Aviation Boatswain’s Mate

Wake up at 4am, muster at 6am and work until 3pm-4pm (when in port). At sea, my workday began at 7pm and ended at 7am. My job was to fuel aircraft and flight deck machinery throughout the night. After flight operations were ceased, my job was to go to fuel stations and procure test samples to take back to Quality Assurance to test the fuel for water or other contaminants. I was also in charge of my own crew, relaying information from the flight deck to the control room. Trained new personnel in their duties when needed. After one year, I worked temporarily in the CS Department (culinary specialist) moving foods from outside the ship to the storage rooms or fridges located below deck. In 2009 I was again moved to work for a different department, Security, where I learned basic security measures and weapons training for a little over one year. In 2011, I worked for what we called the “Deck Crew”, dismantling old flooring and replacing them with new floors until I was honorably discharged about a year later. The most enjoyable part of being in the Navy was being able to travel and see new places and cultures (a job I would love to have today, just without the military element). I learned how to manage myself in my duties, maintain a strong sense of integrity in everything that I do and to get the job done efficiently and on time.