What's the role of a seaman in the Navy?

I'm considering enlisting right after high school and heard about the position of seaman in the Navy. What exactly does a seaman do, and what are the career prospects like? Would love some insights from anyone familiar with this role.

The naval position of a Seaman in the U.S. Navy is a naval rating that belongs to the Seaman Recruit (E-1) to Seaman (E-3) range. This rank is primarily involved in naval operations and procedures and performs tasks necessary for the operation of the ship or submarine.

A Seaman's duties could include various operations on the deck, repair and maintenance work, housekeeping chores, as a helmsman, or as a lookout. They are often involved in shipboard maintenance tasks and can be assigned to a variety of roles, like rescue and survival equipment maintenance or aiding in navigation.

Beyond this, Seamen may be tasked with specialties specific to different types of ships. For instance, on a surface ship, they might handle cables and lines, or work on the ship's deck equipment such as anchors and cranes. On aircraft carriers, Seamen might be involved in aviation-related tasks.

In terms of career trajectory, after their initial general training and experience as a Seaman, they have the opportunity to pursue more specific careers (or "Ratings") within the Navy. These can range from personnel administration roles to becoming Boatswain's Mates who maintain the exterior surfaces of ships, handle cargo, and operate small boats during a host of operations.

Remember, the role can be physically demanding and requires a commitment of multiple years, usually around four to six years. It's also important to note that, as with all military positions, being a Seaman in the Navy comes with potential risks, including the risk of deployments in combat zones. Therefore, it's not a decision to be taken lightly, and it's advised you continue your research and perhaps speak with a recruitment officer to fully understand the expectations and realities of this position.