United States Naval rate insignia with crossed rifles?

His name was Vaughn K Rogers Sr
Originally of Canton, NC

 

He told the family a story (now this is going through three family members before getting to me) that he was stationed in Little River. Was scheduled to pull out with his ship (no one knows what ship), and he was allowed to go on a mail run to his “old crew” (no idea). There was some kind of hold up. He did not make it back to port on time, the ship left without him, and the ship sank before he was able to rejoin it. All hands lost. He remained in Norfolk for the remainder of his enlistment.

I have no idea of the veracity of this story.
And no one in the family is able to provide any additional info.

 

Very few US Navy warships were lost with all hands, unless he was headed to a submarine.

 

I'd bet the base he was stationed at wasn't "Little River", but Little Creek Amphib base, an ancillary facility of Norfolk.

 

I think I found him. Vaughn K. Rogers, B: 17NOV1919 D:07APR2008; US Navy 19MAY1944-17FEB1946. Here's his draft card:
I'll try to dig up more info after I get off work.