Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (ABH): 2023 Career Details

Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mates (ABH) are considered “jacks of all trades”.

The important Navy rating assists with launching and recovering aircraft from ships or land.

Furthermore, an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (ABH) helps with flight preparation and fueling.

Learn more about what it takes to become a Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (ABH).

Related Article: Navy Enlisted And Officer Ranks And Pay

Education, Qualifications, and Training

aviation boatswain mate — A Navy Aviation Boatswain Mate (ABH) receives training at Class “A” School in Florida. Image: Wikimedia Commons

The U.S. Navy classifies its jobs a little differently compared to other branches of the military.

While most branches of the military refer to jobs as “Military Occupational Specialities” (MOS), the Navy labels jobs “enlisted ratings.”

The Navy rating you have is important because it is the job duties you will perform on a day-to-day basis.

To become a Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (ABH), you’ll need to meet some basic qualifications, including education and training for the position.

Education

The U.S. Navy requires new recruits to have a high school diploma.

The only acceptable equivalent is a general equivalency diploma (GED).

You will also need to complete the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).

This series of tests is used by the U.S. Navy to determine applicable military jobs or Navy ratings.

Aspiring Aviation Boatswain’s Mates are tested in Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Automotive and Shop Information (AS), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), and Verbal Expression (VE).

Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mates must pass the ASVAB with a minimum test score of VE+AR+MK+AS>=173.

Qualifications

The Navy requires Aviation Boatswain’s Mates (ABH) to have normal color perception and normal hearing.

An eye examination will check for a minimum of 20/100 uncorrected vision that is correctable to 20/20.

Furthermore, ABH candidates must demonstrate a full field of vision and normal depth perception.

Hearing is also important to the day-to-day job duties of an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate.

Sailors are required to demonstrate normal hearing of the frequencies between 3,000Hz and 6,000Hz.

The average hearing threshold level for the four frequencies needs to be lower than 30dB, with a level that is not higher than 45dB in any one frequency.

Additionally, sailors interested in becoming an ABH should feel comfortable working outdoors in a variety of conditions.

The work performed is demanding, labor-intensive, and potentially hazardous.

You will also need to be a U.S. citizen and be able to pass a background check conducted by the Department of Defense.

Also, you will need to pass a drug test and meet the general physical fitness standards of the U.S. Navy.

Training

The most exciting thing about becoming a Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (ABH) is the opportunity for promotion and advanced placement.

First, you will start your training at the Recruit Training Command, like all other new recruits of the U.S. Navy.

Recruit Training Command is also known informally as “Navy Boot Camp” and lasts 10 weeks.

Then, you progress to training related to your Navy rating.

A Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (ABH) receives Class A Technical School training in Pensacola, Florida.

The training to become an ABH lasts 4 weeks and introduces sailors to aviation basic theory and the required skills of the rating.

After completing Class “A” Technical School, you may begin your career as a Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (ABH).

As previously mentioned, there are opportunities to receive advancement opportunities for an ABH.

Career progression is linked to a rating’s manning level and personal reputation.

If you work hard and stay out of trouble in the military, you can climb the ladder in ABH to more responsibilities and higher pay.

What does a Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (ABH) Do?

Aviation Boatswain’s Mates (ABH) are important members of the Navy because of their versatility.

An Aviation Boatswain’s Mate is best described as the sailor you notice moving around the ship or on land preparing an aircraft for flight.

Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mates have a wide list of responsibilities like refueling aircraft, preparing them for takeoff, and directing traffic aboard an aircraft carrier.

The Navy rating is fast-paced and challenging yet rewarding for sailors looking to earn a reputation and potentially move up the promotional ladder of the military branch.

Additional job duties of ABH sailors may include everything from firefighting to rescue and salvage operations.

It would be impossible for aircraft carriers and Navy bases to operate as smoothly and successfully with takeoffs and landings if it wasn’t for the vital role of an ABH.

Job Duties of Navy ABH

Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mates (ABH) are essential to launching and recovering naval aircraft.

The work is commonly performed aboard aircraft carriers at sea, yet some ABH are stationed on land at airbases.

When you first join the Navy as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate, you will likely be assigned to one type of specialty.

As you prove yourself and advance, you may receive a promotion to supervising different individual specialties.

Later in their careers, ABs can earn the advanced AB rating that supervises all of the individual specialties.

The job duties of Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mate include:

Directing the movement and spotting of aircraft.
Operating, maintaining, and performing maintenance on equipment related to launches and landings.
Performing crash rescue, firefighting, crash removal, and damage control tasks.
Assisting with ground handling equipment used for transporting and hoisting aircraft.
Supervising the daily operations of ABH duties, like securing aircraft and equipment for departure.

Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mates (ABH) may work or maintain everything from hydraulic and steam catapults to arresting gear engines.

An ABH may also attend to arresting consoles, water breaks, firing panels, blast deflectors, and cooling panels.

What does a Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (ABH) make?

abh navy job — Compensation for Navy ABH is factored based on military rank. Image: DoDLive

The U.S. Navy, like other military branches, does not determine the amount of pay based on your job.

Therefore, your compensation in the Navy is based on your military rank and years of service.

Here is a general idea of what you can expect to make in the Navy based on military rank.

Most new Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mates (ABH) start at the level of Seamen Recruit (E-1) or Seamen Apprentice (E-2).

Insignia	Pay Grade	Rank	Abbreviation	2023 Minimum Monthly Pay
N/A	E-1 +4 months	Seaman Recruit	SR	$1,917.60
	E-2	Seaman Apprentice	SA	$2,149.20
	E-3	Seaman	SN	$2,259.90
	E-4	Petty Officer Third Class	PO3	$2,503.50
	E-5	Petty Officer Second Class	PO2	$2,730.30
	E-6	Petty Officer First Class	PO1	$2,980.50
	E-7	Chief Petty Officer	CPO	$3,445.80
	E-8	Senior Chief Petty Officer	SCPO	$4,957.20
	E-9	Master Chief Petty Officer	MCPO	$6,055.50
	E-9	Command Master Chief Petty Officer	CMDCM	$6,055.50
	E-9	Master Chief Petty Officer Of The Navy	MCPON	$6,055.50

Benefits

The U.S. Navy has several benefits included with a monthly salary:

Housing: Free housing or a housing allowance for living expenses, utilities, and maintenance.
Food: Free dining or an allowance for groceries and access to tax-free department and grocery stores.
Free Medical and Dental or Low-Cost Medical Insurance
30 days paid Vacation Time per year
Special Pay
Retirement at 20 Years
Low Cost Life Insurance
Education: Sailors are entitled to Tuition Assistance and can earn full tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses.

Job Reviews

There are several job reviews specific to serving the Navy as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (ABH) on Indeed.com:

The general consensus is the ABH rating is hard work and fast-paced, yet rewarding and capable of helping you grow as a sailor.

One reason many people join the U.S. Navy is the opportunity to travel and see the world.

Civilian Job Opportunities

Unfortunately, there really isn’t a civilian job equivalent to the duties of an ABH.

If you enjoy your time in the Navy working on ships then you may want to find comparable employment with major ship liners or sea transport.

Regardless of your future employment, after leaving the Navy, the skills and leadership you acquire in the military branch will serve you well in any walk of life.

Summary

Aviation Boatswain’s Mates (ABH) are essential to the day-to-day operations of the U.S. Navy.

Though much of the work is thankless and behind-the-scenes, an ABH serves a necessary job in helping aircraft depart and arrive on carriers.

Serving the Navy as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (ABH) allows you to see the world through travel, make new friends, and develop your personal character.

Contact a local Navy recruiter if you are interested in learning more about what it takes to enlist in the military branch and become an ABH.

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Nicholas A.

Nick Anderson has been serving on Active Duty in the U.S. Navy for the last 10 years. He graduated from Saint Leo University with his B.A. in Accounting and is a graduate student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, pursuing an M.B.A. in Finance. Born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama, Nick enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17. During his deployments onboard the USS Fort McHenry, he traveled to 23 countries on four continents, sailing roughly 42,000 nautical miles across 30 seas and five oceans. He currently resides in Meridian, Mississippi.