NACCS Naval Air Crew Candidate School

• Establishment: The Naval Air Crew Candidate School (NACCS) was established in the early 1970s at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, to formalize and standardize aircrew training for the U.S. Navy. • “Airdale” Tradition: Graduates of NACCS are often referred to as “Airdales,” a term of pride dating back to early naval aviation. • High Attrition Rate: Historically, NACCS has one of the highest attrition rates among Navy training pipelines, with some classes seeing up to 40% of candidates dropped for physical or academic reasons. • Dunker Training: NACCS is renowned for its “helo dunker” – a water survival simulator that replicates a helicopter crash at sea, requiring candidates to escape from a submerged, inverted fuselage. • “Up-and-Downs”: One of the infamous physical challenges at NACCS is the “up-and-downs,” an intense circuit of push-ups and other calisthenics, performed in full flight gear and often conducted on the hot Florida tarmac. • Multi-Service Students: While primarily a Navy school, NACCS has historically trained candidates from the Marine Corps and Coast Guard, fostering joint-service camaraderie. • Legacy of the “Butter Bar”: Many notable Navy officers, including future admirals, began their careers by earning their first “wings” at NACCS. • Nickname “The Gauntlet”: NACCS is sometimes called “The Gauntlet” by students due to its combination of rigorous physical, mental, and water survival challenges. • Historical Aircraft: In its early years, NACCS used decommissioned aircraft like the SH-3 Sea King and P-3 Orion as trainers for rescue and egress drills. • Class Mottoes and Traditions: Each NACCS class often creates its own motto and patch, fostering team spirit and leaving a legacy for future candidates.