ABF Community Overview

ABCM Community Overview

ABF Career Path

 
General Description

Aviation Boatswain's Mates play a major part in launching and recovering naval aircraft quickly and safely from land or ships. This includes aircraft fueling and fuel systems. Later in their careers ABs can earn the advanced AB rating that requires supervision of all these individual specialties.

What They Do

The duties performed by ABFs include: operating, maintaining and performing organizational maintenance on aviation fueling and lubricating oil systems on CVs, CVNs, LPHS and LPDS; observing and enforcing handling safety precautions and maintaining fuel quality surveillance and control in aviation fuel systems; supervising the operation and servicing of fuel farms and equipment associated with the fueling and defueling of aircraft ashore and afloat; training, directing and supervising fire fighting crews, fire rescue teams, and damage control parties in assigned fuel and lubricating oil spaces.

Working Environment

Most of the work in this rating is performed outdoors on the deck of aircraft carriers, in all climatic conditions, in fast-paced and often potentially hazardous environments. ABs work closely with others in aviation ratings. 

Requirements

ASVAB: VE+AR+MK+AS =161
20/100 Uncorrected
Must have normal color perception
Must have normal hearing
Notes: Normal hearing required. Frequencies: 3000hz 4000hz 5000hz 6000hz Average hearing threshold level in these four frequencies must be less than 30db, with no level greater than 45db in any one frequency. If hearing level exceeds these limits, the applicant is enlistment ineligible for the rating. No exceptions.