ABE Aviation Boatswain's Mate, Launching and Recovery Equipment

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.

ABE “A” school is five weeks long.