I applied in-person. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at US Navy (Tampa, FL) in June 2011
Interview
It is just a long set of testing, which includes both your mental aptitude as well as your physical abilities and conditions. They will give you a sheet of paper that gives you a general idea of the job. Reality is once you get to the fleet, you will probably be working on the mess decks or holding a gun on a 12 hour security watch at night. The job doesn't come close to living up to its description.
They take everyone so just apply and you will most likely get the job the work environment is not great so I have a hard time recommending it to any person.
I talked to a recruiter and they offered me a job as they do to almost all applicants into the United States military, unless you are trying to enter the Air Force.
I applied through a recruiter. The process took 1 week. I interviewed at US Navy (Portland, OR)
Interview
The recruiter came to my home and escorted me to the office. The people at the office were courteous and professional. It wasn't really much of an interview- more like gathering the required information. Didn't have to prove that I knew the job already. They gave me an aptitude test to see what types of jobs I qualified for.