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Enlisted Rating - Aviation

Enlisted Rating Insignia

The enlisted rating badge for Petty Officer Third Class and above consists of two parts. The chevrons indicated the pay grade (rate). Between the chevrons and the eagle is an insignia indicating the Sailor's job specialty (rating). These insignia are white on blue uniforms and Navy blue on white uniforms. This table shows the rating insignia for aviation specialties. Additional tables show Administration/Medical/Dental, Engineering/Hull, and Construction specialty insignia.

Roll your mouse over the insignia to view the job description for each rating.

Aviation Specialties

AB - Aviation Boatswain's Mate
(Note 1)		 AC - Air Traffic Controller AD - Aviation Machinist's Mate AE - Aviation
Electrician's Mate
ABs operate, maintain and repair aircraft catapults, arresting gear and barricades. They operate and maintain fuel and lube oil transfer systems. ABs direct aircraft on the flight deck and in hanger bays before launch and after recovery. They use tow tractors to position planes and operate support equipment used to start aircraft. ACs assist in the essential safe, orderly and speedy flow of air traffic by directing and controlling aircraft. They operate field lighting systems, communicate with aircraft, furnish pilots with information regarding traffic, navigation and weather conditions, as well as operate and adjust ground-controlled approach (GCA) systems and interpret targets on radar screens and plot aircraft positions. A five-year enlistment is required to become an AC. Usually, ADs are assigned to billets concerned with maintaining turbo-jet aircraft engines and associated equipment or to any one of several types of aircraft maintenance activities. ADs maintain, service, adjust and replace aircraft engines and accessories, as well as perform the duties of flight engineers. AEs maintain, adjust and repair aircraft electrical power generating and converting systems; lighting, control and indicating systems; and can install and maintain wiring and flight and engine instrument systems.
AG - Aerographer's Mate AK - Aviation Storekeeper AM - Aviation Structural Mechanic
(Note 2)		 AO - Aviation Ordnanceman
AGs are the Navy's weather forecasters. They are trained in meteorology and the use of aerological instruments that monitor air pressure, temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction. They also prepare weather maps and forecasts and analyze atmospheric conditions to determine the best flight levels for aircraft. An AG may also measure wind and air density to aid the accuracy of anti-aircraft firing, shore bombardment and delivery of weapons by aircraft. AKs ensure that materials and equipment needed by naval aviation activities are available and in good order. They take inventories, estimate future needs and make purchases. AKs store and issue flight clothing; aeronautical materials and spare parts; ordnance; electronic; and structural and engineering equipment. AMs maintain and repair aircraft parts(wings, fuselage, tail, control surfaces, landing gear and attending mechanisms) working with metals, alloys and plastics. They also maintain and repair safety equipment and hydraulic systems. Navy planes carry guns, bombs, torpedoes, rockets and missiles to attack the enemy on the sea, under the sea, in the air and on land. AOs maintain, repair, install, operate and handle aviation ordnance equipment. Their duties also include the handling, stowing, issuing and loading of munitions and small arms.
AS - Aviation Support
Equipment Technician		 AT - Aviation Electronics Technician AW - Aviation Warfare
Systems Operator		 AZ - Aviation Maintenance Administrationman
ASs perform intermediate maintenance on aviation accessory equipment - "yellow gear" - at naval air stations and aboard carriers. They maintain gasoline and diesel engines; hydraulic and pneumatic systems; liquid, gaseous oxygen and nitrogen systems; gas turbine compressor units; and electrical systems. Modern aircraft depend on radio, radar and other electronic devices for rapid communications, effective navigation, controlled landing approaches and neutralizing enemy equipment and tactics. ATs are responsible for the test, maintenance and repair of this equipment. AWs operate airborne radar and electronic equipment used in detecting, locating and tracking submarines. AWs also operate radars to provide information for aircraft and surface navigation and act as helicopter-rescue crewmen, as well as part of the flight crew on long-range and intermediate-range aircraft. A five-year enlistment is required. The many clerical, administrative and managerial duties necessary to keep aircraft maintenance activities running smoothly are handled by the AZs. They plan, schedule and coordinate the maintenance workload, including inspections and modifications to aircraft and equipment.
PR - Aircrew Survival Equipmentman Notes
Parachutes are the lifesaving equipment of aircrewmen when they have to bail out. In time of disaster, a parachute may also be the only means of delivering badly needed medicines, goods and other supplies to isolated victims. PRs must pack and care for parachutes, as well as service, maintain and repair flight clothing, rubber life rafts, life jackets, oxygen-breathing apparatus, protective clothing and air-sea rescue equipment. *Note 1: "Aviation Boatswain's Mate" is used at paygrade E-9 only.
Leading to AB: ABE (Launching & Recovery Equipment), ABF (Fuels), and ABH (Aircraft Handling).
*Note 2: "Aviation Structural Mechanic" is used at paygrade E-8 only.
Leading to AM: AME (Safety Equipment), AMH (Hydraulics), and AMS (Structures).

Last Update: 28 June 2009