Who on the boat is an "Airdale"?

[jamminjr57]

I worked the flight deck on the USS John F Kennedy. Aviation Boatswains Mate/ Handler ABH Yes we are airdales. Anyone in the aviation ratings are airdales. Me n my buddies/mates, always said the boat. Quite a big boat it was.

[jamminjr57]

Originally Posted by Garbage gut gluck

In 68 as an AMS PO3 in a VS squadron we were airdales , brown shoes . Oh yes dont forget the TWEETS

Aviation Structural Mechanic?

[johngolf]

Originally Posted by LLN

The only BOATS in the navy are SUBMARINES. You fly and land on SHIPS.

"You can always tell an aviator, but you can't tell him (or her) much."

There are boats (submarines) and there are target which is all else.

[johngolf]

When I was in the US Navy, Airdales were those associated/rated for air operations from pilots to whatever. Other ratings on an aircraft carrier or an airbase (like Gunners Mates, Enginemen, Boatswain Mates, Yeoman, etc.) were not Airdales.

US Navy pilots officers wore brown shoes with khakis thus the term Brown Shoe Navy. Non Airdale officers wore black shoes with khakis. Brown Shoe Navy also loosely applied to all Airdales though not all wore brown shoes. All US Naval Officers wore white shoes with white dress uniforms and black shoes with blue dress blue uniforms.

Things may have changed.

[hunterseat]

Originally Posted by Weedsnake

I believe the term "airdale" is used in reference to anyone in the aviation ratings.
The big gray vessels are generaly referred to as ships, not boats.

I agree with your first statement, not with your second.

[Frihed89]

A sub is a boat.