Where Do Sailors Go on an Aircraft Carrier?
The role of an aircraft carrier is multifaceted, and it varies widely in the daily activities and routines of its crew. For those curious about the complex life aboard such a floating city, this article explores various aspects of everyday life for sailors, including where they go to perform routine tasks and engage in activities that keep them engaged and healthy.
Do You Mean to the Bathroom?
When discussing where sailors go on an aircraft carrier, one can't ignore the most basic and essential need: the bathroom. Historically, sailors would go to the bow of the boat, but in modern times, facilities are extensively designed to accommodate the needs of the crew. As I recall from my time aboard the USS Constellation CV-64, the berthing area was a bustling place.
On the USS Intrepid CVA-11, for instance, the term 'head' is used, which dates back to old sailing ships when sailors would go to the bow of the boat to attend to their needs. Today, these facilities are modern and widespread. In a 102-man berthing area, we had a head with 4 urinals, 5 toilets, 5 sinks, and a large enough shower for up to 7 or 8 men. However, due to the limited amount of fresh water made on board, showers were a precious commodity.
My working space was just below the flight deck, port side. Nearby, another head with two urinals and two toilets was called 'the shers.' Remind yourself that while these facilities are functional, they cater to the needs of a large crew and are often accessed by many at once.
Where Do Sailors Go to Eat, Work, and Sleep?
In addition to essential living spaces like the head, there are numerous areas designed to meet the diverse needs of the crew. On an aircraft carrier like the USS Constellation CV-64 and others like the Truman CVN 75 and the Bush CVN 77, mess decks were popular spots on Friday and Saturday nights. You could often find card games, such as magic: The Gathering or Defense Distributed (DD) games, being played. I, however, preferred the solitude and productivity of my shop where we had Xboxes and would host LAN parties with other AIMD shops.
The hangar bay was another popular spot for recreational activities like basketball and other sports. There was also a library, and some ships even had WiFi available for the crew's use.
In my experience, many sailors found themselves in the library, a quiet space for reading and research. I had occasions to visit the flight deck to watch flight operations, typically up to the O-4 or O-5 level just below the signalmen's area. Work hours are structured with 12-hour shifts, providing some downtime but not without its challenges.
Leisure Time and Activities
Sailors on an aircraft carrier have a mix of responsibilities and free time. The ability to engage in recreational activities and maintain leisure time is a crucial aspect of maintaining morale and efficiency. On weekends, my colleagues and I would often go to the library, where we found solace in quiet reading or engaging in community activities.
My shop under the flight deck was a preferred spot for gaming and socializing, and we would frequently host LAN parties which offered a unique blend of entertainment and camaraderie. These activities were essential in fostering a sense of community and teamwork, which are vital for the operations of an aircraft carrier.
Despite the often grueling work schedule, there are areas and times where sailors can take a break from their duties and enjoy a moment of respite. Whether it's in the hangar bay playing basketball, visiting the library for a quiet read, or simply enjoying the evening in the mess decks, these spaces play a key role in the well-being of the crew.
Conclusion
In the bustling world of an aircraft carrier, every need is catered for: from the most basic necessities like the head to the more complex activities such as gaming and socializing. The crew lives a multidimensional existence, balancing the requirements of their duties with the need for personal time and recreation. Understanding the layout and facilities helps to paint a clearer picture of what life is like for those serving on a floating city.