Naval Aircrewman Mechanical (AWF): Definitive Guide (2025)

This guide provides helpful information for those looking into joining the Navy as a Naval Aircrewman Mechanical (AWF) during the Fiscal Year 2025.

Need to get critical supplies from Point A to Point B—fast? Call in a Naval Aircrewman Mechanical.

These are the in-flight specialists keeping aircraft running, troubleshooting systems mid-air, and handling million-dollar equipment while ensuring mission success.

From medical evacuations to small arms transport to resupplying ships at sea, AWFs make it happen. They’re also the Navy’s aerial scouts, mapping coastlines and ports for critical intel.

If working above the waves sounds better than being on them, Aircrewman Mechanical might be the role for you.

Job Description

navy-awf-insignia
AWF Insignia – Credit: U.S. Navy

Think of an AWF as the backbone of Navy aviation logistics. Need to transport cargo, move troops, or evacuate a patient mid-flight? That’s where they come in.

These specialists operate aboard some of the most advanced aircraft in the fleet—CMV-22, C-2, C-12, C-20, C-26, C-37, C-40, C-130, E-6, P-3, and even Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). They handle everything from weight and balance calculations to aircraft rigging and emergency procedures.

AWFs don’t just fly. They maintain, troubleshoot, and operate aviation systems while ensuring safe transport for Navy passengers and cargo. They also support Joint Special Warfare missions, moving high-priority assets when every second counts.

And if you’re looking for travel? Expect to see the world. AWFs are stationed on aircraft carriers, naval air stations, and forward operating bases across the globe.

Specific Responsibilities

AWFs serve as part of the fixed-wing aircrew on aircraft like the C-2, C-9, C-12, C-20, C-37, C-40, C-130, E-6, and P-3.

Duties include:

  • Flight crew operations: Flight Engineer, Crew Chief, Loadmaster, Reel Operator, Aircrew Readiness Manager
  • Aircraft maintenance and rigging: System checks, repairs, and weight and balance calculations
  • Cargo transport and logistics: Moving supplies, passengers, and small arms
  • Medical Evacuations (MEDEVAC)
  • Support for Joint Special Warfare operations
  • Aircrew certifications and squadron readiness

AWFs must know every system on board—passenger and cargo handling, safety equipment, federal and military transport laws, emergency procedures, and mission-specific gear.

Different Roles

Air Warfare Systems Engineer

Air Warfare Systems Engineers are key players in fixed-wing and tilt-rotor tactical crews. They operate on C-2, C-26, C-130, C-40, P-3, and E-6 Gulfstream aircraft, as well as Tactical Operations Centers (TOC/MTOC).

What they do:

  • Perform aircraft maintenance, system rigging, and weight & balance (W&B) calculations
  • Handle internal/external cargo transport and Medical Evacuations (MEDEVAC)
  • Conduct small arms and Naval Special Warfare (NSW) operations
  • Operate Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) for tactical missions
  • Ensure aircrew training, qualification, and certification programs

Aircrew Readiness Manager (Mechanical)

Aircrew Readiness Managers keep Navy aircrew mission-ready by handling training, scheduling, and operational oversight for aviation units.

What they do:

  • Manage aircrew training programs and flight readiness
  • Oversee Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) and Search and Rescue (SAR) programs
  • Develop and implement new aircrew training devices and programs
  • Handle student quotas, certifications, and physical fitness programs
  • Ensure standardization across training programs to maintain operational effectiveness

Rank Structure

Pay GradeRateAbbreviationTitle
E-1Airman RecruitARAirman Recruit
E-2Airman ApprenticeAAAirman Apprentice
E-3AirmanANAirman
E-4Naval Aircrewman Mechanical Third ClassAWF3Petty Officer Third Class
E-5Naval Aircrewman Mechanical Second ClassAWF2Petty Officer Second Class
E-6Naval Aircrewman Mechanical First ClassAWF1Petty Officer First Class
E-7Chief Naval Aircrewman MechanicalAWFCChief Petty Officer
E-8Senior Chief Naval Aircrewman MechanicalAWFCSSenior Chief Petty Officer
E-9Master Chief Naval Aircrewman MechanicalAWFCMMaster 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

Discounted travel via military resorts, access to fitness centers, and leisure amenities.Training Pipeline

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.

Navy-AWF-Rating-Naval-Aircrewman-Mechanical-Image-704X396

Training and Career Opportunities

Finish Boot Camp at Great Lakes, then move on to training.

Training Pipeline

TrainingLocationDurationWhat You Learn
Aircrew Candidate School (NACCS)Pensacola, FL5 weeksWater & land survival, flight safety
AWF Class “A” SchoolPensacola, FL6 weeksBasic rating skills, troubleshooting, equipment repair
SERE Training (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape)Various Locations2 weeksSurvival skills if captured or stranded
Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS)Various Naval Air Stations4-16 weeksFlight safety, aircraft systems, aircrew duties
TAR (Training and Administration of Reserve) “C” SchoolFort Worth, TX6-13 weeksWeight balance, flight duties, aircraft systems
Selected Reserve (NAT) Aircrew TrainingVarious Naval Air Stations6-16 weeksFlight safety, aircraft systems

Where You’ll Go

Could be anywhere—naval air stations, squadrons, aircraft carriers, or aviation facilities worldwide. Most time spent at sea.

  • Promotions? Based on performance.
  • More Training? Yes, later in your career. Might even lead others.
  • Want to be a Naval Officer? That’s an option too.

Over a 20-year career, about 60% at sea, 40% at shore.

After the Navy?

The stuff you learn translates to civilian work.

  • Aviation jobs – Fixing planes, working in logistics.
  • Commercial aircraft – Cargo, transport, maintenance.

Qualifications to Join 

Basic Requirements

To become an Aircrewman Mechanical (AWF) in the Navy, you must meet the following:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • U.S. citizen (eligible for security clearance)
  • Physically fit – Must pass the Navy Physical Readiness Test (PRT)
  • Strong manual dexterity – Comfortable working with tools and machinery
  • Ability to swim – Must pass a Class II swim test before training
  • Team-oriented – Able to work well with others and handle repetitive tasks

Testing & Qualifications

RequirementDetails
ASVAB ScoreVE + AR + MK + MC = 210 or AR + AS + MK + VE = 210
VisionCorrectable to 20/20 in both eyes
HearingMust meet Navy standards (MANMED P-117, Article 15-92)
SpeechNo impediments, must pass a Reading Aloud Test
WeightBetween 103 – 245 lbs
Physical Readiness Test (PRT)Must score satisfactory-medium before shipping to training
Class II Swim TestEnter water from 10 feet, remain afloat 10 minutes, swim 100 yards using sidestroke, breaststroke, backstroke, and American crawl
Drug UseStrictly prohibited, waivers considered case-by-case

Disqualifiers

  • Asthma, hay fever, severe allergies (food, bee stings, etc.)
  • Chronic motion sickness
  • Failure to meet physical fitness, vision, or hearing standards

Security Clearance

A SECRET security clearance is required. You must meet the Personal Reliability Program (PRP) standards as outlined in SECNAVINST 5510.30.

If an applicant voluntarily quits or fails aircrew training, they will be reassigned based on Navy needs.

What Makes a Good Candidate?

  • Curious, resourceful, detail-oriented
  • Good arithmetic, memory, and problem-solving skills
  • Motivated for both physical and mental challenges
  • Comfortable handling tools, equipment, and aircraft systems

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 a Naval Aircrewman Mechanical (AWF), 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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