Posted: 2/19/2005 2:42:09 PM EDT
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I was one of only 3 Gunners mates on my ship. I was on a Tender that serviced subs and destroyers. Most tenders specialized in either or, but since the Navy was short on destoyer tenders at the time, we pulled double duty. As mentioned above, there were only three Gunners mates on board and we focused on small arms only. M14, 1911, M79 and M60 primarily. There were, at my best estimate; 25-30 Marines on board my ship and we worked hand in hand. Our job for the most part was security during weapons transfers. Cruise missiles, FBM's, Nukes etc. We spent countless hours in patrol boats running up and down the local water ways of where ever we happened to be that day, week or month. The patrol crew consisted of 2 Marines, one Gunners mate, a Boatswains mate and a boat pilot. The patrols ran 24-7 during all transfers.  The upside. I personally went through more ammo in four years than most shooters go through in a life time.  Being only three of us, we had to practice, practice, practice. I miss my M14 (Martha).Saw many, many different countries and cut through both canals. Went from Pollywog to Shellback and lived to tell the tale. I found these in the attic today. I thought they were long gone. CIRCA 1980-1984 Shooting M79 at 50 gallon drums and full garbage bags. Pure fun!  Shooting M60 at 50 gallon drums and full garbage bags.  |
We're still issued M-14's and we still have M-79's. Great pics BTW. I'm an M-60 gunner for my ship's security force, not a GM though. 
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Still no M16's at all, right? |
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When I was a squid back in the dark ages ('84 - '91) we were issued M14s. I was on a repel boarder's team on a research ship. I was issued an M14, 280 rds, bayonet, Viet Nam era steel pot and flak jacket. Never ever fired the M-14, and never qualified on it. Every US port we pulled into wouldn't let us shoot on their range. I think the Jarheads had caliber envy. Had our Gunner's mate wannabe (An ET3) show me how to load it and disengage the safety. Thought the whole thing sucked. Would have been much happier with a shotgun or a .45. Too many steel bulkheads to use something like an M14 below decks. hug.gifp.s. Cool pics!! |
M14 within the ships skin is a big no no.
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_______________________________________________ Quoted: When I was a squid back in the dark ages ('84 - '91) we were issued M14s. I was on a repel boarder's team on a research ship. I was issued an M14, 280 rds, bayonet, Viet Nam era steel pot and flak jacket. Never ever fired the M-14, and never qualified on it. Every US port we pulled into wouldn't let us shoot on their range. I think the Jarheads had caliber envy. Had our Gunner's mate wannabe (An ET3) show me how to load it and disengage the safety. Thought the whole thing sucked. Would have been much happier with a shotgun or a .45. Too many steel bulkheads to use something like an M14 below decks. p.s. Cool pics!! ________________________________________________ M14 within the ships skin is a big no no. hat I have always been glad we were never boarded. We went thru some places where there were pirates, and our ship was a converted freighter, obviously not a warship. We figured pirates would be our biggest threat since we spent most of our time in blue water. |