A 1^st Class Petty Officer becomes EOOW qualified

In the Engineering Department on board Independence, the highest watch standing station is Engineering Officer of the Watch.

Few enlisted "blue shirts" have achieved this watch station, however Machinist Mate 1st Class (SW) Patrick Sullivan, a native of Country Club Hills, Ill., recently completed his qualifying boards and now stands the EOOW watch. Currently, only two Chief Petty Officers stand this watch — all others are officers.

According to Sullivan, the EOOW is responsible for the engineering spaces, casualty control and ensuring the catapults have steam to launch aircraft. The EOOW is also overall in charge of the engineering watch standers.

Before an enlisted Sailor can become an EOOW, they must be qualified as Boiler Technician of the Watch or a Machinist Mate of the Watch. They also have to be Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualified.

"It took me over six months of training to become qualified," Sullivan said. "It was hard work but it’s worth it."

MM1(SW) Patrick Sullivan stands the Engineering Officer of the Watch. Photo by: JO3 Jason Moore

During these six months, Sullivan perfected his knowledge in the intricate details of the engineering spaces and electrical systems.

At the board, the Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, Chief Engineer, and three EOOWs asked 150 questions in an hour.

"It was more difficult than my Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist Board," Sullivan said.

With this EOOW qualification, Sullivan hopes to make Chief Petty Officer during the next exam cycle. He’s also considering pursuing the Limited Duty Officer program.