Aircrewman Mechanical (AWF)

U.S. Navy – Aviation Community
https://www.navy.com/careers-benefits/careers/aviation/aircrewman-mechanical

The go-to in-flight mechanic, loadmaster, and mission enabler

When critical cargo, passengers, or special operations teams need to reach a ship steaming miles out at sea at 30+ knots — you make it happen.
As a Naval Aircrewman Mechanical (AWF), you’re the essential in-flight expert aboard the Navy’s fixed-wing workhorse aircraft (C-2 Greyhound, C-130, P-3 Orion, C-40 Clipper, E-6 Mercury, and more).

You combine hands-on mechanical skill, loadmaster precision, and aircrew tactical awareness to keep missions moving — from high-priority resupply to medical evacuations to supporting Joint Special Warfare operations.

If you love aviation, troubleshooting systems in the air, and being the difference between mission success and failure — Aircrewman Mechanical is your perfect fit.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as Flight Engineer / Crew Chief, Loadmaster, or Reel Operator on fixed-wing aircraft
Perform in-flight & ground aircraft maintenance and troubleshooting
Calculate weight & balance (W&B) and rig aircraft systems
Load, secure, and offload internal/external cargo
Conduct Medical Evacuations (MEDEVAC) and passenger transport
Handle small arms transport and security
Support Joint Special Warfare missions and logistics
Manage aircrew training, readiness, and qualification programs
Act as eyes and ears for coastal/port mapping and intelligence collection

Work Environment

Operate from naval air stations, squadrons, and forward-deployed locations worldwide
Fly on a wide range of fixed-wing platforms (logistics, patrol, command & control)
Spend significant time airborne — expect ~60% of assignments at sea or deployed
Environments include: flight decks, hangars, cargo bays, cockpits, and remote airfields

Training Path

Enlisted Position

Boot Camp – Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, IL
Aircrew Candidate School (11 weeks) – Pensacola, FL
- Water survival, land survival, and flight safety training
Platform-specific “A” School and Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) training
- Aircraft systems, loadmaster procedures, in-flight engineering
Ongoing mission qualifications (cargo handling, aerial delivery, etc.)

Advancement: Competitive, performance-based promotions
Future Opportunities: Advanced technical/leadership roles; possible transition to Officer programs with a college degree

Post-Service Careers:

Commercial airline loadmaster & flight engineer
Cargo & logistics aviation (FedEx, UPS, etc.)
Offshore support & medevac helicopter/fixed-wing operations
Aircraft maintenance & quality control
Federal/contractor aviation support roles

Qualifications & Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
U.S. citizenship
Eligible for security clearance
Must be able to swim confidently before program entry
Normal color perception and hearing required
Strong mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity, and physical strength
Self-motivated team player comfortable with tools, machinery, and repetitive tasks
Helpful traits: curiosity, resourcefulness, interest in systems & equipment

Part-Time Opportunity

Available in the Navy Reserve

One weekend per month + two weeks annual training
Maintain civilian employment while gaining elite aviation experience
Training and drilling locations often near home

Why Aircrewman Mechanical?

You get the rare combination of:

Hands-on aircraft maintenance in flight
Critical cargo & personnel delivery missions
Worldwide travel and deployment
High-stakes responsibility on multi-million-dollar platforms

Few jobs let you troubleshoot systems at altitude, deliver life-saving supplies to ships at sea, and support special operations — all while earning top-tier aviation credentials.

Ready to become the Navy’s airborne mechanical powerhouse?

Apply Now → https://www.navy.com/careers-benefits/careers/aviation/aircrewman-mechanical

Call 1-800-USA-NAVY
Text NAVYBONUS to 764764 for current bonus information

America’s Navy. Keeping the Fleet Connected — From the Air.

Aircrewman Mechanical

Job Description