History of the Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (AB) Rating

Origins: The Need for a Specialized Flight Deck Force

Before the official establishment of the Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (AB) rating on September 6, 1944, the critical tasks of launching, recovering, fueling, and handling naval aircraft were divided among several ratings. The absence of a dedicated flight deck crew led to inefficiencies and safety concerns, particularly as naval aviation expanded during World War II.

During the early years of aircraft carrier operations, these responsibilities were assigned to sailors from various ratings, including:

• Boatswain’s Mates (BM): Supervised deck crew operations, handled cargo, and maintained shipboard equipment.

• Aviation Machinist’s Mates (AD): Focused on aircraft maintenance and engine repairs.

• Aviation Ordnancemen (AO): Handled and maintained aircraft weapons and ordnance.

• Carpenter’s Mates (CM): Assisted in aircraft structural maintenance and repair.

• Ship’s Fuel Oilers (SFO): Managed fueling operations aboard ships before aviation fueling became a specialized duty.

As aircraft carriers became the backbone of U.S. naval power, the need for a specialized rating to oversee flight deck operations became apparent. The increasing complexity of aircraft launch and recovery, coupled with the dangers of fueling and handling aircraft in combat conditions, demanded a trained and dedicated force.

Recognizing these challenges, the U.S. Navy formally established the Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (ABM) rating on September 6, 1944, with official promulgation to the fleet on September 14, 1944, through BUPERS Circular Letter 268-44.

Formalization and Early Training (1944-1948)

Shortly after its creation, the ABM rating received its distinctive insignia. On November 30, 1944, BUPERS Circular Letter 363-44 approved the rating badge for Aviation Boatswain’s Mates, alongside the rating badge for Mailman.

Early Training Schools

Training for the newly designated Aviation Boatswain’s Mates was quickly established, reflecting the specialized skills required for their duties. Bureau of Naval Personnel training bulletins outlined early flight deck training programs:

• Naval Aircraft Factory, Navy Yard, Philadelphia, PA – Catapult and Arresting Gear Training (4 weeks)

• Manchester, WA, Naval Station, Middle and Orchard Point – Carrier Gasoline Systems Training (2 weeks, started November 20, 1944)

By 1945, formal rating qualifications for ABMs were first printed and included in BUPERS Manual Change No. 4 (February 1945).

Early Specializations: 1944-1948

Initially, the Aviation Boatswain’s Mate rating was divided into four specialized categories:

• ABM (AG) – Arresting Gear and Barriers

• ABM (CP) – Catapults

• ABM (PH) – Plane Handlers

• ABM (GA) – Gasoline Systems

By 1947, the low-capacity gas school moved to Philadelphia, while high-capacity fuel training was conducted aboard the USS Block Island (Severn River Command near Annapolis, MD) and USS Mission Bay (Bayonne, NJ). Bayonne remained the Navy’s primary fueling school until 1967.

On September 30, 1947, BUPERS Circular Letter 189-17 consolidated these groups into a single "AB" rating to streamline training and career progression.

Expansion and Modernization of the AB Rating (1950s-1960s)

First Master Chief & Senior Chiefs in the AB Rating (1958)

With the creation of the E-8 and E-9 pay grades in 1958, the first AB Master Chief and nine Senior Chiefs were advanced on November 16, 1958:

• First ABCM: Joe M. Harrison Jr.

• First ABCS Selectees: Rural R. Boyd, Robert O. Coffelt, Lee M. Davis, Troy W. David, James C. Holley, Jesse S. Horton, James C. Huckaby, John W. Hurl, Hubert J. Reece

Creation of AB Specialties: ABE, ABF, and ABH (1961)

To better define responsibilities, the AB rating was split into three distinct categories on January 1, 1961, under BUPERS Notice 1440 (September 22, 1960):

• Aviation Boatswain’s Mate – Equipment (ABE): Operates and maintains catapults, arresting gear, and barriers.

• Aviation Boatswain’s Mate – Fuels (ABF): Manages fueling and defueling operations and fuel system safety.

• Aviation Boatswain’s Mate – Handling (ABH): Responsible for aircraft movement, security, and firefighting on the flight deck and hangar bay.

This specialization ensured greater expertise and efficiency in each area of carrier aviation operations.

Training Consolidation at Lakehurst, NJ (1966-1967)

In 1966, the Aviation Boatswain’s Mate School moved from Philadelphia, PA, to Lakehurst, NJ, consolidating all AB training under one command. The following year, the Fuels School moved from Bayonne, NJ, making Lakehurst the central hub for all AB training.

Additionally, Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) detachments were established in Norfolk, VA, and San Diego, CA, in 1967, providing fleet-wide accessibility for training.

The AB Rating Today: Continuing a Legacy of Excellence

Since its inception, the Aviation Boatswain’s Mate rating has been at the forefront of naval aviation operations, supporting every major conflict from World War II to the present day.

Key Contributions of ABs Throughout History

✔ Pioneered modern catapult and arresting gear systems, including the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS)
✔ Developed advanced aviation fueling safety protocols
✔ Successfully campaigned for increased flight deck hazardous duty pay
✔ Established the AB Hall of Honors in Pensacola, FL, to recognize outstanding ABs
✔ Ensured naval aviation dominance in conflicts from WWII to the present

Today, ABs continue to serve aboard aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, and air stations worldwide, ensuring the safe launch, recovery, and movement of aircraft critical to naval air power.

Conclusion: A Proud Legacy of Service

For over 80 years, the Aviation Boatswain’s Mate community has been a cornerstone of naval aviation, ensuring mission success through technical expertise, resilience, and dedication.

The evolution of the AB rating from its roots in deck crews and early aircraft handlers to its modern, highly specialized roles reflects the Navy’s commitment to operational excellence.

As new technologies and challenges emerge, Aviation Boatswain’s Mates will continue to adapt, innovate, and uphold the traditions of "Fair Winds and Following Seas" for generations to come.