FAA Warfare ASW Aircrewman Q and A.

[Mark Dip]

If you have any questions on the ASW Aircrewman branch please post them here. I can't guarantee that we will be able to answer all questions but we'll certainly attempt to. Please use all the usual resources available first, but we appreciate not all the answers are out there on http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk
Please seek advice from the AFCO for any recruitment specifics.

 

[Ninja_Stoker]

Excellent! Stickied.

 

[Waspie]

Love the moniker!!!!

'Mark Dip' PMSL.

 

[guns1969]

Just been chatting to one of the ex crabs at work and his Granddad was a Observer on Swordfish during the war.

He heard that he may have ditched during the war a would have been entitled to join the Goldfish Club. Anyway he got in contact with a Cdr at Culdrose and this is the reply he received:


A bit more detail to follow but delighted (!) to report that your grandfather was a Goldfish - indeed a DOUBLE Goldfish!!


Both were on 813 NAS. 25 Apr 1941 ditched, rescued by SS MATHURA and taken to Aden.


19 May 1942, Swordfish V4499 ditched on ASW patrol ahead of Fleet, rescued by HMS WESTCOTT!

The poor chap was also torpedoed on two occasions!!!
Think his name was Albert


http://www.thegoldfishclub.co.uk/

He was obviously some-ones uncle !

 

[effitilljointhenavy]

Anyone have any information regarding the promotion ladder for ASW Aircrew?

I’ve been spun a lot of dits about it, such as the fact that Aircrew seem to become Commodores within 30 seconds of entering the AFCO (unfortunately this wasn’t actually true).

When do they jump up to Killick (or acting) and are they actually becoming PO’s on completion of phase 2 training as I’ve been told?

Any info is much appreciated!

 

[Mark Dip]

Sorry for the later reply, thought I’d replied to this already.

https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/-/medi...s/reference-library/br-3-vol-1/chapter-81.pdf

Promotion details at the link. To summarise, the Training pipeline should now get an Aircrewman ASW fro Raleigh to Wings, Acting POACMN in 2 and a half years. Acting LH whilst under flying training.

Most do make Commodore, but that takes a bit longer.

 

[Waspie]

Sorry for the later reply, thought I’d replied to this already.

https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/-/medi...s/reference-library/br-3-vol-1/chapter-81.pdf

Promotion details at the link. To summarise, the Training pipeline should now get an Aircrewman ASW fro Raleigh to Wings, Acting POACMN in 2 and a half years. Acting LH whilst under flying training.

Most do make Commodore, but that takes a bit longer.

I was torn between liking and funny. (I'm a failed Commodore. (I was slightly higher at CPOAcmn).)

 

[jm345]

Great thread - Any info on length of deployments and how often for aircrew in ASW? Would they join a destroyer on a 9 month tour for its entirety? AFCO doesn't have much info on this side of things..... Cheers

 

[Waspie]

Great thread - Any info on length of deployments and how often for aircrew in ASW? Would they join a destroyer on a 9 month tour for its entirety? AFCO doesn't have much info on this side of things..... Cheers

In short - yes. You will be deployed to a front line squadron, (Usually 2 years or more), and deploy at the Navies discretion. Could possibly be in excess of 9 months. Not uncommon for a ship returning from a 9 month deployment to be re-tasked if no other ship is available. For example, a rescue operation, humanitarian aid. Your life is never written in concrete. Flexibility is the name of the game.
Times have changed and moved on. But I was in the UK, (not necessarily at home) for 56 days in 1986. A while ago and ships tend not to deploy for so long these days. BUT!!!!! Expect the worst.

 

[Mark Dip]

Firstly I’d say the tasking is highly varied, do not think that the role of an ASW Acmn is just ASW, far from it. Secondary roles now feature highly in the tasking. Expect to be either deployed on QE/P of W on 820 SQN when not at Culdrose. 814 SQN have some slightly different UK based secondary role tasking now alongside ASW and will also take over the Type 23 flights.

 

[Mark Dip]

Oh I forgot. Ask your AFCO about an acquaint course, they are available and will get you a visit to Culdrose. Alongside an opportunity to fly, you will also get face to face with the aircrew to ask your questions. Some of which can’t be answered on here.

 

[jm345]

I've been offered Aircrewman in the RN, and WSOp in the RAF - Never thought I'd get offered either. Obviously need to make a decision deciding my future career. Anyone have any particular advice? The way I see it - Pros of Navy: Living in Cornwall (love it), working on rotary aircraft with a lot of winching experience (post military SAR really appeals to me). Cons - The Navy isn't the flying force, the RAF is. Seems a heck of a lot of time spent at sea (I would like somewhat of a family life, and with being away so much how much time will I get to live in my beloved Cornwall?!) and I genuinely haven't met anyone who has had a happy career in the Navy - just my experience though.

RAF Pros - Range of aircraft with multiple roles to work on giving more experience for careers post service, the RAF is the flying service, I know multiple people who have enjoyed an RAF career, seems like more flying time - will rack up flying hours quickly, RAF seem to be treated better? Or is this just a stereotype. Cons - may not be streamed on helicopters (Although Puma and Chinook fleets are increasing).

Any advice anyone? I'm obviously aware this is a Navy forum! I've been on the Aircrewman visit to Culdrose and I'm being put on the WSOp one to Cranwell, which will hopefully give me the best comparison I can get.