Navy Aviation Boatswains Mate, Handling (ABH)

Navy Aviation Boatswains Mate, Handling (ABH) Navy Aviation Boatswains Mate, Handling (ABH) Aviation Boatswains Mates play a major part in launching and recovering naval aircraft quickly and safely from land or ships. It includes aircraft preparation and fueling prior to takeoff and after landing, as well as  fire-fighting and salvage and rescue operations. Later in their careers, ABs can earn the advanced AB rating that supervises all of the individual specialties. Duties of the Aviation Boatswains Mate, Handling (ABH) The aviation boatswains mate that specializes in handling performs the following duties: Supervises the movement, spotting, and securing of aircraft and equipment ashore and afloat.Performs crash rescue, fire fighting, crash removal, and damage control duties in connection with launching and recovery of aircraft.Maintains and performs  organizational maintenance on hydraulic  and steam catapults, barricades, arresting  gear, and arresting gear engines.Operates catapult launch and arresting  consoles, firing panels, water brakes, blast  deflectors, and cooling panels. ABH Rating 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. Qualifications and Requirements ASVAB Score:  VE AR MK AS 184*Security Clearance:  None * For job-qualification purposes, the Navy requires a minimum total score from various sub-tests of the ASVAB. ABH candidates must also satisfy these requirements: 20/100 uncorrected vision, correctable to 20/20.Must have  normal color perception.Must have normal hearing:  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 with no permitted exceptions. A-School (Job School) Information Training for ABH is on-the-job or in formal Navy schooling. Advanced  technical and operational training is available in this rating during later stages of career development.   Class “A” technical school is located in  Pensacola, Florida. ABH training is six weeks long in aviation basic theory and basic required  skills. Instruction is group-based and involves practical application of training. Advancement opportunity and career progression are directly linked to a ratings manning level (i.e., personnel in undermanned ratings have greater promotion opportunity than those in overmanned ratings). Sea/Shore Rotation for This Rating First Sea Tour: 60 monthsFirst Shore Tour: 36 monthsSecond Sea Tour: 60 monthsSecond Shore Tour: 36 monthsThird Sea Tour: 48 monthsThird Shore Tour: 36 monthsFourth Sea Tour: 48 monthsForth Shore Tour: 36 months Sea tours and shore tours for sailors that have completed four sea tours will be 36 months at sea followed by 36 months ashore until retirement. ABH is a sea-intensive community. Manning conditions at sea may require the need to request sea tour extension or shore tour curtailments to ensure all sea duty billets are filled. Other areas in which aviation boatswains mates may specialize: ABE  - Launch and recovery of  aircraft on the flight deck of an  aircraft carrier.ABF  - Aircraft fueling and fuel  systems.