Page 128 - MustangEbook

Officers sat at long tables, always in order of
Wardrooms have rules and regulations
governing them. On large ships in peacetime,
talking about professional business is frowned
upon. It is also considered inappropriate to
perform work or to meet with subordinates in
a wardroom. Typically, upon entering the
wardroom officers and men are to remove
their head dress. The customary rule applies
as you do not wear a hat in someone else’s
home. At meal time, members ask permission
from the most senior officer present before
joining the table.
The ship's executive officer is usually in
charge of the wardroom. On warships and
coast guard vessels, the commanding officer
is normally not a member of the wardroom but
is invited to join the members for special
occasions.
The wardroom is the officers’ mess where
they dine, watch movies, socialize, and play
games.
seniority. At mealtime they were not
permitted to be late. If you could not make it
on time, you waited for the second sitting or
went without the meal. The officers who
arrived at their places had to remain standing
until the CO of the Ship arrives. The tables
were set by the chefs on-board the vessel.
Even silver finger bowls were used when we
were served messy finger food. There are
different plates and utensils for the Officers
and shipmen, these utensils do not clash.
After the meals, the tables are cleared by the
chefs. Midshipmen are often tasked to help
with the cleaning up if they are not needed at
their posts.
WHY IS IT CALLED THE WARDROOM
In the 1700s the British Navy had a
compartment on ships called the “wardrobe,”
which was used for storing prizes of war.
When empty, officers gathered there for
dining and lounging. By the time the United
States created its Navy in 1775, it was known
as the “wardroom.” A “mess” is a Navy term
for a group of people gathered together to eat.
A word that causes considerable doubt in
many ships. Some cynics think it refers to the
normal state of the mess decks.