"The numbering system is pre 1949. The 02 is the deck above the main deck. The next number is the frame (starting from the bow and counting back) next number is the frame in from the outside (hull).
The lower number is the actual number of the space, meaning, 02 level, second deck above the main deck, 46 frames from the bow (two feet per frame), the "0" means on the center line (direct center of the ship), the "C" means "Control."
Numbering is the same for the captains cabin. It was just aft of the pilot house so he could get there quick. The "L" means living space.
To me they are simply a memento of an adventure I had 30 years ago as a young Sailor. I learned long ago that ships are just so much metal and paint, just things. It's the crew that gives them personality and life. Long after the ship has gone, as long as someone remembers them, they live.
I removed these plates from your Father's ship, USS Savage, while in Long Beach, CA, in early 1976.
I was stationed aboard USS Bradley at the time. There were 3 ex DER's there, Savage, Falgout, and Hissem, a Fletcher Class DD, the Pickering and a submarine.
All were being used as targets. At the time, they were just shot "at," not to be hit.
I was part of a working party sent over to collect any usable parts such as light fixtures and such. Also, all the scrap brass we could find.
I went aboard Savage. I pulled these label plates off as souvenirs. As I think about it, in the Captain's Cabin, there were the Squadron logo plates that had been bolted to the staph and the ribbon award plates which had been on the bridge wings. Those were left." Steve Hesson
These plaques were most graciously contributed to the webmaster of the USS Savage by: Steve Hesson, SMC S (SW) USN, Ret.
[We deeply appreciate Steve's kind generosity in gifting us with these plaques. They are priceless, tangible reminders of the USS Savage, and all the men who passed through these portals.]