Navy·Technology obsolescence·In Memoriam
Captain of the Forecastle / Maintop / Afterguard / Hold
Served: c.1838–1893
Senior enlisted who ran a station of the ship — forecastle (anchor work, head sails), tops (upper masts and yards), afterguard (spanker and aft sails), hold (cargo, ballast, stores).
The Story
These four "Captains of" were the practical leaders of a sailing crew — the men who actually ran the ship while officers commanded it. Captain of the Forecastle established 1838; Captain of the Afterguard 1846; Captain of the Maintop 1885; Captain of the Hold 1838. All four gone in the same 1893 sweep.
Epitaph
“They were the petty officers who ran the boat. The CPO rank exists because they did.”
Sources
- Uniform Reference — USN Ratings 1886www.uniform-reference.net
- NHHC — Enlisted Ratings 1775-1969www.history.navy.mil