CIS specialists can be on both Surface Ships and Submarines, my boat is the first to pilot the system in the SM service. You'll be expected to be a communicator first, so lining up circuits in the Comms Office /WT Shack will be your bread and butter when on watch and if you are on surface ships you may spend a lot of time on the bridge being the duty communicator for the Officer of the Watch. Once you move up to Leading hand you will be expected to be the Navystar Administrator, (a Windows network used for administration onboard), and assistant CSS administrator (a UNIX/Windows hybrid network used for operational planning and a seriously important piece of kit). Once you are PO(CISSM) you'll be MCO/ WT Office Manager, and CSS Administrator, senior communications rating onboard (if on a SM or frigate/destroyer).
On an SM administratively you're part of the WE department rather than warfare, and your DO will be a Junior WE officer (CISE) CIS Engineer.
Sorry, can't answer for surface ships!
hope that's of some assistance
