Responsibilities

As an Aviation Rescue Swimmer (AIRR), you will be ready to enter challenging conditions to provide recovery and relief for rescue missions, humanitarian assistance, and operational support. Some of your key duties may include:

Serving as part of an aircrew on an SH-60 helicopter, coordinating with pilots to ensure mission success
Saving pilots from downed aircraft, rescuing people from stranded or capsized vessels, or assisting hikers and climbers in danger
Rescuing civilians during natural disasters and working alongside other forces like the Coast Guard
Delivering aid and supplies during humanitarian operations
Supporting Naval Special Warfare Operations
Conducting surveillance in anti-submarine warfare and drug interdiction operations
Operating radar, Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) sensors, missile systems, and door guns in anti-surface operations
Transporting troops and cargo to and from ships

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Aviation Rescue Swimmers may help anyone in nearly any environment. You may be called upon to save people around the globe, such as those caught in destructive storms, the crew of a sinking ship, or injured mountain climbers on inaccessible cliffs.

AIRRs are assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) sea or shore duty anywhere in the world. They typically deploy aboard aircraft carriers, surface combatants, and support ships, or are stationed at Naval Air Stations.

TRAINING & ADVANCEMENT

AIRR Training Is One Of The Most Physically And Mentally Demanding Programs In The Navy. Candidates Undergo Nearly Two Years Of Training In Advanced Swimming, Lifesaving Techniques, Helicopter Mission Equipment, And Crew-served Weapons Systems Before Reporting To Their First Squadron. Throughout Training, Candidates Are Continuously Tested In Challenging Scenarios. The Training Process Includes

Water and land survival and flight safety (4 weeks at Aircrew Candidate School in Pensacola, FL)
Search and Rescue Swimming Skills (5 weeks at Rescue Swimmer School in Pensacola, FL)
Basic Naval Aviation skills (14 weeks at Class “A” Technical School in Pensacola, FL)
Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) techniques (2 weeks at SERE School in North Island, CA, or Portsmouth, NH)
Aircraft systems training (28 weeks at a Naval Air Station)

After graduation, AIRRs may be assigned to a helicopter command, either at sea or shore duty, in locations across the U.S., including San Diego, CA; Norfolk, VA; Jacksonville, FL; Whidbey Island, WA; and many others.

Advanced Education & Training

Based on performance and Navy needs, AIRRs may be eligible for additional training in:

EMT training
Advanced Rescue Swimmer School (covering swift water, high seas, cave, and cliff rescue)
Senior Enlisted AIRRs may be selected to become:
- Schoolhouse instructors
- Weapons instructors
- Master rappellers/instructors

Promotion opportunities are competitive, based on performance, and can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields.

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Skills

The Naval Special Warfare/Naval Special Operations (NSW/NSO) community offers various opportunities to further your education. Navy training provides skills and knowledge in military tactics, survival techniques, small arms use, and tactical procedures. This training can translate into credit hours toward a degree through the American Council on Education. Additionally, you can continue your education through:

Fleet Replacement Aircrew/Mission Tactical Instructor
Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance
Post-9/11 GI Bill

Qualifications & Requirements

No college degree is required to become an Enlisted Navy AIRR, but the training is tough, and the job satisfaction is high.

To Qualify For Rescue Swimmer Training, Candidates Must

Meet specific eyesight requirements: uncorrected vision no worse than 20/100, correctable to 20/20 with normal depth and color perception
Achieve the minimum Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) score: VE + AR + MK + MC = 210 or VE + AR + MK + AS = 210
Pass a Physical Screening Test (PST) in DEP/Boot Camp
Pass a Class 1 Flight Physical
Be 30 years old or younger
Be a U.S. citizen and eligible for security clearance

General qualifications may vary depending on whether you are currently serving, have served before, or are entering the Navy for the first time. It’s advised to consult a physician before starting any physical fitness program to ensure it’s appropriate for you.

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