Subject: SMML VOL 2461 Date: Tue, 23 Mar 2004 01:06:46 +1100 SMML is proudly sponsored by SANDLE http//sandlehobbies.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1 Re What's an SO2? 2 Info on 1945 USN "Bobtailcruiser" 3 SO = Sonarman ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From AAA Hobby Supply <aaahobby@bellsouth.net> Subject Re What's an SO2? >> I'm working on a 1950's Fletcher for a friend. His father was an "SO2" thereon during 1955-1957. A quick look found this listing of current rates http//usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/navyjobs/blnavyjobs.htm but I don't see "SO" in there. (I know, or think I know, that the "2" means "PO 2nd class", right?) << SO2 would be Sonarman, 2nd class. The older desgination for the rate was SoM for Soundman. During the war and immediately after there were special divisions in the rate for Harbor Defense. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From JRKutina@webtv.net (John Kutina) Subject Info on 1945 USN "Bobtailcruiser" I believe this ship was made at the end of WW II. Lindbergh made a 168 scale model several years ago. Do you have any information on this ship? Thank you. Regards, John Kutina ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From Joel Labow <jmj.labow@verizon.net> Subject SO = Sonarman >> I'm working on a 1950's Fletcher for a friend. His father was an "SO2" thereon during 1955-1957. A quick look found this listing of current rates http//usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/navyjobs/blnavyjobs.htm but I don't see "SO" in there. (I know, or think I know, that the "2" means "PO 2nd class", right?) I'm planning a brass plaque with his rate, and although it's just going to say SO2, I want to know... << Allan, According to my 1950 Bluejacket's Manual 'SO' stood for Sonarman. At some point between 1950 and 1966 when I entered active duty the rate abbreviation was changed to ST (= Sonar Technician) and was further subdivided into STG (= Sonar Technician, Surface Ship), STS (= Sonar Technician, Submarine) and STO (= Sonar Technician, Ocean Survey a.k.a. SOSUS). I believe that everything has recently been folded back into the ST rating. Best regards, Joel Labow Captain, USN (ret) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Check out the SMML site for the List Rules, Backissues, Member's models & reference pictures at http//smmlonline.com Check out the APMA site for an index of ship articles in the Reference section at http//apma.org.au/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume