U.S.S. YANCEY AKA-93

Ken Grooms's Navy

A story for the USS Yancey

The Yancey Brig

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I can't say I was ever in the brig on the Yancey, but I did view it from a distance while accompanying an inspection team. If it was a place to be advertised for rent it could be described as:

"Rm fr 2 w/view of ocean. Dbl bks w/matt furn. Meals served. Inside head. Reasonable rates."

It was located just forward of number one hatch. As I remember, the door to the brig faced the Port side of the ship. It had sort of a waiting room just inside of the entrance and another room beyond that with a security door that lead into the sleeping area. This room was furnished for at least two occupants. I assume that the design criteria for the brig assumed that at least two sailors would be there as a result of a disagreement. Of course the basic design of the standard bunks was such that it utilized two vertical poles with fixtures down the poles for attaching bunks, so that I think that the bunking could be expanded to accommodate at least six occupants. It was decorated in what I remember as 30L grey paint, a medium grey paint to match the rest of the ship.

During my time on the Yancey The brig was occupied only once that I remember. It was while Capt. Kuse was in command. We had left Japan with a load of our usual cargo of spend shells, spent milk cans and other miscellaneous items as well as a group of Navy passengers. The group of Navy passengers included a 1st class Bosun who was going to be discharged for "unclean habits". He wanted to stay in the Navy and thought that the Yancey would be a good place to redeem himself. As far as I know he performed work on the Yancey without any complaints.

We made a stop in Honolulu where the Bosun was allowed to go on liberty. For what ever reason, he did not return to the ship on time. This was Capt. Kuse's chance to relieve the crowding in the main spaces and to teach a lesson. In the Brig the Bosun went. I wish I knew what became of him - or do I?

Ken Groom (K.D.)

Submitted 2/10/07
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