Submarine Junior Officer

[jiller59]

I haven't been here in a while and thought I would post an update on our DS. After completing NROTC at University of Michigan, DS completed Nuclear Power School in Goose Creek SC, Prototype in Ballston Spa, NY and SOBC in Groton, CT. We have been fortunate to visit him in all locations!

We just returned from Groton (sneaked in a quick visit between Nor'easters), where he is stationed and serving on the USS Pittsburgh. It is amazing to me, after all the education he has received, that he still basically knows little about submarine operations. All previous learning was theory, now he is learning practical application. This is my naive interpretation, anyway.

He is working on qualifying now, and earning his dolphins, but it is a slow process with all of the other responsibilities everyone has. Check outs can be hard to come by. He has had additional Junior Officer schools to attend as well.

 

[rdc1649]

Awesome! My DS is just beginning the journey as a college programmer at State-U (boomer!) and hoping for a NROTC scholarship or appointment to USNA.
But, I assure you, your DS's time at Ballston Spa was way more than "theory"!! Those are real reactors they are standing watch over. Of course that's all the prime mover end, everything up front(ie. the we mean business end!) is missing in action at prototype. I had a chance at S8G once upon a time. Good luck to your DS!! Sounds very exciting!!

 

[jiller59]

Awesome! My DS is just beginning the journey as a college programmer at State-U (boomer!) and hoping for a NROTC scholarship or appointment to USNA.
But, I assure you, your DS's time at Ballston Spa was way more than "theory"!! Those are real reactors they are standing watch over. Of course that's all the prime mover end, everything up front(ie. the we mean business end!) is missing in action at prototype. I had a chance at S8G once upon a time. Good luck to your DS!! Sounds very exciting!!

It seems they do lots of "trainers" on different equipment than they have on their own boat. I am sure the training helps, but they still have to "re-train" on their actual equipment.

My best to your DS!

 

[5centsmom]

Super interesting path description. Thx for sharing!

 

[Amazed]

So cool! Can you shed some light on the UMich NROTC program, please?

 

[jiller59]

I apologize that I never replied to your question. Let me know if you would still like information about UMich NROTC.

 

[Amazed]

Lol...aw thank you! My DD ultimately decided on NROTC at MIT.

 

[NROTCdad]

Lol...aw thank you! My DD ultimately decided on NROTC at MIT.

My son is at BC.

 

[Amazed]

Lol...aw thank you! My DD ultimately decided on NROTC at MIT.

My son is at BC.

Wow...is he class of 2022?

 

[NROTCdad]

Yes. I’m sure they know each other.