1905-13 Pre-WW1 White USN U.S. Navy PO2 Rate -- Boatswain's Mate -- Red Chevrons

Pricing & History

Sold for
Start Free Trial or Sign In to see what it's worth.
Sold Date
Source eBay

Pre-WW1 white Boatswain's Mate Second Class rate with red chevrons. White rates with red chevrons were used only between 1905 and 1913.White fabric shows age-related discoloration. Red chevrons are faded. 'X' stitch around all four sides. See photos for condition. Photos taken without flash.Chevrons are sewn on. Stored in a smoke-free location away from UV light.Boatswain's mate (United States Navy) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to navigation Jump to search Boatswain's Mate Rating insignia Issued by United States Navy Type Enlisted rating Abbreviation BM Specialty DeckThe United States Navy occupational rating of boatswain's mate (abbreviated as BM ) is a designation given by the Bureau of Naval Personnel (BUPERS) to enlisted members who were rated or "striking" for the rating as a deck seaman. The colloquial form of address for a boatswain's mate is "Boats".The rating of Boatswain's Mate dates from the American Revolutionary War and was one of the oldest U.S. Navy ratings in continuous existence from 1775 to present. For a period of three months at the end of 2016, the rating (along with all ratings in the Navy) was scheduled for elimination, but the proposed change was unpopular with both sailors and Navy veterans and was reversed in December of that year. [1]Duties [ edit ] Navy Enlisted Classification /rank comparison [2] Abbreviation Title Rank BMCM Master chief boatswain's mate Master chief petty officer BMCS Senior chief boatswain's mate Senior chief petty officer BMC Chief boatswain's mate Chief petty officer BM1 Boatswain's mate first class Petty officer first class BM2 Boatswain's mate second class Petty officer second class BM3 Boatswain's mate third class Petty officer third classBoatswain's mates train, direct, and supervise personnel in ship's maintenance duties in all activities relating to marlinspike , deck, boat seamanship , painting, upkeep of ship's external structure, rigging, deck equipment, and boats. [3] Boatswain's mates take charge of working parties; perform seamanship tasks; act as petty officer-in-charge of picketboats, self-propelled barges, tugs, and other yard and district craft. [3] They serve in, or take charge of damage control parties. [3] BMs also operate and maintain equipment used in loading and unloading cargo, ammunition, fuel, and general stores. [3] BMs take charge of and supervise UNREP (Underway Replenishment) procedures and equipment. They are integral to ship's navigation and serve as ship's Helmsman and the ship's Lee Helmsman . In addition they also serve as RHIB (rigid-hulled inflatable boat) coxswains.Boatswain's mates enjoy a normal path of advancement to Chief Warrant Officer and limited duty officer . [3] Candidates must have normal color perception, and no speech impediment . [3] Candidates need not meet any special citizenship or security requirements. [3]Boatswain's mates also stand watch on ship's bridges, passing information relating to routine and special activities to the crew with the distinctive boatswain's call or boatswain's pipe. [4] On the ancient row-galleys, the boatswain used his pipe to "call the stroke". [5] Later, because its shrill tune could be heard above most of the activity on board, it was used to signal various happenings such as pipe down, and the Side or Away Galley (the boarding or debarking of officials). [5] So essential was this signaling device to the well-being of the ship, that it became a badge of office and honor in the British and U.S. navies. [5]Boatswain's mates duties cover a large spectrum and range widely depending on the capacity and mission of the vessel or shore installation to which BMs are assigned. They act as landing signalmen enlisted (LSE, guiding helicopters to the designated flight deck of a ship) on air-capable ships. They act as or supervise lookouts of Navy ships, searching the sea for enemy vessels and hazards to navigation. They conduct Search and Rescue (SAR) operations and can respond to other military and civilian ships that request assistance. Ashore... read more

Items in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members’ research needs.

Flag item for content or copyright

If this item contains incorrect or inappropriate information please contact us here to flag it for review.

If you are the originator/copyright holder of this photo/item and would prefer it be excluded from our community, contact us here for removal.