If you are a Navy snipe, then August is your month. That’s because on Aug. 31, 1842, the first enlisted engineering ratings — fireman and coal heaver — were created. Steam technology was in its early days at sea when the Navy built it’s second steam ship, the Fulton II, in 1837. And sailors would be needed to operate and maintain the boilers. To man these new ships, Congress passed a law on on Aug. 31, 1842, establishing the two ratings. Those already skilled in steam and machinery skills would be enlisted as firemen. Those with no skills could join…