There were 2 categories of gas turbine system technicians in the U.S. Navy: electrical and mechanical. Their responsibilities included operating, repairing and performing organizational and intermediate maintenance on mechanical components of gas turbine engines, main propulsion machinery, and propulsion control systems.
Gas turbine system technicians electrical (GSE) were in charge of operating electric plant main and propulsion control equipment, identifying circuit failures and replacing the defective parts, measuring current, voltage, and resistance, testing for shorts, grounds, and continuity, as well as servicing and replacing batteries, performing preventive maintenance on digital data equipment, controlling and monitoring circuits, measuring insulation resistance and repairing electrical and electronic cables, wiring and connectors. They would interpret blueprints and charts and conduct administrative procedures concerning gas turbine propulsion system operation and maintenance.
Gas turbine system technicians mechanical (GSM) were responsible for operating electric plant control and main propulsion equipment, pumps, turning gears, air compressors, oil purification systems, low-pressure air dehydrators, and engineering control systems. They also read blueprints and charts to maintain and repair gas turbine engines and auxiliary equipment. Other duties of gas turbine system technicians mechanical included performing preventive maintenance on the ship's fuel system and air system, seawater service system, waste drain system, oil purification system and manually operated valves.
Relevant job titles
- gas turbine mechanical system maintainer
- gas turbine mechanical system technician
- gas turbine systems technician mechanical
- supervisor of mechanics and repairers
