Bataan Upholds Tradition in a Modern Environment

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

09.11.2023

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Jones 

USS Bataan (LHD 5)

Aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) announcements such as “reveille, reveille, all hands heave out, reveille, or breakfast for the crew,” are calls ship personnel might be accustomed to hearing on the ship's main circuit (1MC), the ship’s general announcing system, followed by a high pitch sequence of whistles when out to sea.
However, in accordance with Bataan's new instruction, LHD5INST 1601.3, these particular announcements will cease as the boatswain's mate of the watch (BMOW) are now only utilizing this form of communication from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Outside of these set times the announcement system will still be heard in case of emergencies and special evolutions, as it is still the most important internal communication circuit on the ship as the crew depends on the prompt and clear passing of the information it provides.
The new instructional changes comes in lieu of Bataan ensuring its commitment to the circadian rhythms of her Sailors and Marines that live onboard to acquire adequate rest, so they can continue the mission.
Events in the plan of the day (POD) are no longer expected to be announced as well, as the crew bear ownership in knowing what is occurring throughout the day.
“The 1MC will be used sparingly and for official announcements that are not prescribed in the POD,” said USS Bataan Commanding Officer Capt. Paul Burkhart. “The 1MC can be used to announce a change in the POD however, if an event is listed, the announcement must be approved by the officer of the deck (OOD) prior to being passed.”
Pre-dating the formation of the U.S. Navy, the BMOW has a long standing tradition of making calls and piping during certain hours.
“During my 10 years I remember getting woken up by reveille and a morning song being chosen by the BMOW and OOD,” said Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Cody Senters, departmental leading petty officer (LPO). “With a focus on balance between operational duties and crew rest, I think the new instruction is beneficial going forward. We’re forging new traditions and customs.”
While the role of a BMOW on the Bataan might have some new wrinkles, the qualification process will remain the same.
“Deck Department will still train and qualify BMOW’s to the customs and traditions of the Boatswain’s Mate rating,” said Master Chief Boatswain’s mate Clyde Squire, deck department leading chief petty officer. “The final step is an oral board with the ship’s bos’n and departmental LPO along with a demonstration of all the boatswain’s mate pipe calls. These traditions pre-date the U.S. Navy.”
The bells, whistles, and calls might not be as frequent, but the BM's are still practicing and operating to the traditions that came before them.
As the qualifications to become a BMOW are extensive and for BM's that have been in the U.S. Navy for quite some time, there is pride in the role of being a familiar voice amongst the ship.

• Date Taken: 09.11.2023
• Date Posted: 12.05.2023 05:01
• Story ID: 459022
• Location: U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY