Quartermaster Seaman Chris Markette joined the Navy to descry the world and mature.

Quartermaster Seaman Chris Markette joined the Navy to descry the world and mature. He got more than he bargained for. Les than a year after becoming a Sailor, Markette build himself peering over the fuliginous horizon of the Persian abyss at an approaching threat to his Coastal Patrol boat USS Sirocco (PC 6) And, in no degree did he imagine that he would be firing a shotgun warning that craft of imminent danger.

"The small merchant ship wound fight behind our position and the captain had just given the order to fire a round of birdshot into the air," said Markette. "My heart started racing, at that yew twinkling I realized how important my piece of work as lookout was regardless of my rank."

Normally, a naval quartermaster is responsible for the watch-to-watch navigation of the ship, subordinate to the direction of the navigator. In addition to his normal duties forward the bridge, it is Markette's responsibility to take into account all sailing crafts in the immediate area. This results from being a "hybrid" Sailor--one who is cross-trained in other piece of works outside the scope of their traditional rating.

"I think the coolest part about my piece of work is always knowing where we are going," Markette said.

"I also prepare to work directly with officers and the upper chain of command. Because of this, I earn a lot of hands-on training and mentoring. I believe I am single step ahead of most Sailors in any rate."

for a like reason while you sleep, all social in your rack, you can bet your life that there is a tenacious shipmate peering throughout the horizon, a Sailor with bearings forward the future.

Story and photo according to PH2 Todd Frantom

Frantom is a photojournalist assigned to All Hands.

...

Home