Key Responsibilities - Stand watch as helmsman, lookout, and Boatswain's Mate of the Watch - Operate small boats and support flight deck and amphibious operations - Repair and maintain deck equipment and exterior ship surfaces - Conduct underway replenishment and cargo handling at sea - Stand security watches in port and underway and participate in naval ceremonies What to Expect - Hands on, mostly outdoor work in varied weather and sea conditions - Frequent watches day and night, at sea and in port, to support ship operations - High tempo evolutions during replenishments, small boat operations, and flight deck activities - Close teamwork within the deck department and opportunities to lead junior Sailors as you advance Work Environment - Assignments on surface ships and at shore installations in the United States and overseas - Work on decks, piers, small boats, and flight decks across a range of sea states and weather conditions - Operate in a physically demanding maritime environment with strict safety procedures and close team coordination Pathways, Training & Advancement - Recruit Training followed by Boatswain's Mate A School in Great Lakes, Illinois - On the job qualification in seamanship, small boat handling, deck operations, and watchstanding - Advancement based on performance, time in rate, completion of required qualifications, and advancement exams, with historically strong promotion opportunity for qualified Sailors - Enlist directly as a Boatswain's Mate and attend BM A School after Recruit Training, subject to current classification and manning needs. Job Title : Boatswain's Mate Category / Component : Enlisted • Both Overview Boatswain's Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ship's crew.