This guide provides useful information for those who wish to join the Navy Reserve as a Naval Aircrewman during Fiscal Year 2025.
Naval Aircrewmen keep Navy aircraft mission-ready. Whether in helicopters, fixed-wing planes, or unmanned aerial systems, they handle critical in-flight operations, system maintenance, and combat support.
These specialists assist in search and rescue, submarine tracking, cargo transport, special warfare missions, and weapons operation.
What They Actually Do
- Pre-flight checks – Ensure aircraft systems are fully operational before takeoff.
- Operate and maintain aircraft systems – Manage communications, navigation, weapons, and sensors.
- Mission support – Conduct tactical reconnaissance, submarine hunting, logistics, and rescue operations.
- Emergency response – Handle in-flight safety procedures and react quickly under pressure.
- Follow aviation regulations – Perform safety drills, readiness exercises, and team coordination.
The Aircrew Program
- Six-year enlistment – Guarantees a spot as a flight crew member.
- Intensive physical training – Swimming, survival, and endurance-focused instruction.
- Class “A” Schools – Specialized training based on assigned aircraft type.
- Flight qualifications – Must complete Boot Camp and Aviation Enlisted Aircrew Training School (AEATS).
Requirements
- Pass Class II swim test
- Complete aviation flight physical
- Meet Navy fitness standards
Naval Aircrewmen in the Reserves train hard and operate in high-stakes environments, making them essential to Navy aviation missions.
Naval Aircrewman Ratings in the Navy Reserve
Naval Aircrewman Mechanical (AWF)
Naval Aircrewman Mechanical (AWF) Sailors work as flight engineers, load masters, and crew chiefs on the P-3C, EP-3, E-6B, C-2, C-9, C-12, C-20, C-37, C-40A, and C-130. They run UAS and payloads for UAS. They know what to do in any kind of emergency while the plane is in the air and are familiar with all of the flight systems.
Naval Aircrewman Operator (AWO)
Naval Aircrewman Operator (AWO) Sailors use tactical mission systems in P-3C and P-8A aircraft to find, classify, track, and attack enemy submarines. They run tactical support center systems in installations on land and tactical mobile systems in MTOC units that go on missions. UAS and UAS payloads are controlled by AWF Sailors.
Naval Aircrewman Tactical Helicopter (AWR)
Naval Aircrewman Tactical-Helicopter (AWR) Sailors use tactical mission systems on board SH-60B and SH-60R aircraft to find, classify, and attack enemy submarines. They run UAS and payloads for UAS. Navy AWRs also run systems in tactical support centers at shore installations and tactical mobile systems in MTOC units that go on missions. During SAR missions, they are the main people who swim to save people.
Naval Aircrewman Helicopter (AWS)
Naval Aircrewman Helicopter (AWS) Sailors work as “utility aircrewmen” on HH-60H, MH-60S, H-46, and MH-53 aircraft. They use a wide range of equipment, from sensors that look for mines to weapons systems for close-quarters combat. During SAR missions, they are the main people who swim to save people. They also run UAS and payloads for UAS.
As of FY 2025, all Navy Personnel Command requirements remain unchanged. No new updates.
More Information
If you want more information about joining the Navy as a Naval Aircrewman, the next logical step is to contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter.
Let us start figuring out how you can benefit from becoming a Naval Aircrewman – or if it is even the right career move for you.
Hope you found this helpful to your career planning.
