Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mate—Aircraft Handling (ABH): Definitive Guide (2025)

This guide provides helpful information for those looking into joining the Navy as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate—Aircraft Handling (ABH) during Fiscal Year 2025.

On a carrier, aircraft launch every 20 seconds. The flight deck never stops moving. It’s loud, fast, and dangerous—but Aviation Boatswain’s Mates – Aircraft Handling (ABH) keep it under control.

They direct the movement of every aircraft, making sure launch and recovery operations run smoothly. Every turn, tow, and parkthey call the shots. And when a jet stops, they make sure it’s tied down tight.

If it moves on deck, ABHs are in charge.

Job Description

navy-abh-insignia
ABH Insignia – Credit: U.S. Navy

Aviation Boatswain’s Mates – Aircraft Handling (ABH) control the movement of aircraft—on land, at sea, and even in the water. They direct, tow, and secure planes, making sure they’re always in the right place at the right time. They don’t just move aircraft—they protect them.

Most of their work happens outside on flight decks of aircraft carriers and amphibious ships, in all weather, day or night. It’s fast, dangerous, and critical. They work closely with other aviation ratings to keep everything running. When assigned to shore duty, they may work with an airplane squadron.


What They Do

  • Direct aircraft movement and placement on flight decks, hangars, and airfields.
  • Operate and maintain ground-handling equipment used for towing and lifting aircraft.
  • Supervise aircraft securing and tie-down procedures.
  • Perform crash rescue, firefighting, and aircraft recovery operations.
  • Assist in launching and recovering aircraft.
  • Conduct damage control and crash removal operations.

When things go wrong, they’re the first to respond.

Different Roles

ABHs do more than just direct aircraft movement—some specialize in airfield operations, emergency response, and aircraft salvage.


Air Operations Technician (Managing Aircraft & Cargo on the Ground)

  • Ensure safe airfield operations and assist aircraft crews during takeoff and landing.
  • Move aircraft and determine priority loads.
  • Service and maintain transient aircraft.
  • Handle and secure cargo, mail, and hazardous materials for transport.
  • Serve as firefighters at aircraft and structural facilities, overseeing firefighting and rescue operations.

Aircraft Director (Controlling Aircraft Movement on Deck & Land)

  • Oversee safe and efficient aircraft movement on flight decks, hangars, and airfields.
  • Handle chocks, tie-downs, and tow bars to secure aircraft.
  • Operate tractors, elevators, and fire stations on the flight deck.
  • Act as Ouija board spotters, monitoring aircraft positioning.
  • Maintain knowledge of deck multiples, aircraft systems, and flight deck operations.
  • Manage administrative tasks, training, maintenance records, and divisional readiness.

Crash and Salvage Firefighter (First Response & Aircraft Recovery)

  • Respond to emergencies, extinguish fires, and rescue personnel.
  • Salvage damaged or downed aircraft aboard ship.
  • Coordinate aircraft jettison operations when needed.
  • Conduct water rescue operations and onboard squadron training.
  • Oversee maintenance and readiness of emergency equipment.

From Directing Aircraft to Rescuing Crews – ABHs Do It All

Some move the planes, some fight the fires, others recover what’s lost. Every aircraft that takes off needs an ABH on the ground making it happen.

Rank Structure

Pay GradeRateAbbreviationTitle
E-1Airman RecruitARAirman Recruit
E-2Airman ApprenticeAAAirman Apprentice
E-3AirmanANAirman
E-4Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Aircraft Handling) Third ClassABH3Petty Officer Third Class
E-5Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Aircraft Handling) Second ClassABH2Petty Officer Second Class
E-6Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Aircraft Handling) First ClassABH1Petty Officer First Class
E-7Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Aircraft Handling)ABHCChief Petty Officer
E-8Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Aircraft Handling)ABHCSSenior Chief Petty Officer
E-9Master Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Aircraft Handling)ABHCMMaster Chief Petty Officer

Salary and Benefits

Salary for the First 6 Years

Monthly pay for Navy enlisted Sailors (E-1 to E-6) in the first six years is laid out in the January  2025 Active Duty Pay chart:

Pay GradeLess than 2 YearsOver 2 YearsOver 3 YearsOver 4 YearsOver 6 Years
E-1$2,108.10$2,108.10$2,108.10$2,108.10$2,108.10
E-2$2,362.80$2,362.80$2,362.80$2,362.80$2,362.80
E-3$2,484.60$2,640.60$2,800.80$2,800.80$2,800.80
E-4$2,752.20$2,892.90$3,049.80$3,204.30$3,341.40
E-5$3,001.50$3,203.70$3,358.80$3,517.20$3,763.80
E-6$3,276.60$3,606.00$3,765.00$3,919.80$4,080.60

Extra Pays and Allowances

Housing Allowance (BAH):
For members living off-base. Covers rent, based on rank, location, and if they have dependents.

Subsistence Allowance (BAS):
Enlisted get $465.77 monthly for food.

Hazard Duty Pay:
For dangerous jobs. Pays $150-$250 per month, depending on the job.

Sea Pay:
For those assigned to ships or deployed units. Depends on rank and time at sea, from $50 to $750 a month.

Special and Incentive Pays:
Bonuses for certain roles, like air traffic control or unique skills. These can be a few hundred to thousands per year.

Source: Figures are from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service.

Benefits

  • Healthcare: Active-duty personnel are eligible for free complete medical and dental treatment. Tricare programs are inexpensive for families to use.
  • Housing Accomodation: Depending on location, rank, and family size, free on-base accommodation or a tax-free housing allowance (BAH) for off-base living are available.
  • Food: Monthly Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) for food costs is known as the “food allowance.”
  • Blended Retirement System (BRS): Conventional pensions are no longer available to active-duty personnel. Rather:
    • Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Up to 5% in government matching and automatic contributions.
    • Retirement Pay: After 20 years of service, you’re eligible for monthly payments according on the BRS formula, which combines TSP savings with a calculated pension.
  • Education:
    • Availability of tuition assistance programs that pay for all or part of college tuition.
    • Support for higher education under the post-9/11 GI Bill.
    • Navy College Program to support education while on service.
  • Life Insurance: Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) provides coverage up to $500,000.
  • Vacation: ten or more federal holidays plus thirty days of paid vacation each year.
  • Extra Benefits:
    • Exchanges and commissaries provide tax-free purchasing.
    • Discounted travel via military resorts, access to fitness centers, and leisure amenities.
Navy-ABH-Rating_-Aviation-Boatswains-Mate—Aircraft-Handling-Image-704X396

Training and Promotion Opportunities

After Boot Camp, ABHs report to Class “A” Technical School in Pensacola, FL, where they learn aviation fundamentals and aircraft movement procedures.


Initial Training

Class “A” Technical School – Pensacola, FL

  • 4 weeks (ABH School)
  • Covers aviation theory, aircraft handling, and safety procedures
  • Group instruction and hands-on training

After training, ABHs may be assigned to:

  • Aircraft carriers (CVNs)
  • Amphibious assault ships (LHDs, LHAs, LPHs, LPDs)
  • Naval Air Stations (NAS) in the U.S. or overseas
  • Other ships with aircraft or helicopters

Advanced Training & Career Growth

  • “C” School available for specialized training after re-enlistment
  • Promotion opportunities are competitive and based on performance
  • ABHs can qualify for the advanced AB rating, supervising all AB specialties
  • Officer roles available for those with leadership skills and a college degree

Post-Service Opportunities

ABH training translates to civilian jobs in:

  • Airline and airport ground operations
  • Aircraft manufacturers
  • Aviation logistics and management

Career Rotation

  • 60 percent of an AB’s career is at sea, assigned to fleet units
  • 40 percent is on shore duty, working at Naval Air Stations or training commands

From moving aircraft on deck to managing aviation logistics, ABHs keep flight operations running safely and efficiently.

Qualification to Join

Basic Requirements

To be an ABH in the Navy, you need:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • U.S. citizen, security clearance required
  • Physically fit, good use of hands (manual dexterity)
  • Able to work in a team, follow safety rules
  • Comfortable with tools, equipment, machines
  • Okay with repetitive tasks, quick decisions

ASVAB Requirements for ABH

  • VE + AR + MK + AS = 161

Vision Requirements (No waivers)

  • Uncorrected vision no worse than 20/100
  • Must be correctable to 20/20

Hearing Requirements (No waivers)

  • Normal hearing required
  • Frequencies tested: 3000Hz, 4000Hz, 5000Hz, 6000Hz
  • Average hearing threshold level must be under 30dB
  • No single frequency can go over 45dB
  • Fail the test, you don’t qualify

Other Physical Requirements

  • Must have normal color and depth perception

The enlistment qualification requirements above are current as of Fiscal Year 2025, per the Navy Personnel Command. This information is not readily available to the public. So, contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter for the most current requirements to join the Navy as an enlisted Sailor.

More Information

If you wish to learn more about becoming an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate—Aircraft Handling (ABH), contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter. They will provide you with more detailed information you’re unlikely to find online.

You may also be interested in the following related Navy Enlisted jobs:

Ted Kingston
I’m a Navy veteran who used to serve as a Navy recruiter. This website is the most reliable source of information for all Enlisted Navy Sailor aspirants. In coordination with a network of current and former Navy recruiters, my goal is to make reliable information easily available to you so you can make informed career decisions.

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