Able Spaceman

Able Spaceman (AS) is a rating for enlisted personnel of rate E-04 and above.

Able Spacemen (AS) train, direct, and supervise personnel in ship's maintenance duties in all activities relating to, upkeep of the ship's internal and external structure, small craft handling, and both operate and maintain small craft (shuttles, fliers, cargo haulers, etc.) along with associated launching and recovery equipment. Able Spacemen take charge of working parties and act as petty officer-in-charge of self-propelled barges, tugs, and other yard and district craft.undefined They serve in, or take charge of damage control parties.undefined AS’s also maintain equipment used in loading and unloading cargo, ammunition, fuel, and general stores. Able Spacemen may serve as a helmsman.

Able Spacemen duties cover a large spectrum and vary widely depending on the capacity and mission of the vessel or shore installation to which they are assigned. They conduct Search and Rescue (SAR) operations and can respond to other military and civilian ships that request assistance. They provide armed security for either their assigned ship or for their assigned Naval installation.

In the Union Navy, the Master Chief Able Spaceman (MCAS) assists the command’s officers by scheduling and supervising the crew they are assigned in equipment maintenance, supervising cargo handling, and inspecting maintenance done. Their duties also include supervising fueling, towing, transfer of personnel and cargo, and the operation and maintenance of ship's small craft.