*** ACRB STATUS UPDATE 4/15/2025 ***
3YR = $120K, 22YCS
2YR = $35K, 21YCS
Sea Duty Incentive $10K/contract year
*** If you fail your 12- or 18-year flight gate while on AvB, you are automatically ETP'd to continue receiving Bonus Payments**
This page contains information on the Aviation Bonus (AvB) program. AvB is also known as the aviation bonus - not to be confused with Aviation Incentive Pay (AvIP), commonly referred to as "flight pay". (See links on the left side of the screen for more information on AvIP.) Below are links to program information for current and historical Navy (active component) AvB programs. Currently there are two AvB programs in the active component: the Aviation Department Head Retention Bonus (ADHRB) and the Aviation Command Retention Bonus (ACRB).
FY-25 Aviation Department Head Retention (ADHRB) Program
This program is available to those that will be considered for DH during the FY-26 Aviation Department Head Screen Board (ADHSB) or selected for promotion to O-4 and will be eligible for a future ADHSB. The FY25 ADHRB early rates, 5 or 7 year contract is only available until the FY26 ADHSB results are published. Digital submissions are preferred. Send scanned copies of your signed contract and command endorsement to Ms. Melinda Weeden (PERS-432V) at the email above. The program information document below contains significant information about the contractual obligations. Review this document, read the FAQ, and contact your detailer with any additional questions. You do not 'opt-in' for location incentive. It is applied post-slate upon check-in to your command.
Payment expectations:
Early contracts: Expect your first payment upon reaching 1 year prior to MSR or whenever your contract finishes administrative routing (approximately 1 month) – whichever is later.
Standard contracts: Expect your first payment upon reaching MSR or whenever your contract finishes administrative routing (approximately 1 month) – whichever is later.
NAVADMIN 090/25
FY-25 ADHRB Program Information
FY-25 ADHRB Contract
ADHRB CO Endorsement Example Template
NFO-to-Pilot
1. An NFO-to-Pilot transition officer who has an MSR beyond their DH tour PRD is allowed to apply for the ADHRB during their year of eligibility. Their contract will be held in abeyance upon contract approval by PERS-432.
2. An NFO-to-Pilot transition officer who has an approved ADHRB contract that is being held in abeyance due to their pilot MSR will be paid their first ADHRB installment one year prior to their MSR expiration provided they are currently serving in or successfully completed a DH tour.
FY-25 Aviation Command Retention Bonus (ACRB) Program
Key ACRB takeaways:
Two options
o 2-year option - $35k total ($17.5k/year); obligation ending at 21 YCS*
o 3-year option - $120k total ($40k/year); obligation ending at 22 YCS*
*The obligation concludes at the end of prescribed number of YCS or the PCC tour PRD, whichever is later
**NOTE: Sea Duty incentive will be disbursed after sending in stamped, check-in orders associated with qualifying PCC tour with a carrier strike group, carrier, or amphibious assault ship. Sea duty incentive contract value is $10,000 per contract year, regardless of PCC tour length.
Widened eligibility still in effect: Eligibility begins from ACSB selection until assuming command.
ACRB applicants must be Active-Duty unrestricted line aviators with a 1310 or 1320 designator, who screened for command during the Aviation Command Selection Board (ACSB) and must not have completed their aviation command tour
Sitting COs may ETP into the ACRB. However, starting PCC orders negotiations and/or having awareness of a highwater tipper will be disqualifying.
NAVADMIN 085/25
FY-25 ACRB Contract 2 Year Option
FY-25 ACRB Contract 3 Year Option
FY-25 ACRB Program Information