Officer’s country
Officer’s country contained the four staterooms where the SLATER’s officers lived two to a compartment, except the executive officer who had a private stateroom. Politely called staterooms, these cabins functioned as sleeping quarters, lounges and offices. Based on appearances, the officers had much better living arrangements than the enlisted men one deck below them. In actuality, they did not have that much extra space. Packed with uniforms, technical manuals, life jackets, helmets, toilet gear and a photo of the girl back home, there was barely room to breathe. Curtains provided the only privacy.
The lights in these spaces burned late. Paperwork was the bane of every naval officer and they often could be found working well after lights out. They wrote reports on training, fitness, action, and material – all of which were summarized quarterly. In addition, schedules, requisitions and inventories flowed from these cubicles in a constant stream. They did find time to write home, the only paper work they did not mind doing.
The last compartment on the starboard side belonged to the Executive Officer or XO. He was the second in command aboard the ship. The XO reported directly to the Commanding Officer and was responsible for all administrative duties, as well as keeping the ship running smoothly.
Officer’s stateroom aboard USS DURIK DE-666.
Historic
Stateroom before restoration, USS SLATER.
Pre-Restoration
Officer’s stateroom aboard USS SLATER.
Current
wardroom
Aft of the staterooms is the wardroom. This area was the eleven officers’ dining area and lounge. The officers ate meals in two shifts. Through the small service window is the wardroom pantry. The wardroom mess was financed by contributions from each officer. This fund was managed by a "mess treasurer," who was elected by his peers. The quality of the food depended upon the attentiveness of the mess treasurer. This is because officers did not receive their meals as part of their pay, as the enlisted men did. Their meals were prepared here by the officers’ cook. Stewards were assigned to serve the officers' meals and provide general housekeeping duties for the officers such as making bunks, shining shoes and pressing uniforms.
Prior to World War II, the wardroom had an atmosphere similar to a gentleman’s club, complete with formal meals, proper attire and a strict code of conduct. The war necessitated a relaxation of the formalities. Officers who were more concerned with winning a war than observing etiquette often ate meals hurriedly.
The wardroom had other functions. The officers’ staterooms were cramped, and the large table was a good place to spread out paperwork. The wardroom also served as the forward battle dressing station at general quarters. The doctor, if assigned, or the pharmacist mate who served as the ship's only surgeon in the absence of a doctor, was stationed here to wait for possible casualties. The long table could serve as an operating table and was equipped with a surgical light and emergency lighting overhead.
Wardroom aboard USS DURIK DE-666.
Historic
Wardroom before restoration, USS SLATER.
Pre-Restoration
Wardroom after restoration, USS SLATER.
Current
Continue Tour: Mess Deck