Navy Aviation Boatswain's Mate, Launching and Recovery Equipment (ABE)
ABE stands for Aviation Boatswain’s Mate, Launch & Recovery. ABEs are responsible for launching and recovering naval aircraft on the flight decks of aircraft carriers.
They operate and maintain all aircraft launch and recovery equipment, including:
Steam catapults
Barricades
Arresting gear
Catapult hydraulic systems
Retraction engines
Water brakes
Jet blast deflectors
ABEs also prepare and fuel planes before take-off and after landing. They operate catapult launch and arresting consoles, water brakes, firing panels, blast deflectors, and cooling panels.
ABEs wear a rating badge with ranks from Petty Officer 3rd Class (E-4) to Petty Officer 1st Class (E-6). The average salary for an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate is $51,598 per year or $25 per hour.