PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
Community Overview. Naval Flight Officers (NFOs) are members of the select, highly skilled Naval Aviation team. NFOs may be radar intercept officers, tactical coordinators or airborne electronic warfare specialists. The Navy maintains and operates more than 4,000 aircraft including carrier-based jets, land-based patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, transport planes and sea and land-based helicopters. The Navy offers the world's most advanced and extensive training for candidates who qualify as skilled aviation professionals in a high-quality organization. Civilians transition to aviation officers during 13 weeks of intensive academic and military training at Officer Candidate School (OCS), Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Fla. NAS Pensacola is famed as the birthplace of Naval Aviation. Established in 1914, it is often called the "Annapolis of the Air." Aviation training is conducted at the Naval Aviation Schools Command (NASC) at Pensacola. OCS is challenging, requiring hard work and long days to build confidence and pride. Upon successful completion of preliminary training at OCS, future Navy pilots, NFOs and AMDOs are commissioned as Ensigns. All Ensigns entering aviation programs will then complete a six-week air indoctrination course at NASC, Pensacola.
Specific job elements for first tour. Naval Aviation is renowned for the demands it places upon its flyers. The skills and concentration required to land a high-performance jet onboard an aircraft carrier deck pitching in the black of night, or to track a submarine while flying at only a few hundred feet above stormy seas, are not just linked to a solid academic background and top physical conditioning. There is more to it than that; it requires a combination of talents and dedication that many people possess, but few are challenged to use to full measure.
Active duty obligation. Candidates will serve a minimum of six years on active duty from the date of designation as a Naval Flight Officer. Candidates who do not complete the Naval Flight Officer program will serve four years from the date they are disenrolled from flight status unless released by the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Manpower, personnel and training).
Training Pipeline following commission. Naval Flight Officer. As a student Naval Flight Officer, you'll get specialty training on the most advanced tactical systems and complex communications systems found in all Navy aircraft. You'll study aerodynamics, aircraft engine systems, meteorology, navigation, flight planning and aircraft safety. Next, you'll train in a specialized area of naval aviation for a specific aircraft.
Strike. Carrier-based EA-6B Prowler electronic attack aircraft and S-3B Viking sea control aircraft
Strike Fighter. Carrier-based F/A 18D/F Hornet strike-fighter, and F-14 Tomcat strike-fighter.
