What does the abbreviation AST stand for?

The abbreviation AST stands for Aviation Survival Technician. This designation is primarily used within the U.S. Coast Guard to refer to personnel trained in search and rescue operations involving aviation assets. These technicians are highly skilled in survival techniques and emergency response, focusing on ensuring the safety of both aircrew and persons in distress. Their training includes various aspects, such as rescue swimming, medical emergency response, and the operation of rescue equipment.

In the context of the other options, while they may sound similar, they do not accurately represent the role or the training specific to the Coast Guard. For example, an Aviation Safety Technician focuses more broadly on safety issues but does not specifically encompass the survival skills required for rescue operations. Aeronautical Safety Technician might imply a more general role in safety in aviation but lacks the specific emphasis on survival. Aviation Systems Technician would refer to technicians responsible for the maintenance and integration of aviation systems, which is a distinct specialization from survival scenarios involving rescue missions. Understanding these differences highlights why Aviation Survival Technician is the correct and relevant term for those involved in aviation rescue within the Coast Guard.