Page 156 - NAVAL SCIENCE 3 TEXTBOOK

162 NAVAL SKILLS

Quartermaster of the watch (QMOW). When assigned, the QMOW Side boys must be smart in appearance and grooming, with
will maintain the deck log, handle absentee pennants of the CO polished shoes and immaculate uniforms. Enlisted women may be
and any embarked officials, check anchor and aircraft warning detailed to this dut)" but the)' are still called "side bo)'s."
lights, hail boats, and assist with the rendering of honors. He or Duty master-at-arms (MAA). The dut), MAA is a watch of the
she takes bearings when at anchor, and takes temperature and executive department. This person is a regular member of the
barometer readings eveq' hOLlL If a QMO\·" is not assigned, these lvlAA force who stands duty under the direction of the XO. He or
duties will be carried out by the POO\·V, the messenger, and the she also performs the duties of the sergeant of the guard in ships
duty quartermaster in the navigation division. without Nlarines. In this job, the duty ~\'l AA is responsible for brig
Anchor watch. \Vhen the ship is at anchor, this watch is posted sentries and orderlies.
ncar the ground tackle (pronounced tay-cul; the anchor and
anchor chain and associated equipment). He or she keeps a con-
Watches Ashore
tinuous w,Hch on the anchor chain to check the strain and how the
chain is tending. The anchor watch talks by sound-powered phone All major naval stations and bases, like ships, have watches that
to the QMOW and the OOD. Special alertness is called for if the are stood by officers and enlisted personnel assigned to duty there.
ship is moored to a buo)', since the buoy may drag. However, with the exception of forward bases supporting oper-
Slde boys. \·Vhen high-ranking officials are expected to arrive ations in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, the pace of activity
or depart on official visits to the ship, side boys are mustered, ashore is usually 110t as fast as that on board ship, so watch and
inspected, and instructed in their duties by the POO\'\'. They arc duty assignments are usually not so frequent, except during special
stationed on either side of the quarterdeck to render honors to the exercises or times of increased readiness.
arriving or departing officials. \"'hen the POO\·V pipes the side Because they are not so often stood, nor as demanding as most
on the boatswain's pipe, two to eight side boys, depending on the shipboard watches, most shore station watches are longer than
rank of the honored officer, will form a passageway to or from the those on board ship, usually eight or twelve hours duration. On
brow. They salute on the first note of the pipe and drop their salute occasion, especially during evening hours and on weekends, duty
together on the last note.

Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter passes through side boys during a ship visit. (Daniel Vi ramontes).