Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS)

I earned my pin in 1986 aboard the USS Forrestal (CV-59) as a First Class Petty Officer. I wanted to earn this since its inception when I was on a Tin Can as a Yeoman/PN striker. It was Voluntary as I think it should remain. It showed ones willingness to step outside the realm of his/her rate and learn about the Sea-going Navy. I learned about jobs and things that make the ship's of the surface Navy go. Some administration, supply and logistics mixed in for good measure. But the meat of the adventure is by far Engineering, making steam, using seawater to make the ship go. I was a squid and not a snipe, but ESWS opens ones eyes about the Navy. There is much to learn and you will be challenged and at the end you will be tested by an oral board of subject matter experts. If you pass and the CO agrees, you earn your "Pin". You can be proud of your accomplishment. I am to this day, and I did it aboard a Flat-top. In a word PRIDE.