| Sonar technician | |
|---|---|
 Rating insignia | |
| Issued by | United States Navy |
| Type | Enlisted rating |
| Abbreviation | ST |
| Specialty | Technical |
Sonar technician (abbr. : ST) is a United States Navy occupational rating.
STs are responsible for underwater surveillance. They assist in safe navigation and aid in search, rescue and attack operations. They operate and repair sonar equipment. STs track underwater threats and send tracks to fire control (antisubmarine warfare controlling station) operator (ASWCS) for further evaluation and or destruction.
Sonar technicians are separated into two categories, STG (sonar technician surface) who are on surface ships and STS (sonar technician submarine) who operate on submarines.
Sonar technicians are colloquially referred to[by whom?] as "ping jockeys" on board surface vessels, after the sound of active sonar. They are also referred to[by whom?] as "Shower Techs" on submarines, due to their habit of using all the potable water.