Donald M. Barth: S2 U.S. Navy (World War II), served on the U.S.S. Block Island
Seaman S2 perform entry-level duties while gaining experience and training in their chosen occupational specialty, known as a rating. The specific title and insignia depend on the sailor’s community:
Seaman Apprentice (S2/SA): General deck and administrative duties, white stripes on uniforms.
The S2 rank originated as Seaman Second Class, part of a three-tiered system for seamen dating back to the 18th-century Royal Navy. It was historically preceded by Apprentice Seaman (S3) and followed by Seaman First Class (S1). After completing basic training, sailors were typically promoted from Seaman Recruit to S2/Seaman Apprentice, often within nine months, unless disciplinary issues delayed advancement. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seaman_apprentice
