Naval Aircrewman Operator (AWO): Definitive Guide (2025)

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

Your opponent makes a move. You already saw it coming. As a Naval Aircrewman Operator, predicting the enemy’s next step isn’t just a skill—it’s the job.

AWOs are the first line of defense against underwater threats, tracking and engaging hostile submarines before they can strike. Using radar, sonar, and classified tech, they listen for the menacing “ping” of a lurking sub—and make sure it never gets the chance to resurface.

If you’re ready to be the eyes and ears of Navy intelligence, this is where your journey begins.

Job Description

navy-awo-insignia
AWO Insignia – Credit: U.S. Navy

Naval Aircrewmen Operator (AWO) are Navy enlisted Sailors who use Mission Acoustic Subsystem (MAS), Identification Friend or Foe/Selective Identification Feature (IFF/SIF), Radio Detection and Ranging (RADAR), Electronic Support Measures (ESM), and Electro-Optic/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors to detect, track, analyze, classify, and attack surface and subsurface contacts onboard Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA).

AWOs don’t just fly. They analyze, track, and engage threats from the sky. Their job? Detect. Classify. Neutralize. Whether it’s tracking submarines from a P-8A or running intelligence from a tactical operations center, these Sailors are deep in the action.

What They Do

AWOs operate mission systems to detect, classify, track, and engage enemy submarines. They analyze sonar, radar, and electronic data in real time. They also:

  • Manage intelligence – Collect, generate, and deliver intel products to aircrews and commanders.
  • Handle ordnance – Load and deploy weapons when the mission calls for it.
  • Support classified operations – Preserve sensitive data and assist in planning high-stakes missions.
  • Operate cutting-edge tech – Use advanced imaging sensors, infrared detectors, and tracking systems.

Where They Work

AWOs serve on P-3C and P-8A aircraft, tactical support centers, and expeditionary mobile tactical operation center (MTOC) groups. They also operate Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and their payloads.

Assignments can take them anywhere—aircraft carriers, air stations, flight lines, or deployed expeditionary units. Expect both land-based and sea-based tours.

Key Responsibilities

  • Run advanced sonar, radar, and Electronic Support Measures (ESM) systems.
  • Track surface and subsurface contacts with Magnetic Anomaly Detectors (MAD), Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), and Infrared (IR) systems.
  • Inspect and maintain acoustic station equipment.
  • Train and qualify in aircrew certifications.
  • Work in Joint Special Warfare operations.

Approximately 1,600 men and women serve as AWOs today. During a 20-year career, AWOs typically split their time evenly between fleet units and shore stations.

Different Roles

Acoustic Systems Specialist

  • Works on a Combat Aircrew in Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA).
  • Tracks and analyzes surface and subsurface threats using sonar and acoustic equipment.
  • Uses sonobuoys, oceanographic data, and imaging systems to locate enemy subs.
  • Helps plan missions, handle classified material, and support intel analysis.
  • Maintains aircrew qualifications, deals with munitions, and preps for tactical ops worldwide.

Electronic Warfare Systems Specialist

  • Part of a Combat Aircrew on MPRA and Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
  • Finds, tracks, and classifies enemy threats—air, surface, and subsurface.
  • Runs radar, Electronic Support (ES) systems, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), and EO/IR sensors.
  • Works with air, ground, and sea units to coordinate operations.
  • Handles ordnance, mission planning, and classified materials.
  • Stays ready for tactical missions anywhere in the world.

Rank Structure

Pay GradeRateAbbreviationTitle
E-1Airman RecruitARAirman Recruit
E-2Airman ApprenticeAAAirman Apprentice
E-3AirmanANAirman
E-4Naval Aircrewman Operator Third ClassAWO3Petty Officer Third Class
E-5Naval Aircrewman Operator Second ClassAWO2Petty Officer Second Class
E-6Naval Aircrewman Operator First ClassAWO1Petty Officer First Class
E-7Chief Naval Aircrewman OperatorAWOCChief Petty Officer
E-8Senior Chief Naval Aircrewman OperatorAWOCSSenior Chief Petty Officer
E-9Master Chief Naval Aircrewman OperatorAWOCMMaster 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-AWO-Rating-Naval-Aircrewman-Operator-Image-704X396

Training and Career Opportunities

Training Cycle

The typical training progression follows this structure:

  1. Recruit Training (Boot Camp)
  2. Naval Aircrew Candidate School (NACCS)
  3. Class “A” Technical School
  4. Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS)
  5. Initial Squadron Assignment

After completing Recruit Training Command at Great Lakes (Boot Camp), you’ll move on to specialized training, which includes:

SchoolLocationDurationFocus AreasTraining Methods
Aircrew Candidate SchoolPensacola, FL~6 weeksWater & Land Survival, Flight SafetyClassroom, Practical Training
AWO Class “A” Technical SchoolPensacola, FL~13 weeksAviation Theory, Electronics, Aircraft SystemsClassroom, Hands-on Lab
SERE SchoolSan Diego, CA & Twentynine Palms, CA~2 weeksSurvival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape (SERE)Classroom, Field Training
Fleet Replacement Squadrons (FRS)Various Naval Air Stations2-18 weeks (Aircraft-Specific)Aircraft Systems, Mission ReadinessClassroom, Hands-on Training

After completing training, you’ll be assigned to a squadron, naval air station, aircraft carrier, or other aviation facility in the U.S. or overseas. About 50% of your career will be spent at sea.

Career Progression

Promotion opportunities are available based on performance and competitiveness. For those with leadership ambitions and a college degree, Naval Officer roles may be an option, allowing you to lead and train others.

Post-Service Opportunities

The skills and experience gained as an AWO translate into careers in intelligence, aviation electronics, and defense contracting in the civilian sector.

Qualifications to Join 

Basic Requirements

To be an Aircrewman Operator (AWO) in the Navy, you need:

  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Security Clearance: SECRET clearance required
  • Swimming Ability: Need to know how to swim before training
  • Physical Fitness: Must pass the Navy Physical Readiness Test (PRT)
  • Manual Dexterity & Strength: Working with tools, equipment, and machinery
  • Hearing & Vision: Normal color vision, normal hearing, 20/20 correctable eyesight
  • Speech: No speech issues, must pass a reading aloud test

ASVAB Requirements

Must hit one of these score combos:

ASVAB CompositeMinimum Score
VE + AR + MK + MC210; or
AR + AS + MK + VE210

Your scores get checked again at Naval Aircrew Candidate School (NACCS) to make sure you qualify for your specific role.

Physical & Medical Standards

  • Navy PRT: Need at least “satisfactory-medium” before shipping out
  • Swim Test:
    • Jump in from 10 feet up
    • Tread water for 10 minutes
    • Swim 100 yards using sidestroke, breaststroke, backstroke, and crawl (25 yards each)
  • Body Weight Limits: Between 103–245 lbs for aviation duty
  • Medical Disqualifiers:
    • Chronic motion sickness
    • Asthma
    • Severe allergies (bee stings, food reactions, hay fever, etc.)

Drug Policy

  • Using illegal drugs can disqualify you, but waivers might be possible, case by case.

Security & Reliability

Bottom Line: You gotta be fit, sharp, and ready for high-stakes missions. If you make the cut, you’ll be operating some of the most advanced tech in military aviation.


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 Operator (AWO), 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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