Search & Rescue

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. Naval Aircrewman Helicopter - Sierra
Naval Aircrewman Helicopter - Romeo
We Fly Navy - Diversity in Aviation
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.


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
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:


Search and Rescue
Combat Search and Rescue
Naval Aircrewman Tactical Helicopter (AWR)


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


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

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
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:
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:
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 .
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.
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.


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


Pass Class 1 Flight Physical
S. citizen and eligible for security clearance
Get the full details on AIRR training .


This is particularly true if you (or your family) have a history of medical illnesses or ailments that could be made worse by a change in physical activity. Part-Time Opportunities
There are no part-time jobs as a Navy Reserve Sailor in this role.