the US of A!!

[@onetruekeeper5055]

The head looks scary. No partitions or curtains. Hard to get a good bowel movement with someone staring at you.

[@braintrusts]

On the Gearing class dd, the forward head has small partitions, but the toilets faced each other, and when the five toilets were occupied, knees often touched the other guys'; the partition only separated you from the guy next to you. Wish I had taken a photo of that head.

[@zanelile515]

The ships I was on, neither had partitions, just a long line of commodes all open to the world.You just get used to paying no attention to anyone but your own business.

[@chrisparlow4450]

zane lile -- well said agreed.

[@John77Doe]

onetruekeeper Gays weren't allowed in the military in the 1950's. 😃😃😃😃😃😃😃

[@memadmax69]

I feel bad for you tin can types. I was on a AOE(USS Camden(AOE-2) Motel showers and heads(especially for us MM's). I ran around for a week straight plugging all the minor steam leaks so the MMR was nice n cool and the evap guys were happy. Chilled water plant was top notch. Enough room for everyone to go thru the ship in a "race track pattern": STBD side goes fore and aft, PORT goes aft to f'wd. This was actually dictated by the main galley. Engines were from the unfinished Kentucky. Top of the line steam, never gave us any major issues. Kicked like a horse when you opened the throttle.

[@Skaitania]

Seems comfortable and roomy. Compared to a WW2 U-boat. But I love the Fletchers, sexy and powerful ships.

[@Ruckweiler73]

Admiral Zumwalt, who was CNO from 1970-74, served aboard this ship as the XO near the end of WWII.

[@achgreentree]

right out of boot camp leave, I served on the Philip DD-498 and then the Fletcher DD-445 home port for both: Pearl. 66-69, best duty in the service, 6 months getting everything ready/training, 6 months western pacific. a good deal was patrol of sea lanes, 2 ships alternating 3 days at sea 3 days in port, more time off for repairs in subic, trips to hong kong, japan then back to pearl.

[@Rama41]

All respect to those who served aboard. A sign of the times that they were still allowed to smoke.

[@braintrusts]

About half of the crew smoked, but was only permitted between reveille and taps in the berthing spaces; crew could smoke on most watches, but not in hazardous spaces. The men who crewed these types of ships for almost 80 years thank you for the kind words.

[@sfcretired1166]

Step-brother was a Chief Gunner's Mate(guns) aboard the Saufley for a time. Last I heard of the Saufley, she was sunk off Jacksonville, FL as an artificial reef.

[@lucinavillacampa506]

Sfc Retired

[@sfcretired1166]

@@lucinavillacampa506 Brother's accounts of life at sea is what made me join the Army. That and the fact I have never had a foxhole sink from under me!!

[@ve7cbh]

@@sfcretired1166 It was digging those holes that made me join the Canadian Navy lol

[@DreamsOverTheRockies]

I was on a sub tender. You wouldn't believe how much space we had, even with about 1300 sailors.

[@rjdiaz9551]

I was on an Adams class DDG. we had about twice as much room. The main problem was when deployed and underway we would lose an evap an be on water hours, no showers for days.

[@braintrusts]

I remember seeing the Adams-class destroyers and being impressed with their missile capabilities. Seems odd to me that they've all been decommissioned. Thanks for serving our great USN!! All my memories (well, almost all) aboard an old DD are good ones. Shipmate memories are the best.

[@blackhawkorg]

Excellent. I really enjoyed this!

[@ericwsmith7722]

Took a tour a few years ago aboard the USS, Slater ( was given to the Greek Navy after WW 2 , then we got it back ( forget why ) currently docked as a museum in Albany, NY . The kitchen was literally the size of the kitchen in my house ! For almost 600 meals a day !

[@distantlight1995]

This is the way the military operated back in the day. I was in the Army not on a ship you did your business in front of others and they the same. Hard to get use too.

[@THEQueeferSutherland]

"I think we'll wait to show this film until after they sign the paper."

[@braintrusts]

As you can imagine, the newer and newest ships are much more accommodating to crew comforts. They are indeed more like cruise ships now. Had to be with an all-volunteer Navy.

[@danschmidt4498]

Yes I believe you are right.

[@donbryant58]

So in summation the crews safety health and ability to conduct operations is expendable. Anchors aweigh indeed.

[@yumpinyiminy963]

I took a tour of a WWII destroyer in Boston harbor. I was supersized at how little living space was available. Almost as bad as a sub. The subs got better food but the DD's could breath fresh air. God bless these men because neither was a great option.

[@bluestudio67]

I feel REAL lucky I served when I did and on a big ol' LPH. It was a royal palace compared to this. Wow... caps off to the old salts!

[@richguske1621]

Oh my!! I am glad I did my service with the Seabees and Flags!!

[@robertcuminale1212]

CE2 here. I'd rather sleep in a Quonsett Hut in D'Ville than this poor excuse for living quarters. Living out of a tent was better. D'ville, rest in peace. I wonder what they did with that place after it was decommissioned.

[@jec1ny]

I was in the Navy in the 80's and 90's and living conditions had improved dramatically from those shown in the film. I think they kinda had to once the Vietnam War came to an end along with the draft. The Navy never actually drafted anyone but they benefited from it. A lot of guys turned 18 knowing that it was only a matter of weeks or days until they got a draft notice so they would go down and join the canoe club. Once the military went all volunteer there was no way the Navy could keep a sufficient number to function without drastic improvements in both pay and living conditions. I saw these improvements first hand when I was in. We still whined and bitched of course. But things really were a lot better and by no means intolerable.

[@nn4wcc336]

Same experience here. I went in, in 1984. Served on the Enterprise. Conditions weren't great but nothing compared to this.

[@MasterChief-sl9ro]

Because President Reagan built a modern 600 ship Navy. In the 1980's.. Say what you will. The Russians had the Biggest. The Americans had the Best....

[@laurenceboag2325]

I did just that! Drafted in 1968, I joined the Navy and served as a Sonar Technician on the USS Edson, DD946. She was commissioned in 1958. Looking back, it didn't seem nearly as bad as what this film depicts, but quarters were tight and there was no real privacy!

[@JohnS916]

After high school a buddy of mine got into an argument with his parents so he booked himself a hotel room for a couple nights to cool off. He shot me a call and I met up with him for a couple beers and both of us were faced with the draft. At the time the Vietnam war was getting heated up and we knew the draft was looming. After more than just a couple beers we decided to pre-empt getting drafted by the Army and decided in our macho man drunken state to enlist in the Marines. The next day, hangovers and all we drove down to the Marine Corp recruiting office and parked across the street from it. As we approached the front door I noticed the Navy recruiting depot was right next door and framing these two doors were larger recruiting posters. We stopped and looked at those for a few seconds, the Marine had a picture of a Marine at attention, something out of character for us because we were a couple of goof-offs in high school, fun and sports were more of a priority than the books while the Navy poster had a picture of a smiling sailer with the caption, "see the world!" We looked at each other and made a beeline to the Naval recruiting office. We got lucky as well to get in on a special reserve program before it was closed down due to oversaturation (Vietnam), so looking back I wondered how many in my draft era age group made the same decision at the front doors of the recruiting depots simply because of a poster?

[@danr305]

Yea the smart ones did get in the navy because they didnt want to be a ground poundard in veitnam . that is why my dad told me join the navy. he was right in 1962.

[@suzannelebizarre5705]

I was aboard a Sumner Class DD (DD693) for 3 years as a FT...loved it...during the Korean Conflict...thats all I will say about it...just that was there...

[@braintrusts]

Thanks for your service in the USN in the "greyhound fleet". Haze grey and underway!

[@BruceMusto]

Thankfully I came along to the Navy about 27 years later.

[@braintrusts]

Yes, it was indeed awful conditions, but you get used to them and feel like you've gone to the Ritz Carlton Hotel when you go home to see mom & dad.

[@skymaster7606]

And this is why I joined the Army. Had a lot of Marines that joined the Army after being Marines they all loved the corps but hated being on the ships.

[@braintrusts]

Yeah, shipboard life is not for everyone. Destroyers of all eras did NOT have any Marines aboard, but am sure there were some exception during transits or just for a very short deployment. I never saw one in the four years I was in the destroyer fleet. But, yes, the Army sure looks more appealing than what is shown here. Thanks for posting.

[@slowpoke96Z28]

@@braintrusts who ran your brig?

[@braintrusts]

@@slowpoke96Z28 Never saw anyone who went into any locked confinement while aboard that DD. Was told there was a caged area near after-steering for confinement, but never saw it. Was also told that the corpsman had a straight-jacket for control, but never saw that either. And, yes, being aboard any fighting ship for extended deployments was not fun, at least at sea. In port was indeed like a foreign, but bawdy Disneyland.

[@RandymanB]

So was there a Mike Rowe of the 50's that narrated all the documentaries created in that era?? I swear it's always the same guy!

[@jessicamoores181]

God Bless And Gods Speed to All our Military and Service Members, KEEPING America Safe, so we can sleep tight at night 🇺🇸👍🌹

[@braintrusts]

Thanks for the kudos! We have people in uniform all over the World making personal sacrifices, mostly for the love of country.

[@rontroy3843]

When the SS Unites States was built, it was both a luxury trans Atlantic liner and a troop ship, though it was never put to use as such. But one of its features as a troopship was air conditioning throughout the ship, unheard of at that time. The designer William Francis Gibbs had designed many ships including the Liberty ships, and understood that if you packed an Army division onto one ship you had to have climate control. He also gave the ship an improved version of the turbines and boilers used on aircraft carriers - 240,000 horsepower, and a top speed of around 40 knots, to ensure outracing submarines. It could do better than 20 knots in reverse, and if it lost an engine room to say, a torpedo, it could still exceed 20 knots going forward. Plus it could keep up with the fastest carriers and destroyers and Iowa class battleships. And it was nearly fireproof. A lot of hard earned lessons helped the design. This film gives a good idea of how improving equipment in the pre digital era needed ever larger crews. Today, many of these functions use a much smaller crew and take up much less room.

[@thierrydevant7690]

Very organized, good footage video.

[@kelharper7971]

Okay, you see them? Now picture trying to get out onto deck to escape while the ship is rolling over, flooding and sinking, power cut out so the lights are dead, deck and ladders pitched 30deg, steam escaping, live cables in the water, men packed in the companionway. It looks hard enough to even get out of bed, let alone evacuating in emergency conditions. One of those cases where it's best to not think about it and hope you aren't hit. Because like the engine crews, if you do go down, odds are that you won't get out. Best not to get hit at all...

[@fredpatch]

I served on 2 tin cans back in the 60s. It amazes me to this day that the galley (kitchen) was one deck above the mess deck (dining area). They didn't even have anything like a dumb waiter to make the mess cooks job a little less miserable.

[@braintrusts]

Fred: You're right! They had apparently tried dumb-waiters without implementing them fleet-wide. Also, there were some older 'cans' that the food had to be transported partly via the main deck. Am sure you'll remember how hot, sloppy food coming down the ladder caused crewmen to "make a path" to avoid the steamy spillage. Ehhh, these kids today don't know how good they got it...