 Since there have been ships, there have been sailors. Responsible for chains, lines, and the deck itself are Bosen's mates. I don't want to say we're underappreciated, but we do a lot of dirty work getting up early, leaving the ship late. No, I wouldn't change anything. I think I joined the best straight. Bosen's mate role can be traced back as far as the year 1040 in Great Britain's Royal Navy. The U.S. Navy officially established Bosen's mate in the Naval Act of 1794. I take a lot of pride in that. Being a boat's mate, they always say you're born to be a boat's mate, so I love being a boat's mate. Petty Officer Christina Coffey, Fleet Activities, Sasebo, Japan.