I'm Going to Wear My New Hat This Weekend
By Jim Bauer
@porwest (112876)
United States
July 2, 2025 7:39am CST
Not that being a Navy veteran has anything to do with the 4th of July, but I have a couple of Navy hats I like to wear. One that I wear, usually on Veteran's Day, is my USS Enterprise (CVN-65) "official" ship's hat (similar to what we would have worn in uniform aboard the ship when we were in our dungarees. I have my metal crow on that one.
I was looking for a new one since some of my other ones are wearing out, and this time I wanted to go for something that had my rank on it.
I was only ever a Petty Officer Third Class, but I was also only in for four years. I almost made E5 before I got out but missed it by "that much" even with the extra points added since I was ESWS qualified, which for anyone curious, just stands for "enlisted surface warfare specialist."
I am going to wear my new hat this weekend.
Because I did proudly serve, enjoy my Navy hats, and because I will be camping this weekend with my dad, a retired Senior Chief Petty Officer of 23 years.
12 people like this
11 responses
@Ineeddentures (34529)
•
3 Jul
@porwest
They should give them to people when they leave the service
1 person likes this
@porwest (112876)
• United States
3 Jul
@Ineeddentures That would be a good idea. But they don't really cost that much either. Besides. I got out in 1996. By now if they did give me one it'd be more than worn out and have to be replaced anyway.
1 person likes this
@abhi_bangal (7679)
• Ahmednagar, India
4 Jul
I never knew you were a navy officer Jim. I thought you were someone who is doing stock and writing all his life. You deserve kudos! Looks like you are a real multitasker!
1 person likes this
@abhi_bangal (7679)
• Ahmednagar, India
12 Aug
@porwest This feeling is just on another level. And only those who serve will understand how it feels.
1 person likes this
@Deepizzaguy (122162)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
7 Jul
Thank you for your service to our nation.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222417)
• United States
2 Jul
Thanks to you and your dad for your service. I like the hat.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222417)
• United States
3 Jul
@porwest You're very welcome. Are you having fun on your camping trip?
1 person likes this
@porwest (112876)
• United States
3 Jul
@LindaOHio Haven't left yet. We'll hit the road around 2 this afternoon.
1 person likes this
@Nakitakona (59987)
• Philippines
2 Jul
It looks smarty. I like that Navy cap you have.
1 person likes this
@Nakitakona (59987)
• Philippines
2 Jul
@porwest good buy. When I walk around I wear a cap biught by my youngest son.
1 person likes this
@porwest (112876)
• United States
2 Jul
@Nakitakona I probably have way too many hats. But I love wearing hats, so it works out even if I only have about 5 that I wear all the time. lol
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (44560)
• United States
2 Jul
I think your cap is wonderful and I would proudly wear it if I were you.
Last week Dale and I visited the Hickory Air Museum and he was able to go aboard a Navy P3 like he flew on when he was in the Navy back in the 60s. That was really cool, lots of good photos, but it was SOOO hot!
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (91115)
• United States
2 Jul
Thank you and your dad for your service. The men in my family were Navy guys with the exception of one uncle who was Army.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (128835)
• Gainesville, Florida
6 Jul
Love the hat! I didn't serve in the Navy, but my dad did, on the USS America (CVN-66). I wish I would have saved some of his old Navy hats.
1 person likes this
