The History of the
Aviation Boatswain’s Mates Association (ABMA)

Origins: The First Gatherings (1971-1974)

The first gathering of Aviation Boatswain’s Mates (ABs) took place in December 1971, initiated by ABCM Mike Hickman, who reached out to as many senior ABs as possible for an informal get-together. This event was held at the Chief Petty Officer’s Club in Norfolk, Virginia. Due to the overwhelming interest and success of this gathering, attendees decided to make it an annual tradition.

The second reunion was held on June 22, 1972, at the Chief Petty Officer’s Club in North Island, California. That year, over 100 senior ABs came together to share sea stories and reconnect with shipmates. Recognizing the importance of these reunions, attendees appointed a committee to coordinate future events:

The third AB reunion was held at Naval Air Station Memphis, Millington, Tennessee, on March 28, 1973. A year later, on June 22, 1974, the fourth reunion took place in Mayport, Florida. It was at this gathering that attendees decided to formally establish an organization to unite the Aviation Boatswain’s Mate community.

Formation of the ABMA (1975)

Under the leadership of Commander Bob Gillen (LDO AB), a charter and bylaws were drafted for the new organization. After months of dedicated work by the founding members, the official Aviation Boatswain’s Mates Association (ABMA) charter was finalized on December 16, 1975. The ABMA was officially incorporated in the state of New Jersey due to the presence of the AB training school in Lakehurst, NJ.

The founding signatories of the ABMA charter were:

The first ABMA leadership team was elected as follows:

Honoring Excellence: AB of the Year Award (1976-Present)

In 1975, CDR Jack Carleton proposed the creation of an “AB of the Year” award to recognize outstanding members of the community. ABMA President CDR Bob Gillen expanded the idea to honor one recipient from each coast.

A selection committee was formed, and at the 1976 ABMA Convention Banquet in Norfolk, Virginia, the first AB of the Year awards were presented to:

Since then, the ABMA has continued this tradition, presenting prestigious AB of the Year blazers at the annual banquet to recognize the dedication and contributions of outstanding ABs.

Investing in the Future: ABMA Scholarship Program

In 1976, CDR Bob Gillen proposed an annual ABMA scholarship for deserving dependents of ABMA members. The scholarship was initially set at $400 and has steadily increased over the years:

The scholarship continues to provide financial support to the next generation of ABs and their families.

The ABMA Symposium: A Platform for Professional Growth

The ABMA annual symposium has become a cornerstone of the organization, offering both professional development and camaraderie. These symposiums bring together:

The symposium workshops serve a critical function, with findings and recommendations forwarded to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) for review and implementation.

The ABMA also maintains a direct liaison with detailers who attend the symposiums, ensuring that fleet concerns are communicated directly to leadership.

Advocacy and Achievements

The ABMA has successfully:
✔ Campaigned for increased flight deck hazardous duty pay
✔ Established a direct liaison with the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
✔ Expanded the annual AB of the Year recognition program
✔ Created the AB Hall of Honors at the AB School in Pensacola, Florida, to recognize achievements and perpetuate the AB rate

Acknowledgments & Contributions

We recognize the contributions of the following individuals for their technical consultation and dedication to preserving ABMA history:

Continuing the Legacy

Since its founding, the Aviation Boatswain’s Mates Association has stood as the professional and fraternal organization for ABs, ensuring that their voices are heard and their legacy is honored. Through networking, advocacy, and education, the ABMA continues to support and uplift the AB community—past, present, and future.

Fair Winds and Following Seas, Shipmates!