Maripat Huhn's Page

Hi Maripat, glad to hear that you enjoyed Matt's PIR! The delay for being so close on the ASVAB shouldn't take too long, I would think. Probably depends on where the Navy needs their sailors...they could encourage him to take another rating. I've heard of ship 17 or something on the N4Ms website, but have no real info about it. Sounds like delays for sailors in Pcola, GL, perhaps other places. It's wonderful that he's beginning to understand the "hurry up and wait" routine, which is common throughout large organizations. Keep us informed so we know how to pray!

Hi Maripat, Welcome aboard! Thanks for raising such a fine family, and for your Sailor-to-be, Matthew! My son, Luke, joined DEP with a SWCC (special warfare) contract, but in bootcamp decided he was not ready and ended up as a GM. This was not his first choice, but he didn't want IS, so he took it.

I have provided more detailed info on the Gunners Mate group, but basically they are responsible for operating and maintaining the various shipboard weapons systems. In the old days it was just cannons and small arms, but now there's a lot of technology involved. GMs now learn electronics systems, hydraulic systems, water sprinkler systems, ammo classification and handling, gunsmithing, and other technical and administrative matters. After A school they may be able to choose a specialty such as missles, torpedoes, bombs, small arms, etc depending upon their class standing. Luke is still interested in specwar, so he wants small arms. It should give him a great advantage for further training. Please feel free to ask questions and share your thoughts and feelings, as we're all in this together. Blessings, Kevin