Dont need the ego boost. Just had a childhood dream of havingmy own ship some day like I imagine most people on here have had at one time or another whether they want to admit it or not. I had just always assumed that was the highest position on the boat and being someone who has always tried to do my best I planned on shooting for the highest spot I could in my career. Aside from just a few months I have spent all my time at sea with the Navy so I am still learning. I cant imagine I would like any job more than engineering but if there were one it would have to be the boss. I am really surprised that anyone would be surprised by a young guys desire to be the skipper some day. And as to your question… “what kind of chief engineer are you?”… I’m a long long way from that. I am simply a former Navy engineman converted to QMED. I’m a refrigeration genious if I do say so myself and not bad when you put me on the diesels but a CE I am not(yet). I can tell you I am NOT heartbroken by the fact I may never be the skipper and will have more pride in myself than I will ever need the day I make CE. I just wanted to know what I should be shooting for. Thats all