Needle Gunning in the U.S. Navy: Routine Maintenance or Cruel Punishment?

Throughout my time stationed aboard Navy Destroyers from 1969 to 1973, I have personally used needle guns and paint chippers in ordnance storage lockers. These tools were utilized as part of routine preventative maintenance to combat rust and corrosion, which could negatively impact the functionality of the weapons. The outcome, however, was often a 10 VA disability check for tinnitus, a condition that can result from prolonged use of such high-noise machinery.

Wide-Spread Use and Pre-Duty Assignments

The use of needle guns and paint chippers extends beyond ordnance storage. In many cases, these tools are employed by every division within a ship to maintain the interior and exterior spaces they are responsible for. If a sailor is assigned extra duty due to a UCMJ infraction, they will most likely be expected to use these tools to complete their task. It's a common occurrence for paint chips and rust to become part of the sailor's daily attire, with even junior officers and Chiefs occasionally taking on the responsibility. This practice is not something to be overly concerned about, as it is simply a necessity for maintaining the ship's condition.

Lower Rank Enlisted Sailors

The job of needle gunning is often a part of the lower rank enlisted sailors' duties, particularly those with less glamorous responsibilities such as bilge diving or cleaning grease traps. Many non-rated personnel would prefer to engage in needle gunning than perform more menial tasks. Thus, the practice should not be seen as a form of punishment but rather as a shared responsibility.

Annual Repainting and Its Significance

The entire ship undergoes a complete repainting every year, meaning extensive needle gunning is required in most spaces. The needle gun is an effective tool for this task, surpassing alternatives like grinders or manual prep work with wire brushes or sandpaper. However, this process often feels like a form of punishment, intensified by the meticulous attention to detail demanded by bos'n mates during prepping and painting.

Chiefs and Extra Duty

If a sailor's Chief is unhappy with their performance, they may be subjected to more frequent needle gunning and other maintenance tasks. As part of extra duty, sailors are often assigned to Deck Division and tasked with the job of using the needle gun to prep and paint areas that have required extra attention. Furthermore, there is a Tiger Team, a collaborative effort from every division, dedicated to the stripping, needle gunning, and repainting of upper deck spaces. This ensures the seamless coordination and comprehensive maintenance of the ship.

Conclusion

The practice of needle gunning in the U.S. Navy is a mix of necessary maintenance and occasional punishment, depending on the context and the person's level of responsibility. While it may seem like a cruel job at times, it is a routine part of maintaining the ship and its equipment. It is not the end of the world, and the continuous repainting of the ship ensures that necessary upkeep is maintained. Therefore, sailors should embrace the task as a necessary part of the overall responsibilities and not despair.