I've always been interested in fixing small diesel/gas engines. I thought being the guy who fixes the emergency power supply might be "interesting" after an earthquake or wind storm.
You could join the navy (or coast guard) as a machinist mate. They are responsible for operating and repairing all machinery on a ship or submarine involving auxiliary and propulsion systems.
Your stated interests are more line with an auxiliary machinist mate.
Propulsion systems work with the power plant whether it is nuclear, steam boiler, or steam turbine. Either way, the purpose is to create superheated steam that spins the turbines for both electrical generation and for turning the propulsion gears. Then there is water purification and distillation, heat exchangers, and pumps.
Auxiliary systems work with large diesel engines for either electrical generation or propulsion. High pressure air compressors, refrigeration (R12), air conditioning (R114), hydraulics, and more pumps.
Submarine auxiliary systems additionally work with oxygen generation, CO2 removal, and CO removal.
The engineering department on a ship is the most respected because they are the hardest working and most knowledgeable of the ship's systems. After that, you may choose to stay in for a solid career or get out and use the GI Bill and any state veteran's assistance to pay for school. Some states, like the state of illinois and texas, will pay for 4 years of tuition at a state school for veterans who depart for the military from the MEPS within that state and return to the state within 6 months of their honorable discharge.
A career would bring you into the senior enlisted ranks, possibly Master Chief, warrant officer, or even a mustang line officer that could see you reach O3 - Lieutenant. My shipmates who stayed in the navy have reached Command Master Chiefs, warrant officers, and a couple reached Lieutenant. They are now near retirement and ready to relax.
While I completed my six years as a submarine machinist mate and got out, then let the GI Bill and state veteran's funds pay for my tuition through school to earn an engineering degree in computer science. While in the navy, most of the time was spent at sea or in preparation for going to sea. Some time was spent in the drydock for major overhauls. Then I visited Puerto Rico, the carribean islands, and the mediterranean sea.
Edit:
The only problem is the navy does not cross-train. You will learn either machinery operation and repair, or electrical operation and repair, but not both. The civilian world requires both skills.
Facebook
Twitter