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Job Title: Aviation Operations & Support (Enlisted)
Category / Component: Enlisted • Active
Overview
Aviation Boatswain’s Mates in Aviation Operations & Support help launch and recover naval aircraft quickly and safely from ships and shore stations, handling aircraft on flight decks and in hangar bays and operating the support equipment that keeps aviation operations moving. With experience, some personnel may earn advanced designations that involve leading and supervising multiple aviation boatswain’s mate specialties.
Key Responsibilities
Support aircraft launch and recovery operations in operational environments; assist with aircraft handling, movement, spotting, and securing of aircraft and equipment on flight decks and flight lines; operate aviation support equipment and systems used in aircraft operations; perform inspections and operational checks before and after equipment use; conduct preventive and corrective maintenance on assigned aviation support equipment; support safety practices including foreign object damage (FOD) prevention and emergency readiness; assist with emergency response and training drills related to aviation operations; support administrative and maintenance control activities as required.
What to Expect
Duties directly support aviation operations both on land and at sea; work includes a mix of operational support and hands on equipment and maintenance tasks; you gain increased responsibility over time as you qualify on equipment and watchstations, complete personnel qualification standards, and develop leadership skills through structured training and progression.
Work Environment
Work primarily in shipboard and shore station aviation environments, including flight decks, hangar bays, and flight lines; exposure to jet blast, rotor wash, noise, heat, weather, and moving equipment is routine; operations occur in a wide range of climates at sea and ashore and often follow the tempo of flight operations, including nights, weekends, and deployments.
Pathways, Training & Advancement
Recruit Training followed by rating specific training such as Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (H) A School as assigned; continued development through Personnel Qualification Standards and similar programs; refresher and advanced training such as non skid quality assurance, crash and salvage, and advanced shipboard firefighting as required; training is documented through systems such as the Joint Services Transcript, and professional growth is reinforced through Navy e learning, college network opportunities, and leadership development focused on technical skill, professional knowledge, and intellectual growth.
Enlist as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate candidate to enter the aviation operations and support pipeline; Reserve opportunities may exist for Selected Reserve billets when authorized and may require specific Navy Enlisted Classifications or a willingness to attend required training upon SELRES accession.
Qualifications
All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or commissioning standards, which typically include:

• Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy, which may involve United States citizenship or other legal residency and work status, depending on the program and current law and policy
• A high school diploma or equivalent for enlisted positions, and a bachelor’s or qualifying professional degree for officer positions
• Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in law and Navy policy. Some communities have more restrictive age ranges
• Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness requirements, with some jobs requiring more demanding standards
• Meeting character and conduct standards, including background screening
• Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery for enlisted roles or officer qualification tests for officer programs
• Eligibility for a security clearance when required for your rating or designator
• Additional qualifications can include specific skills, education, licensure, or experience that are unique to a job or community and will be reviewed with you by a recruiter.

Additional qualifications for this job may include:
Ability to work safely around aircraft, support equipment, and moving machinery in high noise and sometimes harsh weather environments; physical fitness and stamina to stand for long periods, lift and move equipment, and perform duties on flight decks and flight lines; willingness to work in a team in fast paced, safety critical situations and to follow detailed procedures and checklists.
Education
Education benefits are available through standard Navy programs such as Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ACE-recommended college credit for Navy training, Navy COOL-funded certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the Sailor’s status, training, and current Navy policy.
Pay, Benefits & Service
Pay, benefits, and service commitments follow standard Navy Active and/or Reserve policies for this type of role, including basic pay, allowances when eligible, health coverage, and retirement options. Exact entitlements, special pays, and service obligations depend on program, component, years of service, and current law and Navy guidance.
Incentives
Incentives such as bonuses, special pays, and loan repayment may be available at times for specific ratings or communities, but they change frequently and cannot be guaranteed. Applicants must confirm current incentives and eligibility with an official Navy recruiter or authoritative Navy source.
Notes and Disclaimers
This description is a general overview of typical duties, training, and opportunities in this community. It does not replace official Navy instructions, policies, or contracts and does not guarantee specific assignments, training, incentives, or outcomes. Actual opportunities depend on Navy needs, individual performance, screening results, and current law and policy.