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Navy NEC · Aviation

D16A C-13 Catapult Operator

Current service use not established

This code is listed in the directory. Inclusion alone does not confirm current service use.

A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating.

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Overview

A C-13 Catapult Operator operates C-13 MOD 1 and MOD 2 catapults and their associated systems. The operator conducts preoperation checks, adjusts mechanical, hydraulic, and control systems, monitors for emergency conditions, and initiates corrective or emergency procedures.

Core Skills

  • Pre-operation catapult and associated system checks
  • Mechanical, hydraulic, and control system adjustments
  • Hazard detection and emergency procedure execution

Civilian Career Paths

Career associations are editorial assessments of the cited evidence, not an official crosswalk unless the evidence explicitly says so. O*NET supplies civilian occupation information, not proof of a military match. Related experience does not confer civilian qualifications. Tasks and tools below describe civilian work, not military training.

Power Plant Operators (nonnuclear)

Checking catapult systems, adjusting controls, detecting operating problems, and initiating corrective procedures transfer to monitoring and operating plant equipment.

How to prepare: Seek a nonnuclear operator-trainee program with supervised practice in generating-equipment controls and plant startup and shutdown procedures.

What the civilian work involves
  • Take regulatory action, based on readings from charts, meters and gauges, at established intervals.
  • Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems.
  • Start or stop generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, turbines, or other power plant equipment as necessary.
Civilian tools and software (examples)
  • Computerized maintenance management system CMMS

Automotive Engineering Technicians

Catapult system checks and mechanical, hydraulic, and control adjustments provide a practical foundation for automotive equipment testing and malfunction detection.

How to prepare: Complete a hands-on automotive testing course covering hydraulic test setup, engineering schematics, and data acquisition.

What the civilian work involves
  • Set up mechanical, hydraulic, or electric test equipment in accordance with engineering specifications, standards, or test procedures.
  • Inspect or test parts to determine nature or cause of defects or malfunctions.
  • Document test results, using cameras, spreadsheets, documents, or other tools.
Civilian tools and software (examples)
  • Data acquisition software

Notes & Sources

Evidence for this guidance (3 documents)
  1. NAVPERS 18068F Vol II (NEOCS, Jul 2026 edition): NEC D16A

    [1] NEC entry "D16A - C-13 Catapult Operator"; cached text line 3833; NAVPERS 18068F Vol II, 2026-07 edition

    Supports: Pre-operation catapult and associated system checks, Mechanical, hydraulic, and control system adjustments, Hazard detection and emergency procedure execution, Power Plant Operators (nonnuclear) (O*NET 51-8013.00), Automotive Engineering Technicians (O*NET 17-3027.01)

  2. O*NET: Power Plant Operators

    [2] O*NET 30.3 occupational data

    Supports: Power Plant Operators (nonnuclear) (O*NET 51-8013.00)

  3. O*NET: Automotive Engineering Technicians

    [3] O*NET 30.3 occupational data

    Supports: Automotive Engineering Technicians (O*NET 17-3027.01)

Defense contractor jobs for D16A

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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