Working on the flight deck of a Vessel, or Aircraft Carrier is one of the most exciting and dangerous jobs that there is in the military. It has been compared to a case of organized chaos, with a ballet being performed in the middle. If you are into adrenaline, and speed, and have an interest in aviation, helicopters, airplanes and jets, then this may be the job for you.
You could be assigned to work on the tarmac at a small island in the Pacific Ocean, helping direct F/A 18 fighter aircraft into the air. Or you could be stationed on board a Super Carrier, dealing with some of the highest technology and aircraft in the known world. The Flight Deck Enlisted Navy Aviation Specialist is involved in helping provide defense, attack, and logistics support to the U.S. Fleet. They do so with the help of the most technologically advanced, modern electronics, aircraft and equipment in the known world.
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Each and every aircraft that comes off of the flight deck is supported by a bevy crew of trained professionals. These well trained ground and aircrews provide support and enable pilots and aircraft to perform their assigned missions and maintain fleet readiness. Some of the duties performed by flight aviation specialists include:
-Operate and maintain landing gear systems, brakes and related systems.
-Work as aircrew on board Aircraft, assisting fellow crewmembers with flight missions
-Maintain and inspect aircraft safety systems.
-Maintain, inspect and repair navigation, electrical, weapons and flight aircraft systems.
-Perform Airframe and aircraft inspections of wings, landing gear, fuselage, and other parts of the aircraft.
-Assist in electronic detection of submarines, aircraft and missiles.
-Assist in launching and retrieval of aircraft from the ground or from an aircraft carrier.
Working on board an aircraft carrier you will eventually be responsible for supervising other sailors and airman in the launching and recovery of aircraft. As you rise in rank you will have increasing responsibility in dealing with all aspects of Naval Carrier based aviation, and much of the ongoing success of the current mission at hand is based on the performance of the ground and flight deck crews.
You will assist in preparing aircraft for flight, and in catapult and launch equipment use and maintenance. You will cross train in fire safety and other emergency response fields to allow the best and most efficient response.