712X Operations Technician (Surface) CWO

The US Navy’s Operations Technician (Surface) CWO (712x) is a technical specialist in the operation, employment, and application of techniques, equipment, systems, and procedures in operations and communications. They supervise and train staff in the operation and maintenance of operations and communications equipment and systems.

The US Navy selects Operations Technicians from Sailors in the paygrades of E7 to E9 in three ratings: Sonar Technician (Surface) Operations Specialist Cryptologic Technician (Tactical)

The officer designator for Operations Technicians was changed to 712x after the revamping of the CWO and LDO programs in the mid-1970s. By 2011, there were just two source ratings: Operations Specialist (OS) and Sonar Technician Surface (STG).

Navy CWOs are commissioned officers of the line or staff corps. They possess the authority and are qualified by extensive experience and knowledge to direct the most difficult and exacting operations within a given occupational specialty.