Aviation Machinist's Mates (abbreviated as AD) are
United States Navy
The United States Navy (USN) is the maritime service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. It is the largest and most powerful navy in the world, with the estimated tonnage ...
aircraft engine
An aircraft engine, often referred to as an aero engine, is the power component of an aircraft propulsion system. Most aircraft engines are either piston engines or gas turbines, although a few have been rocket powered and in recent years ma ...
mechanics that inspect, adjust, test, repair, and overhaul aircraft engines and propellers. More specifically, ADs install, maintain, and service various aircraft engine types as well as various accessories, gear boxes, related fuel systems, and lubrication systems; determine reasons for engine degradation using various test equipment; perform propeller repairs; handle and service aircraft ashore or aboard ship; and can also serve as aircrewman in various types of aircraft.
History
In the early stages of
Naval Aviation
Naval aviation is the application of military air power by navies, whether from warships that embark aircraft, or land bases.
Naval aviation is typically projected to a position nearer the target by way of an aircraft carrier. Carrier-based ...
, this occupation was performed by
Machinist's Mates with an aviation specialty, but qualifying for the aviation specialty required meeting the standards for the general rating as well as those required for the aviation specialty.
The Aviation Machinist's Mate rating was established on July 1, 1921, along with Aviation Metalsmith, Aviation Carpenter's Mate, and Aviation Rigger. These were the first ratings used specifically for aviation and based solely on aviation requirements. Aviation Machinist's Mate is the only one of the four that is still in use today, making it the oldest U.S. Naval Aviation Rating still in service.
In April, 1948, the rating's abbreviation was changed from AMM to AD, but the insignia has not changed since 1921.
Aviation Machinist’s Mate functional areas
* General power plant maintenance
* Engine component inspection and maintenance
* Electro/Mechanical maintenance
* Engine linkage maintenance
* Auxiliary power
* Helicopter maintenance
* General maintenance
* Aviation support
* Corrosion control
* Hazardous material control and handling
* Maintenance administration
* Aircraft fuel systems maintenance
* Propeller systems
ADs may be assigned to sea or shore duty any place in the world, so their working environment varies considerably. They may work in hangars or hangar decks, outside on flight decks or flight lines at air stations. About 6,100 men and women work in this rating.
Sailors
A sailor, seaman, mariner, or seafarer is a person who works aboard a watercraft as part of its crew, and may work in any one of a number of different fields that are related to the operation and maintenance of a ship.
The profession of the s ...
in this rating are required to express themselves clearly in speech and writing, must have no speech impediment, and must pass hearing and color perception tests. ADs must have good memories and the ability to do repetitive tasks, perform detailed work, and keep accurate records.
Advanced technical and operational training is available in this U.S. Navy rating during later stages of an AD's career development.
See also
*
List of United States Navy ratings
United States Navy ratings are general enlisted occupations used by the U.S. Navy since the 18th century, which denote the specific skills and abilities of the sailor. Each naval rating has its own specialty badge, which is worn on the left ...
*
Aviation Maintenance Technician
Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AMT) are an enlisted rating of the United States Coast Guard. They inspect, service, maintain, troubleshoot and repair aircraft engines, auxiliary power units, propellers, rotor systems, power train systems, and ...
References
External links
Machinists
United States Navy ratings
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