I had two uncles that had served in the Navy during Korea. They told me that when we boarded the ship to let the other GIs have the lower hammocks and to take the top hammock even though it meant having to climb into it each time. I asked why and they said they wouldn't tell me but I had better listen to the voice of experience. I heeded their advice and "gave up" the lower hammocks and tied my bag to the very top bunk.
That first night when the ship started rolling and the front of the tub came out of the water and slammed down on the flat bottom of the front and the propellers came out of the water when the back reared and vibrated the whole ship I found out why I had taken the top bunk. There were guys all over the bottom of that ship calling "O'ROARK" that night. And the GI's on the lower hammocks were on the receiving end. Yeah I remember the smells but don't want to remember to vividly.
Thanks uncles Farrell and Edward.