BMCS Brian P. Walsh

History of “The Boatswain”

The early Boatswain was appointed Warrant, and was among the most important men on board ship. He was usually a grizzled old salt who wasn't timid about giving orders and it never occurred to him that they wouldn't be obeyed. He was assisted by his mates, or Boatswain's Mates, and though it was unlikely that he was unrecognizable, he nevertheless carried a silver Bosn’s pipe and rattan cane that identified his position. His pipe was the sailing ship's PA system. It could be heard 120 feet up in the rigging and in the deepest and darkest hold. His cane was an instrument of persuasion which it was said, cured more scurvy than the doctor, made cripples take up their beds and walk, and made the lame skip and run up the shrouds like monkeys...

As you know, the Boatswain's Mate play an extremely important role in replenishment at sea in today's Navy. However, transfer-at-sea methods were actually used as early as 1804. During the war with Tripoli, for example, the ketch Intrepid transferred a cargo of fresh provisions to USS Constitution, which was engaged in enforcing a continental blockade of the port of Tripoli. This cargo included four bullocks, one calf, 13 pigs, 300 pounds of hay, two baskets of peas, and three casks of old Hock. This maneuver was the springboard for the modern, mobile logistical support now provided through underway replenishment that enables the fleet to remain at sea almost indefinitely.

Not all ratings of this early era have retained their identity, because the majority of our ratings today resulted from later technical developments. While jobs and duties have changed, the rating titles of Boatswain's Mates, Quartermasters and Gunner's Mates have remained the same since the American Revolution.

BMCS Brian P. Walsh’s 23-year Navy service began when he enlisted in the Delayed Entry Program on 06 Nov 81. He completed Boot Camp at RTC Orlando and was then assigned to the USS Josephus Daniels (CG-27). While serving onboard the “Joey D”, he qualified as coxswain, UNREP Specialist, Master Helmsman, LSE, 3-M Coordinator and Fire Party / Security Alert Team member. He left active duty as a BM2 in March 1986.

In September of 1986, BMCS Walsh joined the U.S. Navy Reserves as a BM2 and was assigned to Navy Cargo Handling Battalion Six (CHB-6). CHB-6 drilled out of the Navy and Marine Corps Reserve Center, Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY. He qualified as Crane Operator, Hatch Captain, Technical Supervisor and Safety Officer for cargo operations onboard MPS ships.

Following selection to BMC, Senior Chief Walsh served as the President of the Brooklyn NRC's Chief Petty Officer 's Association. BMC was activated in support of recovery efforts for TWA Flight 800. After being selected to BMCS, he served as the Command Senior Chief prior to CHB6 relocated to Orange, Texas.

In September 1999, BMCS Walsh reported aboard Cargo Afloat Rig Team B104, attached toNavy Reserve Center Earle, New Jersey. He served as Safety Officer for underway replenishments onboard MARAD ships and also as the Senior Enlisted Advisor for the unit. BMCS Walsh was also the Navy Reserve Center Earle Selected Reserve Senior Enlisted Advisor. BMCS Walsh was activated during Operation Iraqi Freedom and served onboard the SS Cape Johnson.

BMCS Walsh and his wife have two sons Joseph and James. He is employed by the N.Y.C. Department of Transportation, Staten Island Ferry as the ISM Safety Management System's Safety Manager and Designated Person. He holds a USCG Merchant Marine Mate License.

BMCS Walsh remains active in the Navy Community as a volunteer for 1Navy.com as a Boatswain's Mate subject matter resource and maintains his own Bosun-M8 website and NKO Boatswain's Mate Portal Page.

BMCS Walsh is a member of the American Legion Gold Star Post. He is also a member of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Travis, Staten Island, NY.

As we all know, protection of the freedoms we hold near and dear sometimes means the loss of life in that effort....

It is the American Serviceman, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the American Serviceman, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the American Serviceman, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the American Serviceman, not the lawyer, who has given us a right to a fair trial.
It is the American Serviceman, who salutes the flag, who serves under the flag, And whose coffin is draped by the flag.

Please remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in protection of these freedoms so that we all could be here today....

I know that any achievement and accomplishment that I have been blessed to experience has been made possible through the grace of God and the support of all the family, friends and shipmates who have helped me.

THANK YOU ALL!