Fantail

Entertainment and downtime at sea

Courtesy Jack Surre

Quick Facts

Location:

USS CASSIN YOUNG

Extended cruises across the world's oceans could mean no shore liberty for days, weeks, or even months. Tempers could flare, and could men begin to despair over the monotony of routine. Recreation helped pass the time and break up boredom. Card games were very popular, and when conditions permitted, every evening promised a feature film. Boxing and other competitions also helped alleviate pent-up frustrations and energies.

Other crew members turned to pets as mascots and companions. Although these were never officially allowed, different crew members mention at least one dog and one parrot lived on board Cassing Young for a time during the Second World War. Interestingly, when crew members were asked about any dogs on board the ship some fifty years later, some swore the never saw or knew of a dog ever being on the ship while others vividly remembered having dog named "Bogey." Photographs and an archival Navy film suggest there indeed was a small dog on board.