So long
Dave

Editor's notes:
I recall my first impression as we headed below decks to be assigned bunks for the remainder of the night.
What the heck are all those red lights for?
Baltimore Class cruisers had passage ways running nearly the length of the ship, port and starboard, on the first deck below the main deck.
With all hatches open, the red night lights in each compartment, made a lasting memory for this then 17 year old "boot".

No, the lights did not flash. Just wanted to get your attention.

Regarding my "feet sticking out" at the end of a bunk. This situation prevailed until I made 3rd Class. My new found seniority authorized me to have a higher bunk.
Our bunks were stacked 4 high, so as the old timers left the ship, I moved slowly upward until I finally had a new home on the TOP bunk.
I was so happy that my feet were now above the heads of passing shipmates.
That is--until the big guns fired. Then all the dust and crap fell from the various cables overhead. My bunk was always dirty during firing exercises.
One more point of memory for all you "old Salts".
There was a 5 inch shell trunk right next to the head space of my bunk.
Try to explain to folks, what a eerie feeling it is to be on "Condition Three" in a combat zone and hear the rattle of 5" shells moving up to the guns.
You get used to it and go to sleep, hoping not to hear "General Quarters" - General Quarters", man your "Battle Stations"!
To hear a short clip of "Battle Stations", turn your speakers on and click HERE! (About 8 seconds.)