Search & Rescue

US Navy Wavemaker USD
US - Kentucky - Louisville
January 21, 2025

When lives are on the line, Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers (AIRRs) are exceptionally adept at answering the call. These brave men and women embody the courage of America's Navy - readily going into harm's way to complete their rescue missions in some of the most extreme environments imaginable. As part of the most elite helicopter emergency response team in the world, you'll be tasked with saving the lives of people caught in the waves. Living by the motto, "So others may live," rescue swimmers put their skills to the test for others each time they leap into the sea.

Want to start your journey with the Navy?

Enlisted None

What to Expect

Aviation Rescue Swimmer

Naval Aircrewman Helicopter - Sierra

Naval Aircrewman Helicopter - Romeo

Naval Aircrewman: MH-60 Romeo & MH-60 Sierra

We Fly Navy - Diversity in Aviation

More Information Responsibilities

Aviation Rescue Swimmers are tasked with entering treacherous conditions to assist with rescue missions, humanitarian assistance, and operational support. One day you may be evacuating families on the other side of the globe amidst a catastrophic storm, and the next day rescuing the crew of a ship off the Pacific coast or saving a mountain climber hanging from an inaccessible cliff.

Depending on your role, duties may include:

Coordinating with pilots as an Aircrewman aboard helicopters
Saving the crew of downed aircraft, people aboard stranded or capsized vessels at sea, or hikers and mountain climbers in danger
Rescuing civilians during natural disasters in collaboration with other forces such as the Coast Guard
Delivering aid and supplies to other countries in humanitarian operations
Providing support to Naval Special Warfare Operations
Conducting surveillance in anti-submarine warfare and drug interdiction operations
Operate radar, Forward Looking Infrared sensors, missile systems and door guns in anti-surface operations
Transporting troops and cargo to and from ships

In this role, you will specialize as a Naval Aircrewman Helicopter (AWS) or a Naval Aircrewman Tactical Helicopter (AWR).

Naval Aircrewman Helicopter (AWS)

AWS's operate various aircraft systems to support a range of mission types including:

Surface Warfare
Search and Rescue
Combat Search and Rescue
Naval Special Warfare
Airborne Mine Countermeasure
Logistics

Naval Aircrewman Tactical Helicopter (AWR)

AWR's operate various aircraft systems to support a range of mission types including:

Anti-Submarine
Recon & Intelligence
Anti-Surface Ship
Search and Rescue
Combat Search and Rescue
Naval Special Warfare Fire Support

Work Environment

As an AIRR, you will operate in almost every type of extreme environment and may be assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) or Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadrons (HSM) sea or shore duty in any part of the world. You could be assigned to squadrons at Naval Air Stations and may deploy aboard aircraft carriers, surface combat ships and support ships.

Training & Advancement

Aviation Rescue Swimmers must be prepared to operate in any challenging environment. It's why two years of training in advanced swimming and lifesaving techniques, helicopter mission equipment and helicopter weapons systems are required before you report to your first squadron. Throughout training, candidates are continually tested mentally and physically as they advance to more rigorous and challenging scenarios.

Upon completion of initial training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes (known as Boot Camp), those pursuing an Aircrewman role undergo the following training pipeline:

Aviation Rescue Swimmer School Prep Course (2 weeks) in Pensacola, FL.

Aircrew Candidate School (4 weeks) in Pensacola, FL, to learn Naval Aviation fundamentals, intermediate water survival, aviation physiology and advanced water survival.

Rescue Swimmer School (6 weeks) in Pensacola, FL, to learn search and rescue techniques.

Class "A" Technical School (8-14 weeks) in Pensacola, FL, learning one of the Aircrew Ratings (AWF, AWO, AWS, AWR, AWV).

SERE School (2 weeks) in North Island, CA, or Portsmouth, NH, to train in Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) techniques.

Fleet Replacement Squadrons (28-52 weeks) location dependent on aircrew rating in one of five locations (Jacksonville, FL, Norfolk, VA, San Diego, CA, Oklahoma City, OK, Ft Worth, TX) for basic flight and aircraft weapons systems training.

After graduation, an AIRR may be assigned to a helicopter command at sea or on shore duty in various locations throughout the world, Japan, Guam, Spain, or the continental US including San Diego, CA, Norfolk, VA, Jacksonville, FL, Fallon, NV, Whidbey Island, WA, Key West, FL and many others.

Advanced Education & Training

Based on performance and the needs of the Navy, you could potentially be eligible to receive additional training in:

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training
Helicopter Inland Rappel School (mountain & cliff rescue training)
Advanced Search and Rescue School

Senior enlisted AIRRs may also be selected to become:

Schoolhouse instructors
Weapons instructors
Master rappelers/instructors

Post-Service Opportunities

Specialized training received and work experience gained in the course of service can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields in the civilian world whether you're an AWS or AWR .

Education Opportunities

Members of the Naval Special Warfare community have any number of unique opportunities to advance their knowledge. Navy training provides skills and knowledge in everything from military tactics and small arms use to survival and a number of other tactical military procedures.

Beyond offering access to professional credentials and certifications, Navy training in this field can translate to credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate degree through the American Council on Education .

You may also continue your education through undergraduate degree opportunities like the Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance and the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Qualifications & Requirements

No college degree is required to become an AIRR, but a high degree of difficulty comes standard with nearly everything you'll do. Training is tough and ongoing. You should be in excellent physical condition and a strong swimmer.

To qualify for Rescue Swimmer Training, both men and women must:

Meet specific eyesight requirements: uncorrected vision no worse than 20/100; correctable to 20/20 in both eyes with normal depth and color perception
Meet the minimum Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) score: VE+AR+MK+MC=210 or VE+AR+MK+AS=210
Pass a PST in DEP/Boot Camp

Read the full job description and apply online on the recuiter's web-site

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