US Navy? Mystery gentleman with distinctive arm badge

[cowboysmate]

Hello
Could anyone please identify this gentleman's area of service and what the arm badge tells us?

He served in Britain, possibly London, as he was known to one of my ancestors, however we know next to nothing about him and would like to find out more.

The photograph was taken in either Tampa or St. Petersburg, according to stamps on the reverse, but no date shown.

Thankyou for any guidance.

A merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you all.

[josey]

Am no expert but thought the middle logo looked like signal flags, so did an internet search on US signalman's badge & up it comes!!

Am sure an expert will come along with the medals [from the ribbons]  more info.

[philipsearching]

http://www.uniforms-4u.com/p-us-navy-signalman-sm-rating-badge-17957.aspx

gives some information.  He was a signalman in the U.S.Navy.

Philip

(ADDED - josey beat me to it!)

[cowboysmate]

Very quick replies! ...

We thought they were crossed axes, but the signalman's badges show crossed flags - c.p.o.?
Wonder where they were stationed in England??
 
Thank you v much

[MaxD]

His rate badge is indeed Chief Petty Officer but I'd agree with your view of the branch badge as crossed axes (carpenters mate).  The signals badge has a square dark center to each flag.

Compare:
https://www.uniform-reference.net/insignia/usn/usn_ww2_enl_artificer.html - carpenters mate -
https://www.uniform-reference.net/insignia/usn/usn_ww2_enl_seaman.html - signalman

MaxD

[josey]

Spot on as ever, Max....

[cowboysmate]

Thank you for your replies.  My father's family were Royal Navy men, so this is of great interest to me. 
My ancestor was a teacher in London during WW2, and said she met this gentleman there. 

Don't know about the medal ribbons, could this give an indication of his length of service and theatres he was serving in?

On the reverse of the photograph is a serial number, will see what I can glean about that, too.  It may just be a photo reference, but will try......

Thanks so much for your interest.

Regards.

[MaxD]

US military medals and awards are worthy of a Mastermind specialist subject.  Unlike British medals/ribbons which recognise gallantry and campaigns served in, the US military wear, in addition,  award medals/ribbons for personal achievement in a number of areas which with us are simply recorded on a man's record.
This gives the picture, the lack of colour on the photo won't help!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awards_and_decorations_of_the_United_States_Armed_Forces

MaxD

[cowboysmate]

Thank you for your reply, and having looked at your web link, I see just what you mean!

The notes on the reverse of the photo yielded nothing of value, as the photo studio went out of business some years ago.  I think I will have to close my enquiries about this officer - he wasn't a relative, but it has been an interesting little project for me.

If I could, I would have liked to thank this gentleman for his service during the war, and can only hope that he returned to his family safe and sound.  He looked like a nice guy.

A happy New Year to you all, and indeed to everyone on Rootschat.

Best regards.