Philippine Sea. (January 29, 2024): Back when folks worked on their own cars, the “shade tree” mechanics would often boast about the size of the engines they have tackled. Nothing compares, however, to the size and complexity of the mighty turbines that power today’s Navy. In this photo by MC1 Ryre Arciaga, Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Electrical) 2nd Class Alyssa Bruce, from Powhatan, Virginia, regulates generator voltage using the electrical plant control console aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey. Gas Turbine Systems Technician – Electrical oversees the operation and maintenance of enormous gas turbine engines and other propulsion systems on a ship.
These highly trained technicians must know everything from operating electrical plants to repairing wiring and circuitry, all under the demanding pressure of a warship at sea. They operate the ships electric plant and perform many of the duties one expects from the local power company. They test circuits, batteries, connectors, and circuitry and repair and maintain all digital data equipment associated with the engines.
They are also responsible for repairing electrical cables, alarms, indicators, and warning systems on both the turbines and auxiliary engines such as generators.
As you can imagine, demand for these professionals when they leave the Navy is very strong. Experienced turbine engine technicians are in great demand as power plant operators, industrial machinery mechanics, and as electricians in the power generation industry.
To become a Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Electrical), a recruit must complete Basic Training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois, followed by the ten-week Basic Engineering Common Core or “A” School. Next, Sailors are sent to GSE Strand Technical School (16 weeks) to learn gas turbine engine operations, propulsion theory, digital logic control systems, and electromechanical devices. It is during this phase that recruits receive training in the instruments and safety precautions they will use aboard ship. These electrical experts may be assigned to a fleet at sea (very likely) or they may be stationed on shore for short periods.