This guide provides useful information for those who wish to join the Navy as a Naval Aircrewman during Fiscal Year 2025.
Naval Aircrewmen keep Navy aircraft flying. Helicopters, fixed-wing planes, unmanned aerial systems—doesn’t matter. They operate, maintain, and troubleshoot systems, assist in search and rescue, track submarines, transport cargo, support special warfare ops, and fire weapons when needed.
What They Actually Do
- Pre-flight checks – Make sure everything works before takeoff
- Operate and maintain aircraft systems – Communications, navigation, weapons, sensors
- Mission support – Rescue swimmers, submarine hunters, tactical recon, logistics
- Emergency response – In-flight safety procedures, quick thinking under pressure
- Follow aviation regulations – Safety drills, readiness exercises, teamwork
The Aircrew Program
- Six-year enlistment – Guarantees a flight crew job
- Tough physical training – Swimming, survival, endurance
- Class “A” Schools – Specialized training for aircraft type
- Flight qualifications checked – Boot Camp + Aviation Enlisted Aircrew Training School (AEATS)
Requirements
- Pass Class II swim test
- Complete aviation flight physical
- Meet Navy fitness standards
Naval Aircrewman Ratings
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.
Naval Aircrewman Avionics (AWV)
Naval Aircrewman Avionics (AWV) Sailors are the “In-Flight Technician” and “Troubleshooter” onboard the P-3C, EP-3, and E-6B planes. They take care of and fix all avionics equipment while the plane is in the air. On E-6B and EP-3 planes, they run the communication systems and electronic warfare gear. AWV Sailors run UAS and payloads on UAS. They also run and take care of tactical support center systems at installations on land and tactical mobile systems in MTOC units that go on missions.
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.