Home UniformsUSNUniforms:WWII

Rating Badges(grouped by branch)

Seaman Branch Artificer Branch Engine Room Force Aviation Branch

Commissary Branch Special Branch Messman Branch Specialist Branch

Seaman Branch

Boatswain’s Mate

Chief Boatswain’sMate

Chief Boatswain’s Mate (CBM): 1st GradeBoatswain’s Mate First Class (BM1c): 2nd GradeBoatswain’s Mate Second Class (BM2c): 3rd Grade

Handled and repaired lines,chains, cables, and canvas.Operated cranes, davits andother lifting gear. Operatedship’s boats. Foremen for deckmaintenance.

There was no boatswain’smate third class, that positionbeing taken by the rate ofcoxswain.

A left-arm rating badge wasworn by boatswain’s mates inSeabee units, where they werein charge of cranes and liftinggear.

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Coxswain

Coxswain

Coxswain (Cox): 4th Grade Coxswain was in effect thethird class rate of boatswain’smate, and had similar duties.Promotion would be toBM2c.

Fire Controlman

Fire Controlman2nd Class

Chief Fire Controlman (CFC): 1st GradeFire Controlman First Class (FC1c): 2nd GradeFire Controlman Second Class (FC2c): 3rd GradeFire Controlman 3rd Class (FC3c): 4th Grade

Inspected, maintained andrepaired fire controlinstruments. Operated rangefinders and optical fire controlequipment. Repairedelectrical firing circuits.Manned fire control stationsin action.

Fire controlmen 1st, 2nd and3rd class were divided intoFC(M) (maintenance) andFC(R) (repair).

Gunner’s Mate

Gunner’s Mate 1stClass

Chief Gunner’s Mate (CGM): 1st GradeGunner’s Mate First Class (GM1c): 2nd GradeGunner’s Mate Second Class (GM2c): 3rd GradeGunner’s Mate Third Class (GM3c): 4th Grade

Took charge of guns and guncrews. Assembled andrepaired ships’ guns andsmall arms. Handled andstowed ammunition. Handledmines and depth chargesbefore the authorization ofmineman rating.

There was a left-arm ratingbadge for Seabee gunners’mates, who handled blastingand demolition explosives.

MinemanChief Mineman (CMN): 1st GradeMineman First Class (MN1c): 2nd GradeMineman Second Class (MN2c): 3rd GradeMineman Third Class (MN3c): 4th Grade

Authorized February 1944.

Assembled, stowed, movedand deployed mines anddepth charges.

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Mineman 3rdClass

Quartermaster

Quartermaster 2ndClass

Chief Quartermaster (CQM): 1st GradeQuartermaster First Class (QM1c): 2nd GradeQuartermaster Second Class (QM2c): 3rd GradeQuartermaster Third Class (QM3c): 4th Grade

Steered vessels. Stoodwatches on the bridge.Took soundings andbearings. Prepared andcorrected navigation charts.Took navigational readingsand sightings. Sent andreceived visual signals.

Signalman

Signalman 1stClass

Chief Signalman (CSM): 1st GradeSignalman First Class (SM1c): 2nd GradeSignalman Second Class (SM2c): 3rd GradeSignalman Third Class (SM3c): 4th Grade

Sent and received signals byflag, semaphore, and blinkerlight. Stood watch on thebridge. Identified flags ofother vessels. Operatedsearchlights.

Torpedoman, Torpedoman’s Mate

ChiefTorpedoman’s

Mate

Chief Torpedoman’s Mate (CTM): 1st GradeTorpedoman’s Mate First Class (TM1c): 2nd GradeTorpedoman’s Mate Second Class (TM2c): 3rd GradeTorpedoman’s Mate Third Class (TM3c): 4th Grade

Title changed to torpedoman’smate with the establishmentof torpedoman as a warrantrank in August 1942.

Assembled, maintained andfired torpedoes. Handledwarhead explosives. Adjustedtorpedo guidancemechanisms.

Torpedoman’s Mate Aviation(TMV) was a rating thatspeciliazed in aerial torpedoesand associated equipment.They were part of the aviationbranch and wore a left-armrating badge, with the torpedopointing in the opposite

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direction.

Turret Captain

Chief TurretCaptain

Chief Turret Captain (CTC): 1st GradeTurret Captain 1st Class (TC1c): 2nd Grade

Supervised crews in gunturrets. Assembled andrepaired naval guns. Operatedfire control equipment.

Artificer Branch Return to top

Carpenter’s Mate

Carpenter’s Mate1st Class

Chief Carpenter’s Mate (CCM): 1st GradeCarpenter’s Mate First Class (CM1c): 2nd GradeCarpenter’s Mate Second Class (CM2c): 3rd GradeCarpenter’s Mate Third Class (CM3c): 4th Grade

Wore the same specialty markas painters and patternmakers.

Used hand and power tools tobuild and repair all types ofwooden construction.Estimated and planned woodconstruction. Worked withventilation systems andwatertight doors. Served indamage control parties.

Electrician’s Mate

Electrician’sMate

2nd Class

Chief Electrician’s Mate (CEM): 1st GradeElectrician’s Mate First Class (EM1c): 2nd GradeElectrician’s Mate Second Class (EM2c): 3rd GradeElectrician’s Mate Third Class (EM3c): 4th Grade

Wired and repaired ships’electrical systems. Operatedand maintained electricalmotors, generators andalternators. Charged andmaintained batteries.Maintained and repairedgyrocompass, fire control andother circuitry.

Painter

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Painter 2nd Class

Chief Painter (CPtr): 1st GradePainter First Class (Ptr1c): 2nd GradePainter Second Class (Ptr2c): 3rd GradePainter Third Class (Ptr3c): 4th Grade

Wore the same specialtymark as carpenters’ matesand patternmakers.

Chief grade authorizedJanuary 1944.

Applied paints andvarnishes. Maintainedpainted surfaces. Laid tileand linoleum flooring.Planned and estimatedpainting jobs. Maintainedfire extinguishers andbreathing apparatus. Servedin damage control parties.

Patternmaker

ChiefPatternmaker

Chief Patternmaker (CPM): 1st GradePatternmaker First Class (PM1c): 2nd GradePatternmaker Second Class (PM2c): 3rd GradePatternmaker Third Class (PM3c): 4th Grade

Wore the same specialty markas carpenters’ mates andpainters.

Chief and third class gradesauthorized January 1944.

Used patternmaking tools.Estimated materials, time andcosts for patternmaking andcasting jobs.

Printer

Chief Printer

Chief Printer (CPrtr): 1st GradePrinter First Class (Prtr1c): 2nd GradePrinter Second Class (Prtr2c): 3rd GradePrinter Third Class (Prtr3c): 4th Grade

Supervised ships’ print shops.Operated composing andduplicating machines andprinting presses. Estimatedmaterials, time and costs ofprinting jobs. Prepared books,newsletters and pamphlets.

Radarman

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Radarman 1stClass

Chief Radarman (CRdM): 1st GradeRadarman First Class (RdM1c): 2nd GradeRadarman Second Class (RdM2c): 3rd GradeRadarman Third Class (RdM3c): 4th Grade

Second and third class gradesauthorized February 1942.First class authorizedFebruary 1943, and Chief inJanuary 1945.

Operated and maintainedradar equipment. Stood radarwatches.

Radioman

Chief Radioman

Chief Radioman (CRM): 1st GradeRadioman First Class (RM1c): 2nd GradeRadioman Second Class (RM2c): 3rd GradeRadioman Third Class (RM3c): 4th Grade

Wore the same specialty markas radio technicians andtelegraphers.

Operated and maintained allradio sending, receiving anddirection finding equipment.Sent and received morse code.Enciphered and decipheredmessages. Maintained radiobatteries.

Radio Technician

Radio Technician2nd Class

Chief Radio Technician (CRT): 1st GradeRadio Technician First Class (RT1c): 2nd GradeRadio Technician Second Class (RT2c): 3rd GradeRadio Technician Third Class (RT3c): 4th Grade

Wore the same specialtymark as radiomen andtelegraphers.

Authorized April 1942.

Repaired and maintained allradio, radar and electronicequipment.

Shipfitter

Shipfitter 2nd Class

Chief Shipfitter (CSF): 1st GradeShipfitter First Class (SF1c): 2nd GradeShipfitter Second Class (SF2c): 3rd GradeShipfitter Third Class (SF3c): 4th Grade

Wore the same specialtymark as metalsmiths andmolders.

Laid out and fabricatedmetal construction. Fit andrepaired pipes and tubing.Forged, welded and solderedmetals. Maintained tanksand watertight fixtures.

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Maintained fire fightingequipment and breathingapparatus. Served in damagecontrol parties.

Sonarman, Soundman

Sonarman 3rdClass

Chief Sonarman (CSoM): 1st GradeSonarman First Class (SoM1c): 2nd GradeSonarman Second Class (SoM2c): 3rd GradeSonarman Third Class (SoM3c): 4th Grade

The rating’s title wasoriginally published in officialmaterials as “soundman,” butlater revised to “sonarman.”

Second and third class gradesauthorized February 1942.First class authorized inFebruary 1943, and chief inJanuary 1944.

Operated and maintained sonarand hydrophone equipment.

Special Artificer

Special Artificer 1stClass

Chief Special Artificer (CSA): 1st GradeSpecial Artificer First Class (SA1c): 2nd GradeSpecial Artificer Second Class (SA2c): 3rd GradeSpecial Artificer Third Class (SA3c): 4th Grade

Authorized February 1944.

Repaired precisioninstruments, mechanismsand optical equipment.

Telegrapher

Telegrapher 3rdClass

Chief Telegrapher (CT): 1st GradeTelegrapher First Class (T1c): 2nd GradeTelegrapher Second Class (T2c): 3rd GradeTelegrapher Third Class (T3c): 4th Grade

Wore the same specialty markas radio technicians andradiomen.

Sent and received messagesin shore cable stations.

Engine Room Force, Artificer Branch Return to top

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Before January 1944 there were no third class petty officers in the engine room force as fireman first classwas a 4th pay grade rate.

Boilermaker

Chief Boilermaker

Chief Boilermaker (CB): 1st GradeBoilermaker First Class (B1c): 2nd GradeBoilermaker Second Class (B2c): 3rd GradeAfter January 1944:Boilermaker Third Class (B3c): 4th Grade

Wore the same specialtymark as machinists’ matesand water tenders.

Repaired boilers andassociated pipes, tubing andvalves. Did welding andsoldering jobs. Estimatedmaterials, time and costs forboiler repair jobs.

Machinist’s Mate

Machinist’s Mate1st Class

Chief Machinist’s Mate (CMM): 1st GradeMachinist’s Mate First Class (MM1c): 2nd GradeMachinist’s Mate Second Class (MM2c): 3rd GradeAfter January 1944:Machinist’s Mate Third Class (MM3c): 4th Grade

Wore the same specialtymark as boilermakers andwater tenders.

Operated, maintained andrepaired steam engines andturbines, auxiliary engines,pumps, distillation plants,and drainage systems.Supervised and stood watchin engine rooms.

Metalsmith

Metalsmith 3rdClass

Chief Metalsmith (CM): 1st GradeMetalsmith First Class (M1c): 2nd GradeMetalsmith Second Class (M2c): 3rd GradeAfter January 1944:Metalsmith Third Class (M3c): 4th Grade

Wore the same specialty markas shipfitters and molders.

Planned and estimated metalfabrication and repair jobs.Formed, annealed, temperedor case hardened metals.Repaired metal pipes andtubing. Maintained watertightdoors and hatches.

Molder

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Molder 3rd Class

Chief Molder (CMl): 1st GradeMolder First Class (Ml1c): 2nd GradeMolder Second Class (Ml2c): 3rd GradeAfter January 1944:Molder Third Class (Ml3c): 4th Grade

Wore the same specialty markas shipfitters and metalsmiths.

Chief grade authorized January1944.

Maintained and operatedshipboard foundries. Mademetal castings and moldings.Maintained furnaces andcrucibles.

Motor Machinist’s Mate

Motor Machinist’sMate 2nd Class

Chief Motor Machinist’s Mate (CMoMM): 1st GradeMotor Machinist’s Mate First Class (MoMM1c): 2nd GradeMotor Machinist’s Mate Second Class (MoMM2c): 3rd GradeAfter January 1944:Motor Machinist’s Mate Third Class (MoMM3c): 4th Grade

Rating authorized January1942.

Operated, maintained andrepaired gasoline and dieselinternal combustion enginesand auxiliaries. Worked withmachine tools. Plannedengine repairs and overhauls.Stood watch and supervisedin engine rooms.

Water Tender

Water Tender 1stClass

Chief Water Tender (CWT): 1st GradeWater Tender First Class (WT1c): 2nd GradeWater Tender Second Class (WT2c): 3rd GradeAfter January 1944:Water Tender Third Class (WT3c): 4th Grade

Wore the same specialtymark as machinist’s matesand boilermakers.

Operated marine boilers.Stood watch and supervisedin fire rooms. Handledevaporators, condensers andfeed pumps.

Aviation Branch Return to top

Aerographer, Aerographer’s Mate

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Aerographer’s Mate1st Class

Chief Aerographer’s Mate (CAer): 1st GradeAerographer’s Mate First Class (Aer1c): 2nd GradeAerographer’s Mate Second Class (Aer2c): 3rd GradeAerographer’s Mate Third Class (Aer3c): 4th Grade

Title changed toaerographer’s mate with theestablishment ofaerographer as a warrantofficer rank in August1942.

Installed and maintainedmeteorological equipmentin weather stations afloatand ashore. Tookatmospheric readings andsoundings. Computedweather balloon data.Prepared weather charts.Made and recorded weatherobservations.

Airship Rigger

Chief AirshipRigger

Chief Airship Rigger (CAR): 1st GradeAirship Rigger First Class (AR1c): 2nd GradeAirship Rigger Second Class (AR2c): 3rd GradeAirship Rigger Third Class (AR3c): 4th Grade

Served in airship crews.Moored and secured airships.Made repairs to airshipstructure.

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate

Aviation Boatswain’sMate 2nd Class

Aviation Chief Boatswain’s Mate (ACBM): 1st GradeAviation Boatswain’s Mate First Class (ABM1c): 2nd GradeAviation Boatswain’s Mate Second Class (ABM2c): 3rd GradeAviation Boatswain’s Mate Third Class (ABM3c): 4th Grade

Authorized September1944.

Moved, handled and fueledplanes. Operated andmaintained carrier catapults,arresting gear, and crashbarriers.

Aviation Electrician’s Mate

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Aviation Electrician’sMate 3rd Class

Chief Aviation Electrician’s Mate (ACEM): 1st GradeAviation Electrician’s Mate First Class (AEM1c): 2nd GradeAviation Electrician’s Mate Second Class (AEM2c): 3rd GradeAviation Electrician’s Mate Third Class (AEM3c): 4th Grade

Authorized September,1942.

Installed, maintained andrepaired aircraft electricalsystems and batteries.

Aviation Machinist’s Mate

Aviation Machinist’sMate 1st Class

Aviation Chief Machinist’s Mate (ACMM): 1st GradeAviation Machinist’s Mate First Class (AMM1c): 2nd GradeAviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class (AMM2c): 3rd GradeAviation Machinist’s Mate Third Class (AMM3c): 4th Grade

Assembled, serviced andmaintained aircraft enginesand mechanical parts.Machined small aircraftparts.

Aviation Metalsmith

AviationMetalsmith 2nd

Class

Aviation Chief Metalsmith (ACM): 1st GradeAviation Metalsmith First Class (AM1c): 2nd GradeAviation Metalsmith Second Class (AM2c): 3rd GradeAviation Metalsmith Third Class (AM3c): 4th Grade

Maintained and repairedaircraft sheet metal, piping,radiators, and instruments.Welded, machined andforged aircraft parts.

Aviation Ordnanceman

AviationOrdnanceman 3rd

Class

Aviation Chief Ordnanceman (ACOM): 1st GradeAviation Ordnanceman First Class (AOM1c): 2nd GradeAviation Ordnanceman Second Class (AOM2c): 3rd GradeAviation Ordnanceman Third Class (AOM3c): 4th Grade

Maintained and repairedaircraft machine guns,bombs, fuses, bomb sights,and aircraft oxygenequipment. Handled aircraftammunition.

Aviation Pilot

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Aviation Pilot 2ndClass

(before July 1944)

Aviation Pilot 1stClass

(before July 1944)

Chief Aviation Pilot(after July 1944)

Chief Aviation Pilot (CAP): 1st GradeAviation Pilot First Class (AP1c): 2nd GradeAviation Pilot Second Class (AP2c): 3rd GradeAviation Pilot Third Class (AP3c): 4th Grade

Authorized inall gradesMarch 1942.Third class rateeliminated July1942.

Before July1944 thespecialty markwas gold oryellow on allrating badges.After that date,the mark waschanged to thestandard colorschemes. Therewere variationswith wingssimilar to theother aviationspecialtymarks, andothers withstraight wingssimilar to thenavalaviator/aviationpilot breastinsignia.

Pilotedairplanes andairships.

Aviation Radioman

Aviation Radioman3rd Class

Aviation Chief Radioman (ACRM): 1st GradeAviation Radioman First Class (ARM1c): 2nd GradeAviation Radioman Second Class (ARM2c): 3rd GradeAviation Radioman Third Class (ARM3c): 4th Grade

Authorized January 1942.

Wore the same specialtymarks as aviation radiotechnicians.

Operated all aircraft radioequipment. Enciphered anddeciphered messages.

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Aviation Radio Technician

Aviation RadioTechnician 1st Class

Aviation Chief Radio Technician (ACRT): 1st GradeAviation Radio Technician First Class (ART1c): 2nd GradeAviation Radio Technician Second Class (ART2c): 3rd GradeAviation Radio Technician Third Class (ART3c): 4th Grade

Authorized December1942.

Wore the same specialtymark as aviationradiomen.

Maintained and repairedaircraft radios, radar andelectronic equipment.

Parachute Rigger

Chief ParachuteRigger

Chief Parachute Rigger (CPR): 1st GradeParachute Rigger First Class (PR1c): 2nd GradeParachute Rigger Second Class (PR2c): 3rd GradeParachute Rigger Third Class (PR3c): 4th Grade

Authorized February, 1942.

Packed and repairedparachutes. Maintainedparachute fabric and aircrewsurvival equipment.

Photographer, Photographer’s Mate

ChiefPhotographer’s

Mate

Chief Photographer’s Mate (CPhoM): 1st GradePhotographer’s Mate First Class (PhoM1c): 2nd GradePhotographer’s Mate Second Class (PhoM2c): 3rd GradePhotographer’s Mate Third Class (PhoM3c): 4th Grade

Title changed tophotographer’s mate after theestablishment of the warrantrank of photographer inAugust 1942.

Installed and maintainedaerial cameras. Assembledaerial photographic maps.Developed film and madeprints and slides. Operatedmotion picture cameras andprojectors. Served in navalphotographic units.

Storekeeper Aviation, Storekeeper V

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Storekeeper V 3rdClass

Chief Storekeeper, Aviation (CSKV): 1st GradeStorekeeper, Aviation First Class (SKV1c): 2nd GradeStorekeeper, Aviation Second Class (SKV2c): 3rd GradeStorekeeper, Aviation Third Class (SKV3c): 4th Grade

Authorized March, 1945.

Requisitioned, stored andissued aviation stores andsupplies.

Commissary Branch Return to top

Commissary Steward

ChiefCommissary

Steward

Chief Commissary Steward (CCStd): 1st Grade Chief commissary stewardswere promoted from the ship’scook or baker rates.

Supervised ships’ galleys.Requisitioned, accounted forand directed stowage offoodstuffs and provisions.Planned menus. Made costand consumption estimates.

Baker

Baker 2nd Class

Baker First Class (Bkr1c): 2nd GradeBaker Second Class (Bkr2c): 3rd GradeBaker Third Class (Bkr3c): 4th Grade

Wore the same specialty markas ships’ cooks, cooks andstewards.

Did all kinds of baking.Operated ovens and bakingequipment. Set up field ovensashore.

Ship’s CookShip’s Cook First Class (SC1c): 2nd GradeShip’s Cook Second Class (SC2c): 3rd GradeShip’s Cook Third Class (SC3c): 4th Grade

Wore the same specialtymark as bakers, cooks andstewards.

Prepared and cooked meals.Operated all kitchenequipment. Inspected andstored provisions.

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Ship’s Cook 1stClass

Special Branch Return to top

Bandmaster

Bandmaster

Bandmaster (Bmstr): 1st Grade Re-classified as chiefmusician, January 1944.

Conducted bands andorchestras. Arranged music forperformance. Appliedknowledge of music theory.Performed on an instrument.

Buglemaster

Buglemaster 1stClass

Chief Buglemaster (CBgmstr): 1st GradeBuglemaster First Class (Bgmstr1c): 2nd GradeBuglemaster Second Class (Bgmstr2c): 3rd GradeBuglemaster Third Class (Bgmstr3c): 4th Grade

Third class rate authorizedJanuary, 1944.

Arranged bugle and drumcalls and honors to berendered. Led drum and buglegroups or regimental band,served as drum major.

First Musician

First Musician

First Musician (1st Mus): 2nd Grade Re-classified as musician firstclass, January 1944.

Led band in absence ofbandmaster. Read music atsight and performed on aninstrument.

Mailman

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Mailman 2ndClass

Chief Mailman (CMaM): 1st GradeMailman First Class (MaM1c): 2nd GradeMailman Second Class (MaM2c): 3rd GradeMailman Third Class (MaM3c): 4th Grade

Authorized November 1944.

Sorted and delivered mail andpackages in naval post offices.

Musician

Musician 3rdClass

Chief Musician (CMus): 1st GradeMusician First Class (Mus1c): 2nd GradeMusician Second Class (Mus2c): 3rd GradeMusician Third Class (Mus3c): 4th Grade

Authorized January 1944,absorbing bandmaster andfirst musician rates.

Read music by sight andperformed on an instrumentin navy bands and orchestras.Senior grades led andconducted music groups.

Pharmacist’s Mate

Pharmacist’s Mate1st Class

Chief Pharmacist’s Mate (CPhM): 1st GradePharmacist’s Mate First Class (PhM1c): 2nd GradePharmacist’s Mate Second Class (PhM2c): 3rd GradePharmacist’s Mate Third Class (PhM3c): 4th Grade

Specialty mark was red on alluniforms.

Administered first aid andperformed minor surgery.Prepared and administeredmedication and anesthetics.Kept sick bay records andaccounted for medicalsupplies.

Ship’s Service Man, Ship’s Serviceman

Ship’s Service Man3rd Class

Chief Ship’s Service Man (CSSM): 1st GradeShip’s Service Man First Class (SSM1c): 2nd GradeShip’s Service Man Second Class (SSM2c): 3rd GradeShip’s Service Man Third Class (SSM3c): 4th Grade

Authorized February 1944.

Both versions of the title canbe found in official navysources during the war.“Ship’s serviceman”eventually became official.

Served ships’ crews as tailors,barbers, cobblers orlaundrymen.

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StorekeeperLeft sleeve

ratingbadge

Storekeeper1st Class

Chief Storekeeper (CSK): 1st GradeStorekeeper First Class (SK1c): 2nd GradeStorekeeper Second Class (SK2c): 3rd GradeStorekeeper Third Class (SK3c): 4th Grade

Requisitioned, recorded, received,inventoried and issued navalstores and supplies. Supervised innaval storerooms and warehouses.Made estimates and reports onsupply requirements.

Yeoman

Yeoman 2ndClass

Chief Yeoman (CY): 1st GradeYeoman First Class (Y1c): 2nd GradeYeoman Second Class (Y2c): 3rd GradeYeoman Third Class (Y3c): 4th Grade

Did clerical work orsupervised in naval offices.Took dictation and typedreports and correspondence.Kept naval files and personnelrecords. Handled details ofenlistments, transfers,promotions, leaves andtransportation.

Messman Branch Return to top

Officer’s Cook, CookBefore June 1944:

Chief 1st Class 2nd Class 3rd Class

After June 1944:

Chief Cook

Before 1943:Officer’s Chief Cook (OCC): 1st GradeOfficer’s Cook 1st Class (OC1c): 2nd GradeOfficer’s Cook 2nd Class (OC2c): 3rd GradeOfficer’s Cook 3rd Class (OC3c): 4th Grade

After 1943:Chief Cook (CCk): 1st GradeCook 1st Class (Ck1c): 2nd GradeCook 2nd Class (Ck2c): 3rd GradeCook 3rd Class (Ck3c): 4th Grade

Wore thesamespecialtymark asstewards,ships’ cooksand bakers.

The firstinsigniaillustratedwereofficiallydistinguishingmarks ratherthan ratingbadges.

Prepared andcooked foodin officers’galleys.

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Estimatedfoodrequirementsandaccounted forfoodstuff forofficers’messes.

Officer’s Steward, StewardBefore June 1944:

Chief 1st Class 2nd Class 3rd Class

After June 1944:

Steward 3rd Class

Before 1943:Officer’s Chief Steward (OCS): 1st GradeOfficer’s Steward 1st Class (OS1c): 2nd GradeOfficer’s Steward 2nd Class (OS2c): 3rd GradeOfficer’s Steward 3rd Class (OS3c): 4th Grade

After 1943:Chief Steward (CStd): 1st GradeSteward 1st Class (Std1c): 2nd GradeSteward 2nd Class (Std2c): 3rd GradeSteward 3rd Class (Std3c): 4th Grade

Wore the samespecialty mark ascooks, ships’ cooksand bakers.

The first insigniaillustrated wereofficiallydistinguishingmarks rather thanrating badges.

Made arrangementsfor officers’ messes.Kept records offood used andpurchased.Estimatedrequirements andcosts for officers’messes. Supervisedmessattendants/stewards’mates.

Specialist Branch Return to top

SpecialistAppropriate letter substituted for the X:Chief Specialist (X) (CSpX): 1st GradeSpecialist (X) First Class (SpX1c): 2nd GradeSpecialist (X) Second Class (SpX2c): 3rd GradeSpecialist (X) Third Class (SpX3c): 4th Grade

Authorized January 1942.

Specialists served in a widerange of capacities that werenot normally a part of thepeacetime navy. They could

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Specialist (E) 2ndClass

enter the navy at any pettyofficer rate depending uponqualifications from civilianlife.

The designated specialtiesvaried throughout the war. Forfull details, see John Stacey,“U.S. Navy Rating Badges,Specialty Marks andDistinguishing Marks.”

Specialist A: Athletic Instructor, Physical Training Instructor

Specialist C: Classification Interviewer

Specialist E: Recreation and Welfare Assistant, Motion Picture Service Booker

Specialist F: Fire Fighter

Specialist G: Gunnery Instructor, Aviation Free Gunnery Instructor, Anti-Aircraft GunneryInstructor

Specialist I: I.B.M. Operator, Punch Card Accounting Machine Operator

Specialist M: Mail Clerk

Specialist O: Inspector of Naval Material

Specialist P: Photographic Specialist, Motion Picture Technician, Photo Laboratory Specialist,Photogrammetry Specialist

Specialist Q: Communications Specialist, Cryptologist, Cryptanalyst, Radio IntelligenceTechnician, Registered Publications Clerk

Specialist R: Recruiter

Specialist S: Entertainer, Shore Patrol and Security, Master-at-Arms (WAVE), PersonnelSupervisor (WAVE)

Specialist T: Teacher, Instructor

Specialist U: Utility (WAVE)

Specialist V: Transport Airman

Specialist W: Chaplain’s Assistant

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Specialist X: Air Station Operations, Artist, Cartographer, Intelligence, Key Punch Operator,Pigeon Trainer, Plastics Expert, Public Information, Special Projects, Strategic Services,Switchboard Operator, Topographic Draftsman, other specialists not otherwise classified

Specialist Y: Control Tower Operator

Photo details courtesy U.S. Naval Historical Center Photographic Section’s Online Library.

All text and images © Justin T. Broderick, 2005 unless otherwise indicated.e-mail contact:

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