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GS Detailer, aka Super Snipe
By Master Chief Dale J. Descant, U.S. Navy (Ret.)
** Super Snipe, the name rang out throughout the halls of NMPC back in April 1978. Who was this new kid on the block, 1st class Engineman, what the hey!!! The name Super Snipe came to be from the EOD Detailer the most salty looking MCPO I am yet to lay eyes upon. Master Chief, I wish I could remember his name, somehow was self-designated to be my mentor.
** So started my three year tour as the first Gas Turbine Detailer. All I could think about was “please get me back to Central Control Station and my beloved engine rooms”. I had just come from three years of commissioning DD 964, the second gas turbine powered destroyer in the Spruance class. All I knew how to do was EOOW and be an Engineroom supervisor.
** I was looked upon by the other engineering detailers as a thief!!! A body snatcher so to speak. They knew what was going down, I did not. After two weeks of training on how to be nice on the telephone, I was turned over to ENCM Ed Chaffin. Ed was the lead detailer in the EN shop and boy was that a warm welcome. However, Ed became my closest ally in helping me fill my GS billets. We’ll talk stowrie about that later
** So it started, in May 1978 I started to finally realize what my mission was to be and how on earth was I ever going to convince these detailers to release their key personnel to crossover to the GS rating. There were 500 of us. EN, IC, and EM with the GS NEC. My charter was to assimilate these folks, convert them to the GS rating and assign them to duty stations accordingly. What a hoot!!! I was detailing in the same room and in very close proximity to the very folks I had to steal from.
** I wish I could remember everything, I wish I could write about everything; I can’t. My hope is I am able to convey to you some of the key events I experienced as a Navy Detailer.
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Dale *DJ* Descant djdescant@ilsmt.com has been on the Internet since August 5, 1998 as evidenced by his home town web site development of www.Bunkie.com . He is a full time Logistician for the Department Of The Navy, and part time entrepreneur, and Internet Marketing consultant. DJ is currently the President and Chief Operating Officer of ILSMT, Inc. with headquarters in Panama City, FL.
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