Level 1: Navigation Bridge

 The USS Kidd consists of four different levels. The first level is home to the radios of the ship and its chartroom. This level was also home to the quartermasters of the ship. These were the people who had the job of keeping track of the position of the ship. They controlled the navigational systems of the ship as well, which was an extremely difficult and risky job. On this level, visitors can see the extremely complex navigational software which these quartermasters used to navigate through rough waters and dangerous battles. This system appears very old and run-down, so visitors will know that it was the system that was utilized during the ship’s time of use. There are desks with typewriters, radio systems with a large amount of knobs and buttons, and very old chairs and supplies. When people visit the ship, they are actually allowed to enter the room where all of the behind the scenes magic happened. In order for the ship to operate effectively in dangerous situations, the quartermasters had to use this system. The fact that this system is now on display and can be visited further adds to the appeal of the ship, especially those who like to be able to understand the inner-workings of complex things, like ships. The opportunity for visitors to see the ship’s advanced and complicated technological systems is one thing that makes the ship very unique. When a visitor experiences this level of the ship, their understanding of the ship and its role in history is further strengthened. This is because they are allowed to see the complex system which allowed the ship to thrive, therefore deepening their understanding of how the ship actually worked and what had to take place in order for it to function effectively. Exploration of the first level of the ship enforces  the idea that the operation of the USS Kidd was a complex process which required knowledgeable quartermasters in order for it to sail successfully.