JANUARY 9, 2015, WASHINGTON (NNS) – Career guidance for Naval Aircrewmen (Mechanical) (AWF) and Naval Aircrewmen (Avionics) (AWV) affected by the shift from P-3C Orion to P-8 Poseidon aircraft was announced in a NAVADMIN released Jan. 8.
NAVADMIN 008/15, directs active duty P-3 AWF/AWV Sailors in Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) Codes of 8251 and 9402 to contact their rating detailer either one year from their Projected Rotation Date or their squadron’s transition conference, whichever happens first.
The message explains what career choices are available to Sailors making the transition and was built to help manage community health while balancing an individual’s desire to stay in uniform.
The message outlines the specifics of how Sailors will work with their detailer to determine open jobs among aircraft type and aircrew positions, along with lateral conversion choices to other ratings and options for separation from the service.
This guidance does not apply to P-3 AWF/AWV Sailors who sign a page 13 non-volunteering from the aircrew program as they will be offered ratings based on needs of the Navy.
Chief of Naval Personnel and Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF) worked to shape a policy that helps serve the mission of the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Community and help Sailors in the AWF/AWV rating make this transition possible and provide them with options to stay in uniform.
CNAF has begun a Navy Enlisted Manpower and Personnel Classifications and Occupational Standards (NEOCS) proposal to determine whether to keep the AWF/AWV ratings or return to the previous aviation maintenance aircrew model. The proposal will be drafted by Spring 2015 with a decision expected in Fiscal Year 2016, which will be followed with a message detailing the specific results.
The NAVADMIN can be found at http://www.public.navy.mil/BUPERS NPC/REFERENCE/MESSAGES/NAVADMINS/Pages/NAVADMIN2015.aspx. Details on the conversion process can be found at http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/career/enlistedcareeradmin/Pages/AcduConv.aspx. Sailors may also contact Capt. Bruce “Des” Deshotel, Head Enlisted Community Manager (ECM) at bruce.deshotel@navy.mil , and Cmdr. Donald Gaines, Deputy ECM at donald.l.gaines@navy.mil.