History of the Gunner’s Mates

Despite the tragic loss of their rate on September 29, 2016, the history of Gunner’s Mates was long and storied. They were one of the first rates in the Navy, established in 1775 with the Continental Navy, along with Boatswain’s Mates and Quartermasters.

The history of Gunner’s Mates began officially in the United States in 1794 with the formal establishment of the US Navy. Masters of cannon, shot, and small arms and ammunition. They are, were, and have been the thing that separates a “ship” from a “warship.

Today, Gunner’s Mates are trained in Great Lakes, IL. The Gunnery School, built in March 1954, was designed by Bruce Graham, the same architect who helped design the Sears Tower and John Hancock center. At the time, it was said to be the largest all-glass structure in the world, and earned the nickname “Cathedral of the Cold War.”

US Navy Gunnery School, Great Lakes, IL

Gunner’s Mates are experts at all things weaponry-related. They maintain, control and operate almost all weapons systems onboard, from rifles and shotguns to vertical launching systems (missiles) and torpedoes, and of course, the 5-inch cannon. To put it simply: if it puts holes in stuff or makes stuff blow up, it’s the responsibility of the Gunner’s Mates. If that’s not absurdly badass, then we have no idea what’s badass.

Until September 29, 2016, the history of Gunner’s Mates held strong. Then, in one fell swoop, MCPON Stevens, in an effort to get the rates to reflect the diversity of the Navy (read: politically correct), the Gunner’s Mate was no more. I don’t know about you guys, but I’m still going to be referring to my B320 brothers as “Guns.”

Boom.

Join Navy Crow in celebrating the history of Gunner’s Mates with the US Navy Gunner’s Mate Coin! Sure to please any GM past or present, it makes an excellent holiday gift or momento! Find it here.