NAS North Island, Calif. –
An Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Handling (ABH) has many responsibilities aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4). The role ranges from directing movement of aircraft and conducting maintenance on ground-handling equipment, to training for crash and salvage rescue operations.
The rate also includes the Landing Signalman Enlisted (LSE) qualification. During flight operations, the LSE has been described as being the quarterback on a football field—calling the shots and leading the pack.
Flight operations are loud, windy and a constant whirlwind of aircraft taking off, landing and maneuvering on the deck while personnel move quickly and efficiently to service them. For an LSE, this means operating safely and efficiently as they supervise operations on the flight deck.
“It’s dangerous because anything can happen at any given time,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Johnny Snowden. “The job can be repetitive, so if you don’t maintain your focus and situational awareness, you could jeopardize the safety of the whole flight deck crew.”
Pilots depend heavily on the LSE to perform safe launches and landings on the flight deck aboard a moving ship. He or she ensures that, on signal, aircraft are safely started, engaged, armed, launched, recovered, disarmed, shutdown and that all tie downs are removed prior to lift-off and secured after landing.
“As a pilot, what the LSE provides for me is peace of mind so I can perform my job safely,” said Lt. Gerold Hausmchild, an MH-60S Seahawk pilot. “Observing flight operations is much different from being a part of them, that’s why LSEs hold such an important role on the flight deck.”
For a pilot, it is the last piece of assurance they need before landing or taking off. Haumschild said that LSEs on an amphibious ship bear a lot of responsibilities when compared to other ships. Whether they are signaling an MH-60S Seahawk, F-35C Lightning II or an AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter, it is a massive feat. The complexity behind every call and hand signal is vast. There are numerous safety precautions an LSE must follow to keep the flight deck crew and pilots safe. LSEs must go through rigorous training before becoming fully qualified. They first go to a week-long LSE School where they learn the basics such as hand signals, safety precautions and situational awareness. After completing the school, they shadow a qualified LSE under instruction until they can master the craft. When they are ready, they complete a board with their chain of command covering everything they’ve learned to ensure they are qualified for the position.
“This job is so dynamically complex, you can’t be the same person you were coming into the Navy. Self-growth and the ability to mold your mindset allows you to do this job,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Breon Shields.
The LSE, under the supervision of the Air Office, is responsible for signaling the pilots flying the aircraft with sharp and precise hand movements. They assist the pilot in making a safe takeoff or approach on the flight deck. The LSE is responsible for directing the pilot to the desired parking spot and following safety precautions to protect the flight deck crew.
“We have to ensure the vicinity of the aircraft is clear and safe,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Alfonso Gonzalez. “That is just a fraction of the precautions and safety checks we must perform before any takeoff or landing.”
Just like the blades of an MH-60S Seahawk—always spinning and in a dynamic state—the same goes for the qualified LSEs aboard a ship. They are reliable, skilled and essential for flight operations.
Petty Officer 2nd Class James Finney is a member of USS Boxer public affairs. 