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Apache Runner, I'm retired.  Last work was as a research engineer, dabbling in 
theoretical fluid dynamics as related to heat transfer in advanced power 
systems, in the electric power industry.  Build sets of non-linear partial 
differential equations, attempt a solution, then build and test heat 
exchangers in pilot plants ranging from two to six stories tall.  Perhaps 
$10-30K per data point, depending on the experiment.  In terms of stress the 
experiments were orders of magnitude lower than my sea duty.

My time was on the "tin cans," Adams class destoyer and Knox class frigate.  
Commanding Officer (CO) tour of duty was 16-18 months, and that was about all 
they could take.  At sea a good day for them was two hours of uninterrupted 
sleep - in peacetime.  It's amazing that there weren't more "major screw-ups" 
on these brakeless vehicles, loaded with fuel and explosives, and operated by 
people with an average age of about 22.  The CO tries to do it all, can't, 
then has to depend on the kids.  I didn't "see" the CO's stress as a division 
officer, but I did as a department head.  A job very few people can do.

Thankfully the kids were trained by folks like Master Chief Franklin.  My 
first Navy navigation instructor was a senior chief with a mere 32 years of 
experience (chiefs are the top three enlisted ranks: chief, senior chief, 
master chief).  Master Chief Franklin probably made the top rank 6-8 years 
ahead of his peers - he'll confirm if he wants to.  We're lucky to have him 
contributing.

Joe

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