I Got a New Hat
By Jim Bauer
@porwest (91910)
United States
January 17, 2023 6:54pm CST
I swear, when I saw this advertised on Facebook it looked way cooler and embroidered. But it's just printed. Either way, it arrived today and only cost me about me about $20 and I am happy with it.
I was only in the Navy for four years and only made it to the rank of Third Class Petty Officer, but I am still proud to have served and own a lot of navy hats. But this one is special.
It has my rank, Third Class, plus my rate, Ship's Serviceman, which is called something different now. And it also has my beloved ESWS pin, which stands for Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist that I worked very hard to get and pass the board for.
I served on the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) from 1992-1996.
I was only one of three Third Class Petty Officers aboard the Enterprise to be ESWS qualified, so this was an accomplishment that I was proud of.
How is it pronounced? Eeswaws.
I almost stayed in. I was selected for the STAR (selective transfer and reenlistment) program and would have gone to "A" school for QM, which is a quartermaster (navigations in the Navy) and come out a 2nd Class Petty Officer.
But last minute I decided to get out.
9 people like this
7 responses
@1creekgirl (41490)
• United States
19 Jan 23
You can rightly be proud of your accomplishments and serving our country.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (179491)
• United States
18 Jan 23
You have a right to be proud. Thank you for your service. I wanted to join the Navy at one point. My life would have been totally different if I had.
1 person likes this
@porwest (91910)
• United States
18 Jan 23
I often think of it the opposite for me—about life being different had I not gotten out. I probably would not be living where I am now. I would never have met my wife...at least not this one. Maybe I would have had kids?
I like my life as it is, and have no regrets for the choices I made. But it does make me wonder sometimes.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (179491)
• United States
19 Jan 23
@porwest Yes, I do "what if" often. I probably would not have married my husband...who knows? Maybe I would have made a career out of the Navy. I wouldn't have had kids regardless. Who knows?