U.S.S. YANCEY AKA-93

Ken Grooms's Navy

A story for the USS Yancey

Mess Cook'n

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You say it is spelled wrong? I know it, but it is the way it sounded. "Mess Cook'n" was a duty that fell on most seamen shortly after they come aboard. Everybody got the duty sooner or later. Mine was a bit later. I had been a Deck Ape for a few months, and then I was a Yeoman striker. It was during my initial time as a Yeoman striker that I was assigned to "Mess Cook'n".

First they greased us up by inviting new Mess Men to a tour of the Mess deck. The Mess Deck was located adjacent to number three hold on the port side. We started at the aft end of the mess deck. First we were warned of the dangers of not keeping everything clean and the proper use of a swab (mop). As they opened the hatch leading to the mess deck we were introduced to the wonders of the Spud Locker. It was a caged space of about 5 square feet with walls made of expanded steel. The walls were see-thru so our activities could be observed by the boss of the mess deck - The Master Of Arms - a seasoned Bosun first class.

Inside the enclosure of the Spud Locker, we viewed the actual machine that peeled potatoes. We were told how advanced the state of the art of peeling potatoes had become. It looked like an old fashioned washing machine with the top set aside. The interior sides of the drum had rough sides where you could place the potatoes. The next step was to introduce a specific amount of water, secure the top in place and turn on the power and let it spin. This wasn't quite like watching the first flight of the Wright Brothers airplane - but it was close for wet-behind-the-ears-young seaman.

Next we were directed to move forward to the Port side to marvel at the long (about 10 feet) steam tables where food was served. I remember my shipmates told me how 'Mother' Goodwin stood behind these steam tables serving hot food. This was where 'Mother' got his nickname "Mother". He would announce "Come and get 'em, just like Mother used to make". Later Mother became our baker because of his culinary talents, pleasing personality, general good looks and the luck of the draw. Not necessarily in that order of attributes.

He also got a "Room with a view" - the bakery with a single porthole. This was the same porthole that a pie 'Mother' had baked, disappeared during the movies at sea. See my "He Stuck in His Thumb and Pulled out a Plumb" story for the details on these shenanigans.

From the position of the steam tables you could look forward and see mess tables lined along both sides of the mess deck and arranged with their long axis perpendicular to the keel of the ship. Looking further forward, was the Scullery where I was to be assigned, presumably because some special skill I had. Here was where you got a sauna without paying for it. In front of the Scullery I remember two garbage cans and a seaman armed with a big stick about two feet long. As the crew finished eating they were suppose to empty the contents of their 5 compartmented trays in the first can and rinse the trays in the second. The seaman with the big stick would repeat detailed instructions for how to dispose of the contents of the trays. This was emphasized by a hard rap on the side of each can. Something like, "garbage (bang) and rinse (bang)". I think the life cycle of these garbage cans was about 30 days depending on several factors including the seaman's strength.
My duties at the Scullery were simple. I was told to load the empty trays upright and crosswise to the special tracks and start the machine. I worked with about 3 other seamen in this capacity. We became a close knit and efficient team.

Once, when we were in San Diego, I had taken liberty the night before we were to go to sea. We decided to visit Tijuana for some Mexican feasting, frolic and fun. The feasting consisted of curbside tacos then on to the next tavern for some beer to reduce the frictional effects of the tacos on our throats. I had to return early for muster with the Mess Men, so I got back early in the morning and had little sleep and you might say I was feeling a bit fragile. My mates in the Scullery took pity on me, they knew my pain, and suggested I get some rest. I went to the Mess Men's sleeping area, located near the aft bulkhead and inboard of the mess deck. About 5 bunks were arranged vertically with the bottom bunk about 6 inches from the floor. Since I knew the steel deck would be cooler, I slipped under the lowest bunk and was soon sleeping. The roll and pitch of the ship helped me sleep but was countered by the queasiness in my stomach. Suddenly I felt a light tapping against my foot. As I awoke, I noticed our Master-at-arms standing above me with an unusual grin. He had a special assignment for me. In spite of my pain, I took this to mean that I was about to make a career change that might change my whole life. The assignment was to provide me with a valuable experience that was to last me a lifetime. All the tools I needed were a bucket of hot water, some strong soap and a rag. I was requested to clean the corners where the vertical stanchions were welded to the deck. They looked clean to me, but who was I to argue with the Bosun. The lesson he taught me was to carry "my load".

Most of the details of the above may be of questionable accuracy, but who cares now that they are at least 50 years old. Like Bosun "L" used to announce from the quarterdeck, "Clean the decks to and fro, get the corners as you go".

Ken Groom (K.D.)

Submitted 2/10/07
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