This guide provides helpful information for those considering to join the Navy Reserve as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate—Fuels (ABF) in Fiscal Year 2025.
You ever stop to think about what happens if a jet gets bad fuel? Probably not. But an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate – Fuels does.
Because if that fuel is contaminated—if it’s got water, debris, or even the wrong mix—pilots are in trouble before they even leave the deck.
ABFs are the last line of defense between a clean, safe fuel supply and disaster. They don’t just move fuel from Point A to Point B.
They test it, pressurize it, store it, pump it, and, when things go sideways, put out the fires—literally.
This job isn’t for the faint of heart. One mistake, one miscalculation, and an entire operation grinds to a halt.
So, let’s get into it.
What an ABF Does (Besides Keeping Planes in the Air)
Navy Reserve Aviation Boatswain’s Mates – Fuels (ABF) maintain safe fuel operations for Navy aircraft through their expertise in fuel handling and delivery systems. ABFs manage fueling systems and carry out quality checks to implement correct fueling methods for sustaining flight operations.
Reserve ABFs use their professional knowledge in civilian fields such as fuel management, aviation operations, or logistics during their part-time Reserve service. People who focus on meticulous details and prioritize safety while performing best in quick-paced settings alongside teamwork should consider this role where precision and collaboration are vital.
Think about an aircraft carrier for a second. It’s a floating city, sure. But it’s also one giant, high-stakes gas station.
And ABFs? They run the pumps. They make sure every jet, helicopter, and support aircraft gets exactly what it needs—safely, efficiently, and without error.
Here’s what that looks like day to day:
Fueling & Defueling: The First and Last Step of Every Flight
Before an aircraft takes off, it gets fueled. After it lands, it gets defueled. Simple enough? Not even close.
Fueling operations have to happen fast, but they can’t afford mistakes—wrong fuel, too much fuel, contaminants in the tank?
Any of those could take a plane out of commission. ABFs handle every drop of fuel that enters and leaves an aircraft.
System Maintenance: Because Fueling Isn’t Just a Hose and a Nozzle
Pumps. Valves. Filters. Storage tanks. The entire fueling system is a maze of moving parts, and if any one of them fails, operations stop. ABFs don’t let that happen.
They inspect, troubleshoot, and repair fueling systems before small issues become big ones.
Fuel Quality Control: Because Bad Fuel = Bad Day
Jet fuel isn’t just “gas.” It has to be perfect. No water. No debris. No contamination. ABFs run constant tests—checking pressure, flow rate, purity—making sure what goes into an aircraft meets strict Navy standards.
If it doesn’t? It doesn’t fly. Period.
Firefighting & Emergency Response: Because Fuel and Fire Don’t Mix (Until They Do)
Fuel fires are fast, deadly, and unforgiving. ABFs don’t just know how to handle them—they lead the response. They train to put out fires, contain hazardous spills, and make quick decisions under pressure.
Because when you’re dealing with thousands of gallons of jet fuel, you don’t get second chances.
No ABFs, No Missions.
This job isn’t about prestige. You won’t hear an ABF’s name on the news. But every naval flight—every mission, every operation—runs on fuel. And fuel runs through them.
Want to know what career progression looks like? How to move up? What kind of leadership roles exist? Keep reading.
Fun fact: They’re nicknamed “Grapes” because of their distinct purple uniform.
Climbing the Ranks as an ABF: What It Takes to Move Up
You start at the bottom. Everyone does. But the real question is—how fast can you move up? Because in the ABF world, rank isn’t just about pay bumps or a shinier uniform.
It’s about responsibility. More fuel systems in your hands. Bigger crews under your command. Higher stakes.
If you’re looking to rise through the ranks, here’s what that journey looks like.
Entry-Level (E-1 to E-3): Learning the Ropes
Title: ABF Airman (ABF An)
What You’re Doing: Everything the senior ABFs tell you to do.
This is where it all starts. You’re fresh out of boot camp, learning the absolute basics—fueling safety, equipment operation, maintenance, firefighting. You’ll spend a lot of time assisting, observing, and getting your hands dirty.
Your Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with fueling operations under senior ABFs’ guidance.
- Help operate fueling equipment.
- Learn fuel system maintenance and safety protocols.
- Train in firefighting and emergency response.
How Fast Can You Move Up?
On average, about 2.4 years to go from ABF An to ABF3 (Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class)—but that depends on how hard you push.
Intermediate (E-4 to E-6): Taking Charge
Titles: ABF3 → ABF2 → ABF1
What You’re Doing: Running operations instead of just helping.
Now, you’re not just moving fuel—you’re overseeing fueling ops, checking quality control, and leading small teams. Your senior ABFs will be watching closely. This is where you prove you can handle more.
Your Key Responsibilities:
- Manage fueling operations and oversee equipment maintenance.
- Perform quality control checks on aviation fuel (bad fuel = bad day).
- Lead small teams, train junior sailors, and take on more responsibility.
What It Takes to Get Promoted:
- Qualifications matter—earning an Aviation Warfare Specialist pin and other certifications will set you apart.
- Leadership matters more—taking on roles like Leading Petty Officer (LPO) will give you a huge edge.
Senior (E-7 to E-9): Running the Show
Titles: Chief Petty Officer (ABFC) → Senior Chief (ABFCS) → Master Chief (ABCM)
What You’re Doing: Making the big calls.
At this stage, you’re not just moving fuel—you’re managing entire fueling systems for ships and shore bases.
You’re running firefighting teams, overseeing training programs, and making sure every junior sailor under you knows what they’re doing.
Your Key Responsibilities:
- Manage large-scale fuel operations at sea and on land.
- Supervise fueling operations, fire response, and safety protocols.
- Mentor junior sailors and oversee their training.
- Develop emergency response plans.
How to Get to the Top:
- Sea Assignments → Earn at least one warfare pin (Aviation Warfare Specialist is a good start).
- Shore Assignments → Prove leadership in operational oversight and training.
- Competing for Senior Chief & Master Chief → You’ll go head-to-head with ABHs (Aviation Boatswain’s Mates – Aircraft Handling), so leadership roles like Leading Chief Petty Officer (LCPO) or Detachment Leader are key.
From Fueling Jets to Wearing Bars: How ABFs Can Become Officers
Not every ABF stays enlisted forever. Some decide they want more responsibility, more leadership, and—let’s be honest—a commission.
The good news: The Navy offers several ways to make that happen. If you’re an ABF in the Reserves and you’re serious about moving up, here’s how you can swap those chevrons for bars.
CWO (Chief Warrant Officer): The Technical Expert’s Path
You’ve put in years mastering the fueling game. You know the systems inside and out. But maybe you’re not looking to be a generalist officer—you want to stay in your lane, but with more authority and bigger decision-making power. That’s what the CWO Program is for.
What It Means to Be a Warrant Officer:
- You’re not a traditional officer—you’re a technical authority.
- You get commissioned, but you stay focused on aviation fueling and operations.
- You lead teams, advise officers, and run the fueling side of the house.
If you’re a senior enlisted ABF with a ton of hands-on experience and want to stay in the technical fight, this is your best route.
LDO (Limited Duty Officer): Commissioned, But Still in the Trenches
The LDO Program is a step beyond CWO. You’re still a technical expert, but now you’re also in a broader leadership role. Instead of just advising, you’re making the calls.
Why Go LDO Instead of CWO?
- You get commissioned as an officer, but you still keep your technical edge.
- Your responsibilities expand—you’re managing people and projects at a higher level.
- You get the same respect as any other officer, but with the credibility of someone who actually did the job.
If you want a commission but don’t want to be a desk officer, LDO is the way to go.
STA-21 (Seaman to Admiral-21): The Fast-Track to Full Commission
This one’s big. The STA-21 Program is for enlisted sailors who want to go from the deckplates to the wardroom—but with a college degree in hand.
How It Works:
- You get selected.
- The Navy pays for your college.
- You graduate and get commissioned as an Ensign.
Here’s the catch: it’s competitive. But if you’re willing to put in the work, you can go from fueling aircraft to leading aviation teams as an officer.
OCS (Officer Candidate School): For Those Who Already Have a Degree
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you don’t need STA-21—you need OCS. This is the fastest way to go from enlisted to officer.
The Process:
- You apply.
- You get accepted.
- You attend Officer Candidate School—a 12-week “boot camp” for future officers.
- You commission as an Ensign and start your new career.
If you’re an ABF with a degree, this is your best shot at going officer without waiting years.
The U.S. Naval Academy: The Elite Option
This one isn’t for everyone, but if you’re a high-performing ABF, you can apply for admission to the U.S. Naval Academy.
Why Would an ABF Go to Annapolis?
- You get a world-class education.
- You graduate as an officer in aviation, surface warfare, submarines, or another specialty.
- It’s highly selective, but if you get in? You’re set for life.
Commissioning Is Possible—If You Want It Enough
Going from enlisted to officer isn’t easy. It takes drive, commitment, and a willingness to step up. But if you’re an ABF who wants more than fueling jets, the path is there. You just have to take it.
Firefighting Training & Qualifications: When Fuel Meets Fire
Aviation fuel and fire? Bad combination. And yet, for an ABF, dealing with both is just part of the job. It’s not a question of if something will go wrong—it’s when.
And when it does, there’s no time to think. Only time to act. That’s why ABFs train extensively in firefighting.
They don’t just move fuel; they’re the ones standing between a small fire and a catastrophic explosion.
Let’s break down what that training looks like.
Firefighting Training Programs
Not all fires are the same, and not all training is equal. ABFs go through multiple programs to make sure they’re prepared for any fuel-related emergency—whether it’s a small spill catching fire or a full-blown aviation disaster.
DoD Fire Academy: The Gold Standard
This is where ABFs get their core firefighting training. The Department of Defense Fire Academy teaches aviation and structural firefighting techniques—how to control jet fuel fires, how to contain explosions, and how to operate in high-risk environments.
Civilian Fire Academies: Extra Certifications, Extra Edge
Some ABFs take it a step further. Programs like the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute offer certifications that align with national firefighting standards.
Why does that matter? Because it makes an ABF even more valuable—both in and out of the Navy.
Fire Emergency Protocols: The Plans That Save Lives
Firefighting isn’t just about putting out flames. It’s about having a plan before the fire even starts.
ABFs play a key role in developing and executing emergency response protocols, making sure that when things go south, everyone knows exactly what to do.
Firefighting Plans: Rapid Response is Everything
- Step 1: Identify the fire source.
- Step 2: Deploy firefighting agents—foam, CO₂, dry chemicals.
- Step 3: Evacuate and contain.
Every second counts. ABFs make sure these plans are drilled until they’re second nature.
Containment Systems: Stopping the Spread Before It Starts
Fuel spills don’t wait for firefighting crews. ABFs use specialized materials—foam, absorbents, chemical suppressants—to contain hazardous materials before they turn into an uncontrollable fire.
The Firefighters of Naval Aviation
You can’t have aviation fuel without fire risks. And you can’t have safe aviation operations without ABFs trained to handle them.
From specialized firefighting schools to emergency response leadership, ABFs are the ones standing between routine flight ops and disaster.
Because when things go wrong? They’re the ones who make sure it doesn’t get worse.
SELRES (Selected Reserve) ABFs: Part-Time Sailors, Full-Time Responsibility
Here’s the thing about SELRES ABFs—they’re not just filling a slot in a system. They live two lives. One foot in the civilian world, one foot in the Navy.
One week they’re at their regular job, the next they’re in uniform, running fueling ops like they never left. It’s a balancing act, but when the Navy calls, there’s no hesitation. You go.
Mobilization & Deployment: When the Part-Time Job Becomes Full-Time
Nobody joins the Selected Reserve thinking it’s just a weekend thing. Not really. Because when there’s a national emergency, a conflict, or just a mission that needs more bodies, the Reserve stops being theoretical.
You get activated.
Annual Training (AT): Two Weeks to Stay Sharp
- One minute, you’re working your civilian job. The next? You’re back in fueling operations.
- Two weeks every year. Hands-on training. Fueling, firefighting, maintenance. The basics, drilled in again and again.
- Because when you get the call, there’s no time to “brush up.” You already know what to do.
Bonuses: The Navy’s Way of Saying ‘Stay Ready’
- Enlistment bonuses if you sign up.
- Retention bonuses if you stay.
- The Navy doesn’t just need Reserve ABFs—they need them trained and ready to go. And they’re willing to pay for it.
Career Growth: Rank Still Matters, Even in the Reserves
You’re not just here to punch in, fuel a few jets, and punch out. SELRES ABFs still move up. They still take on leadership roles. And they still train the next wave of sailors.
Leadership Roles: Run the Show, Even Part-Time
- You can still make LPO (Leading Petty Officer) or CPO (Chief Petty Officer) in the Reserves.
- That means leading fueling teams, running safety drills, and making sure your people know what they’re doing.
- Because when the time comes to deploy, you’re not just going—you’re leading.
Mentorship & Training: Passing Down What You Know
- Junior sailors don’t train themselves. They learn from the ones who’ve been there.
- Senior SELRES ABFs take point on fueling drills, maintenance procedures, and emergency response training.
- Because when things go south, experience is what keeps disasters from happening.
You May Be Part-Time, But the Mission Isn’t
The Navy doesn’t have “backup” personnel. You’re either ready or you’re not useful. SELRES ABFs keep the fleet moving, whether they’re on duty for two weeks or mobilized for a full deployment.
Because when the call comes? They don’t hesitate. They go.
Specialized Assignments & NECs: More Than Just Moving Fuel
Not all ABFs do the same job. Sure, every ABF knows how to fuel an aircraft, check for contamination, and handle emergency spills.
But some go deeper. Some become the experts—the ones who fix the systems, rebuild the pumps, and fight the fires when things go wrong.
That’s where Naval Enlisted Classifications (NECs) come in. Think of them as extra credentials—proof that an ABF isn’t just trained, but highly specialized in a critical area.
Let’s break down some of the big ones.
D14A – Aviation Fuels Maintenance Technician
You can’t just pump fuel and hope for the best. The entire fueling system—valves, pressure regulators, storage tanks, filtration units—needs constant upkeep. That’s what a D14A does.
What This NEC Means:
- You inspect, repair, and maintain aviation fueling systems so everything runs smoothly.
- If a pump fails or a filter clogs, you’re the one who gets called.
- No maintenance? No fuel. And no fuel? No flights.
This is the NEC for ABFs who want to get their hands dirty making sure the whole operation keeps running.
736B – NAMTS Pump Repair Technician
Fuel doesn’t move itself. Pumps make it happen. And when a pump goes down? Missions stop.
What This NEC Means:
- You specialize in repairing and maintaining the fuel pumps that keep aircraft moving.
- You know how to tear down, troubleshoot, and rebuild high-pressure pump systems.
- You make sure fuel flows where it needs to, when it needs to, without failure.
If you like fixing things—and you don’t mind knowing that a multi-million-dollar operation depends on your work—this NEC is for you.
817A – Engineering Bulk Fuel Systems (Shore) Technician
A ship’s fueling setup is one thing. A shore-based bulk fuel system? That’s a whole different animal.
What This NEC Means:
- You’re trained to operate, maintain, and repair large-scale fuel storage and transfer systems at shore installations.
- You handle high-volume fueling operations—fueling entire fleets, not just individual aircraft.
- If a base runs low on fuel or a system malfunctions, you’re the one fixing it.
This NEC is for ABFs who want to run the big systems—the ones that keep entire naval air stations operational.
D13A – Shore Base Airport & Aircraft Firefighter
Fuel and fire don’t mix. Until they do.
What This NEC Means:
- You get advanced training in aviation fuel-related firefighting.
- You’re the one who responds when there’s an emergency on the flight line.
- You learn how to contain and control fuel fires before they become catastrophes.
This NEC is for ABFs who don’t just want to fuel jets—they want to protect the people flying them.
Work Environment & Assignments: Where ABFs Get the Job Done
You can’t fuel jets from a desk. ABFs work where the fuel flows, where the aircraft move, where the action happens.
That means flight decks, airfields, and high-risk fueling stations—anywhere naval aviation needs fuel, fast, and without error.
So where does an ABF end up? That depends. Some work at massive shore installations, keeping entire air stations running.
Others are on ships, fueling jets in the middle of the ocean. And some? They run toward the fire instead of away from it.
Naval Air Stations (NAS): Where Fueling Never Stops
A Naval Air Station is basically a city for aircraft. Planes come in, planes go out, and the fueling operation? It never stops.
What ABFs Do at NAS:
- Manage massive fuel supplies. Every gallon has to meet strict quality control.
- Perform high-tempo fueling operations. It’s not just about speed—it’s about precision.
- Maintain fueling equipment and storage facilities. If a pump fails, flights stop. ABFs don’t let that happen.
If you’re stationed at an NAS, you’re part of the fueling backbone of naval aviation. Nothing takes off without you.
Afloat Assignments: Fueling Aircraft at Sea
ABFs on ships work in one of the most demanding fueling environments in the world. Aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, and landing platform docks—these aren’t just floating runways.
They’re fueling hubs in the middle of the ocean.
What ABFs Do on Ships:
- Refuel aircraft during deployments. No fuel, no airpower. Simple as that.
- Handle fueling under extreme conditions. Heavy seas? High winds? Flight ops don’t stop, so neither do you.
- Emergency response readiness. Fuel fires at sea are no joke. ABFs train to put them out fast.
Life on a ship isn’t easy, but if you want to fuel the most powerful naval aircraft in the world, this is where you do it.
Fire & Emergency Services: The Ones Who Run Toward the Flames
Not all ABFs just move fuel—some are trained to fight the fires it can cause.
What ABFs Do in Fire & Emergency Services:
- Ensure fuel-related fire safety protocols are followed. Prevention is everything.
- Respond to fire emergencies on airfields and ships. Jet fuel fires spread fast—ABFs shut them down faster.
- Train in specialized firefighting techniques. This isn’t your typical fire department. Fuel fires require their own set of skills.
This assignment isn’t for everyone. But if you want to be the one people call when things go wrong—This is the job.
Leadership Development: Stepping Up, Moving Up
ABFs don’t just fuel aircraft—they lead teams, train junior sailors, and take charge when it counts.
As you move up in rank, leadership isn’t just expected—it’s required.
How ABFs Develop Leadership Skills:
- Small teams, big responsibility. Even junior ABFs take charge of fueling details.
- Promotion means leading. You want to make rank? You need to prove you can lead a crew and keep operations moving.
- Firefighting, maintenance, fueling ops—someone has to be in charge. That someone? Might as well be you.
The best ABFs: They aren’t just good at their job. They make sure everyone around them is good at theirs, too.
Enlisting as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate—Fuels (ABF) in the Navy Reserve
So, you want to be an ABF in the Navy Reserve. That means you’re looking for part-time service with full-time responsibility—because fueling aircraft is not exactly a “when I feel like it” kind of job.
Planes don’t fly without fuel. And fuel doesn’t move without people who know exactly what they’re doing.
But before you get ahead of yourself, let’s get real about what enlisting in the Reserve actually looks like.
Step 1: Meet the Basics
The Navy isn’t handing out uniforms to just anyone. To even get in the door, you need to check a few non-negotiable boxes:
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent. No, a GED doesn’t put you at a disadvantage—just be ready to prove yourself.
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. You’ll need a security clearance, so keep that in mind.
- Physical Fitness: You need to be in decent shape, but more importantly, you need good coordination and normal color vision. Fueling aircraft isn’t a “close enough” kind of job.
- Mechanical Aptitude: Can you handle tools? Work around high-powered equipment without panicking? Good. Because this is not a paperwork job.
Step 2: Talk to a Recruiter (Seriously, Do This First)
Forget the rumors, the Reddit threads, and the cousin who “knows a guy.” None of that is going to get you into the Reserve.
A Navy Reserve recruiter is your best source for what’s actually happening—qualifications, available billets, and whether the ABF rate is even open.
They also walk you through the paperwork and testing, so you don’t waste time guessing what’s next.
Step 3: The Enlistment Process
If you’re serious, here’s what comes next:
- Take the ASVAB – This is your military SAT. To qualify as an ABF, you need a combined score of 161 across Verbal Expression (VE), Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), and Auto & Shop Information (AS). Math matters here.
- Medical Screening – The Navy needs to know you can handle the job physically. That means good vision (20/100 uncorrected, correctable to 20/20), good hearing, and no major medical issues.
- Security Clearance – You’re dealing with aviation fuel, which means background checks are part of the deal. No cutting corners here.
Step 4: Training—First Boot Camp, Then “A” School
- Boot Camp (Great Lakes, IL) – Eight weeks of learning how to be a sailor. It’s not easy, but it’s not meant to be. You’ll come out stronger, faster, and more disciplined.
- “A” School (Pensacola, FL) – This is where you actually learn the job. About six weeks of training in aviation fueling systems, safety procedures, and real-world fuel handling. This is where you start to become an ABF.
Step 5: Your Navy Reserve Life
Here’s the deal:
- One Weekend a Month – That’s your standard drill commitment at a local Navy Reserve Center. It’s not much time, which means you’re expected to stay sharp.
- Two Weeks a Year – That’s your annual training (AT), usually at an active-duty base. Expect hands-on work with fueling operations.
- Deployments? Possible. – While Reserve ABFs are primarily shore-based, mobilizations happen. The world runs on fuel, and so does the Navy.
Also read this if you wish to see the Aviation Boatswain’s Mate – Fuel (ABF) rating in the Navy Active Component (AC).
Being an ABF in the Navy Reserve is about precision, discipline, and making sure nothing goes up in flames—literally.
If you’re up for the challenge, talk to a Navy Reserve recruiter.
If not? Well, jets aren’t going to fuel themselves.
You might also be interested in other Navy Reserve aviation jobs, such as the Aviation Boatswain’s Mate—Aircraft Handling (ABH) or Aircrew Survival Equipmentman (PR).
