Ask a Naval Aircrewman

[Rooster]

During the 2nd class swim test do we use goggles?

[LT Guppy]

No goggles during the second (or third) class swim. They do tell you to swim with your eyes open.

[Haasino]

Sorry about the delayed response... I've been converting jet fuel into exhaust for Democracy.

Originally Posted by Edge

Hi, so I decided I would get a little college in before going into the Navy, and Aircrew sounds perfect for me. Been trying to find out anything and everything about it. My questions would be:

1. Is there a height restriction for Aircrew? I stand at a towering 6'6", and know that I already can't be a pilot, but is there a similar thing for Aircrew? I know the general limit for the Navy is 6'8".

2. I heard that the deployments for Aircrew are not the same as your average sailor. What is so different?

3. Lastly, some people have said that the flight physical has grounded a lot of guys, I'm in pretty good shape but am not sure about the difference between a flight physical and a regular one. What are some of the disqualifying factors, or things that require a waiver?

Thanks so much for your time!

1.) I've never seen anything written dictating a height requirement for Aircrew... there used to be a 245lb limit for ejection seats, but we haven't flown in those types of aircraft since the S-3 was retired from sub-hunting.

2.) Deployment will vary depending on if you're fixed-wing Aircrew, or H-60 Aircrew. For -60 guys, the deployment will be with a carrier or small boy and will pretty much be the same since you're essentially riding along with the ship. For fixed-wing AW's, you're going to be land-based and will deploy for 6-7 months to a foreign air base of some sort... Patrol & Reconnaissance squadrons are typically splitting their crews between two sites right now, with numerous single-crew detachments to nearby areas. Basically, we do Air Force deployments while still being able to claim ourselves as Navy.

Originally Posted by NavyGirl2015

Where all does AWS get stationed?

MH-53E AWS' are only in Norfolk... MH-60S AWS' are primarily in Norfolk and San Diego, with one HSC squadron in Japan, and a dedicated SAR squadron in Nevada and Washington. Unless you have an AIRR contract, your only option for AWS will be the -53.

Originally Posted by Rooster

During the 2nd class swim test do we use goggles?

Not for the 2nd Class... the only time you can wear goggles is during the 1 mile swim at the end of NACCS.

[NavyGirl2015]

My eyes are pretty bad so would I just use glasses in the pool? Only other option is contacts with goggles or prescription goggles. Going without anything isn't rrally an option for me since my eye sight is so bad. And, since I'm curious, what aircrew jobs get stationed in San diego?

[Haasino]

Originally Posted by NavyGirl2015

My eyes are pretty bad so would I just use glasses in the pool? Only other option is contacts with goggles or prescription goggles. Going without anything isn't rrally an option for me since my eye sight is so bad. And, since I'm curious, what aircrew jobs get stationed in San diego?

You won't be allowed to wear glasses or contacts from what I recall... as long as you can see general shapes, you'll be fine... there's no real precision as long as your form is proper. My buddy was almost over the 20/400 disqualifier and was able to manage.

Rescue Swimmers on MH-60R and MH-60S helos are the majority of Aircrew in San Diego... there's also some Reserve AWF's in a C-40 squadron, and some Active Duty AWF's in a C-2 squadron. There are also some AWO's and AWV's working with the SEALS doing... things. Down the road for your shore duty, there's the option of being a SERE Instructor or doing work for JPRA... as well as AWO opportunities piloting LCAC's up near Camp Pendleton.

[NavyGirl2015]

My eyes are 20/600. I believe disqualifying is 20/800. So no glasses...that's not going to be fun. I can barely see shapes up close lol.

[Haasino]

Originally Posted by NavyGirl2015

My eyes are 20/600. I believe disqualifying is 20/800. So no glasses...that's not going to be fun. I can barely see shapes up close lol.

It'll be a pain... but I wasn't exactly seeing clearly either with chlorinated pool water in my eyes. You really don't need to see to do any of the water survival evolutions though... the tread & float evolutions just require staying above water until you hear the whistle... and the helo dunker is all done by touch since you're upside-down and blindfolded.

[NavyGirl2015]

Ok thanks a lot! I was really worried that my bad eyes might be a safety hazard. I was getting really nervous but now with what you have told me, I'm feeling better about it. I'm starting to look forward it