How Many Fighter Pilots are in the Navy?
The Navy is a vital part of the world’s maritime military forces, responsible for the protection of national interests through sea-based power. At the heart of this endeavour are the fighter pilots who operate the Navy’s top-of-the-line fighter aircraft. But just how many of these skilled pilots do the Navy’s possess? In this article, we’ll delve into the number of fighter pilots serving in the Navy and provide insight into the role they play in the Navy’s warfighting capabilities.
Direct Answer: How many fighter pilots are in the navy?
As of 2022, the United States Navy has around 1,700 naval aviators, which include fighter pilots, bomber pilots, and helicopter pilots. Within this total, fighter pilots account for a significant portion, estimated to be around 800-900 pilots.
Contents
Within the Navy’s ranks of fighter pilots, there are several types of aviators, each with unique specializations and responsibilities:
- F/A-18 Hornet and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet pilots: Operating the Navy’s main fighter aircraft, these pilots perform air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions, as well as support airborne early warning and anti-submarine warfare.
- F-35C Lightning II pilots: With the introduction of the F-35C, a multi-role fighter jet, a new generation of fighter pilots is being trained to perform advanced air-to-air, air-to-ground, and electronic warfare missions.
- EA-18G Growler pilots: Specialist pilots who operate the F/A-18G’s electronic warfare variant, dedicated to disrupting enemy communications, navigation, and electronic guidance systems.
- Marine Corps fighter pilots: Although not exclusively a part of the Navy, a significant number of fighter pilots serve in the Marine Corps, operating F/A-18 Hornets and F/A-18E/F Super Hornets.
Ranks and Assignments among Fighter Pilots
Fighter pilots in the Navy are career officers, typically starting out as Ensigns (O-1) and progressing to various ranks as they gain experience and seniority. They are assigned to Navy squadrons, which operate under the Carrier Air Wing (CVW). Each CVW consists of multiple squadrons, typically including:
- Squadron Commanders (O-5/6): Experienced fighter pilots who lead their squadrons and are responsible for conducting combat operations.
- Flight Leaders (O-3/4): Senior pilots who oversee a specific flight of aircraft within a squadron.
- Pilots (O-1/O-2): Junior officers undergoing training or serving in initial assignments.
- Crew Chiefs (E-7/E-8): Senior enlisted personnel who oversee the maintenance and preparation of aircraft.
Training and Selection for Fighter Pilots
Becoming a fighter pilot in the Navy is an intense process, requiring:
- Navy Flight School (NFS): An initial training program where potential pilots learn basic flying skills.
- TopGun: An advanced training course focused on air-to-air combat and tactical skills.
- Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor (SFTI) course: Advanced training for pilots who will fly the F/A-18 Hornet and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.
- F-35C instructor training: Pilots seeking to fly the F-35C undergo a distinct training program.
Pilot selection is highly competitive, with candidates evaluated based on:
- College credits: A minimum 90 credit hours from a university or college.
- GRE scores: Pilots are required to achieve minimum GRE scores in verbal, quantative, and analytical skills.
- Flying and aviation experience: Candidates who have prior flying experience in military or civilian environments tend to have an edge in the selection process.
Conclusion
The number of fighter pilots in the Navy is significant, with estimates ranging from 800-900 pilots. Within the Navy’s ranks of aviators, fighter pilots have diverse specializations, rank assignments, and training processes. The selection of new pilots is highly competitive, with candidates evaluated on college credits, GRE scores, and flying experience. Ultimately, the Navy’s fighter pilots play a critical role in the warfighting capabilities of the naval air forces, providing critical firepower and air support in any operational scenario.
