Mass Communication Specialist (abbreviated as MC) is a United States Navy public affairs type rating. MCs practice human-centered design to develop creative communication solutions and align communication strategies and tactics to leadership's intent; conduct research and develop audience profiles; prepare, process, and print publications and media products; create sketches, storyboards, and graphics; design publications; produce still imagery, and written, audio, video, and multimedia information products; collect, analyze, and report media project and communication plan feedback and performance information; create media project plans; conduct community outreach, news media operations, leadership communication operations, and organizational communication operations; plan and direct communication campaigns and events and serve as communication advisors to commanders; and develop content strategies, create data stories, and ensure communication products and experiences are designed to enhance understanding and discoverability. MCs serve aboard ships, in expeditionary units and at shore commands in the United States and overseas. History The Navy MC rating was established on July 1, 2006, when the illustrator draftsman, journalist, lithographer and photographer's mate ratings merged. The merge of the four legacy ratings was announced by the Chief of Naval Operations in NAVADMIN 339/05. The legacy ratings were merged to improve efficiency, support optimal manning, and better align the rating with commercial industry practices. Predecessor ratings Illustrator draftsman (DM). The Draftsman rating was established in 1948 from the ratings of Carpenter's Mate (CB) (Draftsman), Electrician's Mate (CB) (Draftsman), Shipfitter (CS) (Mechanical Draftsmen), Specialist (X) (Engineering Draftsman), Specialist (X) (Topographic Draftsman), Specialist (X) (Cartographers), and Specialist (P) (Photogrammetry). The Draftsman rating was changed to Illustrator Draftsman in 1959. Journalist (JO). The Journalist rating was established in 1948 from the ratings of Specialist (X) (Journalists), Specialist (X) (Naval Correspondents), and Specialist (X) (Public Information). Lithographer (LI). The Lithographer rating was established in 1948 from the ratings of Specialist (P) (Photographic Specialists), Printer, Printer (L) (Lithographers), and Printer (M) (Offset Process). Photographer's mate (PH). The Photographer rating was established in 1921 and was changed to Photographer's Mate in 1942. Photographer's Mate split into Photographer's Mate and Aviation Photographer's Mate in 1948 and then combined as Photographer's Mate in 1952. Mass Communication Specialist career information Most Navy MCs are recruited into the rating; attend boot camp at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois; and report to the Defense Information School at Ft. Meade, Maryland for the six-month Basic Mass Communication Specialist Course. Depending on MC manning throughout the Fleet, Professional Apprentice Career