Bearings on the future

All Hands, March, 2006 by Todd Frantom

Quartermaster Seaman Chris Markette joined the Navy to see the world and mature. He got more than he bargained for. Less than a year after becoming a Sailor, Markette found himself peering over the smoky horizon of the Persian Gulf at an approaching threat to his Coastal Patrol boat USS Sirocco (PC 6). And, never did he imagine that he would be firing a shotgun, warning that craft of imminent danger.

"The small merchant ship cut fight behind our position and the captain had just given the order to shoot a round of birdshot into the air," said Markette. "My heart started racing, at that yew moment I realized how important my job as lookout was regardless of my rank."

Normally, a naval quartermaster is responsible for the watch-to-watch navigation of the ship, under the direction of the navigator. In addition to his normal duties on the bridge, it is Markette's responsibility to take into account all vessels in the immediate area. This comes from being a "hybrid" Sailor--one who is cross-trained in other jobs outside the scope of their traditional rating.

"I think the coolest part about my job is always knowing where we are going," Markette said.

"I also get to work directly with officers and the upper chain of command. Because of this, I get a lot of hands-on training and mentoring. I believe I am one step ahead of most Sailors in any rate."

So while you sleep, all cozy in your rack, you can bet your life that there is a tenacious shipmate peering over the horizon, a Sailor with bearings on the future.

Story and photo by PH2 Todd Frantom

Frantom is a photojournalist assigned to All Hands.