EPIC Carrier Launch Narration From The Flight Deck

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Welcome aboard the flight deck of the Spirit of Freedom, the USS George Washington (CVN-73). Today, we are on the bow watching catapult shots during initial day carrier qualification. These pilots are Naval Flight Students, working towards their wings of gold on a hot August day 75 miles east of Jacksonville, FL.
This jam focuses on the Director, Shooter, Topside Petty Officer, Center Deck Operator, Deck Edge Operator, Plane Checkers, and, of course, the pilot.
If you like this jam, make sure to watch the link below and pay attention to the interview in the last two minutes.
• Launching The Navy's S...
Fly Navy!
Chapters:
0:00 Welcome Aboard
0:45 Catapult 2 Launch
2:30 Shooter Final Checks
3:53 Catapult 1 Launch
5:03 Plane Checkers
6:00 Deck Edge Operator
Photo credits:
231205-N-VX022-1045 ATLANTIC OCEAN (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class August Clawson)
231208-N-VX022-1024 ATLANTIC OCEAN (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class August Clawson)
231106-N-SK336-1429 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jennifer Newsome)
160315-N-MY901-048 ATLANTIC OCEAN (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Krystofer N. Belknap/Released)
231129-N-TE455-1087 ARABIAN GULF (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mo Bourdi)
230809-N-VX022-1265 ATLANTIC OCEAN (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman August Clawson)
170917-N-PE636-058 ATLANTIC OCEAN (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Anthony Flynn/Released)
160316-N-GR120-117 ATLANTIC OCEAN (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Anna Van Nuys/Released)
170916-N-PE636-051 ATLANTIC OCEAN (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Anthony Flynn/Released)
180624-N-UV609-0014 ATLANTIC OCEAN (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Mora Jr./Released)
180923-N-ET513-0091 ATLANTIC OCEAN (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kallysta Castillo/Released)
Music:
Drive-Breakbeat-173062
#ASMR #relaxationmeditation #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

[@PsRohrbaugh]

Grandfather flew in Vietnam, father went to the air force academy. But I couldn't serve due to health issues. Videos like this are the epitome of bittersweet.

[@jackshittle]

I hear ya & obviously not your fault. I thank you for even wanting to do it.

[@cheddar2648]

There are many ways to serve America, not all of them in uniform.

[@lorencharnley9262]

I feel ya man. Although not aviators - both Grandad and Dad were Air Force - and I soooooo badly wanted to be a fighter pilot. Something inside me just told me it was something I could excel at. Sadly my vision wasn't in the same universe as close enough at the time. (1980's - no correction available that AF/Navy would accept). The kicker was that when I got my private license, turns out I wasn't wrong. I just operate in 3-dimensions easily. My flight instructor was shocked at how naturally it came to me (sigh). But I still love watching videos like these. As it turns out, one of my boys may be enlisting in the Navy - we'll see. Go Navy!

[@jackshittle]

@@lorencharnley9262 That is so cool, I'm happy for you & wish your son luck, he'll love it!

[@RandyBaumery]

Don't feel badly. I couldn't even qualify to fly a Cessna 206 after serving in the USAF as a lowly munitions guy called 461X0 at that time. Bipolar Disorder. I had the money. I had the time. I couldn't qualify.

[@peepers46]

Wow! Seeing something 99% of us will never get to see otherwise. Thank you Sir

[@billbrockman779]

Every American should be proud to see these young men and women.

[@user-qu9ev6pv8e]

Why?

[@nommadd5758]

@@user-qu9ev6pv8e : Troll! (PLease reply so I can 'mute' you!)

[@monketok141]

​@@user-qu9ev6pv8eI've got my own reservations about the armed forces but I can still admire and appreciate the professionalism, skills, and teamwork of, in this case, the crew on the flight deck

[@ccxfrank109]

Mmm lots of education, making sure planes stay rdy for flight, safely sending off pilots and making sure pilot lands safe and much more. All done professionally so our pilots are safe @@user-qu9ev6pv8e

[@cheddar2648]

I am.

[@EnricoPalatzo]

Pretty good explanation from a Driver. When I was a “plane checker” we wore white vests with a black and white checkered board back, and called ourselves “Final Checkers”. We also verified the ailerons rudders flaps and uht’s were in take off position after the “wipeout”.

[@GrowlerJams]

We still have final checkers, like you describe. Just not for T-45 CQ.

[@flewnvy]

Good stuff Pail! Not much has changed since my days on the deck of KITTY HAWK as a Shooter. FLY NAVY!

[@GrowlerJams]

TYFYS!!

[@markus1351]

What changed is that the current Planes rarely need afterburner for takeoff. So rarely a wide Open signal is given.

[@snakezdewiggle6084]

@markus1351 I guess you've not been watching the news lately.

[@markus1351]

​@@snakezdewiggle6084 it is still used... But afterburner takeoffs are rare

[@davidthomas4697]

I loved this part of my job. Cvt- 16, CVA-59, CVA-67 I wonder how many planes a handed off to the shooter as a yellow Shirt over 10 years on the front cats. Never had a bad shooter, some dance a little more 😂😂❤. Thanks for the memories 1964 - 1974. 😊you

[@fespa]

That was a f'n great video. There is no " Maverick" without many, many Mavericks. Thank you all for your service.

[@Tepnox]

That's a cool quote!

[@southjerseymountain]

Awesome video Pail. Excellent graphics, slow- mo and super crisp video. Great commentary and it felt like I was on the deck being trained. We cannot thank you enough for your service to our wonderful Country. GO NAVY and may God bless the USA

[@Allied-Aircraft-WW2]

Just fabulous man. I’m Royal Air Force and we all bring something to the party but you guys just do carrier ops the best.

[@WarHoover]

U.S. Naval Aviation owes much to the Royal Navy . . .

[@Simone-uu8ne]

the best carriers are the Chinese, but of course the US ain't bad

[@philippal8666]

The jerseys are exactly the same on any carrier across NATO. You can land, they are French, you can’t talk… but you will know every single thing they get your plane to do. That’s wild. Top Gun fighters taught the Australian’s. Some people I trained with joined the Navy as officers. Helping ‘tough’ 18 year olds leaving home for the big seas for the first time. Us in healthcare envy those in the planes, but (being British) we’re always there with tea, for when That Day happens and you see what you wish you hadn’t. (Or if your plane needs the spacesuit firemen).

[@kentr2424]

It's great to have someone who knows describe exactly what goes on during a catapult launch. We see it in the movies, but of course the movie doesn't explain just how the launch works. Thanks much Pail!!

[@bygzam]

Can't believe it took me this long to stumble across your channel. It's everything I want from an aviation channel - clear and informative moment-by-moment narration from the pilot himself, no whack overbearing music, ads or promos. Visual pointouts and explanations of moments/details of interest, awesome POV camera makes me feel like I'm right there in the cockpit. I have a particular fascination with the process of catapult launching so stuff like this is doubly awesome, being able to see this freely on the internet makes me feel glad I was born in the time and place I am. Looking forward to future uploads!

[@GrowlerJams]

Welcome aboard!

[@garyweber8201]

@bygzam So very well said, and I couldn't agree more. TYFYS Pail.

[@frankenmizer828]

Thank you for highlighting the enlisted crew. God bless 'em all. Fly Navy.

[@sue-ellencallaghan8238]

Heck yes, great to hear your voice again. I love these deck videos and really seeing the deck crew doing their thing and getting a clear explanation. We've missed you, glad to know you're safe and sound 🤗❤🇦🇺

[@williamflinn163]

I miss my days on the flight deck - best job I ever had! Go, Tomcats!

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@pilotff]

Served aboard CV-61 with the Wolfpack, VF-1. Best thrill was being underway during flight ops. Tip of the spear!

[@MarcoRCArena]

I get all hyped up when I think of my days way back then working at the civil airport. Can't imagine working on the deck of a carrier! SO FREAKING COOL

[@Sh9168]

That answered all my questions. I always thought the guy sitting on the deck was the button pusher.

[@user-dx9oz7wy7j]

Great video! I love the voice overs with the explanations of what is going on. Beers to you and Fly Navy and Marines! ⚓✈️⚓🍻🍺💪

[@sfcjones2590]

I like watching these. Dad was Navy in WW2. I went Army and gave them 25 years.

[@BigBen621]

Ha! Dad was Army in WW2. I went Navy and gave them 20 years. 🙂

[@PfizerRN_USNavyReserveRN]

Dad is 20-year Marine. I gave Navy Reserve 25 years. TYFYS.

[@mjproebstle]

Good to ‘be aboard’ the G dub once more. I served on her over in the Persian Gulf between conflicts. FLY NAVY!!

[@richardgreen1383]

Things have changed a lot since my days in carrier aviation - 50+ years ago. I was in props, so hit the Lady Lex (CVS-16) in the T-28. Still remember my first trap. The ones after that not so much. Then off to more ground school and multi-engine training. Since I had orders to a Anti-Sub Carrier based squadron, more traps in the TS-2A, but had an instructor in the right seat (no solos in the S-2s), but he did not say a word on either trap. Then more ground school and off to the RAG (Replacement Air Group) for training in the actual aircraft we would fly in the fleet. More day traps and the first cat shots (T-28 and TS-2A were light enough and powerful enough to deck launch - not so for the S-2E tipping the scales fully loaded at nearly 30,000 pounds. Complete that, then off the fleet squadron as a "Nugget" (the new guy). My first cat shot on the USS Randolph (CVS-15) was a real jolt as she still had the hydraulic cats, they would get your attention.

[@GrowlerJams]

TYFYS!

[@davidthomas4697]

I could have on the Lexington about the time you was Richard 67 - 69. T-28 I liked because you guys ran traps And then the old black hood would come out. You flew a single jet then same type plane with 2 jet engines. I was No # 1director in front cats. Don't feel to bad ,I seen more guys tear up things with no hood. 😂😂😂 fly navy

[@PeteVA-212]

Thanks for the play-by-play commentary. The launch bar and holdback system are much better than ours 50+ years ago. But I do have a couple of one/half of the holdback bars (broken intentionally upon the CAT shot) that were taped under the tailhook/fuselage connection still as paper weights. Good for office talk over the passing years. Fly Navy!

[@Mythilt]

I have one my brother gave me from his first deployment in '97. and yeah, its a good conversation piece.

[@BrazenNL]

Man, you keep doing this. Again, I have to add this video to my all time favorites. Thanks!

[@Giuliano-Grimaldi]

You are the best officer in the US Navy 👍🇺🇸🤗

[@kam1583]

Pail you should win an award for the content you post. Almost feel like I'm part of the deck crew. Thanks much😮

[@GrowlerJams]

Wow, thanks!

[@steini6771]

I owe you a truckload of beer!

[@tomc4634]

Love your commentary Pail. The insight into the carrier deck operations is outstanding.

[@teresahixson8716]

There you are !! 😃 I'm so happy to see a video from you, Pail. I hope you and your family are well. Can't wait to watch the video. Take care and try not to be a stranger. Tee 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻 Great video !! How does the shooter know for sure that the pilot wiped out the flight controls? It doesn't look like he can actually see the pilot's hands on the stick. 🤔

[@GrowlerJams]

The plane checkers only give their thumbs up after the flight controls have been wiped out.

[@andregermain2833]

@@GrowlerJams the answer to her question is that the control surfaces move, so no need to see the stick and pedal movement.

[@sirskidney7998]

Many thanks for a great video. Super complex procedure that appears seamless when you’re in the cockpit. Thanks for breaking it down!

[@joecrowaz]

So freaking cool. You fight like you train. 💪

[@thomaskohler4257]

Professionals at work! Thank you Pail

[@TC-bj8pu]

Your videos just get better and better! The Navy really should come to you for training vids. They are well made, fun, and informative. Great job!!!

[@justmeeagainn]

So many moving parts! Thanks for breaking it all down, Pail.

[@lagunsmoose]

Dang Pail, love how you put us all on deck with you in these vid's!! Just awesome how you explain everything in detail too!!👈👀

[@viperkeeper]

Thanks for the video Pail, always informative. Thank you for your service.

[@robertnixon3816]

Great video Pail! You can almost feel the tension in these new Navy pilots getting exposed to carrier flight ops! Top notch upload! Fly Navy!

[@Giuliano-Grimaldi]

Hi Mr Growler,I'm Angela Grimaldi, thanks again for greeting me my husband and I really appreciate your videos,you make us fly with you!you are a beautiful person a great Commander 👍🏻 I wish you all the best in life. We are waiting for you in Naples ❤. Officer and gentleman 🤗🙏👏🇺🇸✈️🇮🇹❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😄😄😄😄😄😄👍

[@ericanderson7882]

Great video! Thank you for providing this detailed breakdown of the launch sequence. Always enjoy your postings and appreciate all the work that goes into the production! Of course, most of all, thank you and your colleagues for your dedication and sacrifice for the defense of our country and allies!

[@mustangtg]

Practice makes perfect, as they say. A well rehearsed and choreographed cycle. Each one knows their respective roles and responsibilities. Used to enjoy watching flight ops from "vultures row" on the Abraham Lincoln. These guys and gals are awesome! Thanks for posting these videos, Pail! Fly Navy!

[@xKmotx]

Dude, you are so awesome and your videos are just amazing! Thanks and keep 'em coming! 👍

[@PirateMTH_ToddH]

These videos are great. I always knew there is a lot going on launching and retrieving aircraft on a carrier. But dang. It's a choreographed masterpiece of team work. Thanks for sharing and explaining.

[@PilotPhotog]

Along with providing tons of insight and learning, your videos keep getting better and better man, excellent production values. Bravo Zulu!

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@timothymclaughlin6860]

The other side of the door as it swings. Outstanding narration . Really appreciate the work in this piece. Sharing with the whole family. My Son is in PCS status to NAS Kingsville, TX to start T-45 Goshawk training. Fly Navy!

[@GrowlerJams]

Nice.

[@otterfan3213]

I absolutely love your vids and descriptions of what's going on during take-offs and landings on aircraft carriers. Keep up the great work!

[@StealthParrot]

Just amazing to watch such well practiced high tech precision. It's really awe inspiring to watch. Thank you.

[@stevencuskey]

Hey Pail you’re back. Just in time Buddy I was running out of Grower jam reruns to get my Naval aviator fix. Thanks for all you do. Stay safe.🥂

[@graeme0]

Thanks once again for the great in depth descriptions. Amazing job.

[@memmu2913]

Love your calm, expertise narration ❤❤ And awesome job with every detail pointed or explained in some other way, there's plenty of them!! 💪💪🍺

[@sapper3504]

LETS GO JAMS!!!!!!! JAM TIME!!!!! Thank you for another fine video sir.

[@thomasengstrom1525]

Thank you so much for these videos!! Just so cool to watch, listen and learn!!

[@MrSoul512BB]

Hope you keep doing your videos even though we can’t buy ya beer or monetize it. Really enjoy them thanks!

[@ScubaShafer]

Great vid Growler. You the man

[@TheStowAway594]

Your videos are just getting better, and better!

[@peterdubya1788]

Keep 'em coming man! Love it!

[@JJC2611]

I love this sort of content.

[@davidwolf226]

That's another great perspective, Pail. We Navy vets always appreciate you airdales.

[@nja3224]

Having this insight and context while watching what’s taking place is amazing. I feel privileged in a way. It’s a choreography of precision and team work. This is my second video from this challenge, but before the day is out I’ll probably be in double digits.

[@GrowlerJams]

Welcome Aboard.

[@user-cu9qv1sk5x]

I hope you don't mind me calling you Mr Rogers because I don't mean any disrespect at all. I grew up with Mr Rogers, and I absolutely loved watching and listening to him. He was such a cool, calm character. It was always the highlight of my day. Watching your videos brings back those memories. And is the highlight of my day. Carry on, Sir.

[@returnofthenative]

Dang! That deck looks so tiny on recovery vids, but its actually enormous. Thanks for taking the trouble to upload.

[@robbynelson3]

Love these videos

[@Susanmuir2]

What the crew does is amazing, the pilots depend on them completely. Well done!

[@patrickabicht8834]

High light of my week when a Growler Jams video comes out.

[@RichardShelton]

You explain things so clearly, thank you for your service.

[@GrowlerJams]

I appreciate that!

[@johncage5368]

Wow! I have never seen this explained in that level of detail. Although so many crucial checks have to be done by so many people it goes super fast and looks like a well choreographed dance. I'm incredibly impressed by you guys.

[@rickbrandon3635]

I can’t imagine all the red tape you had to wade through for authorization to publish these videos. Thanks for your service Pail 🫡

[@swoodridge]

So educational! Love the graphics so it’s easier to follow. Such a cool and important industry.

[@philipcollura2669]

Xlnt. Very informative and downright exciting. This recorded on a sunny day with smooth seas. I imagine in inclement weather and freezing temps it can't be too much fun doing those tasks.

[@laurentsamson8927]

Perfect 6 minutes 42 secondes. I've learn more here than in a lot of lot longer videos. Great work!

[@MaxPlankton]

All Brits should be mightily proud that our BAe (Hawker Siddeley) Hawk made the grade for the USN. Along with the Marine Corps Harrier and the USAF B-57. It's a great partnership! We had the Phantom, Polaris, Trident (ICBM but our own nukes) most of the F-35 and Lord knows what else and we thank you for that.

[@B-A-L]

We did have F-86s on loan for a while until the Hunters were ready.

[@kyounotemawa]

Great video, Pail! You are really stepping up your video production quality!

[@GrowlerJams]

I appreciate that!

[@chuckbrown2765]

Happy to see your subs increasing. Love your channel

[@luisx9428]

Nice to see a video from you again. And very interesting to see these processes too. Greetings from Hamburg.

[@officialofchase]

Recently discovered this channel and I can’t seem to get enough of it!

[@GrowlerJams]

Welcome aboard!

[@NewGoldStandard]

Very cool. It will be interesting to watch some of your other videos and see how many of those signals I can catch. Thank you very much for the post!

[@CharlieHagen]

Great editing! I understand how long that takes to do thanks for posing!

[@ChrisMuncy]

Another great narrated video PAIL! Thank you sir and have a great weekend!

[@GrowlerJams]

Thanks, you too!

[@oliverdots]

so appreciate your channel explaining all the procedures on deck the carrier. Always learning, watching your video's. Thank you.

[@Meirele]

Nice to learn all these details. Thank you!

[@skyepilotte11]

Great play by play of all the checks and signals before launch. Thx Pail

[@GrowlerJams]

💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[@6605eric]

Always wanted to see that aspect of carrier operations with explanation, Thank you.

[@robe4314]

It’s a great day when Pail posts another video!! Fly Navy!!

[@Dave.68]

Fantastic vids. Thank you. Salute.

[@sweb4614]

Thank you for aother great video! It's the best one on the Tube explaning the launch process on a carrier. I also hope that your students are all qualifying for theiir wings of gold.

[@matrixmerlin]

As Always PAIL...you make us and your family so damn proud. The Ultimate American,,!!! Love Ya Fly Navy Ever in West Pal Beach look us up..!!!

[@jaggedmountain]

Keep em coming. Great job.

[@scottgorman7166]

Sweet....a lot of check check and double check before launching a bird. Great job of describing the ongoing of a launch. Awesome job to everyone on board who make this monster work like a swiss watch. Pail keep them coming, the videos make us feel like we are on deck with you and the crew! 🖖

[@mickb474]

Thanks for the run through and explanation Growler, i did wonder what the Shooter was pointing at before giving the signal to launch, now i know 👍🏻👍🏻

[@africansafariexperts1499]

Yup, that was great - nice to hear the narrative on whats happening. Thanks :)

[@Giuliano-Grimaldi]

Thank you Mr Growler 👍👍👍🏻😄😄😉😉❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@joeblow6417]

Another awesome video. Thank you.

[@GeekBoyMN]

Great training and teamwork!!

[@Voncid]

Thanks for the session Growler.

[@SierraHalcon]

The best voice over videos on KZbin, fly navy!!!! Thanks for this great content!

[@flyrobroy]

They’re amazing… but the absolute best?? 🤣

[@SierraHalcon]

@@flyrobroy True!!! yours are also very good!! I don't miss one.

[@drewrub7415]

Loved this. Thanks, Pail.

[@glennaycock9445]

Great video. You do great work on them!!!

[@csxtq110]

Damn you do such a great job with the jams! Keep it up!

[@davidcole333]

Thanks Pail, awesome content. In every one of your videos I am always impressed by the professionalism all of these sailors exhibit. The flight deck is like a well oiled machine spinning at 10000 rpm. A beautiful sight.

[@x3racer86]

Thank you for posting these remarkable videos. I have never seen such detail and matching commentary. Calm, smooth, and precise. Kinda reminds me of when I used to drive a race car. No comparison of course! We did not have guns:)

[@billbeyatte]

Excellent commentary. Great delivery.

[@GrowlerJams]

Thank you kindly!

[@johnw5734]

And I'm sure someone is watching the moves of each of these operators to make sure it's going down right. More power to you guys.

[@Lucia_Grimaldi_97]

Very excellent! Your explanations are very interesting. Your channel is the best. Well done!

[@memmu2913]

You made me really glad!! 💯 🤗 A big thank you, it's much easier and very helpful, love it!! 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼❤️❤️❤️

[@GrowlerJams]

So glad!

[@memmu2913]

@@GrowlerJams You made my day!! 💖