Same here. Agana Heights, Guam class of 55. Birth Cert. ( COLB ) signed by a USNR Lt. Fingerprinted and foot prints taken the next day for the first of many times.
I was born in Lackland AF Base SanAntonio in ‘62. My father went from the USMC to USAF and finally US Army Special Forces. I enlisted in the Navy ‘81 to ‘85, with enough sea time I started growing gills. On a funny note, my father told me that I made a good choice because the Navy chow was great, I said yeah Pops, because you had the privilege to eat on base and not on a Tin Can deployed for 7 months😆
Fort Madigan Army Hospital, Tacoma, Washington - dad was stationed at Paine Field AFB in '59. -- We all started as Quad 0's, just wondering what C school you went to
The NAVY a one hell of a force to be dealt with in 67-73 when I was in. Not me, I pushed paperwork, but SUBRON EIGHTEEN was. Nuc fast attacks and Nuc boomers, I can’t even imagine what it’s level of force is today. YN2 Howard, Captains Office, USS HUNLEY AS 31 Discharged with a honor.
Stay safe. Give it your best. One tip. Come ur last 2 years before retiring. Start thinking of “you”. Time will go by very quickly. Thanks for your continued service. I spent 1 year on a “boat” (USNS Chauvenet) doing oceanographic surveys as an Engineering Aide (2nd smallest rate in Navy I think). Learned quickly that BMs were like Seabees, and did jack of all trades and made things happen. Had some great BMs and other fleet rates in the Seabees that didn’t want to back on ship ( better sea pay on ship). Always proud to say “ I served in the United States Navy”. (JFK, saying).
As a former MS, I always thought that the MS, now CS rating badge should be a crossed chef's knife and meat fork rather than the crossed keys over quill on a ledger. While records keeping is an important part of the rating, especially for the senior rates. The main function of the MS and CS ratings is food service.
Retired CPO here. 1988-2014. Started out as an SM. Made SMC and then was force converted to QMC when they disestablished the SM rating. For my retirement ceremony I removed the QM wheel and had my beloved crossed flags of the SM rate put back on my dress blues.
I was an OS . My first Chief was an RD before OS became a rating . I had a buddy who was a SM , and sometimes I would hang out on the signal bridge with him while underway , and we used to go on Liberty together . I never learned flashing light or signal flags , but as an OS I knew how to read the naval messages they communicated . Your SM rating badge was two crossed flags , and the OS rating badge is an Oscilloscope with a direction arrow .
Remember when they merged the RM/DP/DS ratings to the new “IT” rating. Some of the more senior folks close to retirement and on retirement put or kept their old badges on. I’m an IT guy now and work with navy still but what a challenge back then. Think they merged dental and corpsman too. (That’s a lot to take in).
@@stemmentor9700 Same thing happened with the other merged ratings if they were retiring or getting out soon. Yep, they merged HM and DT sometime around 2005 because that's when I retired and when I went to the Dental Clinic to checkout I saw an old shipmate wearing an HM1 crow instead of DT1 crow and he let me know it was not too long ago they merged.
I really enjoy this series. What a wonderful collection. I was fortunate enough to have joined the Coast Guard when we still looked like sailors! I retired as a CWO4.
Very thoughtful and informative presentation. Both of my parents were in the USN during WWII and several years after. My brother was in in the 80's. All have passed, so you brought back good memories. Thank you.
Boo yah, Master Chief! Thank you for the extra cool history lesson! I am the daughter of an E-7. He's an AMHC-1,ret. He was a plankowner on the original USS America, CVA-66, and he served aboard the USS Saratoga CV/CVA-60. His squadron was VA-75, the Sunday Punchers! My dad is my hero. I am a Navy brat, born at Millington Naval Hospital in Memphis. I wanted to follow in his footsteps. Got all the way to Processing and that's when it was discovered I had asthma. All the civilian docs had missed it. My recruiter and I were so bummed! My brother made it, though. He's a retired Lt. My family has proudly served this country since the very beginning, and the majority of us have done so in the Navy. Go Navy! Fly Navy!
@@philippaul756 really? Awsome! I didn't know that! I asked my dad, and he swears he didn't know either. It got a big grin out of him. Ill have to ask my brother, too. He's a Lt, ret. O-3, USS Cape St. George CG-71, plankowner. I was there for the commissioning of that ship. It was berthed next to the USS Geo. Washington. That commissioning is one of the most exciting events I've ever attended in my life! Got my dad a Sara t shirt for Christmas. His reaction was priceless! Never seen him look so happy! Now he's all decked out, along with his Sara cover, which I bought him for his birthday years ago. I am his favorite kid, suffice to say, lol!
@@philippaul756 I'm a mid 70 yo Army Brat who retired from the Navy 25 years ago with 25+ active duty - mostly ashore and around lots of Navy families including my own. Never heard of one kid referred to as a "Junior" except the ones with a Jr in their name. Mine were proud to be called Brats.
@mark smith and we gotta get that insanity stopped- Some of these “whackos” need to join, see the stuff we did and then say “this free stuff isn’t a good idea anymore now is it”. Shame. 5th graders coming home (ノಠ益ಠ)ノ彡┻━┻ because “We” started WWII. 🤔😒. Sometimes I’m glad I don’t have a college degree. 🤣
You did better by the Air Force. The Navy has been falling apart, professionally for fifty years. I was in Army first and can tell you from my experience in the Navy that there is a serious leadership problem in the Navy.
served 1968 - 1971.. My question is this. We always referred to the bird on the patch as a crow not a eagle. I said after making E4. "I GOT MY CROW" Can you please clarify this. Thank you
High respect and regard for the Navy’s rating badges. Proudly wore the helium atom for 6 years. Will always associate that symbol with some of my best experiences, it was a source of pride and camaraderie between fellow sailors in a unique community of “Everything Techs”
Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Your dedication knowledge and service to our country is inspiration for us all. My son is in the Navy nuke program at joint Base Charleston. I subscribed to your channel to learn more thanks once again and happy New Year to you!
Got that crow “ beating into me 2nd time I put on PO3, first time made EA2, I got busted before getting advanced. Back then it was the “GAUNTLET”. And some big dudes back then. I think it’s too “mean” now. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
I remember when I made YN1 I thought I was going to get a beatdown at Port Ops because that's where the captain wanted to have the frocking ceremony. This was right after all the hazing that had been taking place all over the Navy and Marine Corps so all us frockees got was a firm handshake because the captain didn't want an investigation on his watch when he's trying to make RADM. One of the BMCS at the command was strongly against the hazing because he said he almost lost his arm when he made BM3 from all the "tackings" he got. He said his entire arm turned blue and the doctors didn't know for a while if they were going to have to take it or not. Fortunately for him his arm healed but he said he would have no problem writing anyone up even a fellow chief if he caught them tacking on a crow of anyone. If anyone did any research into "tacking on" they would learn it was a "tack stitch" the new petty officer's LPO or Chief would do to one of his uniforms so he would have a crow on for the next day. How this got bastardized into assaulting someone is beyond me.
Subscribed. Thank you for your service. My father was in the navy in the Vietnam, he was a Dental assistant on a Repair Ship. It’s neat seeing the traditions he knew and went through.
Greetings, Master Chief! It's been a long time since we served together with 1st Bn, 24th Marines. I just happened to come across your videos. I subscribed, so I'll be back to watch more. You're doing a great job. S/F, MSgt Angelo Lema
I was in from 1970 to 1973 and separated in 1973 as a 3rd Class Aviation Storekeeper. We often joked (?) that we were the most important rating in the Squadron, since without parts, everyone else was screwed! Wonderful videos, Master Chief, keep them up!
Thanks, Master Chief. When I was assigned to Bethesda as part of the Army Walter Reed contingent to say we have stepped into a brave new world don't even start to cover it. Of course, the Navy was not expecting the equivalent of an Army heavy brigade either. Your videos have clarified some of the stuff I noticed there.
Great history lesson Master Chief. Cleared up some confusion I had of who and why some wore the rank/ rate insignia on the right or left sleeve. I am a Viet Nam Navy vet with 6 years active duty. I was an ABH2 and had just made PO1 but decided to get out. Wouldn't trade those 6 years for anything!!
I only recently learned that during WWI the US Army also incorporated rating devices into the designs of its rank insignia. Thanks for the wonderful presentation. I can see why you were involved so intimately with the Navy's version of the Army's Training & Doctrine Command. I look forward to watching your other videos. Best wishes from Delaware. 🇺🇸⚓️
I was in the Navy from 1972 until 1983, and honorably discharged on 26 Oct 1983 as an AME-1 (Aviation Structural Mechanic, Safety Equipment). I went through boot at San Diego, the same place my granddad went through during its first year of activation. He did his 30 years beginning as a fireman 2c (1923) and retiring in 1953 as a LCDR. He got me started on many aspects of the Navy. He was also the reason I joined the Navy, even thought my dad and several uncles joined the Army during WW2. I collect rating insignias too, but not to the extent as you. I can't afford pre-1913 white ratings insignias, nor can I purchase early examples of the gold stripe crows. Even though my disability rating at 100% service-connected, I am paying off some high bills left me by my wife. I am going to keep adding to my collection when I am able to, mainly off Ebay and adding more unit identification arcs. I was to stay mainly with squadrons and ships for those, because they were mainly the only UIC's procured. Why didn't the Navy, when they decided to update the crow, go to whoever manufactures the Coast Guard crows, instead of putting chickens surrendering on the uniforms. And Peanut Butter uniforms? Come on, why not just make them wear Marine Corps uniforms. Do you know other collectors who would sell some crows to me? I remember many years ago that there was a book available and I purchased one. I learned a lot from this book, but alas, over the years that book disappeared. Is that book still in print and has it been upgraded to include the new rating badges that superseded the Seal insignia and the merged crows in the last 20 years? I know this is a long message, but I just found your site around 2200 19 Dec 2020.
Very interesting video. My Dad was a chief carpenter's mate in the USCG during WWII. He made 3 round trips across the Atlantic. For each trip he made a fine sea chest of some exotic wood that he picked up. I last saw them before I left for the Army. Dad died while I was away and my brothers took the chests. I ended up with 29 in the Army and Army Reserve. Good Luck, Rick
Chief, I served from 1967 through 1971 on DLG-26 and we had a quite different way of folding and wearing our whitecaps. I think it was the coolest way till today. We were told in bootcamp that we could use as a floating device and had to actually do that in the training pool. Many Thanks for the video. BTW I also missed the utility that they issued to us in boots for everyday use. STG2
My Father Master Chief Petty Officer served from 1936-1970. His first tour was on the U.S.S. Greer was a Wickes-class destroyer commissioned in 1918 a four stacker. It was also the first Navy ship to be fired on before WW2 by a Nazi U-Boat.
Very informative M/C. I never knew much of that. Being in the Seabees, we just studied and trained with very little fleet or Naval History, and the BJM, became “ unneeded” per say, after boot camp and A school. Of course, my last attempt at Chief in 1999, was almost all BJM. 😱 Good info. I wouldn’t give up my 20 years for anything. Thanks for your service. Alan D. EA1(Ret)
when my oldest son was at Annapolis, his host family was Master Chief HM Thomas Webb. he had operated with SEAL teams for a while, and had more ribbons than any man I ever saw!
Love hat I am seeing so far Master Chief, I am third generation Navy myself, actually born in Bethesda Naval Hospital. Can not get more Navy than that. Fare winds and fallowing seas shipmate. SW3/E-4 here. (:
I agree about the 1985 crows. I joined in 88 and there were still new "old style" crows available, but after my first enlistment, new ones were harder to find. I found some older rating badges from a uniform thrift store and sewed those on my uniforms instead of using the new ones. I know the iron on crows for dungarees were still the old style crows. I think I still have a few of those iron on crows.
My Dad was a First Class signalman. He served on the USS Chester 1937-1941. He was out before the war started. Then he was drafted into the Army. Who knew?
@@tNotimportant as it turned out his previous service in the Navy did matter. He ended up in the Coast Artillery and worked on a mine layer serving in the Atlantic. Other than that his highlights in the Army was going through basic training with Dick Van Dyke.
I still think the FT rating badge was the best, some thought it was an optical range finder but in reality it was a bar stood with seat belts. FTs were well ahead of others in time. While other sailors would pass out and fall from their bar stood disgracing themselves, we FTs sat firm and secure in our bar stood while the others would roll around on the floor while other drunks would step on them or worst. :)
Thank you for clarifying your ranking system. I'm a retired Sargeant from the US Army and for the past 20 years I've being working as a US Border Patrol Agent. As a USBP agent, I have to work with both Coast Guard and Navy and I was always confused....Now I have a better understanding about the ratings and ranking system!
Wonderful job, Master Chief! Thank you for your service!! Go Navy! Andy McKane, HN, USN, 24 August 1970 to 10 November 1971. My late father, Captain Andrew McKane, MC, USN, served in WWII (in the amphibious Navy in the Pacific), and later in the nuclear submarine Navy. Thus I grew up as a Navy junior. For the last 39-years I've been researching a book on Pearl Harbor and U.S. entry into World War II. I've the greatest respect for you life-time Navy career men and women! Andrew "Andy" McKane IV, P.O. Box 166, Maunaloa, (Molokai), Hawaii 96770.
There are times that I wish I had stayed in the Navy. I wanted to be a Machinist's Mate but was talked into going to Hospital Corps A school because of Vietnam. I ended up with the First Marines, 10 months in the shit. I never liked being a corpsman. I was discharged as HM2. Had I reupped I might have gotten my hat by the end of my second tour but I was disenchanted with the Navy. A year in Nam, Naval hospitals, various dispensaries and so on. Never set foot on a ship.
WELL done, Master Chief! BZ, shipmate. 👍🏼🇺🇸 (Edit:) I couldn’t help but finding myself eagerly anticipating usage of the term “crow”. Man, EVERYone hates the redesign of the Eagle and whatever flying creature ‘that’ is supposed to be. It likely remains the standard only to recognize the uniformity of the hatred for it found throughout the fleet. 😂
Tin can sailor - SM2 - from 8/60-8/64 and loved every minute of it! Love your presentations and can't wait for more. BTW, what was the official name of the undress blues we wore at the time I was in....tried to tell my kids but can't remember. Keep up the great work.
I was a Data Processing Technician. My rating insignia was the outline of a gear with a feather superimposed. This is because we tended to be grouped with record keeping ratings (Store Keeper, Disbursing Clerk, Postal Clerk, etc.) The gear indicated that we used machines to do our work. At first, we used Electronic Accounting Machines and then computers. I used both. It was a proud day when I put my crow on for the first time. I would add a 2nd chevron 13 months later. Sadly, the DP rating no longer exists, nor does the insignia. The DPs were merged with RMs, and later CTOs, to create the IT (Information Systems Technician) rating. They use the 3 lightning bolts of the RM for their insignia. BTW, Chief. The eagle on our sleeves always faces forward. This was even when there were right arm and left arm ratings.
I can appreciate making a bad looking eagle. A friend of mine sold many "space patches" in the 60's and 70's and designed a "commemorative" Apollo 11 patch with the date and time of the landing added to differentiate from everybody else's patch. This was copied by others and I can spot the copy right away because the eagle looks horrible. I visited a big company in Chicago using big Swiss Embroidery machines to make patches and each individual stitch is designed and it CAN make a difference how well it works out given the limitations of the machines. Also, I was in the Navy (ETN2) and don't think I ever gave any of my patches a close look or a second thought. This is a very interesting video.
Thank you Master Chief great video. What happened to the CPO style hat during the early to mid 70s enlisted personnel could wear E2 through E6? I was in the Navy at that time I never bought one I stuck with the Old Dixie cup hat.
*Born in 1957 I bypassed the draft only to fall in love with the navy, late 60's I with my parents permission joined our CYO Sea Cadets NYC we enjoyed wearing navel blues marching and learning navy history!* 👍
Hey there Master Chief, I just found your channel and love all the Naval History you have given in your videos. I am also a retired HMCS(SW/AW/FMF) from 1975 - 2001. Your name sounds familiar, were you an east coast or west coast sailor. Names and places seem to be fading for me as it has been nearly 20 yrs since I retired. Keep up the great work shipmate, o7.
It is rarely admitted that the Electrician's Mate is the most important rating badge in the navy. As undoubtedly the oldest rating...what? You don't believe that. In the beginning there was darkness and God said, "let there be light." Who do you think had to turn the light on? The Electrician's Mate of course. The electrician is needed everywhere on the ship; from the aircraft warning lights at the very top of the mast, to the Pit Sword sticking out of the bottom up the hull, to the anchor lights fore and aft, plus the lights at the end of the boat booms sticking out to the sides. Everything inside is part of the Electrician's Mate world. Calvin Oyler, EM1 (SW/AW)
Same can be said for Engineering mate, Bosun mate, Gunners mate, Etc. A navy boat is a he'll've a thing. Especially when it pre dates ET's by 100's of years.
That was fun. As a retired electrician I would think that’s true, but no. The Boatswains mate is the senior rate in the navy and torpedos man is the senior rate in the submarine service
(cranky old MM looks up and laughs at the electrician as he closes a single valve). Yup, them lights don't do much when the SSTGs don't get any steam, and the emergency diesels won't start. Guess it all starts with steam, doesn't it? If the ship is moving through the water, if the planes are being flung off the top, if your lights are on, if you have potable water, you can thank a knuckle-dragging engine-room mechanic :)
I always wanted to make up a ratings badge with little roller skates in the middle. Most of my shipmates here would readily understand. Ahoy mates. - ET1 USN (Ret.)
The symbols for specialty ratings have changed over the years, many with the Navy combining small trades or ones obsolete into another group. My father was a 1st class Carpenter in pre WW2 and had crossed hatchets, I was a Lithographer which was crossed Knives, both eliminated. Many others I would imagine.
Wow- I think your rating was one of the smallest in Navy next to mine. (And Illustrated draftsman was other). I worked with an LITHOGRAPHER on the ship I was on (my unique Seabee fleet adventure), and he made chief finally after many years. My rate. Had to shoot everyone above ya, moon turn blue, stars lined up, and win the lotto on 3rd Thursday of 3rd month. (Not favorable). Worked a lot with the Lithographer as I was doing the photos for the paper. He taught me a lot.
I enlisted into the navy in 1985 and EAOSd after my first enlistment . I toyed around as a civilian for a few months then reenlisted. Due to the time I was out I had to go to NAVETS School in Orlando Florida . The class mostly consisted of sailors like me , but included some other people shipping over from the other branches. One student was former army . When issued his seabag he ironed crows on both sleeves of his dungaree shirts . When standing uniform inspection for the first time he was crestfallen for sure . He had to buy a new set of dungaree shirts out of pocket , and was sure he would have to 86 the shirts he had screwed up . The saltier sailors advised him to iron chambray patches over the right sleeve crows , and wear them when performing dirty jobs like painting , greasing , bilge cleaning , and such .
God I hate that ship's whistle in your intro. I was deployed on two ships when I was in the Corps and that damn whistle gave me a migraine every morning. Talk about flashbacks.
I remember that day i got my Crow. I worked for it and when it was "tacked-on" i knew then had a Family. At 19yrs old with my Brand new Chevron The World was Mine.
And when was it you were in? I was in during the early 80's when I made E4(Got my first Chevron) I realized you get treated no better than an E3 lol You do get to stand 8 hour watches instead of 4 hour watches but that's it lol So other than a little more pay being a 3RD class Petty Officer had absolutely ZERO benefits.
Master Chief I am trying to find a particular rating for a 93 year old Retired Chief's funeral (His badge is so old it ripped), but I do not recognize the rating. This site won't allow me to send the picture of his insignia, how can I get ahold of you? SK1, RET
Former DK1 1977 - 1996. That was great. I've always wondered watching old movies why some sailors wore rating badges on the right sleeve, while others were on the left. We always referred to them as "crows". Sadly, my rate is no more. FYI, I was in the Tin Can Navy.
Sweet Memories - sewing on the 3 green stripes of an "Airman" on graduation from RTC, and then adding the rating of AW 6 months later after graduating... made AWC 15 years later (delays thanks to downsizing and some youthful high jinks)
@@johnhartley5217 yeah, the Sherman's motto was "The last of the great gunships". That was what all the Forrest Sherman class were. She was my first ship. I was an OS3, when we decommed.
I made E-5 Yeoman Second Class in 17 months. Always proud of that and serving in the nuclear submarine service was an honor.
GlennFHoward NAVY 67-73
Glad you are enjoying the videos. I was born in a Navy hospital myself.
I delivered my son on the way to Balboa Naval Hospital.
Same here. Agana Heights, Guam class of 55. Birth Cert. ( COLB ) signed by a USNR Lt. Fingerprinted and foot prints taken the next day for the first of many times.
I was born in Lackland AF Base SanAntonio in ‘62. My father went from the USMC to USAF and finally US Army Special Forces. I enlisted in the Navy ‘81 to ‘85, with enough sea time I started growing gills. On a funny note, my father told me that I made a good choice because the Navy chow was great, I said yeah Pops, because you had the privilege to eat on base and not on a Tin Can deployed for 7 months😆
Fort Madigan Army Hospital, Tacoma, Washington - dad was stationed at Paine Field AFB in '59. -- We all started as Quad 0's, just wondering what C school you went to
I was in for six years, and there were over 150 uniform changes that directly affected me. I see that the Navy just can't leave well enough alone.
Active BM1 here. 2002- Present. Very proud.
I wish I could say I'll see you in the First Class Mess. Stay safe, shipmate! I got out in 1998 and an AME1.
Go Sigs!
Aweesome you are still a First Class........Becoming a Chief is a Downgrade
The NAVY a one hell of a force to be dealt with in 67-73 when I was in. Not me, I pushed paperwork, but SUBRON EIGHTEEN was. Nuc fast attacks and Nuc boomers, I can’t even imagine what it’s level of force is today. YN2 Howard, Captains Office, USS HUNLEY AS 31 Discharged with a honor.
Stay safe. Give it your best. One tip. Come ur last 2 years before retiring. Start thinking of “you”. Time will go by very quickly.
Thanks for your continued service. I spent 1 year on a “boat” (USNS Chauvenet) doing oceanographic surveys as an Engineering Aide (2nd smallest rate in Navy I think). Learned quickly that BMs were like Seabees, and did jack of all trades and made things happen. Had some great BMs and other fleet rates in the Seabees that didn’t want to back on ship ( better sea pay on ship).
Always proud to say “ I served in the United States Navy”. (JFK, saying).
As a former MS, I always thought that the MS, now CS rating badge should be a crossed chef's knife and meat fork rather than the crossed keys over quill on a ledger. While records keeping is an important part of the rating, especially for the senior rates. The main function of the MS and CS ratings is food service.
“Fine Navy chow!”
I was a ms3. I've often thought the same thing. I just thought the quill and ledger represented running the barracks on shore duty.
That’s a pretty good point brother, makes sense.
Retired CPO here. 1988-2014. Started out as an SM. Made SMC and then was force converted to QMC when they disestablished the SM rating. For my retirement ceremony I removed the QM wheel and had my beloved crossed flags of the SM rate put back on my dress blues.
I was an OS . My first Chief was an RD before OS became a rating . I had a buddy who was a SM , and sometimes I would hang out on the signal bridge with him while underway , and we used to go on Liberty together . I never learned flashing light or signal flags , but as an OS I knew how to read the naval messages they communicated . Your SM rating badge was two crossed flags , and the OS rating badge is an Oscilloscope with a direction arrow .
Remember when they merged the RM/DP/DS ratings to the new “IT” rating. Some of the more senior folks close to retirement and on retirement put or kept their old badges on. I’m an IT guy now and work with navy still but what a challenge back then. Think they merged dental and corpsman too. (That’s a lot to take in).
@@stemmentor9700 Same thing happened with the other merged ratings if they were retiring or getting out soon. Yep, they merged HM and DT sometime around 2005 because that's when I retired and when I went to the Dental Clinic to checkout I saw an old shipmate wearing an HM1 crow instead of DT1 crow and he let me know it was not too long ago they merged.
EW here. I knew many SM and QM. When EW went away and became CTT, I went away. Rating changed, but job stayed the same, with horrible advancement.
I was in the Coast Guard, this is some really cool history.
I really enjoy this series. What a wonderful collection. I was fortunate enough to have joined the Coast Guard when we still looked like sailors! I retired as a CWO4.
Very thoughtful and informative presentation. Both of my parents were in the USN during WWII and several years after. My brother was in in the 80's. All have passed, so you brought back good memories.
Thank you.
Boo yah, Master Chief! Thank you for the extra cool history lesson! I am the daughter of an E-7. He's an AMHC-1,ret. He was a plankowner on the original USS America, CVA-66, and he served aboard the USS Saratoga CV/CVA-60. His squadron was VA-75, the Sunday Punchers! My dad is my hero. I am a Navy brat, born at Millington Naval Hospital in Memphis. I wanted to follow in his footsteps. Got all the way to Processing and that's when it was discovered I had asthma. All the civilian docs had missed it. My recruiter and I were so bummed! My brother made it, though. He's a retired Lt. My family has proudly served this country since the very beginning, and the majority of us have done so in the Navy. Go Navy! Fly Navy!
Sons and daughters of naval personnel are referred to as “Navy juniors’. Army kids are the ‘brats’
@@philippaul756 really? Awsome! I didn't know that! I asked my dad, and he swears he didn't know either. It got a big grin out of him. Ill have to ask my brother, too. He's a Lt, ret. O-3, USS Cape St. George CG-71, plankowner. I was there for the commissioning of that ship. It was berthed next to the USS Geo. Washington. That commissioning is one of the most exciting events I've ever attended in my life!
Got my dad a Sara t shirt for Christmas. His reaction was priceless! Never seen him look so happy! Now he's all decked out, along with his Sara cover, which I bought him for his birthday years ago. I am his favorite kid, suffice to say, lol!
@@philippaul756 I'm a mid 70 yo Army Brat who retired from the Navy 25 years ago with 25+ active duty - mostly ashore and around lots of Navy families including my own. Never heard of one kid referred to as a "Junior" except the ones with a Jr in their name. Mine were proud to be called Brats.
Excellent history lesson, people tend to forget history these days. MM1(SS/SW) Willis Butler, USN Retired
@mark smith and we gotta get that insanity stopped- Some of these “whackos” need to join, see the stuff we did and then say “this free stuff isn’t a good idea anymore now is it”. Shame. 5th graders coming home (ノಠ益ಠ)ノ彡┻━┻ because “We” started WWII. 🤔😒. Sometimes I’m glad I don’t have a college degree. 🤣
No opinions here; just facts. Well done Master Chief this was a joy to watch.
Thanks, Master Chief! I almost joined the Navy because of the rating insignia. Now I'm a Retired Air Force Master Sergeant !
You did better by the Air Force. The Navy has been falling apart, professionally for fifty years. I was in Army first and can tell you from my experience in the Navy that there is a serious leadership problem in the Navy.
Great video that filled in a lot of history. GMG3 Mike Sherman, Tin Can sailor, 1966-1970.
served 1968 - 1971.. My question is this. We always referred to the bird on the patch as a crow not a eagle. I said after making E4.
"I GOT MY CROW"
Can you please clarify this.
Thank you
I'm loving these presentations, Master Chief. Keep 'em comin'!
High respect and regard for the Navy’s rating badges. Proudly wore the helium atom for 6 years. Will always associate that symbol with some of my best experiences, it was a source of pride and camaraderie between fellow sailors in a unique community of “Everything Techs”
TY so much! And thank you for your Service Sir & all others here. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Your dedication knowledge and service to our country is inspiration for us all. My son is in the Navy nuke program at joint Base Charleston. I subscribed to your channel to learn more thanks once again and happy New Year to you!
Damnit Master Chief I learned something! Thank you. HMCS FMF SW ret 1972 - 1994
Ah...... The misery of being in a large division and getting that Eagle(or affectionately "Crow") tacked on with every promotion. FTM, '78-'85
Got that crow “ beating into me 2nd time I put on PO3, first time made EA2, I got busted before getting advanced. Back then it was the “GAUNTLET”. And some big dudes back then. I think it’s too “mean” now. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
I remember when I made YN1 I thought I was going to get a beatdown at Port Ops because that's where the captain wanted to have the frocking ceremony. This was right after all the hazing that had been taking place all over the Navy and Marine Corps so all us frockees got was a firm handshake because the captain didn't want an investigation on his watch when he's trying to make RADM.
One of the BMCS at the command was strongly against the hazing because he said he almost lost his arm when he made BM3 from all the "tackings" he got. He said his entire arm turned blue and the doctors didn't know for a while if they were going to have to take it or not. Fortunately for him his arm healed but he said he would have no problem writing anyone up even a fellow chief if he caught them tacking on a crow of anyone.
If anyone did any research into "tacking on" they would learn it was a "tack stitch" the new petty officer's LPO or Chief would do to one of his uniforms so he would have a crow on for the next day. How this got bastardized into assaulting someone is beyond me.
Just found this channel.love it as I was a squid 🐙 in my younger days.
Subscribed. Thank you for your service. My father was in the navy in the Vietnam, he was a Dental assistant on a Repair Ship. It’s neat seeing the traditions he knew and went through.
Greetings, Master Chief! It's been a long time since we served together with 1st Bn, 24th Marines. I just happened to come across your videos. I subscribed, so I'll be back to watch more. You're doing a great job.
S/F, MSgt Angelo Lema
Thank you for thoroughly explaining this Master Chief.
I was in from 1970 to 1973 and separated in 1973 as a 3rd Class Aviation Storekeeper. We often joked (?) that we were the most important rating in the Squadron, since without parts, everyone else was screwed! Wonderful videos, Master Chief, keep them up!
Keep up the good work, Master Chief. Whether active duty, reserve, or retired, we always need to learn more about the Navy.
Thank's again! I'm learning a lot. You nailed in your comment about how today's eagle. It looks like a seagull!
It is a crow.
Thanks, Master Chief. When I was assigned to Bethesda as part of the Army Walter Reed contingent to say we have stepped into a brave new world don't even start to cover it. Of course, the Navy was not expecting the equivalent of an Army heavy brigade either. Your videos have clarified some of the stuff I noticed there.
Not being Navy, insignia always confused me. This video made things clearer for me. Thank you for making and posting this video.
Great history lesson Master Chief. Cleared up some confusion I had of who and why some wore the rank/ rate insignia on the right or left sleeve. I am a Viet Nam Navy vet with 6 years active duty. I was an ABH2 and had just made PO1 but decided to get out. Wouldn't trade those 6 years for anything!!
Finally! The watch-mark explained in a manner I followed! TNX.
I only recently learned that during WWI the US Army also incorporated rating devices into the designs of its rank insignia. Thanks for the wonderful presentation. I can see why you were involved so intimately with the Navy's version of the Army's Training & Doctrine Command. I look forward to watching your other videos. Best wishes from Delaware. 🇺🇸⚓️
Thanks Master Chief , very interesting, I was an AD and unaware of the history of our badges, your videos are meticulous, great work !
I was in the Navy from 1972 until 1983, and honorably discharged on 26 Oct 1983 as an AME-1 (Aviation Structural Mechanic, Safety Equipment). I went through boot at San Diego, the same place my granddad went through during its first year of activation. He did his 30 years beginning as a fireman 2c (1923) and retiring in 1953 as a LCDR. He got me started on many aspects of the Navy. He was also the reason I joined the Navy, even thought my dad and several uncles joined the Army during WW2.
I collect rating insignias too, but not to the extent as you. I can't afford pre-1913 white ratings insignias, nor can I purchase early examples of the gold stripe crows. Even though my disability rating at 100% service-connected, I am paying off some high bills left me by my wife. I am going to keep adding to my collection when I am able to, mainly off Ebay and adding more unit identification arcs. I was to stay mainly with squadrons and ships for those, because they were mainly the only UIC's procured. Why didn't the Navy, when they decided to update the crow, go to whoever manufactures the Coast Guard crows, instead of putting chickens surrendering on the uniforms. And Peanut Butter uniforms? Come on, why not just make them wear Marine Corps uniforms.
Do you know other collectors who would sell some crows to me? I remember many years ago that there was a book available and I purchased one. I learned a lot from this book, but alas, over the years that book disappeared. Is that book still in print and has it been upgraded to include the new rating badges that superseded the Seal insignia and the merged crows in the last 20 years? I know this is a long message, but I just found your site around 2200 19 Dec 2020.
Great stuff chief. I wish I had appreciated the Navy's history more when I was in (63 to 67).
Kind of funny how that happens…me too!
Very interesting video. My Dad was a chief carpenter's mate in the USCG during WWII. He made 3 round trips across the Atlantic. For each trip he made a fine sea chest of some exotic wood that he picked up. I last saw them before I left for the Army. Dad died while I was away and my brothers took the chests. I ended up with 29 in the Army and Army Reserve. Good Luck, Rick
BZ Master Chief! I love this stuff. I have been collecting artifacts since I first went in the Coast Guard back when Nelson was a midshipman.
Very nice video Master Chief, love the history of the different branches and this was wonderfully done.
Chief, I served from 1967 through 1971 on DLG-26 and we had a quite different way of folding and wearing our whitecaps. I think it was the coolest way till today. We were told in bootcamp that we could use as a floating device and had to actually do that in the training pool.
Many Thanks for the video. BTW I also missed the utility that they issued to us in boots for everyday use.
STG2
My Father Master Chief Petty Officer served from 1936-1970. His first tour was on the U.S.S. Greer was a Wickes-class destroyer commissioned in 1918 a four stacker. It was also the first Navy ship to be fired on before WW2 by a Nazi U-Boat.
Very informative M/C. I never knew much of that. Being in the Seabees, we just studied and trained with very little fleet or Naval History, and the BJM, became “ unneeded” per say, after boot camp and A school. Of course, my last attempt at Chief in 1999, was almost all BJM. 😱
Good info. I wouldn’t give up my 20 years for anything. Thanks for your service.
Alan D. EA1(Ret)
when my oldest son was at Annapolis, his host family was Master Chief HM Thomas Webb.
he had operated with SEAL teams for a while, and had more ribbons than any man I ever saw!
Thank you for sharing your considerable enthusiasm for Navy history and lore
Love hat I am seeing so far Master Chief, I am third generation Navy myself, actually born in Bethesda Naval Hospital. Can not get more Navy than that. Fare winds and fallowing seas shipmate. SW3/E-4 here. (:
Greetings fellow Seabee. EA1(Ret)
.....my uncle was a Pharmacist Mate during WW2...our family was / is straight up Go Navy !
I agree about the 1985 crows. I joined in 88 and there were still new "old style" crows available, but after my first enlistment, new ones were harder to find. I found some older rating badges from a uniform thrift store and sewed those on my uniforms instead of using the new ones.
I know the iron on crows for dungarees were still the old style crows. I think I still have a few of those iron on crows.
My Dad was a First Class signalman. He served on the USS Chester 1937-1941. He was out before the war started. Then he was drafted into the Army. Who knew?
Leave it to the US military to draft a perfectly good sailor and send him to the Army.
@@tNotimportant as it turned out his previous service in the Navy did matter. He ended up in the Coast Artillery and worked on a mine layer serving in the Atlantic. Other than that his highlights in the Army was going through basic training with Dick Van Dyke.
I still think the FT rating badge was the best, some thought it was an optical range finder but in reality it was a bar stood with seat belts. FTs were well ahead of others in time. While other sailors would pass out and fall from their bar stood disgracing themselves, we FTs sat firm and secure in our bar stood while the others would roll around on the floor while other drunks would step on them or worst. :)
Geeeeesss that whistle in the beginning almost gave me heart attack ....
Yup scared me to death
That’s the boatswain whistle
Normal, you get used to it quick.
Very interesting. As an US Army veteran, learned quite a bit about Naval history. THANKS!!!
Thanks for your service Master Chief! Great history lesson!
HM2 8404 from '65-'72. RVN'66, RVN '68-'69
Thank you for clarifying your ranking system. I'm a retired Sargeant from the US Army and for the past 20 years I've being working as a US Border Patrol Agent. As a USBP agent, I have to work with both Coast Guard and Navy and I was always confused....Now I have a better understanding about the ratings and ranking system!
Wonderful job, Master Chief! Thank you for your service!! Go Navy! Andy McKane, HN, USN, 24 August 1970 to 10 November 1971. My late father, Captain Andrew McKane, MC, USN, served in WWII (in the amphibious Navy in the Pacific), and later in the nuclear submarine Navy. Thus I grew up as a Navy junior. For the last 39-years I've been researching a book on Pearl Harbor and U.S. entry into World War II. I've the greatest respect for you life-time Navy career men and women! Andrew "Andy" McKane IV, P.O. Box 166, Maunaloa, (Molokai), Hawaii 96770.
MC….. So at what point did they make the transition from eagle to crow? Or was [crow] just a disparaging way to reference the new eagle pattern?
Enjoyed the history lesson. OS1 from 1982 to 1991.
Another great video. The Army used different color stripes and a trade insignia for a time but discontinued it for logistics simplicity.
There are times that I wish I had stayed in the Navy. I wanted to be a Machinist's Mate but was talked into going to Hospital Corps A school because of Vietnam. I ended up with the First Marines, 10 months in the shit. I never liked being a corpsman. I was discharged as HM2. Had I reupped I might have gotten my hat by the end of my second tour but I was disenchanted with the Navy. A year in Nam, Naval hospitals, various dispensaries and so on. Never set foot on a ship.
Fellow Doc - thanks for your service!
@@masterchiefsseachest1983 One of my classmates at A School became a HMCM. Mike O'Boyle. RIP Doc.
WELL done, Master Chief! BZ, shipmate. 👍🏼🇺🇸
(Edit:) I couldn’t help but finding myself eagerly anticipating usage of the term “crow”. Man, EVERYone hates the redesign of the Eagle and whatever flying creature ‘that’ is supposed to be. It likely remains the standard only to recognize the uniformity of the hatred for it found throughout the fleet. 😂
Tin can sailor - SM2 - from 8/60-8/64 and loved every minute of it! Love your presentations and can't wait for more. BTW, what was the official name of the undress blues we wore at the time I was in....tried to tell my kids but can't remember. Keep up the great work.
I was a Data Processing Technician. My rating insignia was the outline of a gear with a feather superimposed. This is because we tended to be grouped with record keeping ratings (Store Keeper, Disbursing Clerk, Postal Clerk, etc.) The gear indicated that we used machines to do our work. At first, we used Electronic Accounting Machines and then computers. I used both. It was a proud day when I put my crow on for the first time. I would add a 2nd chevron 13 months later. Sadly, the DP rating no longer exists, nor does the insignia. The DPs were merged with RMs, and later CTOs, to create the IT (Information Systems Technician) rating. They use the 3 lightning bolts of the RM for their insignia.
BTW, Chief. The eagle on our sleeves always faces forward. This was even when there were right arm and left arm ratings.
Thank you Master Chief this is fascinating stuff. Just good.stuff. I myself was AE2 (AW)
I can appreciate making a bad looking eagle. A friend of mine sold many "space patches" in the 60's and 70's and designed a "commemorative" Apollo 11 patch with the date and time of the landing added to differentiate from everybody else's patch. This was copied by others and I can spot the copy right away because the eagle looks horrible. I visited a big company in Chicago using big Swiss Embroidery machines to make patches and each individual stitch is designed and it CAN make a difference how well it works out given the limitations of the machines. Also, I was in the Navy (ETN2) and don't think I ever gave any of my patches a close look or a second thought. This is a very interesting video.
Thank you Master Chief great video. What happened to the CPO style hat during the early to mid 70s enlisted personnel could wear E2 through E6? I was in the Navy at that time I never bought one I stuck with the Old Dixie cup hat.
See my channel for the videos "The Sailor's White Hat" and "Silly Hats"
I was just a airman,3 lite green slashes,ams striker,then, the ship fell on me,.. that hurt
Another great one - very informative. Thanks Mark. Be well, Don
Loved that lesson Master Chief. Good lesson for all including Chief selects
*Born in 1957 I bypassed the draft only to fall in love with the navy, late 60's I with my parents permission joined our CYO Sea Cadets NYC we enjoyed wearing navel blues marching and learning navy history!* 👍
Hey there Master Chief, I just found your channel and love all the Naval History you have given in your videos. I am also a retired HMCS(SW/AW/FMF) from 1975 - 2001. Your name sounds familiar, were you an east coast or west coast sailor. Names and places seem to be fading for me as it has been nearly 20 yrs since I retired. Keep up the great work shipmate, o7.
It is rarely admitted that the Electrician's Mate is the most important rating badge in the navy. As undoubtedly the oldest rating...what? You don't believe that. In the beginning there was darkness and God said, "let there be light." Who do you think had to turn the light on? The Electrician's Mate of course. The electrician is needed everywhere on the ship; from the aircraft warning lights at the very top of the mast, to the Pit Sword sticking out of the bottom up the hull, to the anchor lights fore and aft, plus the lights at the end of the boat booms sticking out to the sides. Everything inside is part of the Electrician's Mate world.
Calvin Oyler, EM1 (SW/AW)
Same can be said for Engineering mate, Bosun mate, Gunners mate, Etc. A navy boat is a he'll've a thing. Especially when it pre dates ET's by 100's of years.
@@alucio7767 Well, I guess I should have used my satire button. By the way, EMs and not ETs. No electronic technicians in the beginning.
That was fun. As a retired electrician I would think that’s true, but no. The Boatswains mate is the senior rate in the navy and torpedos man is the senior rate in the submarine service
I think even the hated MA is up their too
(cranky old MM looks up and laughs at the electrician as he closes a single valve). Yup, them lights don't do much when the SSTGs don't get any steam, and the emergency diesels won't start. Guess it all starts with steam, doesn't it? If the ship is moving through the water, if the planes are being flung off the top, if your lights are on, if you have potable water, you can thank a knuckle-dragging engine-room mechanic :)
I Joined the USN in 1960 and remember talk about WWII right arm and left arm ratings.
I always wanted to make up a ratings badge with little roller skates in the middle. Most of my shipmates here would readily understand. Ahoy mates.
- ET1 USN (Ret.)
Being a skate is a good job if you can get it!
Skater! Lol
The symbols for specialty ratings have changed over the years, many with the Navy combining small trades or ones obsolete into another group. My father was a 1st class Carpenter in pre WW2 and had crossed hatchets, I was a Lithographer which was crossed Knives, both eliminated. Many others I would imagine.
Wow- I think your rating was one of the smallest in Navy next to mine. (And Illustrated draftsman was other). I worked with an LITHOGRAPHER on the ship I was on (my unique Seabee fleet adventure), and he made chief finally after many years. My rate. Had to shoot everyone above ya, moon turn blue, stars lined up, and win the lotto on 3rd Thursday of 3rd month. (Not favorable). Worked a lot with the Lithographer as I was doing the photos for the paper. He taught me a lot.
Impressive presentation Master Chief. AVCM Gary L. Howe (AW/AC) USN, ret.
Love you channel Master Chief
Very interesting presentation. Thank you for providing this.
PO2 Lightning Fast Chicken Plucker, '69-'73.
Glad I was Army... Naval rank and wear is complicated. However, thank you none the lesss Master Chief.
I was in the Army and the Navy, and i agree
I noticed that for back drop you used the old wool navy blacket. I hated that itchy thing. My dad waz CPO 50s thru 70s. Better days.
GBA Go Navy.
I enlisted into the navy in 1985 and EAOSd after my first enlistment . I toyed around as a civilian for a few months then reenlisted. Due to the time I was out I had to go to NAVETS School in Orlando Florida . The class mostly consisted of sailors like me , but included some other people shipping over from the other branches. One student was former army . When issued his seabag he ironed crows on both sleeves of his dungaree shirts . When standing uniform inspection for the first time he was crestfallen for sure . He had to buy a new set of dungaree shirts out of pocket , and was sure he would have to 86 the shirts he had screwed up . The saltier sailors advised him to iron chambray patches over the right sleeve crows , and wear them when performing dirty jobs like painting , greasing , bilge cleaning , and such .
Great Information Master Chief. I'm a retired MA1 (EXW).
God I hate that ship's whistle in your intro. I was deployed on two ships when I was in the Corps and that damn whistle gave me a migraine every morning. Talk about flashbacks.
Yeah, but the smoking lamp was lit!
Great enlightenment Master Chief.
Yeesh, yeah, that sounds damn familiar coming over the 1MC.
At 2 in the morning.
I remember that day i got my Crow. I worked for it and when it was "tacked-on" i knew then had a Family. At 19yrs old with my Brand new Chevron The World was Mine.
And when was it you were in? I was in during the early 80's when I made E4(Got my first Chevron) I realized you get treated no better than an E3 lol
You do get to stand 8 hour watches instead of 4 hour watches but that's it lol
So other than a little more pay being a 3RD class Petty Officer had absolutely ZERO benefits.
@@chucks_88 1982
Maybe you guys knew each other 😂…just couldn’t help it !
Excellent video, Master Chief. (Mustang) LCDR USN , Ret, ‘67-‘88
Bravo Zulu! Sierra Hotel Job Master Chief! BKS, AZ2(AW), Atkron 93, CAG 5, Onbrd USS MIDWAY CV-41, 1982-1985, 111 days Gonzo Station.
A fascinating albeit confusing history. Thank you for sharing. USAF vet.
Master Chief I am trying to find a particular rating for a 93 year old Retired Chief's funeral (His badge is so old it ripped), but I do not recognize the rating. This site won't allow me to send the picture of his insignia, how can I get ahold of you? SK1, RET
Thanks Master Chief, enjoying life in a nation& region saved by the amen & Woman of the USN🙏🌹🇺🇸
Former DK1 1977 - 1996. That was great. I've always wondered watching old movies why some sailors wore rating badges on the right sleeve, while others were on the left. We always referred to them as "crows". Sadly, my rate is no more. FYI, I was in the Tin Can Navy.
Someone I know found a OM3 patch that is blue and had white chevron instead of red. Any idea what that variation could be?
Very interesting. I was in the Navy 57 - 61, exited as a FT2. Served on the USS Merrick, AKA97.
LOVE! the pipe to "attention of deck!!!"
This is an amazing review of the enlisted insignia. Are you a corpsman? Me too! Thanks for this.
Alway enjoy the history lesson. In this segment I noticed you displayed Seaman Striker Badges but they were not indentified as such.
Sweet Memories - sewing on the 3 green stripes of an "Airman" on graduation from RTC, and then adding the rating of AW 6 months later after graduating... made AWC 15 years later (delays thanks to downsizing and some youthful high jinks)
Great history lesson Chief.
Interesting. Thanks MC. QM3 69-73' Why did we call "tacking on the crow" when it's actually an eagle?
Because the person who wears the eagle is the Captian. The enlisted crow doesn't look similar to the officer eagle.
Just ran across your page Master Chief. Enjoying the content. OS3 79 - 83 USS Mullinnix, DD-944.
I served aboard the Forrest Sherman DD931; '81 until Nov. '82, when she was decommissioned. "Last of the great gunships!"
@@davidcampbell4465 The Mux was the last in 1983. I was on the decommissioning crew in Charleston. But we sailed together a few times.
@@johnhartley5217 yeah, the Sherman's motto was "The last of the great gunships". That was what all the Forrest Sherman class were. She was my first ship. I was an OS3, when we decommed.