Navy Rating · Aviation
ABE Aviation Boatswain's Mate, Launching and Recovery Equipment
Overview
An Aviation Boatswain's Mate specializing in launching and recovery equipment operates and maintains aircraft catapults, barricades, arresting gear, and associated equipment ashore and afloat. The specialist also operates hydraulic systems, retraction engines, water brakes, control stations, and other supporting equipment while handling aircraft on the flight deck.
Core Skills
- operation of complex launch and recovery systems
- electro-mechanical and hydraulic systems maintenance
- preventive and corrective maintenance execution
- troubleshooting using technical manuals and schematics
- safety and risk management in high-energy systems
- system monitoring and control under time pressure
- use of test and diagnostic equipment
- documentation of maintenance and system status
- team coordination in high-tempo environments
- basic power systems and UPS operations knowledge
Civilian Software & Tools
- Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
- Troubleshooting software
- Maintenance management software
- Recordkeeping software
- Electrical power management system software
- SAP software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
Civilian Career Paths
- Mechanical Engineering
- Facilities Management
- Aircraft Maintenance
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Industrial Hydraulic Mechanic (IHM)
- Industrial Hydraulic Technician (IHT)
- Pneumatic Mechanic (PM)
- Pneumatic Technician (PT)
- ASTM NCATT Foreign Object Elimination (FOE)
Career Growth
- Associate Safety Professional (ASP)
- Certified Elevator Inspector Supervisor (CEIS)
- Certified Safety Director (CSD)
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
- ASE Truck Equipment: Auxiliary Power Systems Installation and Repair (E3)
Also Common
- Electronic Controls Specialist
What the Work Involves
- Operate and inspect machines or heavy equipment to diagnose defects.
- Repair or maintain the operating condition of industrial production or processing machinery or equipment.
- Test mechanical products and equipment after repair or assembly to ensure proper performance and compliance with manufacturers' specifications.
- Locate malfunctions in brakes, motors, switches, and signal and control systems, using test equipment.
- Inspect, test, or measure materials, products, installations, or work for conformance to specifications.
Related Occupations
- Logisticians
- Rail Car Repairers
- Millwrights
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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