In the beginning, GOD created enginemen, machinist mates, boiler technicians, electrician mates and other "non-technical" ratings that smelled liked bunker fuel and rarely caught a glimpse of sunlight. Then something wonderful happened. The Navy, driven by politics and evolution, decided to install gas turbines (almost a jet, far from a diesel, eons beyond boiler and steam turbine technology) on real floating, war-fighting machines. So it is written that in 1975 people like Roger Monroe commissioned the USS SPRUANCE and a new era "below decks" began. We became a "formal" rating in 1977, when some two-hundred enlisted and Chief Petty Officers from "other" ratings were authorized to convert to the GS, Gas Turbine Systems Technician rating, by having completed that world famous GS training pipeline at Service School Command, Great Lakes; what a long strange trip its been!

Now, over twenty years later some of the ships that we commissioned are scheduled to be de- commissioned, BUT the "old guard" of the GS rating is still going strong. Yes, we are sad to say that there are a few that are high-winding in heaven, but most are working in various technical positions and many are still very much involved in the gas turbine field. The people with the talent, training and tenacity that made the rating what it is today, are still serving only out of uniform and without the fear of another OPPE or LOE.

This web site is not designed to sell but to share. For those X-GS's seeking employment we offer a page to list your name and email address to those looking for help. We also offer employment agencys a means to communicate with those who served below decks on those SPRUANCE, TICONDEROGA, KIDD, PEGASUS and ARLEIGH BURKE class ships and have "crossed the brow in uniform" for the last time.

For those of you who want to keep up with the changes that enhance the 501-K17 you should check out Navy Gas Turbines by NAVSEA 03Z34E

Call, send us e-mail or drop a line! Stay in touch. And say thanks to Dave Wright GSCS-Ret for allowing us to use his web site to host the Navy Gas Turbine Page.

I will try and keep you informed if you keep me informed. I wish us all health and prosperity in 1998.

Respectfully,
Joe Fiorillo GSCM(SW) Ret.

Return to Welcome Page