[gherlein]

I was a Reactor Operator (RO) on SSN-687, the last boat before the LA class. Back when dinosaurs still lived and all. Our EOs were super smart too, but the ROs had an astounding amount of ability to troubleshoot and fix things. In those days you had to be able to repair at the component level - underway. But our MMs were amazing including being able to weld while hanging upside down in a bilge - Dave Blackshear I'm talking about you. Since then I've done startups, co-founded startups, done development and management, including VP Eng at both startups and large companies. I've never found the camaraderie and level of trust I had on the boat. It's come close a few times. Submariners are a special breed, and most of the joking stereotyping in the article are true (enough). Flat out, if you earned your dolphins (qualified in submarines) then you are my brother or sister.