Aviation Observer Wings Question - Do they still use them ?

Yes. the NAO/Flight Meteorologist Wings is still an official uniform item.

Nowadays it is mostly worn by USN intelligence officers assigned to a VQ or
VPU squadron assigned duties involving flying. They neither pilot nor
navigate. They simply do their "intel thing." There is, of course, a
qualification curriculum covering flight familiarization and safety and they
are entitled to flight pay while in flight status. However, they are not
career flight personnel and serve normally one tour in that type of
assignment. Enlisted may also wear the NAO wings performing similar duties
and receive flight pay.

Also, as a young kid I remember a few marine corps artillery officers
wearing these wings. They had done a tour in an observation squadron (VMO)
directing fires from above, much like their aviator brothers who walked down
below amongst the grunts directing air strikes.

"Thomas A. Hoffer" wrote in message
. ..
Yes. the NAO/Flight Meteorologist Wings is still an official uniform item.

Nowadays it is mostly worn by USN intelligence officers assigned to a VQ
or VPU squadron assigned duties involving flying. They neither pilot nor
navigate. They simply do their "intel thing." There is, of course, a
qualification curriculum covering flight familiarization and safety and
they are entitled to flight pay while in flight status. However, they are
not career flight personnel and serve normally one tour in that type of
assignment. Enlisted may also wear the NAO wings performing similar duties
and receive flight pay.

That explains it.