What’s the Deal With That Whistle?

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class John McGovern | MANAMA, BAHRAIN (Oct. 27, 2021) A Master Helmsman hat and bosun’s pipe in the bridge of the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), Oct. 27. Essex and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John McGovern)  

ARABIAN GULF

11.02.2021

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class John McGovern 

USS Essex (LHD 2)

The Boatswain’s call, bosun’s whistle, or as Boatswain’s Mates call it - a pipe, goes by many names and was heavily used in naval past.

“The pipe was historically used to communicate on any deck in open weather,” said Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Ryan McWilliams. “The shrill call could be heard clearly no matter the winds or weather.”

Historically, the pipe was used to pass commands to the crew in conditions that would make it difficult to hear the human voice.

“For Sailors in the past, there was no use of the 1MC [1 Main Circuit],” said Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Dwight Bailey. “The pipe could be used to communicate to the crew and other ships to let them know what the ship was doing.”

The use of electronic communication services on all Naval vessels, besides maybe the USS Constitution, have meant a major decrease in usage of the Boatswain’s pipe over the years. Commands may use it occasionally, but what was conveyed through high-pitched piping and rattles has been replaced with worded intercom announcements.

Because of its roots in maritime tradition, it still sees usage in certain events.

“Now the pipe is used in ceremonies, piping on officials, or piping off Sailors who might be leaving a command,” added Bailey. “Even in our department, when a Sailor leaves, we have a tradition of piping them ashore to show respect.”

Now that the use of the bosun’s pipe has fallen out of necessity with the use of electronic communication, McWilliams believes that being able to use it pays tribute to the past.

“I think it’s cool to be doing something that is steeped so heavily in naval tradition,” said McWilliams. “Not many commands do it, so I’m glad to be in a command that does. It makes you feel like an actual Sailor.”

Similarly, Bailey believes that being able to use the pipe that has been in use for over 500 years helps put him in perspective of his role in the Navy.

“Day-to-day you just think of it as a tool or instrument that you have,” said Bailey. “When you stop to think about the years of tradition behind it, you start to appreciate it a little bit more. It’s cool to be a part of that.”

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• Date Taken: 11.02.2021
• Date Posted: 11.02.2021 14:04
• Story ID: 408530
• Location: ARABIAN GULF