Narrated Catapult Launch From A Growler Cockpit

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This video shall not be reused, reproduced, or redistributed without written permission from Growler Jams. Any and all unauthorized reproductions of this video will be prosecuted. "Fair use" of this video is not authorized without written permission from Growler Jams.
Welcome aboard an EA-18G Growler catapult shot off the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), somewhere near Wake Island in the beautiful Pacific Ocean. This was a 59K MAX power Case I launch off catapult 3 on a day training sortie. Look at the color of the water. Absolutely amazing. Fly Navy!
*CORRECTION to the narration*
In the jam, I mention "the Shooter" when I'm in the catapult. Since this was a bubble launch, the shooters were actually in the bubble and the Catapult Safety Observer, an ABE (Aviation Boatswain's Mate - Launch/Recovery), is the Sailor who tells me to run up the throttles and gives me the final "thumbs up" prior to launch.
If you like the video, please like, subscribe, and turn on notifications - I appreciate it! If we get enough support, we can keep this channel going.
Chapters:
0:00 Out of the Chocks
0:35 Hook Check
2:12 JBD Discussion
5:13 Catapult 3 Launch
6:20 Catapult 4 Launch
7:19 MOVLAS Discussion
10:00 Tension
10:34 Fly Navy
#flightdeckoperations #usnavy #f18 #superhornet #flynavy #avgeek #naswi #flightdeck #navy #growler #theodoreroosevelt #topgun #navalaviation #aviation #aviationworld #aviationlovers #fighterjet #trending #goshawk #cockpitview #navy_motivational_video #cockpitviews #dcs #dcsworld #voiceover #aircraftcarriers #aircraftlanding #f18hornet #f18superhornet #aerialrefueling #fighterjet #fighterpilot #fighter #fighterjetgame

[@paulfox3532]

The voiceover really gives an extra dimension to your fabulous videos. I know that for you it's like describing pulling your car out of the garage, but the insight is still fascinating for most of us.

[@christophschwienbacher3137]

yeah, I pull out my car from the garage everyday with a catapult ;-)

[@77Fmydog]

@@christophschwienbacher3137 lol

[@rkyleporter]

@@christophschwienbacher3137 Maybe in the future, freeway onramps regulating rush hour access will work like this instead of just red/green lights! ;)

[@sirjohnmara]

I concur. VO is GREAT!

[@jasonsong86]

@@christophschwienbacher3137 you need faster cars 😂😂😂

[@I_Bully_The_Bullies]

How nice of this pilot. To speak to those as if, they’ll sit in the same seat! 👍🏽🤣🤣🤣

[@Watermusic0709]

I love these videos! I work in Trauma and my job can be stressful. So Saturday mornings are spent in bed with fresh-ground coffee, the dog and watching videos on my tablet. My best friend, also a nurse, always texts me before she calls. This morning I answered her text with "Yepper I'm awake and starting the day with a smile! Coffee, the dog and a Navy pilot". My phone rang in seconds. Before I could even get "G'morning" outta my mouth, she yelled "WHAT???? WHAT DO YOU MEAN, A NAVY PILOT?". It took some explaining....but now SHE is watching GrowlerJam. #flynavy. 😂😅

[@GrowlerJams]

Ha! 😂

[@tippo5341]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@pdxholmes]

I love that you take the time to describe little, seemingly unimportant, things to the viewer. I know a couple of Hornet pilots, and they'll happily tell you stories, but sometimes they skip over little details that to them seem so routine, but to us plebes out here are mega interesting. It's no different then any other skill profession. What seems routine and mundane to you can be extremely interesting to those of us with different training and skill sets.

[@GrowlerJams]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Ryan-mq2mi]

@@GrowlerJams Great teachers create great interest. GJ just curious if you've said where you're from. I'm west coast and detect no accent from you so I'd guess not the east coast or south.

[@lukelee7501]

It's all that detail that he gives us that really separates this from normal aviation ops .Gives a sense of all thats actually happening on the flight deck ..what a busy place to be .Looks like to me it's an easy place to get effed up in a hurry for the guys on deck if they aren't paying attention and doing it exactly like they are supposed to do it .

[@Tommy-rl8tb]

Well said, the little details make the difference. Never in a million years, would I have thought sea water is pumped the blast deflector.

[@neilcave8434]

Yes, fascinating details like the JBD being water-cooled!

[@jonesboy201]

Love this new voiceover approach. To the non flyer / navy pilot out there, and let’s face it, that includes the vast majority of us, it definitely brings an extra dimension to an already great channel. Keep them coming.

[@yanniskouretas8688]

Thanks for the interesting insights (love the voiceovers). Active duty Warrant Officer in the Hellenic Air Force (acft maint & APU specialist) with 26 years of service under the belt . Lived all my life in and around airplanes - hangars and aprons my play grounds - dad was a pilot too , sister a flight surgeon (a genuine air force family) and I always love a good air story . Have good flights - calm weather and safe landings Pail ...

[@GrowlerJams]

Thank you for your service.

[@goodputin4324]

I love HAF for its variety of jet fighters. Hope you guys and Turkiye can be friends again...

[@robertnixon3816]

All the attention to the details in these voice overs is greatly appreciated. You are the ultimate "salesman" for Naval Aviation! Fly Navy!

[@embededfabrication4482]

I'm sure the Chinese like all the detail too

[@TheSilmarillian]

@@embededfabrication4482 Now for this evenings award for screen names an honor held by few lol

[@embededfabrication4482]

@@TheSilmarillian what are you talking about?

[@RickHoot-gc4zu]

I would like to take a moment to say thank you to all of the pilots that flew ground support missions over northern Afghanistan from October 03- January 04. Combined with artillery and air power. Many of my soldiers and myself were able to get home safely. I’ve never been able to thank the brave pilots in person and give them a well deserved hug. For basically saving our lives.

[@JavaMike71]

We live by NAS Whidbey in Washington. My wife and I take time out of work to go and watch the Aircraft Carrier takeoff/landings with the Growlers. I can tell you it NEVER gets old and I could sit there and watch them fly all day every day. The sound is like nothing else in the world and is just so awesome. Now seeing what you are actually doing in the cockpit on a carrier makes it that much more amazing. Thanks for posting these videos.

[@GrowlerJams]

Check out tomorrow’s voiceover. It’s a Whidbey fly-in.

[@JavaMike71]

@@GrowlerJams Whaaaaat? That will be so cool to see. We drive out there from Lynnwood just to try and catch the flight schedules at the right time.

[@mikecrim5292]

I live in Sequim and l love when Growler flies over us.

[@donkeyballs3081]

I really enjoy getting a rundown on what's going on and why certain things happen. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos and thank you for your service.

[@GrowlerJams]

My pleasure!

[@x3racer86]

Thank you Pail for taking the time to entertain your audience! Much appreciated and Much Respect.

[@JstJeff19]

I was a plane captain, jet mechanic and trouble shooter on the USS Midway in the first half of the 80's. It was so awesome and is definitely one of the highlights of my life's journey. It's so good to see what our pilots went through landing our A-6's on that rolling piece of asphalt in the middle of the ocean. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us! Go Navy!!!

[@GrowlerJams]

TYFYS.

[@enjaku2600]

20 years an Army Special Forces Officer, and I thought that “I” had fun :). Love these narrated videos. Mucho thanks all around.

[@johnshields6852]

Thank you for your service for the USA, my uncle Jack flew the F4 phantom in Vietnam and I was on see as a boy back then, it's an honor to be able to see your day to day off the USA's most potent carriers. May God be with you on your flights. 🇺🇸🙏

[@ShadyAcres28]

I just wanted to take a minute and say Thank You for everything you and those men and women do on that ship everyday and the sacrifices you all make every day to allow us to all be safe from the true evil that is around the world!!! Thank You!!!

[@thomasglessner6067]

Great launch. Love the voice over and signature move. Quarters look tight under the canopy. Anything to stretch helps. Thank you to all your supporting staff on CVN 71. Stay safe out there in the middle of nowhere.

[@AKjohndoe]

Cooling the JBD with seawater isn't something I ever thought of, but now I can't imagine how I didn't! Great details in your videos!

[@ussreeves]

I certainly appreciated your accurate description of IFLOLS and how it works. I served on three carriers (Enterprise, Ranger, Independence) as a Fresnel lens technician and my last duty station before I retired in 1999 was as an Instructor for the Fresnel Lens Mk6 Mod 3. IFLOLS was just coming in to the fleet as I was leaving. Safe flying and Thank You for your service.

[@DirtyLilHobo]

Thanks! Love the narrative. You’re a great instructor! Your description makes it seem like we’re right there with you. I have had the awesome privilege to fly the F-15, back seater, myself being a commercial pilot, on an ALTRV from HMN out over the Gulf to just North of Cuba then along the West coast of Florida for naval air engagements then land at BAD. Spent the night then returned from BAD to HMN and actually flew the jet from wheels up including comm with ATC all the way back to HMN and four touch and goes and full stop landing. Awesome!! Retired ATCS ZAB/ZDV 36 years.

[@GrowlerJams]

Thank you for your service.

[@jimlong527]

Ladies and gentlemen protect our great country. We salute you.

[@GrowlerJams]

🫡

[@skidstung]

I absolutely love these voiceover commentaries. Learning what’s going on and what you’re thinking is amazing. You also have a relaxing voice!

[@njjeff201]

⚓️👍🇺🇸

[@dustinchupurdy9431]

These voiceover videos are the best, it's super interesting to hear you narrate all the little details that are going on in your head and what you're seeing!

[@robr2389]

That is SO cool!!!!! I know it's a long, tough road to get to a Hornet or Growler front seat. I also once heard that only the top candidates in flight school are selected for the fighters. Years ago, when I was active duty, I also remember that the guys who are in the lower echelon in flight school end up in the helos, although I also remember that there's some wiggle room to choose what you want to do? That sort of surprised me a bit. Decades ago, a neighbor we had was a pilot for NorthEast which later merged with Delta. He had flown UH-1 Hueys in Vietnam, and I clearly remember him telling me that a helicopter was a whole lot harder to fly than fixed wing aircraft.

[@CorvettePredator]

I absolutely love the voiceover.....from someone who was too colorblind to fly, but was a life long dream to do it, it's greatly appreciated to feed your knowledge to us out here. Perhaps in the next life I'll not be colorblind. I instead ended up doing helicopter rescue work, was the next best thing. Thanks again and keep up the good work pleas Sir!

[@Kefoo_]

-- *_Clear and concise, well-spoken narrative. Thank you, Growler Jams!_*

[@GrowlerJams]

My pleasure!

[@memmu2913]

I love to listen your calm and smooth voice, while you talk what's going on on the deck. You have definitely the best voice!! 💞💞💞 Your narrating is incredible, versatile and very interesting! I love how you are able to tell about many variable subjects with the lot of small details!! 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼 Thank you very much!!! 💖 🍻🍻 You have to be incredible instructor, I believe so! 🤍✈️⚓️ My friend have tried to teach me port and starboard over five years and I just kept forgetting! 🤭 Then I watched your jam twice where you talked about port and starboard. On the second time I watched the jam, I learned the both. Since then I've remembered the both every single time when needed. 😄

[@JBliehall]

My friend I served with at the 444th FIS went on to get an degree and was a test pilot on the Grumann F-14. I get airsick in a swinging hammock!! I am 81 in 2 weeks. Still do much of what I used to (mountain bike, ski, run almost daily, etc.) Just not at the insane levels I used to! For the last 15 years I trained LE and our military in weapons and small unit tactics. Stay safe and happy. None of us are here forever.

[@teresahixson8716]

Beautiful day to fly. Really enjoying the VO's because I learn so much, but I do go back and watch the ones with the mesmerizing roar of the engines. As always, God bless and Fly Navy 💫 🇺🇲♥️🇺🇲

[@rocketman1916]

The US Navy couldn't be prouder of you. I'll talk to the Admirals about rewarding you for your contribution to the promotion of our Navy. I love you,man.

[@edwardturner1282]

Man, you guys get to ride the thunder when ab kicks in. I know you never get tired of it. Cause I know why you fly. It's the instant of rotation that always thrilled me. Like being lifted up by the hand of a giant. Right?

[@keithbrown9198]

Very cool. My son-in-law was aboard the "Big Stick" as an Electricians Mate, so he was buried in the bowels, but while it was still based in Norfolk, VA undergoing refueling/refiitment and sea trials, I got a personal tour. As a former aviator and air traffic controller I especially enjoyed talking to the crew that managed the deck from the top bridge. What an impressive machine these ships are, and the crews that man them! This catapult launch was the only aspect I was missing. Thanks for the video!

[@celricytchannel3792]

Please do more voiceovers - it‘s soooo interesting to get these insights :)

[@skipker]

Pail, I'm not sure how long you have been a Navy Aviator, but damn you and your Hornet are one with the force😄 This is the second time i watched this video, and i truly enjoyed it. Thanks for your service protecting us so we can watch these videos.

[@GrowlerJams]

Fly Navy!

[@davidshettlesworth1442]

Absolutely impressive, US Navy, these multi million dollar aircraft be launched and recovered by young Americans. Many of the crew members 18, 19, early 20's, mentoring and being mentored by outstanding "senior enlisted and officers of the Line". Go Navy & Marine Corps.

[@rustykilt]

The complexities of Carrier operation never cease to intrigue me. Hollywood movies never capture the flight deck Ballet of this operation. It is such a co-ordinated effort requiring skill and cool. I feel nervous just watching the Pilot waiting their turn, and i think, regardless of how many Shots and Traps they do, it is still a challenge.

[@CirrusGraham]

Thanks so much for adding a voice-over to your videos. I'm just a Private Pilot, but I really enjoy hearing how and why certain procedures are carried out. Great stuff, keep posting!

[@MCMXI1]

Nice narration. For y'all, what you couldn't see is that after Pail salutes, the Shooter points to seven points to verify they are all go: - Bow Safety Observer - Thumbs up Suspend Light - Not illuminated Deckedge Operator - Hands up indicating Final Ready Centerdeck Operator - Thumbs up Wind Gauge - Still within limits Squadron Safety Checker - Thumbs up Pilot - Head steady and ready to go fly. It happens fast and is really cool to watch. Also neat is how the cat officer in charge of the cat control station raises his hand and turns them to his 3:00 and 9:00 to show everyone his hand isn't on the button.

[@GrowlerJams]

Yes Sir. You are absolutely correct.

[@georgiafogle7392]

As always, really enjoy the voice overs! Thanks again for your service.

[@rss021815]

These voice overs are one of my very favorite videos. It's so interesting to know just what's going on on the flight deck. Thanks for doing this!!

[@robertberryhill4033]

Amazing, when i was in the military i always wanted to be in a jet when it took off. I still haven't lost that feeling after watching this.

[@brokenmedic9133]

These are great. The voice over explanations are perfectly done. 🤙🇺🇸

[@X_Hog]

Really cool getting an explanation of what goes on during a cat shot. Thanks for the video, and thanks for being out there for us.

[@GrowlerJams]

Thanks, Chris.

[@nkhmd]

Always a privilege to fly with you, sir! Thank you for your service

[@larrywilson1783]

So cool. My brother was on the hornet, and my son was on the ranger. My brother had on the deck and then in the tower during veitnam. My son was an AZ during the desert storm. I was army and retired out of the reserves in 99. Your video gives me a whole new dimension of what you guys really do. Thanks for making this!

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers.

[@fantomfotog]

AS A FORMER ABE IT WAS REALLY NICE TO HEAR YOUR TALKING ABOUT THE WAY YOU SEE THE LAUNCHING! THANKS ! FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS!

[@Wernerle2BeiYoutu6e]

I really liked to see your old videos. But I definitely love the voiceover versions as they give a lot more information about what is currently going on. And meanwhile I am so familiar to your special move that I virtually don't realize it any longer. ;-) Thank you.

[@GrowlerJams]

Noted!

[@tidycat4004]

Your videos are so cool just by themselves. The voiceover kicks it up to a whole different level. Thank you so much!

[@Sammy_98]

That is pretty awesome. To think that what the Navy has done in the past 100 years is amazing. People don't think much about the Navy in wars or peace time, but you park a Carrier off a coast, idiots change their mind quickly. That goes from the pilots, deck crew, down to the cooks and the other enlisted men and women that keep America safe while at sea.

[@MichaelHarley]

Incredibly interesting... and voiceovers are everything! (I'm here because my brother sent me a text/link and said, "You have to watch these!")

[@GrowlerJams]

Welcome aboard.

[@jamesjross]

I say this every time, but thanks for the VO. It just adds so much colour to what are already cool videos. I mean things like seawater going through the deflectors and the guys changing over the landing system. These little things are fascinating.

[@phelanpawly2507]

Thanks so much for the awesome content and insights into how a flight deck wotks. We don’t have Carriers here in Australia but we damn well should because of our isolation but with any luck we can get some help from you guys when SHTF. Thank you for your work and thank you for your service sir 🫡

[@pyroc503]

These voiceover’s are awesome ! Fly Navy!

[@joshuapatrick682]

Glad to see we take ownership of the Pacific as importantly as we did when good men fought and died to acquire it.

[@PilotPhotog]

Looking forward to this video, you always produce content that educates and entertains - March 11th is a special day for me, it was the date of my first flying lesson!

[@GrowlerJams]

One more day!

[@PilotPhotog]

@@GrowlerJams copy and can’t wait!

[@peteschiavoni]

That’s so cool learning all of the workings to launch off of a ship. Did you get to go onto Wake? It’s beautiful. I spent 4 days there basically going to the beach, drinking beer and wandering around. Fun fact on blast shields on the land In Korea when it’s 30 below you can stand behind them to warm up🤣🤣🤣 Thank you for sharing! Fly Navy!!!!!

[@GrowlerJams]

Never been to Wake, just flown over it multiple times.

[@tonytarin6934]

As a former command final checker/troubleshooter Avionics Tech, for an F/A 18 Hornet squadron, this never gets old. My time launching and troubleshooting on the flight deck was still, to this day, the best job I’ve ever had. Go Navy! Beat Army! Blessings from Oklahoma

[@theoracle5265]

Thank you for your service👍

[@ero1456]

Interventional cardiologist here. Jealous of your service and experiences. Looking forward to more of these voice over videos.

[@salty_flightdeck_cpo]

I hope you realize how many people also admire your skills and knowledge, especially those patients and family members that you made a positive impact on their lives. Bless you.

[@danbgt]

Awesome. Simply awesome. Thanks!!

[@prichardgs]

If I was learning how to fly this wonderful aircraft-I would want you as an instructor. Positive leader-I can tell. Your videos are my "Quiet time"

[@GrowlerJams]

Thanks!

[@gcapps100]

Love your videos sir. Thank you for your service and explaining the cat launch.

[@MinciHH]

Thank you so much for the insights you’re giving!

[@ericanderson7882]

Spectacular! Thank you for posting!

[@catherinefunderburg3535]

Great explanation I love it!

[@yoblob34]

Thank you for your service

[@ronquiring7796]

Thank you. So much respect.

[@danlombardi8307]

Awesome… You’re a hero growler!!

[@glennaycock9445]

Once again, great work. And thank you so much for the videos you are producing.

[@johnorourke9860]

Thanks for the training!

[@Jimbo-in-Thailand]

Excellent perspective! Thanks & safe flying!

[@bobharper2406]

Ty for your service

[@palinka4u]

Utterly Fantastic real time vid with the tutorial from you ! Thank you so much for your service!!!

[@dmtuzo3797]

Superb video! Thanks for sharing this magnificent lesson!!

[@Maxid1]

I was ships company Interior Communications (E-Div) on the Ranger CV-61 from '77-'80. The ship no longer exists but my memories do. Your navigation came from my work space, ships gyro and SINS. We did all your comms on ship to the flight boss. Still remember that thump through the whole ship when you'd go off the round down. Longest 3 years of my life. And it set me up for the rest of my life.

[@cincyjohn69]

You’re amazing thank you for your service

[@camhaines5482]

Awesome video. Canadians appreciate that you are out there. Stay vigilant!

[@davidross976]

Brings back memories. Thanks for the thorough explanation and orientation. Fly safe!

[@antonioborrego5718]

Every time I see a plane launch a lil top gun ‘beh nau ne nauu’ goes off in my head.

[@jcaff6963]

Great video, thanks for your service.

[@ryangraham5361]

Love it when theres a bit more footy after the launch. Gives it some times before the video and channel tabs come in.

[@user-eg4yr4vm2o]

You guys are fricking awesome!

[@ruperterskin2117]

Cool. Thanks for sharing.

[@patfontaine5917]

Thanks for posting this. Always enjoy your vids, but really appreciate your voice-overs.

[@alexcurtis6579]

These are just so fun to watch. Thanks, man. Keep it up.

[@vincentgattorno9751]

A pleasure always to see the details you are presenting to this videos. Thank you for your service.

[@donebert7410]

Awesome video, that launch is something else. Thank you

[@jimm2216]

Thank you for your Service and sharing your insight!

[@lauraoday1761]

That was soooo amazing. I loved it. Nothing like sitting in the pilot's seat getting catapulted from an aircraft carrier. WOW!!! Thanks for sharing

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@ewanlad]

I love listening to you describe everything, it's so calming and it's really interesting. Thanks man.

[@barrywinslow9798]

Awesome vid.....thanks for the ride.

[@davidhouser586]

Thanks for the video and mostly thanks for your service.

[@mikesmearnov1319]

These are fricking cool!! Thanks for posting them!!

[@davidfite2106]

Thank you for the video and voiceover , Hope you enjoy your Beer Stay Safe Navy !!!

[@joechunter1]

Very cool! Thank You for your service and sharing the video with explanation! I do work for Boeing in the Quality Department.. always proud to provide our men and women with the very best!👍

[@1Arcite]

Great descriptions! Thank you for your service. I have recommended your channel to my subreddit community.

[@elizabethnisotis334]

You guys are the best ❣️Thanks for explaining what’s happening. It makes me feel like I’m right there with you. What a thrill ❣️

[@martincrisp3385]

It's an interesting and very cool insight into your job. Thank you for sharing.

[@joshf-o6696]

It's super awesome. And then to think after the launch the real job begins.

[@tomjw1306]

I love these voice-over videos. So informative. Please keep them coming...

[@ikaikamaleko8370]

Naval aviation is badazz!