Torpedoman's Mate (abbreviated as TM) is a United States Navy occupational rating. It was disestablished on submarines in 1995 and on surface ships on 1 October 2007. Surface torpedomen were merged into the gunner's mate rating, while submarine torpedomen were merged into the machinist's mate (non-nuclear) rating, becoming MM(W) or machinist mates (weapons).[1] It was re-established on 30 September 2019 via NAVADMIN 225/19. The TM rating badge will be the same one in use when the rating was disestablished in 1995.[2]
| Torpedoman's mate - merged into Gunner's Mate rating. | |
|---|---|
 Rating insignia | |
| Issued by | United States Navy |
| Type | Enlisted rating |
| Abbreviation | TM |
| Specialty | Weapons |
The re-establishment of the rate is in direct support of the Sailor 2025 and Rating Modernization initiative, which aim to empower Sailors and expand professional development opportunities.[3]
- Torpedomen perform organizational and intermediate level maintenance on underwater ordnance
- Handle torpedoes and antisubmarine rockets (ASROC) launched from surface ships, submarines, and aircraft, as well as missiles (Tomahawk/Harpoon), decoys, and countermeasures launched from submarines
- Originally loaded Polaris and Poseidon missiles aboard Fleet Ballistic Missile submarines; in port and underway, maintained and operated the missile launch tubes and their associated pneumatic/hydraulic/electrical systems. These functions have been taken over by Missile Technicians for the Trident missile.
- Operate and maintain test equipment, launching/firing systems, and stowage facilities associated with underwater ordnance
- Prepare underwater ordnance for launching, conduct postfire/post-run routines, and weapons performance evaluation procedures
- Maintain and operate the anchor on board submarines
- Maintain, issue, and conduct training for small arms and act as subject matter experts in force protection on board submarines[5]
References
edit- ^ "Torpedoman's Mate and Gunner's Mate Ratings Merge". Navy.mil. U.S. Navy. Retrieved 2010-10-14.
- ^ "'Man the Torpedoes!' Navy Announces Re-establishment of Torpedoman's Mate Rating". US Navy. Bangor, Washington. 30 September 2019. Retrieved 1 October 2019.
- ^ "NAVADMIN 225/19". U.S. Navy.
- ^ "Navy enlisted manpower and personnel classifications". Bureau of Naval Personnel. US Navy. Retrieved 2010-10-14.
- ^ "Nukes, Nubs and Coners: The Unique Social Hierarchy Aboard a Nuclear Submarine".
See also
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