A large portion of the interior volume of a destroyer is taken up by berthing spaces, compartments where the crew sleeps and keep their personal belongings. These spaces are crowded, with narrow racks stacked three or four high, and with storage lockers. They adjoin shower and toilet facilities and are connected to passageways and ladders that access the rest of the ship.

The compartment I slept in on the Dewey was about the size of a school bus, and 40 men slept there. It was located roughly in the same place as the damaged compartment on the Fitzgerald; starboard side below the main deck, right about the waterline, just aft of the bridge. While underway, I could hear the waves slapping against the hull, just inches away.

I was always terrified that I might be trapped down there in the event the ship hit a mine, or was torpedoed while I slept. And like all my shipmates, I practiced finding my way to the main deck with my eyes shut, so that I would be able to get out even if the ship's lights were out, or the interior was filled with smoke.

If the ship was hit in combat, I would probably be at my General Quarters station on the bridge, and even though I would be exposed to enemy fire, at least I would not be trapped and drowned like a rat in a sewer pipe. That prospect always terrified me, and I was in awe of the sailors like the magazine and engine room crews who were below the waterline behind sealed watertight doors in action. I would rather take my chances with shrapnel and flames than be locked down helpless in the bowels of the ship.

The idea that I might be trapped in my rack while the water flooded the space due to a peacetime collision or other accident never occurred to me. I trusted the watch to keep the ship out of trouble while I was asleep. I doubt any of the survivors of the Fitzgerald collision will ever sleep soundly in their berthing spaces ever again.

Incidentally, the destroyer that came to Fitzgerald's aid was also named Dewey, she is the namesake of my old ship, who alas, was broken up for scrap about 20 years ago.