National Museum of the U.S. Navy

Aviation Metalsmiths performed daily inspections on aircraft, airframes, and components, maintaining optiumum performance for naval aviators during World War II.   The general abbreviation for the enlisted rating was AM.   In 2002, the rating was changed to Aviation Structural Mechanic.   This enlisted rating was one opened to Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Services (WAVES) during the war. 

Other Resources:

NMUSN Women in the U.S. Navy Pamphlet

NHHC Women in the U.S. Navy Focus

Abbreviations USed for Navy Enlisted Ratings

Image:  80-G-88212:   Airman First Class Aviation Metalsmith Barbara Stroud, USNR (W), July 1943.  Drilling and riveting aircraft structure.  Official U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the U.S. Navy.