What's It Take To Be A Surface Warfare Officer?

In this episode we're talking through the process for becoming a Surface Warfare Officer.

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[grumbotron]

I'm trying to go to OCS to be a SWO right now. Lot's of great information! Also I personally think the pin is supposed to be just a generic "timeless" warship. Perhaps based on one of the destroyers/frigates of the 70s, but intentionally lacking a lot of detail so that for years to come people will look at it and think "yeah that's a USN Warship".

[rickdunn]

I was a Navy Officer years ago. When I started ... the OOD Underway was a USMC 2nd Lt (mustang). He was very qualified. He did all the SWO quals and passed the board...but USMC did not permit him to wear the SWO Pin. Only Marine I ever saw driving a ship.

[jaylowry]

When you say it reminds you of the scene where Midshipman Hornblower is trying to become a Lieutenant, are you referring to the scene where he is being questioned by the board, or the scene where he jumps on a burning fireship engulfed in flame and steers it away from the fleet? If it's the latter, the examination to become a SWO is a lot harder than I thought.

[anthonywcsu]

Awesome video that really captures the qualification process for becoming a SWO! The correct answer on my ship's SWO boards has always been a Spruance Class Destroyer, although at OCS we memorized the pin description as "The bow and superstructure of a modern naval warship." Going up for my SWO board in a few weeks, so take my input with a grain of salt as I'm still just a lowly 1160!

[studinthemaking]

You forgot to mention. The Black shoe V brown shoe navy!

[Folap]

Glad to see that I am not the only fan of the old Hornblower tv series.

[steveferris]

My son (now retired) is a pinned SW Master Chief. Earned it on frigates and destroyers. He also graduated ASW.

Me, I have my Jump Wings w/Mustard Stain.

[kevynthompson]

New Jersey is where I chose to get my enlisted surface warfare. It is better if you choose a partner to help each other study and learn every thing we needed to know to pass a board of CPOs and above. You spend a lot of hours steady watch with each of the jobs and watch stations throughout the ship. My partner was HT 2 (sw) Santos Olivares. That why became DC1(sw) Kevyn Thompson. That is why can answer most of the Questions about BB-62. I also served with Adam Mike Mullin when he was a CMR CO of the USS Goldsburough DDG 20. I also commissioned LSD 49 the Harpers Ferry and qualified fire marshal. I started my career at subbase pearl. Working with nuc subs. 578 class and 637/688 class boats .

[coyote]

What does it take? Stress, loss of sleep, and a shitload of caffeine.

My progression was:
OOD I/P
Basic/ Advanced DC
Locker Officer
CONN
JOOD
Small Boat O
SWO Eng (gas turbine)
CICWO
OOD
SWO

My OOD went through the 2nd tours, then the DH, and then the DH, XO, and CO.

My SWO board was DH, the round two with the DH, XO, and CO.

[michaelmitchell]

Ryan hope you gonna be at our gathering in Charleston SC.
Last night I booked my room for 5 nights.
It will be honor to meet you in person this time.

[glocke]

My first year aboard I qualified for a Surface Warfare Messcook pin.

[dknight]

Another great video from the battleship. Keep it up

[leafalsa]

I leave for SWO training tomorrow... how timely

[vrod]

The “TARGET DESIGNATOR “ … Yes, I said that out loud. - a proud SS designated sailor.

[stevensmith]

I will be applying this year in hopes to be amongst the great SWO community.

[Blackcloud_Garage]

In the Army, after flight school I showed up to my first unit proudly wearing my Aviator wings and was promptly told "we don't wear those here, take them off". Oh well. Ha.😅

[wfoj]

exceptional question of the day! What if any ship is design based on. I say NOT Spruance - I believe perhaps design made before Spruance widely in service. Not Knox- IMHO - Danford anchors there - insignia looks like Navy Stockless anchors- and one each side- not one on bullnose (as Spruance had). Knox's mack squarer that what is there above bridge. What about an Adams class - bow high rise forward of gun - angle above to match the tripod mast at forward stack. Or is it just plain a generic design. No weapons directly shown, a single radar up high.

[ezzz]

Wow. Have seen videos in a while. Surprised how zany ryans beard looks 🤣

[dshogan]

Those who cant fly SWO, those who cant handle that stress go deep :))

[IMDunn-oycd]

The ability to use a variety of personality disorders as a substitute for leadership is helpful.