Sonar technician

Sonar technician (abbreviated as ST) is a United States Navy occupational rating.

STs are responsible for underwater surveillance. They assist in safe navigation and aid in search, rescue and attack operations. They operate and repair sonar equipment. STs track underwater threats and send tracks to fire control (antisubmarine warfare controlling station) operator (ASWCS) for further evaluation and or destruction.

Sonar technicians are separated into two categories, STG (sonar technician surface) who are on surface ships and STS (sonar technician submarine) who operate on submarines.

Sonar technicians are often referred to as "ping jockeys" on board vessels, after the sound of active sonar.

History

 * Established 1942:
 * SoM - soundman
 * SoMH - soundman (harbor defense)
 * 1943-1964:
 * SO - sonarman
 * SOG - sonarman (sonar)
 * SOH - sonarman (harbor defense)
 * 1964–present:
 * ST - sonar technician
 * STG -	sonar technician (surface)
 * STS -	sonar technician (submarine)

Sonar technician (surface)
Sonar technicians, surface operate (manipulate, control, evaluate, and interpret data) surface sonar and other oceanographic systems; operate surface ship underwater fire control systems (with associated equipment) for the solution of antisubmarine warfare problems, operate underwater communications, torpedo countermeasure equipment, depth finders for navigation, collect and disseminate bathythermograph data, calculate optimum performance; perform organizational and intermediate maintenance on surface sonar and allied equipment.

Sonar technician (submarine)
Sonar technicians, submarine operate (control, evaluate, and interpret data) submarine sonar, oceanographic equipment, and submarine auxiliary sonar; coordinate submarine sonar and underwater interface; perform organizational and intermediate maintenance on submarine and allied equipment.