Aircrewman Tactical Romeo Helicopter (AWR)

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

Hunt submarines from the sky — and save lives when they need it most

Finding a stealthy submarine in 139 million square miles of ocean is like searching for a needle in a haystack — except the needle is a nuclear-armed threat.
As a Naval Aircrewman Tactical Romeo Helicopter (AWR), you fly aboard the MH-60R Seahawk — the Navy’s premier anti-submarine warfare helicopter — where you become the primary hunter of submarines lurking beneath the waves.

You’re also a fully qualified rescue swimmer, ready to leap from a hovering helicopter into stormy seas to save downed pilots or mariners in distress.

This is one of the most technically demanding and operationally critical enlisted aviation roles in the Navy.

Key Responsibilities

Detect, analyze, classify, localize, and track submerged contacts using advanced sonar and sonobuoys
Perform active and passive acoustic operations
Coordinate tactical communications and relay critical information
Deliver weapons (torpedoes, missiles, sonobuoys) in support of ASW missions
Serve as rescue swimmer for Search & Rescue (SAR) and Combat Search & Rescue (CSAR)
Operate crew-served weapons and conduct defensive gunnery
Support Naval Special Warfare (NSW) missions
Perform night vision device (NVD) operations, navigation, cargo/passenger transport, VERTREP, and MEDEVAC
Act as safety observer and contribute to mission planning & training

Work Environment

Deploy globally with Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) squadrons
Operate from aircraft carriers, destroyers, cruisers, littoral combat ships, and shore bases
Spend significant time airborne over open ocean — expect ~60% of assignments at sea
Environments include: helicopter cockpits, flight decks, hangars, open ocean, and forward-deployed expeditionary bases

Training Path

Enlisted Position

Boot Camp – Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, IL
Aircrew Candidate School (4 weeks) – Pensacola, FL
- Water survival, land survival, and flight safety fundamentals
Rescue Swimmer School (5 weeks) – Pensacola, FL
- Extremely demanding open-ocean rescue training
“A” School & Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) training
- MH-60R acoustic systems, sensor operation, weapons employment, tactical procedures
Ongoing mission-specific qualifications (ASW, SAR, CSAR, NVG, etc.)

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

Post-Service Careers:

Civilian anti-submarine & maritime patrol aviation
Search & rescue (Coast Guard, civilian SAR companies)
Defense contractor roles (sonar, acoustic systems, tactical training)
Federal law enforcement maritime/aviation operations
Commercial helicopter operations (offshore, utility, EMS)

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
Excellent physical condition, strong manual dexterity, and mental toughness
Self-motivated team player with strong analytical skills
Helpful traits: interest in technology, resourcefulness, ability to work under pressure

Part-Time Opportunity

Available in the Navy Reserve

One weekend per month + two weeks annual training
Maintain civilian career while staying current in elite ASW & rescue skills
Drilling locations often near home when possible

Why Aircrewman Tactical Romeo?

Few jobs anywhere combine:

Cutting-edge anti-submarine warfare
High-tech acoustic and sensor operations
Combat search & rescue swimming
Weapons delivery from a helicopter
Worldwide deployment on the tip of the spear

You’ll hunt the most dangerous threats in the ocean, save lives in extreme conditions, and operate some of the most advanced sensors and systems in naval aviation.

Ready to find what others call undetectable?

Apply Now → https://www.navy.com/careers-benefits/careers/aviation/aircrewman-tactical-romeo-helicopter

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

America’s Navy. Keeping the seas safe — one submarine at a time.

Job Description