Beautiful Aircraft Carrier Flight Deck Dance Video. What The Real Top Guns Are Like

[@davemiller3027]

Just think most of those sailors are just 19 to 22years old. Heck some were in high-school a year before. I absolutely feared and love being on the flight deck. It made a kid grow up to a man really fast.

[@michaelbetts5723]

Amen Brother!

[@larkop6504]

And the worst thing about civvy street is, your used to handling multi million pound jets and when you leave they want to hold your hand every time you pick up a pencil

[@billfarley9167]

Yoiu betcha!

[@billfarley9167]

Ex Canadian navy here: I was a part of the flight deck crew on two of Canada's aircraft carriers. We copied the American system of flying operations years ago, so what you saw on this video, we did exactly the same thing. Yep, it was dangerous, but only to the guy who didn't pay attention. I joined at 17 years old and after training was posted to a carrier at 18 years old. I'll never forget any of those guys. We had each other's back and we were a badass bunch. (In a nice way) On shore at a naval air base we were aircraft firefighters and worked B Stand in the base control tower. We also became the rear door guy in helicopters for search & rescue and other misc activity. The name of our branch was called Air Bosuns. Now 90 years old and still truckin'. I have a group photo of my last flight deck crew showing about 50 of us. There are two still alive. Myself and a friend from Sault.Ste.Marie, Ontario. Memories, memories

[@lindakilzerdunne6699]

Thank you for your service from the USA

[@wpb.sailor]

@@billfarley9167 As a +24 year USCG veteran, I salute you 🫡

[@maryforbes4277]

Thank you for sharing your story and memories with us! and thank you for serving.

[@KittyMoew-e5q]

Thank You, Sir, for your service. I am Polish-Canadian and I admire All who served and serving including my grandfather, Polish High Rank Officer who was fighting Germans in WWII and survived the war finishing in Berlin in 1945. Salute to All Soldiers and Veterans, Polish, Canadian, US, RIP who sacrificed Life for All of us.

[@WilmaBathan]

With those service years, all of you the ground crews/marshals have ensured safe take off, inflight and landing. You are all heroes❤️⭐💐

[@huckleberry5653]

I served 10 years in the Marines. First as a mechanic on F/A-18's and later as a ground pounder officer. My time on flight decks is comparable to combat. Head on the swivel brain in the moment. Intense exposure at all times. Thank you for filming these young Americans.

[@nancymarshall6014]

Thank you for your service..God bless you.

[@GC-el6eg]

Thank you for your service Marine. Semper Fi ❤️

[@lcgcamrrms9]

My husband was in the Navy for 23 plus years. He did this job for a good part of it. He has my deepest respect

[@teanbikkies]

Just watching those guys at the end talking between themselves about the hooks, took me back 45 yrs to my military days. The banter is like nothing else, and I miss it so much.

[@Kathy-et5om]

Took me back 47 years. I was 3 but lived on base when I was 3 years old dad was a RAF tech so always on land, flight frightens me

[@bonnie3232]

Thank you for your service. God bless you.

[@billfarley9167]

I hear ya bro'. Did 12 years on carriers.

[@ChrissyDeFrancisco]

Understand you miss it. What do we do about that?

[@jodabney4358]

I never thought about the ground crew except point planes fly off and wave them in to park. We'll now I'm so very impressed with these men ....their knowledge..fittness...quick thinking mode.. and danger to themselves and the huge responsibility they have to keep the pilots alive and safe.

[@nikiTricoteuse]

Same, same. Very impressive.

[@lindahandley5267]

Mr. Hoffman you are a genius. Thank you for having the eye to record beautiful and important things.

[@aanon5716]

they r among the unsung heroes that do dangerous jobs they sign up 2 for years for blue collar pay, patriotism, hard work, living on a ship away from family friends & their favorite hang outs...where they have to be smart & on point or people could die. respect.

[@beckyc.244]

Those guys who kneel with one leg straight out have my total respect. The whole team l looks like martial artists in action!!

[@Honu425]

You can always spot a "flight deck" sailor in port. He will be the one with his head on a swivel; always moving!!

[@vstromrider625]

And the racoon face from wearing the cranial all day

[@Kathy-et5om]

I'm a raf daughter so obs I love planes, watching plane deck dances though with the navy doesn't just me goosebumps but hairy prickles on my arms. Much love and respect to the young people that serve. I know my dad would agree.

[@USNveteran]

The real danger zone is the flight deck itself. Truly one of the most dangerous jobs/places in the world. The only thing more impressive than flight ops on the boat is night flight ops on the boat. Thanks to all now serving, those who have, and those who will in the future. FLY NAVY!!!

[@JonathanHallOverAllen]

I worked the Flight Deck on the USS Eisenhower as a PC both day and night shift and almost died a few times and prevented others from getting hurt or dying in return. God Bless you Shipmate.

[@USNveteran]

@@JonathanHallOverAllen Thanks for your support but like you I just did my job. FLY NAVY!!!

[@USNveteran]

Thanks David, many in my family have served as did I (WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam). Thanks to all now serving, those who have, and those who will in the future. FLY NAVY!!!

[@JonathanHallOverAllen]

@@USNveteran Shipmate, the best thing I ever did was enlist in the US Navy. I went from being a punk that barely graduated from HS in Kinder, Louisiana to sailing the seas of the Caribbean, the vast North Atlantic, the Mediterranean, the Suez, and the Persian Gulf. God has blessed me with the US Navy. FLY NAVY!!!

[@NOSEBLOB]

VA-97 Plane Captain. '75 - '79. CV(A)N 65.

[@Barneylso]

Working in arresting gear many days were 18hrs long, I worked with the LSO (landing signals officer) in my seventies now, watching this makes me wish I just had half the energy I had back then!

[@elitefighter15035]

This equates to how our freedoms are maintained. It is these guys and the military operations constantly adjusting and fine tuning its procedures and personnel. Ready 24 hours a day. For us.

[@jamespena4721]

Total Respect and gratitude for these flight deck workers who are brave and vigilant on the job and protecting our freedom's God bless you all

[@maninifarmer1338]

What always impressed me was the kids. They could flip from being a kid to being a man and back in a nanosecond. Off duty they sometimes acted like kids, but on deck totally a man with heavy responsibility. Wish their parents could have seen them, they would be so proud.

[@tfp0052]

Great to see some of the old planes again. Gotta' love the Tomcat!

[@davidthomas4697]

I was one of the flight deck V1 div. At this time. Forward cats. Yellow shirt handed planes off to shooter. That was my last ship. CV-16, CV-59, CV-67, 10 years and loved every minute. Thanks Dave

[@rogerhopson3495]

My son worked the flight deck on the JFK home port Mayport (Jacksonville) Fl. They had a dependent cruise and my dad and I got to go. They fed us had great bands (should have some good musicians out of a crew of 5,000). My son was showing us around on his day off and his chief saw him and put him to work fueling a few jets. He was a Grape ( purple shirt). Once we got out in international water they started the flight operations. ALL the colors started doing their jobs and the jets were launched. They came back by breaking the sound barrier, they dropped 500lb b-ombs in the water and marines rappelled out of hills. So awesome. A day my late dad and I will never forget. This cruise was only for the families of the young men and women that work on top. The rest of the ship’s crew had the weekend off back in Mayport. Every color job on that deck is as vital as it is dangerous and is performed professionally before that plane reaches the yellow shirt for launch.

[@rogerhopson3495]

Should have been Marines rappelled out of Helicopters not HILLS

[@boomer6611]

God bless them.

[@boomer6611]

@@rogerhopson3495 We knew what you meant my man.

[@billfarley9167]

I went thru every colour, including the asbestos suited crash rescue crew, catapult crew and more while in the Canadian navy. We followed the American flying operations methodology, similiar to what was shown. Every flight deck crew in my association were tight and we had each other's back. I had flashbacks watching this video. Those were heady times.

[@mathewbenson5447]

Red shirt here. I worked on the roof 12 to 16 hours a day, 7 days a week. I was extremely nervous stepping onto the deck for the first time. It’s amazing how quickly you get used to it. The only times I was always a bit nervous is just after the sun goes down.

[@torn-_shuttle123]

This video by far is probably the best that I’ve seen that represents “old school” catapult launches. They don’t do this anymore. Thank you for posting this.

[@12345fowler]

That's precisely what Tony Scott managed to capture so beautifully in the first Top Gun movie - the deck dances

[@kj9108]

I agree. One of the best opening scenes to a movie that I have seen. Great soundtrack to it too.

[@GigilovesGSDs]

Legen wait for it dary!😂 I can watch that movie over and over and the opening sequence gives me goosebumps still. (Goose!)

[@zanelile8192]

All 18yr old's do not flip burgers. I was a sea going sailor. The guys in this video are well trained and serious in their job.

[@tomtolentino7575]

Ah yess......the flight deck was my office many years ago. USS CORAL SEA CV-43,...USS ENTERPRISE CVN-65, ... USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN CVN-72......USN Retired, 1st Gulf War Veteran. I sure miss the comradery, the adrenaline rush, the port visits 😎😇⚓️⚓️🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇵🇭🇵🇭🇺🇸👍

[@jamesc9001]

Love that. I was on the USS America and USS Constellation from 1988-1992 (VF-33). This video brings back good memories.

[@Hupernike45]

Another airedale from VF-33 here. AT 1980-1983. NAS Oceana/USS Independence/USS America, shop 610 and VAST.

[@boulecoq1700]

I was in the fleet air arm in the Royal Navy. Best job ever.

[@StephenZ827]

Best Job Ever.........kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZzJqKqtedGsmtU

[@nickmaclachlan5178]

Likewise, small ships though so only had one aircraft to deal with, still had to keep your wits about you though, any complacency would come back to bite you in the ass. Once nearly had my damned head knocked off by a main wheel/undercarriage whilst working under an American Sea Knight hovering over our deck. That was fun......... The Sea Knight is a slightly smaller version of the Chinook!

[@etna253]

Nobody in this world does aircraft carriers like the USA, love you guys.

[@scottharris5714]

They’re the best!!

[@KarenDudley-c8y]

@@scottharris5714- Amen!

[@jacquelinebaker6133]

Makes one so proud but most of all GRATEFUL for those who help protect us!

[@alexandrastanford5926]

I agree!!!!❤

[@normferguson2769]

Love to see those old F-14s taking off from the deck! Those were amazing planes.

[@lilgrease7292]

1973 steering the mighty ship while flight ops.. loved watching these professionals.. 17 yrs old when I arrived on board..👍🇺🇸⚓️

[@sisandvo]

Are you. Dont you miss birth and marriage off board😀

[@jdean2131]

As a Navy Pilot…..This is an outstanding video. And Mr. Hoffman is correct. Disneyland maybe the happiest place on earth. But the deck of an Aircraft Carrier is the most dangerous place on earth. Nicely Done ✅

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

Thank you sir. David Hoffman filmmaker

[@94Whiskers]

Real team work, professionalism, leadership....enlisted, officer....all a team to make it happen! God has truly blessed America w/ such dedicated people!

[@montanadad2223]

Special men. I was 39 years Army and can't imagine that life. They probably can't imagine a career in the dirt either. God bless all Vererans!

[@raytranchant9951]

I flew from another conventional Carrier in F-4s and F-14s. Got over 500 landings and only 1 Class A mishap. Still have all of my fingers and toes, and it was better than playing on a Major Leagure Baseball Team (without the big salaries). Outstanding Video and glad you will remember a few days in the life of Aviators and the support they got from the young men on the Flight Deck!

[@JamesW81]

Hi Ray, Can I ask what a Class A mishap is please?

[@mikejacobson14]

The further away in time I get from my youth the more I miss the flight deck. Thanks for the video. More please!

[@blacksquirrel4008]

Very nicely done. I saw another example of workplace ballet when some guys showed up at my house to build a metal garage. After greeting them they asked where I wanted it and, without another word, they commenced to perform what could only be described as ballet. As one laid it out the other prepared the supports, and as each step was done they put the pieces together without a word, if a tool was needed one guy would reach behind him and the tool was placed in his hand. He put up the ladder and climbed up to place the first panel and the panel was set next to him and slid as far the helper could, then he finished and fastened it down. He climbed up and the other panels followed, the ladder taken to the far end. Not a word was spoken the entire time and it flowed like a river. They were done in less than 45 minutes and I tipped them gratefully for the work and the show.

[@nelitasciretta7101]

So enjoy any video that involves our military services. Even as a veteran, I am always amazed at the things these brave warriors do!!

[@NKBobcat]

I was in the Navy from 1975-1981 and worked as an RA-5C Vigilante Plane Captain (brown shirt) at night mostly on the USS Nimitz CVN-68. I was in RVAH-6 and although one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, it was the best time of my life. Thank you for this film!

[@aj-2savage896]

Viggie was the most awesome aircraft to ever take a wire.

[@jrmorrell5034]

@@aj-2savage896 I was on the Nimitz 84-88, cat#2 topside then below decks my last 8 months. Loved it, sometimes.

[@Ever443]

Thank you for your service

[@NKBobcat]

@@Ever443 Thank you!

[@JonathanHallOverAllen]

I was a PC for an EA-6B Squadron and I love your boat.

[@DorisVoerster]

This is so amazing. My husband flew off and landed on aircraft carriers during the Vietnam era. I’d never thought about the awesome team on the deck and below that made it happen. What a brave and well trained team. Thank you all for your service 🇺🇸

[@tjp-re4du]

Thank YOU for noticing.

[@billfarley9167]

Glad you found out about us. Those were awesome times as a young sailor. Now 90 with lots of memories.

[@rvnmedic1968]

At age 17, I visited every recruiting branch in the NYC area. I was also a Navy brat, my Dad retired as a MMC (Pearl Harbor survivor on the destroyer USS Selfridge). But the only branch I could get into was the USAF even though I almost aced the entrance exam tests. So, 35 years later i retired as a Chief Master Sgt. As a kid, he took me and my younger brother onto the Navy bases during his career. This video is superb, hats off to all USN members past and present. You Flight Deck guys (and gals) rock! Stay safe and Happy New Year!

[@justsayin4984]

My brother is a retired Navy Captain. He served for 32 yrs. He was a RIO in the F-14, then the FA-18 Super Hornet. He did approximately nine tours, five with a squadron. He was a CO in Atsugi Japan and Lemoore, CA. He was on the USS Enterprise on 9/11 (first airstrikes after 9/11). The only thing I ever heard him brag about was the ground crews. He had/has the utmost respect for them. There's no way he could've done his job without them.

[@istoa22]

I was always terrified of the propellers. You can’t see them. Also going overboard was a real scare.

[@mikeburke8656]

i had 3 years on the flight deck and like you, the props scared me the most.

[@Kra-ri6fd]

I was a Navy firefighter and had to stand by for refuel under helos with props spinning many, many, many,many times. I never figured out what they truly expected me to do with a 5 pound CO2 bottle (the things you ponder while out there...). I spent the time hoping my head didn't get chopped off and wondering how fast I could get my firefighting boots and hotsuit pants off if I fell overboard and they started filling up with sea water....then there was the one time someone dropped a glass jar full of sample fuel on the deck with the props going.....everyone moved pretty fast after that! Some things you don't rush on the flight deck!

[@lpd1snipe]

Ex Navy here. Definitely dangerous everywhere aboard a naval ship. Absolutely dangerous on the deck of a "Bird Farm."

[@lynneedwards3875]

My heart swells with pride❤

[@kentnordland5034]

I served aboard the USS Randolph and I never had a bad day, never had a bad meal, and if you really have to got to go to sea, go on an aircraft carrier. The most exciting that ever happened to me was when I catapulted off for a family emergency. What a rush! That's about s much fun you can have and still keep your clothes on!

[@Ever443]

These guys that do this are dead serious professionals, hats off to them

[@claytonpulley4947]

David, that was an awesome video. These guys are quite an amazing group solders.

[@machinistmikethetinkerer4827]

Brings me back. Cept I was on the other ocean on a different flattop.

[@BrianRhodes9763]

There is no job in the world like the flight deck, even now when I get a whiff of jet exhaust it brings back so many memories. I worked the flight deck on the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) the one featured in this film. However, I was with VF-32 and only worked the flight deck during workups as a green shirt from the Airframes and Hydraulics shop. There is nothing like the flight deck dance!!!

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

I totally agree Brian. David Hoffman Filmmaker

[@JK-lt9ip]

1969 Med cruise on USS JFK with VF-32. Worked on flight deck as trouble shooter and final checker. Worked both days and nights.

[@BrianRhodes9763]

@@JK-lt9ip It's always good to meet another Gypsy Swordsmen. I was on the 86'-87' cruise.

[@timothysouth5962]

I worked the flight deck as a plane captain with VF-103 aboard USS Saratoga, CV-60 from 1982 1985. I loved it!

[@joefico4801]

@@timothysouth5962 Hey brother! I was fly 1 a decade earlier. We had so much fun!

[@kevinriordan1632]

Best line in the clip is, 'I'm not hanging out' as an F-14 traps.

[@richborg45]

Great film. I spent a few years up on the flight deck of the USS Carl Vinson, mainly night check (shift) . Best job ever. I'm glad I survived.

[@garymohler4436]

I'm a plank owner of the Carl Vinson 80-84 V-1 Div. Yellow shirt. I generally worked nights 1800-0600

[@VTags0614]

Jet mechanic 1979 - 84 F4 WW/Phantoms...1 person did it all....I couldn't even imagine on a flt.deck

[@ckelly6500]

Val, Beatle Bailey, Baker, John Sims. Just a few of the characters in yellow and blue shirts that made up V-1 Div back then. I joined them on Big John in fall of ‘82. Hope you’re all well shipmates.

[@Maxid1]

I was on the USS Ranger CV-61 from 1977-1980 in E-Div. Everything that everyone does on the ship, no matter what department or job description, is done to facilitate that: shooting and catching jets.

[@rlhagemann]

Most exciting job I ever had. Life is boring after experiencing that.

[@Johnwilson-dl9nm]

Enjoyed this film. It doesn't look too much different than when I was a photographer on the flight deck of the USS Hancock CVA - 19 1960-61.

[@thomasjamesdyejr1814]

I joined the Navy in 1982 and retired in 2016....those are my shipmates.

[@dougdigby765]

Thanks for the Aircraft carrier films. So many well trained professionals looking after the planes. Very good to see them and the planes close up.

[@margiefortune8705]

Totally spectacular !! God bless you all with guardian angels every shift. Thank you for your service.

[@gordonbrown5860]

...had the privilege of working the roof on the Kitty Hawk, Constellation, Enterprise, America, Kennedy, Nimitz, IKE, Vinson, Stennis Washington. Once you work the roof, all other jobs are boring! FLY NAVY!

[@fredflintstone3956]

AT with VF-24 and VF-211, Ranger and Kittyhawk.. Plenty of roof duty, days and nights. Pay attention boys and girls, because this is where it gets fun!

[@USNMMCret]

Favorite thing to do with little free time I had was watching flight ops from Vultures Row.

[@kaydenpagano628]

These are the kind of people born to do the worlds hard jobs. Much respect.

[@markg8022]

Motherhood is not the worlds hardest job. These women just like to get fancy presents for Mothers Day. Very distasteful if you ask me.

[@williamdavidberry8473]

A beautiful video, David. You absolutely captured the most dangerous ballet ever. That's a terribly dangerous job, where flight deck personnel must be ever vigilant not to get blown over the side, sucked into a jet engine, or walk into a spinning propellor blade. I spent a tour on an aircraft carrier in the 1980s (not on the flight deck), where I developed a great admiration and respect for those who work in that demanding environment.

[@Not_sheeple]

I am totally enveous.......this is hard core. I can relate though...... was terra firma ground crew for two years on a Mirage III CZ, DZ and D2Z flight line in a combat zone (South African Bush War). Ripe old age of 18 - 20 yo. Made men of us. Would do it again at a drop of a hat. Well done boys!!!! You make me proud.

[@severineg8702]

So impressive. Thank you, Service Members, for all you do. My brother proudly served on USS Forrestal CVA-59 during Vietnam. As a teen, my family and I went on a Family Day cruise off Norfolk. Seeing and feeling, those planes, watching all the Shirts do their work. An amazing day that has stayed with me for 50 years. Bless you all. 🇺🇸🌹

[@jerrymaushard3835]

Opening scene in Top Gun movies are the best. Very cool.

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

oddly enough thy used my documentary to help make the movie top gun. DAVID HOFFMAN -FILMMAKER

[@theway3058]

Imagine the bond these guys have. Such a heavy job.

[@moirabaker458]

Yes and what they DON'T need are DEI picks on there

[@mommabear5505]

American hero’s doing their jobs for our FREEDOM!🙏🇺🇸🙏 God bless you all!🙏

[@podaly]

I was a flightline jet mech...on an air base🥴Mad respect for my brothers and sisters doing that on a flight deck!!!

[@johngross8300]

Thank You. My Flight Deck Days started in Dungaree pants too. USS Midway (CV-41) 85 to 89, VIGI and ships company. USN8300, 30 and out.

[@tiger8linny788]

This was wonderful! Most citizens have NO IDEA what servicemen and women go through in a “normal” day! Think about a series. . .your expertise could bring an important and eloquent touch to such fascinating information❣️ New subscriber!

[@KatherineTurpin0420]

Proud Navy mom x2 here. Bravo Zulu to our sailors and thank you for this amazing glimpse of the flight deck crew. 🇺🇸

[@Hisboyleeroy]

USS Constellation 1981 through 1984. Deck Ape. I did a lot of growing up there. We were launching Tomcats then as well and were the first ship to be fitted for F-18s.

[@mikebell1961]

I worked the flight deck onboard The Big E back in the mid 80’s. Scariest place I have ever been. You can literally feel you internal organs vibrate. I would go back tomorrow if ever asked

[@jenniferjoaquin4717]

So much danger with every breath. And these soldiers do it for our freedom. Freedom isn’t free. Thank you, soldiers!!🙏🏻❤️🇺🇸🙏🏻❤️🇺🇸🙏🏻

[@greggross8856]

I remember when a carrier returned to NAS North Island from its deployment without having lost a single crewmember. It was big news across the fleet. When they did it TWICE, it was huge. And that was in peacetime...

[@gtc1961]

we always lost a few.....

[@stansova3138]

Usually when a air craft carrier pulls out, the old man calls over the intercom and says "on this cruise most air craft carriers lose several people, so look around at the guy next to you and make sure that you both come home". Thank You and that is all gentleman.

[@chalorodriguez3317]

I understand.. How one bad move can get someone hurt or killed on a flight deck .. I guess a flight crew on a carrier. Is like being out with your marine brothers on a battle field. Your not out there for yourself or your country. Your out their for each other. Too take care of one another. To make it home. Each other is all you have. Much respect. Stay safe out there..

[@xyz12345457]

I remember when this was originally shown!! It was back when people watched TV and everyone was talking about it. David Hoffman has made beautiful films about every topic, they are the best of the best. Thank you for sharing them with us.

[@CarefulSteps1]

love our military, thankful for all that they go thru and who they are.

[@boomer6611]

I spent many years in the Ranger Regiment, jumping out of airplanes, breaching doors with explosives, clearing rooms and live fire and that is just the training part, all that cool guy stuff. Yea sure the SEALs get a lot or press. But the Big Navy is the power projector and the deterrent to war and like the old poster said 'Life ... Liberty ... and Pursuit of All Who Threaten It." These men and women on the flight deck along with the Explosives Ordinance Techs on carriers have my ultimate and total respect. Seriously. This is a dangerous job in Peacetime and in Combat. We love you guys, because when we need that airpower you have never failed us. Consummate American Professionals. As for my brothers in the SEALs, keep trying to balance that beach ball on your snout ... you'll get there some day. Sua Sponte to the whole Veteran Tribe.

[@randomstuffwithnofluff7472]

It's like a rock group...the singer (pilot) gets all the fame and credit, but it's really a group effort from everyone (all the ground crew) to make it all successful.

[@billfarley9167]

It's always been like that. Some pilots take it for granted, most understand the equality and teamwork really is.

[@clydewilson1141]

I was in the Navy for 22 years. I served on 7 ships. One was the USS Midway. The flight deck is the most dangerous place on the planet. CWO4 USN RET CRYPTOLOGY 73-95.

[@sammywinstead9007]

Being a retired Naval aviator I can appreciate this video. 90% of the communication on the carrier deck is thru hand signals.

[@gtc1961]

After a while it becomes second nature and you do what you have to do by instinct. The first few weeks are the hardest, trying to figure out how to do your job, be 100% aware of what's going on and not get injured or killed.

[@forkinpig]

Military is an organisation, impressive like no other. Hi-tech, professional, disciplined, adventurous, courageous, what more can constitute near perfection.

[@barrypoland8589]

I was ABE3 topside PO, and safety observer. 90-94 on the IKE. I worked with some amazing men.

[@mindblueyez671]

Thank you for doing this! I was always so proud to be a sailors wife, and now I can see what he did. Im beaming with pride right now! He absolutely loved his time in the Navy, and the flight deck aboard CVN 72. His only complaint was missing our young children. USN🇺🇸⚓🇺🇲.

[@DonLong-x5p]

Loved the flight deck. You can't explain to people what it's like up there.

[@lohikarhu734]

The shots of the landing, into the arrester gear, really show the violence and power that happen in just a second ! Nice work!

[@ae2yosemitesamvp48]

USN 1967-1971 two WestPacs tours Operation Market Time during VietNam. best job ever.

[@alanwackerling8056]

I was in VF-32 in the early 60s on the Saratoga with F8U-2N Crusaders. I was a plane captain, brown shirt, and a flight deck P.O. and worked both day and nights. The key to survival was keeping your head on a swivel and working with a buddy, especially at night. I had a few close calls but never got hurt. It is truly the most dangerous job on a ship but I enjoyed every minute of it.

[@JK-lt9ip]

I was in VF-32 on JFK 1968-71 flightdeck troubleshooter and final checker on F-4B Phantom. Worked days and nights .

[@deirdre108]

First thing that came back to me while watching this video was the ever present smell of JP5. Anyone else notice that?

[@georgejudd9215]

My brother was a cook and he said the most awesome thing to watch was the deck crew getting air craft launched for their mission, he said they were the most brave men he ever had the honor of watching!

[@suasponte8363]

These never get old, and thanks for sharing!

[@TheHiredGun187]

My father served in the US Navy and was stationed on USS Forrestal (VA-83 Rampagers...AIMD dept) before and after the big fire that nicknamed Forrestal the USS FireTrap. After Forrestal was in DryDock and came out they had "ShakeDown" cruise. The US Navy PR Dept thought it a good idea to make the shakedown a "father and son" type cruise. Forrestal would go out spend 7 days shaking out bugs and us kids had bunks on the hanger decks. That had to have been the coolest experience I had as a "Navy Brat"

[@donalddepew9605]

I met a few camera men who considered working on the deck of the Nimitz as a great honor during the filming of top gun. They also considered it a very high point in their careers. They said the Navy pull out just about all the stops unless it involved safety. For me that whole movie was the beginning where it involved that ballet you so eloquently mention. Great Video!!

[@joefico4801]

I was a fly 1 blue shirt aboard Saratoga. The ship was on Yankee station and very active. Nothing in the world like flight ops at night dangerous and beautiful.

[@timanderson5543]

I lived it as a squadron member and helo aircrewman,i spent about 90% of my time on the flight deck and came home in 1 piece.

[@Mercyme57]

Wonderful clip…truly remarkable work beautifully observed and filmed. Hats off to the guys involved and all like them. 👊🏼