navy welders?

By Lawrence (*****)

Date 02-05-2006 05:56

I was an AMS (Aviation Structural Mechanic) and recieved top navy training in the GTAW process. However, 95% of AMS's don't weld.

There are also CB's (Construction Batallion)

So if you want to get the best all around training on multi-processes and to exit the military with the most and best welding experience than Hull Tech is the best bet.

By kubota Date 02-05-2006 20:53

i am going to school right now for welding i have my GMAW and GTAW and i am currently working on my pipe certification. Could i get a special deal from the NAVY for having those qualifications? or does it matter.

By TimGary (****)

Date 02-08-2006 14:10

Hi Kubota,

I used to be a Navy HT.
It's been 15 years since I even thought about it, but I'll tell you what I think I remember....
When you are dealing with the recruiter, you have to think of him as a car salesman. He has a quota to fill, and he is going to try to push certain rates that are undermanned. You need to know exactly what you want from him and you need to get whatever agreement you make with him in writing, before you sign it.
The "NUKE" that Pipewelder mentioned is the way to go for advanced studies. The MM he mentioned stands for Machinist Mate. I don't know much of anything about what they do. I suggest that you talk to someone who does. You can get a lot of info from the Recruiter, but you need to ask the right questions. One thing you need to be sure of is that the Recruiter gets you signed up for the "A" and "C" schools immediately after boot camp. If you go to a duty station before the schools, then it will be up to the duty station when or if you go to school. You will have no control over that.
The main thing that will depend on whether or not you can go "NUKE" is your ASVAB score. Also, going "NUKE" requires a longer enlistment requirement. I think it's a minimum of 6-year enlistment, and the "C" school requires you to commit to a second hitch, but that may have changed.
I'm sure your prior schooling will help, but I don't know how much as none of it will really count. It will however lead them to believe that you have a better chance of passing the Navy schools.
One of the more difficult tests you will have to pass is an x-ray quality high-pressure pipe weld, using GTAW. The test used to be a 3" sch 80 pipe in the 5G position, orientated inside a booth that will not allow you to see the backside of the pipe. You have to use a mirror to weld the backside. You should practice this, as it is very difficult. Again, I'm sure things have changed somewhat. You really need to find someone with more fresh information.
Here is a prior warning about the HT rate. While every duty station is different, mostly, HT's are responsible for the upkeep of ships' structures and piping systems. This does not just include welding and brazing cracks and leaks, but also includes operation and maintenance. For example, if a sewage or "CHT" pipe gets clogged, they call for an HT to fix it. That means every time some jackass clogs a toilet, you've got to unclog it, by whatever means available. Many times the only way I was able to do that was to stuff all but one of the commodes on a line with a mop and then stick a suicide nozzle from a 150 psi fire hose in the last one. This generally produces one or more sh** volcanoes until the clog is cleared. Don't forget the job is not done until the mess is cleaned up.
This is why HT's are generally referred to as "Turd Chasers".
Additionally, half of the HT rate is "Damage Control". This means that half of you're schooling will be firefighting, dewatering and shoring. HT's and DC's ( Damage Controlmen ) are generally responsible for training and leading other ship's company in things like firefighting, water and smoke removal, Chemical, Biological and Radiological ( CBR ) detection, containment and cleanup, aircraft crash response and pilot rescue, and so on. This training can also be valuable in the civilian world.
Anyway, you’re on the right track by asking questions before you sign up. I strongly recommend that you make sure you have a clear, concise picture of what you are getting yourself into before signing on the dotted line.

Good Luck!
Tim
USS Ticonderoga CG-47 (1987 - 1991)

By 803056

Date 08-26-2006 16:31

That sounds like good advice for anyone considering enlisting in any branch of the armed forces.

Al

By pipewelder_1999 (****)

Date 02-07-2006 14:00

The Nuke MM's had an emergency repair NEC with a school in San Diego.

The Seabees also had some rates with welding involved.

HT's had the best :) . Just kidding.

I and a few others here were Navy welders.

Have a good day

Gerald Austin
http://www.weldinginspectionsvcs.com/

By WELDTECH (*)

Date 02-15-2006 19:37

I was an HT in the Navy stationed at Subase Pearl Harbor. The guys that welded on the nuclear propulsion systems were the most skilled welders I've ever encountered. I did not have those kind of skills, but I got trained in Non-Distructive Testing and did the inspection work for them. NDT training was only availible to HTs. This training has gotten me some great jobs in the civilian world. To get a good welding job in the Navy, you better be good, otherwise plan on chasing turds or working in the repair locker on a ship stuck out in the Persian Gulf.

By pipewelder_1999 (****)

Date 02-19-2006 14:38

You didn't meet a guy named Scott Bonn did you? He was a 55 at sub base pearl. We were stationed together on a Tender in Scotland or New London. It was in the mid 80's. I think he later became a ship sup.

Have a good one
Gerald

By WELDTECH (*)

Date 02-20-2006 13:26

I didn't know Scott Bonn but I worked with a CPO named Blaine Schafer. He went of a tender in Scotland about 1983. I was in Pearl 1980-1983.

By texredneck (**)

Date 02-20-2006 20:05

I was a steelworker 3rd class. Yes we do weld. Its an ironworker rate though, so you do a lot more than just weld. Oh yeah, seabee or construction battalion. I enjoyed it. Infact I loved it while I was doin it. good luck
CHRIS

By ssbn727 (*****)

Date 02-21-2006 08:05

Hi Gents!

I was both a "Squid' and a "Yardbird"!!!
In other words, I helped repair and build quite a few of the US Navy's Nuke submarines...

Respectfully,
SSBN727 (My personal favorite!)
Run Silent... Run Deep!!!

By R Viney Date 03-01-2006 18:19

Kubota,
timgary spelled it out pretty good. I too was a HT 79-84 abord the Saratoga first then the Kitty Hawk then Bremerton Shipyards. It has the potential if you are skilled to be a fantastic job. I MUST reiterate that the DC (damage control) portion was although interesting not my cup of tea , which I did get stuck in for a while. If you complete "A" school top of your class you will automatically be chosen for "C" school. "A" school grads often with out further training do become the dreaded "turd chaser" definately not fun or interesting. You might also inquire about underwater welding programs, 4th diver down comes to mind If you are a strong swimmer, but I don't think that is actually what it was classified as.

By MBSims

Date 03-16-2006 03:52

Interesting reading how many ex-Navy welders frequent this forum. I spent '77-'78 in the Weld Shop on the Proteus in Guam, and late '78-'82 in the Weld Shop on the Dixon in San Diego. A very memorable tour of duty. My personal favorites were CHV-19 and 21 replacements where you had to bevel the pipe by hand without taking the pipe plugs out and make fitup by twisting ropes. Me and another welder once spent 3 days hanging off the rudder on a fast attack boat trying to patch it back up (now how did those dents get there?) and get it out of the harbor before a typhoon came ashore. How about those "work till complete" jobs on duty days too. Now my coworkers wonder why I don't get excited easily when tough jobs come up. Ah the good old days...

By pipewelder_1999 (****)

Date 03-16-2006 18:14

3 section duty with TC jobs every duty day really change your perspective on "Overtime"

Besides Hand Beveling with a file in a glovebag then having some weenie come down with a vernier protractor to tell me I was 1/2 degree off , my next favorite was weld buildup of CHT overboard discharge flanges . I have yet to match that smell .

By TimGary (****)

Date 03-16-2006 20:37

You guys are making me remember things I'd rather forget, like:
I never saw an electric grinder until after I got out of the Navy. I sure went through a lot of files though.
I haven't had to use the old "Spanish Windlass" (twisted rope) in a long time.
I once got into quite a scuffle with a bunch of supply pukes because a CHT line (sewage) in the overhead of their berthing compartment popped a hole one night which rudely awakened them with a sh** shower. I made the mistake of laughing when I went to investigate which seemed to upset them...
All of the piping systems on board were 3/32" wall copper nickel tubing. Just downstream of every rotten butterfly valve, the resulting turbulence ate away the tubing wall from the inside, resulting in pinhole leaks that would open up when you tried to patch them. I bet I brazed about $100 worth of pre 1982 pennies (perfect copper "patches") to those piping systems.
I made the mistake of figuring my hourly wage one time while underway and realized I was only making about $1.50 an hour.
I could go on and on, but better not..
:)
Tim

By pipewelder_1999 (****)

Date 03-16-2006 21:17

While in Scotland, mine wasn't far from that wage. Course when I got to a statside tender (The Fulton) , most of the TC work stopped unless it was a broken Ice cream machine.

By MBSims

Date 03-17-2006 01:34

Ha! I had forgotten the joys of the glove bag! And TDU bolt holes in the drydock. The only thing better than CHT flanges was actually having to crawl inside the CHT on a sub, grind the sh** off the wall to chase a crack, preheat the sh** to 250F and weld the crack. Ahh the aroma! Boy, weren't those the good 'ol days?

By pipewelder_1999 (****)

Date 03-17-2006 02:51

The preheat was the killer. Regular CHT NOTHING compared the that smoke that comes from it . Mmm mmmm

By triple24 Date 03-16-2006 01:57

Hi! This is for SSBN727,(or anyone else with info.) my husband is wanting to go to dive school for underwater welding. He loves to dive , he has never welded, but my brother has for years (and he still loves it) Anyway, they got to talking and he suggested the underwater welding. I am just concerned because I have always heard this was a very dangerous career. Also, we are in Texas. Know of any schools around here? Thank you.
P.S. My husband would die if he knew I wrote this!!!!! HA!!!

By JA

Date 03-25-2007 15:29

USS Michigan (ssbn-727) second Tirdent class nuclear powered fleet ballistic missile submarine.........

and talk about a weapon of mass destruction,,,,,,,,,,,,i wouldn,t want to piss "her" off........right Henry........

and one of these days , she'll change the world forever..........

By ssbn727 (*****)

Date 03-25-2007 16:55 Edited 03-25-2007 17:09

She's no longer an SSBN technically speaking of course...
The USS Michigan is now classified as a SSGN727 meaning: Sub Ship Guided missile Nuclear...

This in the most simplest of explanations, means that instead of once having the capability to destroy entire countries with it's SLBM's (Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles) at a approximately an hour's notice, an SSGN is basically a total reconfiguration of the missile room in order to carry an advanced version of submarine launched "Tomahawk" cruise missiles instead... This creates a very formidable launch platform for launching many, many cruise missiles at the enemy from just about any location the submarine chooses to do so.

So your right JA, one day in the not too distant future this and/or any one of the other Trident submarines that were reconfigured for that, and other purposes which I will not get into because of it's classified nature, will indeed change the world forever!!! I personally would rather use those weapons platforms in their reconfigured capacity than having to use them in their original capacity because, no one will be left alive to pick up the pieces and millions will die!!!

However, let everyone know, friend and foe alike, that every Trident that still is configured to launch it's original payload of such destructive ordinance, will do it as commanded without any hesitation once every contingencey has been used to confirm the launch of such weapons -PERIOD!!!

It would be at any country's peril to underestimate the willingness, the resolve of such a system of machinery and men, from completing their intended task should the time come - which I personally hope never does!!!

I do however really like the newer variant, and it's awesome capabilities and would'nt want the USN to hold back at all in using the "puppies" that are available for "lobbing" at some of the "boneheads" out there who are looking for a fight!!!

Btw, I've got look for that pic I promised to post awhile back, and I will as soon as I find the time there JA but, thanks for reminding me about it ;)
Respectfully,
Henry

By joglazier (*)

Date 04-21-2006 13:02

All I can say is being AN HT will make your civilian job hunting a breeze since getting out of the navy in 1982 Ive been gainfully employed everyday since. Dont bother becoming anything nuke as the job market is very slim and you will be enlisted long past your love for the navy. You will chase turds. You will be at flight quarters for days on end. You will learn to love lumpia. But one thing is for certain you will see the world for free and remember it for life. If your do go nuke try to get aboard an AS and make sure it is over seas..And if you get stuck on An AE it will take 30 signitures before you can turn on your welder.HT2MAHER USS LY SPEAR AS36/USSMT HOOD AE29

By Wile E Date 06-20-2006 02:54

I was a 4955 onboard the USS Prairie (AD-15) 75-79. Worked in 26-A for 4 years after c-1 welding school in San Diego. Old ship, interesting jobs(mostly Boiler repars and HP drain piping-- some header repairs and Main Steam valve replacements, we did our own PW stress relieving). Discharged as a HT2 with every school open to HT'S- Aircraft Heli-Arc, Heat treating and Metallurgy, etc. Best decision I ever made in my whole life. I have been a pipe welder (yardbird, construction pipewelder, Welding Supervisor, Welding Instructor) and never been out of a job for one day.

We specialzed in a retro-fit system caled "Sliding Foot Indicators" for the boiler foundation feet for awhile. The duty wasn't too bad- usually 5 section. But I remember the TC jobs just like the rest of you guys....no whining, just make it happen. We had a great sense of pride in our Weld shop, very few weld repairs on RT joints as I remember.

I got called in on my 21st birthday for an Aluminum repair job for the USS PEGASUS. One of the diverting blades on the inside of the main seawater uptakes had begun to tear away from the top of the 30" diameter sections. The Pipe shop guys removed one of the high-speed inpellers and I went and ground the cracked weld open, tapped the fin back into position, and Tig welded it back together. I think I got home about the time the sun was starting to come up(after the radiographs were read and signed off).

Great training, two WESPAC cruises, lots of memories, some of em pretty good.

Best wishes,

Wiley Perry

By Bill M

Date 06-30-2006 13:42

As we get ready to celebrate the 4th of July with picnics and your choice of beverage... I want to offer a note of thanks to all you Veterans out there.
Thank you for serving in our country's military. You have contributed to the preservation of the greatest nation on earth. We are all in your debt.

Hidden post (unapproved)

By JA

Date 03-22-2007 13:08

hay Wile E , i was there during that time also,,,,,,,,John Paul Jones DDG-32....76-79........c-1 welding,,,,all that.........i know your ship well,,,,been on it many times.......

By JA

Date 03-22-2007 13:04

i was an HT also,,,,,,,,,back in the early 70's , they took the Shipfitter rate , and combined that with the damage control rate.........and came up with the HT rate.......

i learned so much about welding in the Navy,,,,,,,,,if anyone knows anything about welding,,,,,,the navy sure does........

seebees have a steelworker worker rate,,,,,,,(ironworker).......they weld also...........

By bozaktwo1 (***)

Date 03-24-2007 12:16

I spent the last 20 years of my life as an HT...that's Hull Maintenance Technician, for those who don't know. Most people call us turd chasers...hell, we even call ourselves that, but in a different way. I look back at a career of 12 years at sea, and 8 years on shoreside. USS Dixon, AS-37 was my first ship, spent almost 6 years on her, right after C1 weld school in San Diego. School was something...From August to November, 8 hours a day, 2 in the classroom on odd days, all 8 on the floor on evens. My instructor's name was Yell. And he did, a lot. But Hull Techs do much more than weld and maintain the sewage systems. I spent a lot of time working in the sheet metal shop on Dixon, at Trident Refit, PSNS. I have run pipefitting shops, shipfitter shops, lagging and insulation shops. I have been a firefighter, an EMT, fire marshal, HAZMAT coordinator, safety coordinator, teacher, manager, janitor, plumber, interior decorator, referee, coach, customer service rep, salesman, and the bearer of sad news. I have been to over 30 countries and steamed over 200,000 miles. The Navy is better now than it used to be. No more beatings on Wog day, no more initiation hazings. At the same time it is not better, as the modern world takes its toll on the longest standing traditions of the service. But I wouldn't give one minute back, not the bad or the good.

By ssbn727 (*****)

Date 03-24-2007 12:29

"Weldcome" to the AWS Forum BozakTwo1!
I concurr with your observations FWIW!!!

Respectfully,
Henry

By pipewelder_1999 (****)

Date 03-24-2007 12:32

HEY I had MR Yell too.

As a matter of fact, one of the guys I was in class with went to the Dixon. That was Oct 83 when we graduated. I wimped out and left after 6 but the memories stay in my mind.

By bozaktwo1 (***)

Date 03-25-2007 06:04

Yep. I was the last class of '87. Mr Yell was a one of a kind, I don't think anyone got a long with him, me least of all. Of course, I was a lazy, drunk sailor...

By pipewelder_1999 (****)

Date 03-25-2007 13:29

We went to a "party" with Mr. Yell that was all bikers he hung out with. It was quite an experience.

By bozaktwo1 (***)

Date 03-25-2007 17:22

He had a Harley and a Porsche, and he hung out with the bikers of the Black Panthers out in East County. Pretty cool guy, of course I didn't know it until after I graduated and we had the opportunity to talk outside the school environment. He was tough, but he made some dang good welders for the Navy.

By Highway (*)

Date 04-28-2007 05:01

I went to weld school on the East Coast, Cheep ship only let me do Plate, Welded a bunch of steam cut flange's on the Nitro AE-23 (yeah some reason the cats were a bit worried about us welding and cutting), Fitter shop at subase P.H., Instructor in pipe shop NDCTC PA , also at the same time was an Instructor for welding and testing in Philly, then Frank Cable, Orion, Sima mayport, and Pensacola. Now I'm still welding for Briggs and Stratton.

By bozaktwo1 (***)

Date 04-28-2007 23:16

Sounds like quite a tour. I did my class "A" school in Philly. I remember having to stand watch at the school house and having to eat dinner at the brig. Taking the subway into town and touring South Street drunker 'n hell. Those were the days.

By TimGary (****)

Date 04-29-2007 02:47

Yeah, South Street was pretty mean up there in '87. Especially during the first few weeks on base 'cause they make you wear your dress blue uniform out and about. That uniform with it's thirteen chance pants was good for three things...
catching the girls eyes...
free drinks ang war stories from old vets
and getting your butt in trouble on South St in downtown Philadelphia.

Tim

By Highway (*)

Date 05-04-2007 06:31

I left Philly in 79. Went through A school in 69. South Broad street has always been bad late at night.

By fullmetal Date 06-13-2007 14:41

HI Ive been in the navy for 10 going on 11 years now and Im an HT and have been since I joined, I am here to tell you that it has been a very wide range of jobs that I have done since I joined and it's not just welding. I have been that guy that is the turd chaser but got promoted to welder on the Kitty Hawk, And I am here to tell you as old as that boat is it was a lot of work to do all the time just to keep her going.
Now I am in Kings bay GA working around subs but thatnk god not working on them :)
I work on small water craft that we use in the harber and it is all aluminum so lots of MIG and TIG and I just got my orders out of here so I can go to "c" school for 4955 and then going to CG66 USS Hue City.

By bozaktwo1 (***)

Date 06-13-2007 16:51

Hey there, good luck with that cruiser assignment. When you're in weld school see about getting your grade 3 and 5 braze quals, because those cruisers have a lot of piping issues. Most of the firemain was built with 90/10 CuNi, sched 80 and it's starting to show.

Good luck, and thanks for your service!

By Highway (*)

Date 06-17-2007 06:11 Edited 06-17-2007 06:17

yep shipyards always screw you unless you have a good QA guy . If you can get the silver Brazing class go for it. All the shipyards use it but not many welding vendors know how to do it. Thats's another Art that is being lost.