Coast Guard pilots/aviators do earn their "wings of gold," so I am told. Are they considered "naval aviators" in the way that Navy and USMC pilots are? I've heard that they are considered "maritime aviators" from this forum before. From what I understand, Coast Guard pilots conduct ship operations in a similar way that Navy helicopter pilots would, as an example. So this seems confusing to me that they can earn wings of gold, yet not be considered naval aviators like the other branches.
Naval Aviators?
- Thread starter KP26'
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I have never heard the term maritime aviator - simply Coast Guard aviators or pilots. My simple response to your question would be that Coast Guard aviators are not naval aviators because they're not in the Navy or Navy-affiliated service. Maybe @Capt MJ or @Old Navy BGO can provide some perspective on Navy Aviation - I cannot. I'm also not a pilot so I could be wrong about that term being used to describe CG pilots.
Coast Guard pilots are primarily based out of Coast Guard air stations around the country, conducting search and rescue missions as well as other tasks. Part of that job is being able to land on Coast Guard cutters to help support various missions - google "Coast Guard HITRON" as it might interest you based on your question about MSRTs in another thread. Remember, the Coast Guard flies both helicopters and planes so it all depends on the airframe you fly.
Coast Guard pilots are primarily based out of Coast Guard air stations around the country, conducting search and rescue missions as well as other tasks. Part of that job is being able to land on Coast Guard cutters to help support various missions - google "Coast Guard HITRON" as it might interest you based on your question about MSRTs in another thread. Remember, the Coast Guard flies both helicopters and planes so it all depends on the airframe you fly.
Old Navy BGO
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Back in my day, USCG pilots went through the same flight training program as USN , and received their "Wings of Gold" designating as Naval Aviators.
(I don't recall seeing any NFO's in my training, but it may have been possible, as USCG flew C-130 and presumably needed a Navigator). Just looking at online sources, it looks like this is still the case, but the USCG pilots go to a USCG base to get their aircraft specific training (kinda like the Navy RAG/FRS).
For what its worth, Wikipedia (I know, often not a reliable source) defines Naval Aviator as a commisioned officer or warrant officer qualified as a pilot who is in Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard. I would say that is correct in the context of Wings of Gold = designation as a "Naval Aviator," However, I would also suggest that an Officer who is designated a Naval Aviator would be commonly known as a Navy Pilot, Marine Corps Pilot, or Coast Guard Pilot.
(I don't recall seeing any NFO's in my training, but it may have been possible, as USCG flew C-130 and presumably needed a Navigator). Just looking at online sources, it looks like this is still the case, but the USCG pilots go to a USCG base to get their aircraft specific training (kinda like the Navy RAG/FRS).
For what its worth, Wikipedia (I know, often not a reliable source) defines Naval Aviator as a commisioned officer or warrant officer qualified as a pilot who is in Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard. I would say that is correct in the context of Wings of Gold = designation as a "Naval Aviator," However, I would also suggest that an Officer who is designated a Naval Aviator would be commonly known as a Navy Pilot, Marine Corps Pilot, or Coast Guard Pilot.