I just got my job as a AO..can someone tell me how life is as AO? do they do the most work? is it dreadful work? Im a music artist and love to compose and produce work in studios would i have time to do that in navy as an AO? ps.....i dont ship out till december 2009

So you're gonna be a B B stacker. That's ordinance.

The type ond level of work depends on what squadron you're assigned to. When I was in VP-65 they only had a few ordies. Loaded sonobouys sometimes.

In VA-204 and VA-305 they had alarger orninance shops and did more. Maintqain guns, load bombs and missiles. Usually the bombs were inert practice but sometimes they loaded live ordinance. Had to take the aircraft to the revetments "revets" in case of an accident. An explosion would be contained to the area of the aircraft.

In VC-13 AOs worked hard too. Uploading and downloading various targets the A-4 squadron aircraft towed. Assisted ADs (mechs) installing external fuel tanks known as drop tanks.

I have a question. Why would you pick a rating you know nothing about? If you think missiles, guns, and bombs are cool, you'll love it! Otherwise, "dreadful"

I was Ordnance in the Army, so I can't help you. Although, I LOVED working with ammunition - so hopefully it will be the same for you.

In all probability, you enlisted either with an 'open contract', or you signed on with an "Aviation Guarantee" contract.
Your test scores, in all probability, dictated where you're going to go...
I signed an "Aviation Guarantee" contract, because of what my tests showed..had a hankering for working on aircraft...
It required an initial 4 year enlistment...
What aviation speciality was not revealed until after I took additional tests in recruit training...
For what it's worth...I was a "BB Stacker"

Then again...40 years ago, tho...

Expect long hours, lots of lifting, and getting scrungy at times...
You will be dealing with all facets of explosives, from 12.7 mm (.50 cal) to 20mm/30mm ammo, to 250Lb to 2000Lb bombs, rockets, missles, and the like.
Possibility of training in conventional/Unconvential weapons, NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical weapons) is a possibility.

OP, so you like to compose music huh? That is good and especially so since you'll be in ordanance. You can best "John Phillip Soza" with lots of booms and rata-tat-tat with a "ker-BANG" tossed in.
Downside? Ya don't get to play with all them toys.

The one thing you want to never forget is this!

NEVER absolutely NEVER say OOPS!! when you are working!!! Followed by a LOUD noise!!!

Your co-workers will get tired of that, REALLY REALLY FAST!!

I you don't like hard work...maybe you consider a different classification. There are many classifications within the field you have chosen.

The ship I was on had an Aviation Photographer, he was always spic and span!

Most of the squadrons deploying on the carriers have AO's. You will log a lot of time as a "Red Shirt" on the roof (flight deck).

quote:

Originally posted by YN1Mike:
Most of the squadrons deploying on the carriers have AO's. You will log a lot of time as a "Red Shirt" on the roof (flight deck).

Besides...
What 'ordie' needs to go to the ship's exercise area and lift the standard weights?
when there are all those rockets, missles and bombs to heft...
"Hernia Bars" anyone?

okay - everybody...1,2,3 LIFT (Groan!) - -

quote:

Originally posted by greywolfghost:
okay - everybody...1,2,3 LIFT (Groan!) - -

'woofie...
Those 'pencils' ain't so bad...
That's a lightweight...
Look at that 1,000 pounder in the background...
Try loading one of those on the centerline rack of an F-4B/J 'Phantom' or A6A/E 'Intruder'...

You mean a bomb like this one??

quote:

Originally posted by greywolfghost:
You mean a bomb like this one??

Damn right!
take two 'bars'...one fits in each fuse end...
all those bars are...threaded pipe...
Lift away, and make damn sure the bomb lugs 'snap' in place on the rack the first time...
that looks like a MK83 (old 750#)...slick fins...
the other 'one' looks like a MK19, Collector, Manual, Waste, Type 3, Delivery, Aerial

The aircraft must be a Douglas AD6 'Skyraider'

That bomb on the left looks like a SGM,s Shiiter!

quote:

Originally posted by Persy:
I was Ordnance in the Army, so I can't help you. Although, I LOVED working with ammunition - so hopefully it will be the same for you.

A friend was in the army. While in basic asked the DI if they were going to fire the bazooka. The DI made some comment about "John Wayne" and made "Jim" do pushups! It was a long time ago. It happened at Ft. Ord.

Did you get to shoot bazookas, Persy? And what do they say about guns? "This is my rifle. This is my gun. One is for fighting. One is for..."