Naval Flight Officer - AbsoluteAstronomy.com

A Naval Flight Officer is an aeronautically designated commissioned officer in the United States Navy

United States Navy

The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...

or United States Marine Corps

United States Marine Corps

The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...

that specializes in airborne weapons and sensor systems. NFOs are not pilots (Naval Aviator

Naval Aviator

A United States Naval Aviator is a qualified pilot in the United States Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard.-Naming Conventions:Most Naval Aviators are Unrestricted Line Officers; however, a small number of Limited Duty Officers and Chief Warrant Officers are also trained as Naval Aviators.Until 1981...

s) per se, but they may perform many "co-pilot" functions, depending on the type of aircraft. Until 1966, their duties were performed by both officer and senior enlisted Naval Aviation Observers (NAO).

In 1966, enlisted personnel were removed from NAO duties (but continued to serve in enlisted aircrew roles), NAO officers received the newly established NFO designation, and the NFO insignia

Naval Flight Officer Badge

The Naval Flight Officer insignia is a breast insignia of the United States military which is awarded to those aviators of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard who have qualified as Naval Flight Officers based on successful completion of flight training...

was introduced. NFOs in the Navy are unrestricted line officer

Line officer

In the United States armed forces, the term line officer or officer of the line refers to an officer who is trained for command — that is, to be the commanding officer of a warship, ground combat unit, combat aviation unit, or combat support unit....

s, eligible for command at sea and ashore in the naval aviation

Naval aviation

Naval aviation is the application of manned military air power by navies, including ships that embark fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters. In contrast, maritime aviation is the operation of aircraft in a maritime role under the command of non-naval forces such as the former RAF Coastal Command or a...

communities. They are also eligible to hold senior flag rank positions, including command of carrier strike groups, joint task forces, numbered fleets, naval component commands and unified combatant commands. Similarly, Marine Corps NFOs are considered also eligible for command at sea and ashore within Marine Aviation, and are also eligible to hold senior general officer positions, such as command of Marine Aircraft Wings, Joint Task Forces, Marine Expeditionary Forces, Marine Corps component command and unified combatant commands.

The counterpart to the NFO in the United States Air Force

United States Air Force

The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...

is the Combat Systems Officer (CSO), encompassing the previous roles of Navigator

Navigator

A navigator is the person on board a ship or aircraft responsible for its navigation. The navigator's primary responsibility is to be aware of ship or aircraft position at all times. Responsibilities include planning the journey, advising the Captain or aircraft Commander of estimated timing to...

, Weapons Systems Officer and Electronic Warfare Officer

Electronic Warfare Officer

In the U.S. Air Force, an Electronic Warfare Officer is a trained aerial navigator in the Air Force who has received training in enemy threat systems, electronic warfare principles and overcoming enemy air defense systems...

. Although NFOs in the Navy's E-2 Hawkeye

E-2 Hawkeye

The Grumman E-2 Hawkeye is an American all-weather, aircraft carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning aircraft. This twin-turboprop aircraft was designed and developed during the late 1950s and early 1960s by the Grumman Aircraft Company for the United States Navy as a replacement for the...

aircraft perform functions similar to the USAF Air Battle Manager

Air Battle Manager

Air Battle Manager is a rated flying position in the United States Air Force.-History:Air Battle Manager has been a rated career field since October 1, 1999. This means that ABMs are career aviators who receive flight pay and must actively fly a certain number of months to maintain their rating...

, their NFO training track is more aligned with that of USAF Combat Systems Officers.

The United States Coast Guard

United States Coast Guard

The United States Coast Guard is a branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven U.S. uniformed services. The Coast Guard is a maritime, military, multi-mission service unique among the military branches for having a maritime law enforcement mission and a federal regulatory agency...

had a short-lived NFO community in the 1980s and 1990s when it temporarily operated E-2C Hawkeye aircraft on loan from the Navy. Following a fatal mishap with one of these aircraft at the former Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...

, the Coast Guard returned the remaining E-2Cs to the Navy and disestablished its NFO program.

Indoctrination

Student NFOs (SNFO) initially attend the same classes with student naval aviator

Naval Aviator

s (SNA) during Aviation Preflight Indoctrination at Naval Aviation Schools Command (NAVAVSCOLSCOM) at NAS Pensacola, Florida. Afterwards, they enter a dedicated NFO "pipeline" (curriculum) at Training Air Wing SIX (TRAWING 6) at NAS Pensacola/Sherman Field. Here they are first assigned to Training Squadron TEN

VT-10

VT-10 may refer to:* Training Squadron 10* Vermont Route 10...

(VT-10 Wildcats) or Training Squadron FOUR

Training Squadron 4

-General information:*Primary and Intermediate flight school for USN and USMC Naval Flight Officers and USAF Weapon Systems Officers .*The squadron's radio callsign is Buck.-History:...

(VT-4) and are taught basic aviation fundamentals in the T-6A Texan II, including aerobatics and instrument navigation during the Primary phase. Based upon performance, personal preference, and needs of the Navy or Marine Corps, NFO students are assigned to various specialized NFO "pipelines" for further training.

Training

Training for a Naval Flight Officer is in a tiered system. After primary training is completed, students are selected for either carrier aviation or "maritime" aviation (i.e., land-based, larger aircraft). Selection is based on a combination of student preference and the rank of the student in his class. The top graduate is typically offered his or her choice of duty. The rest of the graduates are placed in billets according to "the needs of the Navy" or Marine Corps.

For carrier aviation student NFOs, training progresses an additional fourteen weeks in the primary training squadron before they are assigned to Training Squadron 86 (VT-86) for jet training. VT-86 prepares student NFOs for eventual assignment to F/A-18F Super Hornets (USN), F/A-18D Hornets (USMC), EA-18G Growler

EA-18G Growler

The Boeing EA-18G Growler is an American carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft, a specialized version of the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet. The EA-18G will replace the Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowlers in service with the United States Navy. The Growler's electronic warfare capability is...

(USN), or EA-6B Prowlers (USN and USMC), flying the T-39 Sabreliner

T-39 Sabreliner

The North American Sabreliner is a mid-sized business jet developed by North American Aviation. It was offered to the U.S. Air Force in response to their Utility Trainer Experimental program...

and T-45 Goshawk

T-45 Goshawk

|-Avionics:Data from naval-technology.com *Smiths Industries, Ltd. AN/USN-2 Standard Attitude Heading and Reference System . Later replaced by the BAE/Marconi AN/ASN-180 Navigation Guidance System ....

. Training in specific Fleet aircraft occurs after graduation from Advanced NFO training (i.e., "winging") and is conducted at the respective Fleet Replacement Squadron

Fleet Replacement Squadron

A Fleet Replacement Squadron , is a unit of the United States Navy and Marine Corps that trains Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers on the specific front-line aircraft they have been assigned to fly...

(FRS) for the particular type/model/series (T/M/S) aircraft. This process also holds true for newly winged NFOs slated for land-based naval aircraft.

An exception to this process is for those Student NFOs assigned to the E-2 Hawkeye

E-2 Hawkeye

community, who, following completion of T-1A Intermediate NFO training at VT-4, are transferred to NS Norfolk, Virginia for advanced training at Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120

VAW-120

The Carrier Airborne Command and Control Squadron One One Seven are a United States Navy airborne early warning squadron. Nicknamed The Greyhawks, they fly the E-2 Hawkeye along with the C-2A Greyhound in order to provide early warning and battlefield information back to the carrier...

), the E-2 Hawkeye FRS. VAW-120 awards these NFOs their wings during their training syllabus at the FRS.

Until 2009, intermediate training for land-based aircraft typically sent student NFOs to Randolph AFB in San Antonio, TX for joint training with the 12th Flying Training Wing

12th Flying Training Wing

The 12th Flying Training Wing is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the Air Education and Training Command Nineteenth Air Force. It is stationed at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas...

(12 FTW) before being sent to Patrol Squadron THIRTY (VP-30) at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, the Fleet Replacement Squadron for the P-3 Orion

P-3 Orion

The Lockheed P-3 Orion is a four-engine turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft developed for the United States Navy and introduced in the 1960s. Lockheed based it on the L-188 Electra commercial airliner. The aircraft is easily recognizable by its distinctive tail stinger or...

and the EP-3E Aries, or the Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron SEVEN (VQ-7), the FRS for the E-6 Mercury TACAMO aircraft at Naval Air Facility Tinker / Tinker AFB, Oklahoma.

Following the divestiture of Specialized Undergraduate Navigator Training (SUNT) from the Air Force's 12 FTW at Randolph AFB and its relocation to NAS Pensacola as the 479th Flying Training Group

479th Flying Training Group

The 479th Flying Training Group is a United States Air Force unit, stationed at Naval Air Station Pensacola . A component of Air Education and Training Command , the 479 FTG was activated on 2 October 2009.-Overview:...

, a geographically separated unit (GSU) of the 12 FTW, a select number of Student NFOs slated for the P-3, EP-3, and eventually the P-8 Poseidon are being sent directly to VP-30, the FRS for P-3s and EP-3s, as part of a prototype advanced training program similar to that historically utilized by the E-2 community (i.e., NFO "winging" at the FRS), before beginning the normal FRS syllabus. A similar program for Student NFOs slated for the E-6 Mercury at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma is also under development. At present, the Navy is evaluating if this will remain a permanent change or if pre-winging NFO training will eventually shift back to the Naval Air Training Command.

NFO training has recently undegone an extensive overhaul under a program known as Undergraduate Military Flight Officer (UMFO). The UMFO program continues to use the T-6A Texan II aircraft, has replaced the T-2C Buckeye with the T-45C Goshawk. Long term plans include eventaully replacing the T-39G/N with a modified T-45C Goshawk once further navigational training system upgrades are made to NFO-specific T-45C aircraft (including a synthetic radar with both stored air-to-ground and data link-based air-to-air modes) operated by Training Air Wing SIX, the parent command for all Student NFO training squadrons at NAS Pensacola.

Naval Aviator vs Naval Flight Officer

Naval Flight Officers (NFOs) are the men and women who operate some of the advanced systems on board most multi-crew naval aircraft, and some may also act as the overall tactical mission commanders of single or multiple aircraft assets during a given mission. NFOs are not formally trained to pilot the aircraft, although they do train in dual-control aircraft and are given the opportunity to practice basic airmanship techniques. Some current and recently retired naval aircraft with side-by-side seating are also authorized to operate under dual-piloted weather minimums with one pilot and one NFO. However, in the unlikely event that the pilot of a single piloted naval aircraft becomes incapacitated, the crew would likely eject or bail out, if possible, as NFOs are not normally qualified to land the aircraft, esepcially in the carrier-based shipboard environment.

NFOs serve as Weapon Systems Officers (WSOs), Electronic Warfare Officers (EWO), Electronic Countermeasures Officers (ECMO), Tactical Coordinators (TACCO), Bombardiers, and Navigators. They can serve as aircraft mission commanders, although in accordance with the OPNAVINST 3710 series of instructions, the pilot in command

Pilot in command

The pilot in command of an aircraft is the person aboard the aircraft who is ultimately responsible for its operation and safety during flight. This would be the "captain" in a typical two- or three-pilot flight crew, or "pilot" if there is only one certified and qualified pilot at the controls of...

, regardless of rank, is always responsible for the safe piloting of the aircraft. Many NFOs achieve flight lead, mission lead and mission commander qualification, even when the pilot of the aircraft does not have that designation. Often, a senior NFO is paired with a junior pilot (and vice versa). NFO astronaut

Astronaut

An astronaut or cosmonaut is a person trained by a human spaceflight program to command, pilot, or serve as a crew member of a spacecraft....

s have also flown aboard the Space Shuttle as Mission Specialists and wear NFO-Astronaut wings.

Like their Naval Aviator counterparts, NFOs in both the Navy and Marine Corps have commanded aviation squadrons, carrier air wings, shore-based functional air wings and air groups, Marine Aircraft Groups, air facilities, air stations, aircraft carriers, carrier strike groups, Marine Aircraft Wings, Marine Expeditionary Forces, and numbered Fleets. Two NFOs have reached four star rank, one as a Marine Corps general having served as the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps

Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps

The Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps is the second highest ranking officer in the United States Marine Corps, and serves as a deputy for the Commandant of the Marine Corps...

, and the other as a Navy admiral having commanded U.S. Fleet Forces Command & U.S. Atlantic Fleet

U.S. Atlantic Fleet

The United States Fleet Forces Command is an Atlantic Ocean theater-level component command of the United States Navy that provides naval resources that are under the operational control of the United States Northern Command...

, U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM) and U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM). Another former NFO who retrained and qualified as a Naval Aviator also achieved four star rank as a Marine Corps general, has commanded U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) and served as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

The Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is by law the second highest ranking military officer in the United States Armed Forces ranking just below the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff...

Notable NFOs

Captain

Captain (naval)

Captain is the name most often given in English-speaking navies to the rank corresponding to command of the largest ships. The NATO rank code is OF-5, equivalent to an army full colonel....

Richard Dunleavy

Admiral Richard Dunleavy was a US naval officer who retired as a two-star Rear Admiral in 1993 after being demoted from the rank of three-star Vice Admiral as a result of the Tailhook scandal....

was the first NFO to command an aircraft carrier, the USS Coral Sea

USS Coral Sea

Two ships of the United States Navy have been named USS Coral Sea, commemorating the Battle of the Coral Sea during World War II.* The , was an escort aircraft carrier named Alikula Bay during construction, renamed Coral Sea just before launching in 1943 and then renamed to Anzio a year later...

(CV 43). He previously flew the A-3 Skywarrior

A-3 Skywarrior

The Douglas A-3 Skywarrior was originally designed as a strategic bomber for the United States Navy and was among the longest serving carrier-based jet aircraft in history. It entered service in the mid-1950s and was retired in 1991...

, A-5 Vigilante

A-5 Vigilante

The North American A-5 Vigilante was a carrier-based supersonic bomber designed for the United States Navy. Its service in the nuclear strike role to replace the A-3 Skywarrior was very short; however, as the RA-5C, it saw extensive service during the Vietnam War in the tactical strike...

, RA-5C Vigilante and A-6 Intruder

A-6 Intruder

The Grumman A-6 Intruder was an American, twin jet-engine, mid-wing attack aircraft built by Grumman Aerospace. In service with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps between 1963 and 1997, the Intruder was designed as an all-weather medium attack aircraft to replace the piston-engined A-1 Skyraider...

. Later in his career, he was promoted to Rear Admiral

Rear admiral (United States)

Rear admiral is a naval commissioned officer rank above that of a commodore and captain, and below that of a vice admiral. The uniformed services of the United States are unique in having two grades of rear admirals.- Rear admiral :...

and Vice Admiral

Vice Admiral

Vice admiral is a senior naval rank of a three-star flag officer, which is equivalent to lieutenant general in the other uniformed services. A vice admiral is typically senior to a rear admiral and junior to an admiral...

, and was the first NFO to hold the since disestablished position of Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Air Warfare (OP-05). He retired in 1993.

Rear Admiral

Rear admiral (United States)

Benjamin Thurman Hacker

Rear Admiral Benjamin Thurman Hacker was a U.S. Navy officer, who became the first Naval Flight Officer to achieve Flag rank.-Early life:...

was the first NFO flag officer, having been selected in 1980. He previously flew the P-2 Neptune

P-2 Neptune

The Lockheed P-2 Neptune was a Maritime patrol and ASW aircraft. It was developed for the United States Navy by Lockheed to replace the Lockheed PV-1 Ventura and PV-2 Harpoon, and being replaced in turn with the Lockheed P-3 Orion...

and P-3 Orion

P-3 Orion

. He retired in 1988.

Rear Admiral

Rear admiral (United States)

Nora W. Tyson

Rear Admiral Nora Wingfield Tyson, USN, currently in command of Carrier Strike Group Two, is the first female commander of a U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Group.-Education:...

was the first female NFO to command a warship, the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD-5)

USS Bataan (LHD-5)

USS Bataan is a commissioned in 1997. She is named to honor the defense of the Bataan Peninsula on the western side of Manila Bay in the Philippines during the early days of US involvement in World War II.-Christening:...

, and the first female naval officer to command an aircraft carrier strike group, Carrier Strike Group Two

Carrier Strike Group Two

Carrier Strike Group Two, abbreviated CSG-2 or CARSTRKGRU 2, is one of five U.S. Navy carrier strike groups currently assigned the United States Fleet Forces Command. U.S...

, aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77). She previously flew the land-based EC-130Q Hercules

Lockheed EC-130

The Lockheed Martin EC-130 series comprises several slightly different versions of the C-130 that have been and continue to be operated by the U.S. Air Force and, until the 1990s, the U.S...

and the E-6 Mercury TACAMO

TACAMO

TACAMO is a U.S. military term meaning "Take Charge and Move Out". TACAMO refers to a system of survivable communications links designed to be used in nuclear war to maintain communications between the decision makers and the triad of strategic nuclear weapon delivery systems...

aircraft.

Vice Admiral

Vice Admiral

David C. Nichols

Vice Admiral David C. Nichols is a retired senior U.S. naval officer and Naval Flight Officer. At the time of his retirement in September 2007, he was the Deputy Commander of United States Central Command at MacDill AFB, Florida....

was the Deputy Coalition Air Forces Component Commander (Deputy CFACC) during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. He was the first NFO to command the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center

Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center

The Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center at Naval Air Station Fallon located in the city of Fallon in western Nevada is the center of excellence for naval aviation training and tactics development...

, the second NFO to command a numbered fleet, the U.S. 5th Fleet and was later Deputy Commander of U.S. Central Command. He previously flew the A-6 Intruder

A-6 Intruder

. He retired in 2007.

Vice Admiral

Vice Admiral

Harry B. Harris, Jr., is the first NFO from the land-based maritime patrol aviation community to command a numbered fleet, the U.S. 6th Fleet. He previously flew the P-3C Orion

P-3 Orion

.

Admiral William Fallon, an NFO who flew the RA-5C Vigilante and the A-6 Intruder

A-6 Intruder

, was the first NFO to achieve 4-star rank. In 2006, he was appointed by President George W. Bush to lead U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM). He had previously commanded U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM) and U.S. Fleet Forces Command as a 4-star Admiral

Admiral

Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...

prior to his USCENTCOM assignment, and as a 3-star Vice Admiral

Vice Admiral

, was the first NFO to command a numbered fleet, the U.S. 2nd Fleet. He retired in 2008.

General William L. Nyland

William L. Nyland

William L. "Spider" Nyland , a veteran of the Vietnam War, is a retired United States Marine Corps four-star general who served as the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps from 2002 to 2005...

, USMC

United States Marine Corps

was the first Marine Corps NFO to achieve 4-star rank as Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps

Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps

The Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps is the second highest ranking officer in the United States Marine Corps, and serves as a deputy for the Commandant of the Marine Corps...

. As a Lieutenant General, he was also the first NFO to serve as Deputy Commandant for Aviation. He previously flew the F-4 Phantom II

F-4 Phantom II

The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is a tandem two-seat, twin-engined, all-weather, long-range supersonic jet interceptor fighter/fighter-bomber originally developed for the United States Navy by McDonnell Aircraft. It first entered service in 1960 with the U.S. Navy. Proving highly adaptable,...

and the F/A-18 Hornet

F/A-18 Hornet

The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet is a supersonic, all-weather carrier-capable multirole fighter jet, designed to dogfight and attack ground targets . Designed by McDonnell Douglas and Northrop, the F/A-18 was derived from the latter's YF-17 in the 1970s for use by the United States Navy and...

, and he retired in 2005.

General James E. Cartwright, USMC

United States Marine Corps

was initially qualified as a Marine Corps NFO in the F-4 Phantom II

F-4 Phantom II

before attending pilot training as a Captain and being redesignated as a Naval Aviator

Naval Aviator

, subsequently flying as a pilot in the F-4, the OA-4 Skyhawk

A-4 Skyhawk

The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk is a carrier-capable ground-attack aircraft designed for the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. The delta winged, single-engined Skyhawk was designed and produced by Douglas Aircraft Company, and later McDonnell Douglas. It was originally designated the A4D...

and the F/A-18 Hornet

F/A-18 Hornet

. He was the eighth Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

The Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is by law the second highest ranking military officer in the United States Armed Forces ranking just below the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff...

. He previously served as the Commander, U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), from September 1, 2004 to August 10, 2007, and as Acting Commander, U.S. Strategic Command from July 9, 2004 to September 1, 2004. He assumed the vice chairmanship on August 31, 2007 and retired in September 2011.

The Fleet

In the Fleet, NFOs are currently assigned to Navy and Marine squadrons flying the EA-18G Growler

EA-18G Growler

, F/A-18F Super Hornet, F/A-18D Hornet

F/A-18 Hornet

(USMC Only), EA-6B Prowler, E-6 Mercury, E-2C/D Hawkeye, EP-3 Aries, and the P-3C Orion. When it becomes operational, they will also eventually fly the P-8A Poseidon.

In the EA-6B Prowler NFOs are designated as Electronic Countermeasures Officers (ECMOs) and may also be Mission Commanders.

In the EA-18G Growler NFOs are designated as Electronic Warfare Officers (EWOs) and may also be Mission Commanders.

In the E-2C Hawkeye and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, they are initially as designated Radar Officers (RO), then upgrade to Air Control Officers (ACO) and finally to Combat Information Center Officers (CICO) and CICO/Mission Commanders (CICO/MC).

In the E-6B Mercury, NFOs are designated as Airborne Communications Officers (ACOs) and may also be Mission Commanders (ACO/MC).

In the EP-3E Aries, NFOs are initially designated as Navigators (NAV) and eventually upgrade to Electronic Warfare Officer/Signals Evaluator (EWO SEVAL) and EWO/SEVAL/Mission Commander (SEVAL/MC).

In the F/A-18F Super Hornet and F/A-18D Hornet, the NFO position is known as the Weapons Systems Officer (WSO) and may also be Mission Commander (MC) qualified.

In the P-3C Orion (and eventually the P-8A Poseidon), the NFO is initially designated as a navigator

Navigator

/communicator (NAV/COM) and eventually upgrades to Tactical Coordinator TACCO

Tacco

A TACCO is the aircrew member responsible for coordinating the activities of the part of the crew responsible for the tactical operation of the aircraft and its systems. The TACCO may, depending on the country, be the Mission Commander of the crew.Typically, TACCOs run the missions in P-3 Orion...

and then TACCO/Mission Commander (TACCO/MC).

NFOs also serve as Instructors/Mission Commanders in current versions of the T-39 Sabreliner

T-39 Sabreliner

The North American Sabreliner is a mid-sized business jet developed by North American Aviation. It was offered to the U.S. Air Force in response to their Utility Trainer Experimental program...

and USAF T-1A Jayhawk.

In all, the specific roles filled by an NFO can vary greatly depending on the type of aircraft to which an NFO is assigned.

Past Aircraft

NFOs also flew in these retired aircraft, to include as Mission Commander (MC):

EA-1F (formerly AD5Q) Skyraider
A-1 Skyraider
The Douglas A-1 Skyraider was an American single-seat attack aircraft that saw service between the late 1940s and early 1980s. It became a piston-powered, propeller-driven anachronism in the jet age, and was nicknamed "Spad", after a French World War I fighter...

serving as Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO)/Electronic Countermeasures Operator (ECMO)
A-3 Skywarrior
A-3 Skywarrior
The Douglas A-3 Skywarrior was originally designed as a strategic bomber for the United States Navy and was among the longest serving carrier-based jet aircraft in history. It entered service in the mid-1950s and was retired in 1991...

(including EA-3, ERA-3, EKA-3, EA-3, TA-3 and VA-3) serving as Bombardier/Navigator (B/N), Electronic Countermeasures Officer (ECMOs), Navigator (NAV), Electronic Warfare Officers (EWO), and EWO Signals Evaluator (EWO SEVAL/EVAL).
A-5 and RA-5C Vigilante
A-5 Vigilante
The North American A-5 Vigilante was a carrier-based supersonic bomber designed for the United States Navy. Its service in the nuclear strike role to replace the A-3 Skywarrior was very short; however, as the RA-5C, it saw extensive service during the Vietnam War in the tactical strike...

serving as Bombardier/Navigator (B/N) in the A-5A and Reconnaissance/Attack Navigator (RAN) in the RA-5C
A-6 Intruder
A-6 Intruder
The Grumman A-6 Intruder was an American, twin jet-engine, mid-wing attack aircraft built by Grumman Aerospace. In service with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps between 1963 and 1997, the Intruder was designed as an all-weather medium attack aircraft to replace the piston-engined A-1 Skyraider...

(A-6A, A-6B, A-6C, KA-6D, A-6E) serving as Bombardier/Navigator (B/N)
EA-6A Prowler serving as Electronic Countermeasures Officer (ECMO)
WV-2, WV-3 and EC-121 Warning Star
EC-121 Warning Star
The Lockheed EC-121 Warning Star was a United States Navy and United States Air Force airborne early warning radar surveillance aircraft. A military version of the Lockheed Constellation, it was designed to serve as an airborne early warning system to supplement the Distant Early Warning Line,...

as Navigator (NAV) and Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO)
EC-130Q Hercules "TACAMO" aircraft serving as Navigator (NAV) and Airborne Communications Officer (ACO)
ES-3A Shadow serving as Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO)
F-4 Phantom II
F-4 Phantom II
The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is a tandem two-seat, twin-engined, all-weather, long-range supersonic jet interceptor fighter/fighter-bomber originally developed for the United States Navy by McDonnell Aircraft. It first entered service in 1960 with the U.S. Navy. Proving highly adaptable,...

(F-4B, F-4J, F-4N, F-4S, EF-4B, EF-4J) serving as Radar Intercept Officer (RIO)
RF-4B Phantom II
F-4 Phantom II
The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is a tandem two-seat, twin-engined, all-weather, long-range supersonic jet interceptor fighter/fighter-bomber originally developed for the United States Navy by McDonnell Aircraft. It first entered service in 1960 with the U.S. Navy. Proving highly adaptable,...

serving as Reconnaissance Systems Officer (RSO)
F-14 Tomcat
F-14 Tomcat
The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is a supersonic, twin-engine, two-seat, variable-sweep wing fighter aircraft. The Tomcat was developed for the United States Navy's Naval Fighter Experimental program following the collapse of the F-111B project...

(F-14A, F-14B, F-14D) serving as Radar Intercept Officer (RIO)
LC-130 Hercules
C-130 Hercules
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport...

serving as Navigator (NAV)
C-130 Hercules
C-130 Hercules
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport...

serving as Navigator (NAV)
OV-10 Bronco
OV-10 Bronco
The North American Aviation Rockwell OV-10 Bronco is a turboprop light attack and observation aircraft. It was developed in the 1960s as a special aircraft for counter-insurgency combat, and one of its primary missions was as a forward air control aircraft...

(OV-10A and OV-10D) serving as Aerial Observer (AO)
SP-2E/H Neptune
P-2 Neptune
The Lockheed P-2 Neptune was a Maritime patrol and ASW aircraft. It was developed for the United States Navy by Lockheed to replace the Lockheed PV-1 Ventura and PV-2 Harpoon, and being replaced in turn with the Lockheed P-3 Orion...

(SP-2E, SP-2H, EP-2E, OP-2E, AP-2H, LP-2H) serving as Tactical Coordinator (TACCO) and Navigator (NAV)
SP-5B Marlin
P5M Marlin
|- See also :- References :NotesBibliography* Andrade, John, U.S.Military Aircraft Designations and Serials since 1909, Midland Counties Publications, 1979, ISBN 0 904597 22 9.* Barth, Bruce D., "The Martin P5M 'Marlin'". Pacific Aero Press, 1994....

serving as Tactical Coordinator (TACCO) and Navigator (NAV)
RP-3A
P-3 Orion
The Lockheed P-3 Orion is a four-engine turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft developed for the United States Navy and introduced in the 1960s. Lockheed based it on the L-188 Electra commercial airliner. The aircraft is easily recognizable by its distinctive tail stinger or...

and RP-3D Orion
P-3 Orion
The Lockheed P-3 Orion is a four-engine turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft developed for the United States Navy and introduced in the 1960s. Lockheed based it on the L-188 Electra commercial airliner. The aircraft is easily recognizable by its distinctive tail stinger or...

serving as Ocean Project Coordinator (OPC) and Navigator (NAV)
S-3 Viking
S-3 Viking
The Lockheed S-3 Viking is a four-seat twin-engine jet aircraft that was used by the U.S. Navy to identify, track, and destroy enemy submarines. In the late 1990s, the S-3B's mission focus shifted to surface warfare and aerial refueling. The Viking also provided electronic warfare and surface...

(S-3A and S-3B) serving as Tactical Coordinator (TACCO) and Co-Pilot/Tactical Coordinator (COTAC)
WP-3A Orion
P-3 Orion
The Lockheed P-3 Orion is a four-engine turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft developed for the United States Navy and introduced in the 1960s. Lockheed based it on the L-188 Electra commercial airliner. The aircraft is easily recognizable by its distinctive tail stinger or...

serving as Navigator (NAV)

NFOs have also served as Instructors/Mission Commanders in since retired training aircraft such as the UC-45 Expeditor, T-29 Flying Classroom

C-131 Samaritan

The Convair C-131 Samaritan was an American military transport produced from 1954 to 1956. It is the military version of the Convair CV-240.-Design and development:...

, earlier variants of the T-39 Sabreliner

T-39 Sabreliner

The North American Sabreliner is a mid-sized business jet developed by North American Aviation. It was offered to the U.S. Air Force in response to their Utility Trainer Experimental program...

, the TC-4C Academe

Grumman Gulfstream I

|-See also:-External links:*...

,
T-47A Citation II and the USAF T-43A Bobcat.

Popular culture

One of key characters in the popular film Top Gun
Top Gun
Top Gun may refer to:* Top Gun is a 1986 film starring Tom Cruise.**Top Gun , soundtrack to the movie**Top Gun , a number of games based on the movie...

was LTJG Nick "Goose" Bradshaw, played by Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards
Anthony Charles Edwards is an American actor and director. He has appeared in various movies and television shows, including Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Top Gun, Zodiac, Revenge of the Nerds, Northern Exposure and ER.-Early life:Edwards was born in Santa Barbara, California, the son of Erika...

, an F-14
F-14 Tomcat
The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is a supersonic, twin-engine, two-seat, variable-sweep wing fighter aircraft. The Tomcat was developed for the United States Navy's Naval Fighter Experimental program following the collapse of the F-111B project...

Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) teamed with LT Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, played by Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise
Thomas Cruise Mapother IV , better known as Tom Cruise, is an American film actor and producer. He has been nominated for three Academy Awards and he has won three Golden Globe Awards....

. Several others were LTJG Ron "Slider" Kerner, RIO to LT Tom "Iceman" Kazansky; LTJG Sam "Merlin" Neills, LT Bill "Cougar" Cortell's RIO; and LTJG Leonard "Wolfman" Wolfe, LT Rick "Hollywood" Neven's RIO.
In the film Flight of the Intruder
Flight of the Intruder
Flight of the Intruder is a 1991 film directed by John Milius, which is based on the novel of the same name by A-6 Intruder pilot Stephen Coonts...

, Willem Dafoe
Willem Dafoe
Willem Dafoe is an American film, stage, and voice actor, and a founding member of the experimental theatre company The Wooster Group...

played LCDR Virgil "Tiger" Cole, who served as an A-6 B/N (Bombardier/Navigator) with his pilot, LT Jake "Cool Hand" Grafton, played by Brad Johnson
Brad Johnson (actor)
Brad Johnson is an American actor and former Marlboro Man.Johnson's first acting credit was in the low-budget biker film The Nam Angels , and shortly after he had his first co-starring role in a major film when he played the role of Ted Baker in the 1989 film Always, directed by Steven Spielberg...

.
In the film Behind Enemy Lines, Owen Wilson
Owen Wilson
Owen Cunningham Wilson is an American actor and writer, known for his roles in the films The Haunting, The Royal Tenenbaums, Zoolander, Meet the Parents, Wedding Crashers, You, Me and Dupree, Bottle Rocket, the Cars series, The Darjeeling Limited, Marley & Me, Midnight in Paris, Shanghai Noon,...

played LT Chris Burnett, a Weapon Systems Officer in an F/A-18F.
NFOs are sometimes referred to by the slang phrase "Guy/Gal in Back", or "GIB" for short. An alternate deprecating moniker is "Self-Loading Baggage."