Aircraft Carrier Flight Deck • Controlled Chaos

The flight deck of an aircraft carrier during flight operations is one of the most dangerous places on earth. And even though it might look like total chaos, it's really a finely tuned and highly organized action. Everybody has a job to do.
The aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) conducts flight operations while deployed in the Mediterranean Sea.
Film Credit: Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Jared King
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[@reynaldocabacungan8545]

Magnificent video. I was on board CVN 65. PLANE Captain Supervisor and flight deck coordinator. Tears are my companions watching this flight deck ops. I will die thinking this moments working with my dear brothers. God Bless America. ADCS Cabacungan. VF- 21 AND VF - 213.

[@lloydkelso1697]

I was in the Army for 20 years and 10 of those years I was on jump status. I've watched you guys and girls on the flight deck of a carrier and its amazing how much hand and signal's you have. My brother served in the Navy he worked down in the engine room area. He told me that to work on the flight deck you had to have a certain kind of MOS. I've never seen a aircraft carrier. I hope that one day I can get to go on a aircraft carrier. GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU AND I WILL KEEP EVERY ONE OF YOU IN MY PRAYERS.

[@Gung_Ho_Vids]

The flight deck of an aircraft carrier during flight operations is one of the most dangerous places on earth. And even though it might look like total chaos, it's really a finely tuned and highly organized action. Everybody has a job to do.

[@KevinP32270]

+Gung Ho Vids agreed.

[@risingsun9595]

+Gung Ho Vids When those Hornets started taxing, I realized that they actually do sound like angry hornets

[@GeorgeVirginia]

Yep! Like a fine tuned symphony. Agree, 1 of the most dangerous jobs on earth.

[@brandon3345]

That's the props from an E-2C Hawkeye you're hearing. But it does sound like a swarm of pissed off hornets.

[@PapaTony165]

I was an AE Flight Deck Troubleshooter for an A6 Squadron during the Vietnam nastyness. The time I spent on the deck was exciting and surely helped with maturity. You have the lives of men in your hands with every move and they the same. I wouldn't have missed it for the world.

[@pauleyplay]

Fly 2 director, CVA42 1973. Time of my life ! We did not know how dangerous our job could be. I was having SO much fun.

[@dennisgreen3430]

Thank you for not adding insanely loud doper music to this!

[@jtyler780]

25 years active now retired AVCM (AW/SW). Never tire of this

[@bige6571]

I was on her mid 70's Purple Shirt. Did a lot of growing up back then. Fantastic video .

[@chrisparker2118]

There's always something about seeing that helmet, oxygen mask, and dark visor staring out the cockpit that gets to me.

[@Gung_Ho_Vids]

Chris Parker Darth Vader

[@KaonashiKobayashi]

Gung Ho Vids Lol.

[@carolinejaruga4149]

With due respect they look like aliens it's scary!! They do a great job.

[@jimmyjimbo61]

Really good video. No music... no crap... Just flight deck flight ops! I like it!

[@ryanjames5936]

Love that hummer turning in the background

[@shannonchurchill4556]

Turn the volume up. There plenty of music...

[@ttraderjim]

The best flight deck video I've seen. Former F4 plane captain.

[@waterhead001]

What is the process to brcoming a plane captain? Thank you for your service.

[@mitchkrzykowski6774]

best time I ever had with my clothes on back seater in F4's

[@robertayres682]

Much Respect Brother 🇺🇸

[@michaelmappin4425]

​@@waterhead001 New guys in squadrons are usually assigned to the Line Division. Once you learn how to ride brakes, ensure aircraft cleanliness and security, and how to assist pilot with aircraft start and shut down, you will be a plane captain.

[@pdogone1]

The US Navy: on station 24/7. I remember sitting in the pilots seat of a Willy Fudd as a 12 year old. It was a friend of my dad on the USS Forrestal who invited us aboard. It was scary looking down the flight deck and thinking how short it was for launch. The Big E! Our greatest ship! A gallant history.

[@nuclearwinter15]

I was a "White-shirt" (AE final checker-flight deck troubleshooter) on this ship (USS ENTERPRISE) during the Vietnam era. It was an Honor to represent the VA-97 Aircraft Electricians Shop as an African American on the Flight Deck of this ship. I even took a 'Cat Shot" on the C.O.D. ! I am grateful to be able to share that with you today.

[@Gung_Ho_Vids]

j leander tucker thanks, good comment.

[@SixtyeightWhiskey1]

j leander tucker Thank you for your service sir. :)

[@nuclearwinter15]

sixtyeight Whiskey thank you for your support @(*o*)@

[@nuclearwinter15]

tripleheshy Thank you so much. To you as well.

[@josephcrapanzano4955]

I'm with vfa-97 now. taking care of the Stennis. thanks for everything!

[@xxxrockstar666]

Former ABF onboard the USS John C. Stenis. I will never forget my time there. I had the best job, saw amazing places and made lifetime friends from buds all around the country.. I wouldn't change it for the world.

[@daleharriman951]

ABF3 Purple Shirt USS Ticonderoga CVS 14 71-72

[@curlyanneb1973]

Every one of these young men work so hard. They are just so awesome. Every single colored shirt.

[@charlestalford3006]

I miss it.....I've been retired for almost the time I was in....20 years......time flies when you having fun..

[@tonyruiz2390]

My older brother was on Aircraft Carrier in Vietnam I was 10yrs old he was 18 when he went in the Navy

[@tranblake804]

No cheesy music! Love this!

[@craigbell1682]

Spent my share of time on the flight deck of the USS Ranger ( CVA-61 ) form 1959 to 1961. Ship was smaller, planes were less high tech but it was the same as now.

[@leonguisburg413]

Thank you for your service Mr Bell. All 9 of the Cold War Carriers were 1000ft+ with the noticeable difference of the Enterprise being over 1100ft. The were all behomoths. Sadly all decom'd. Forestall, Saratoga, Ranger, Independence, Constellation, are scrapped---America sunk as a test target---Kitty Hawk laid up in Bremerton---Kennedy laid up in Philadelphia & Enterprise is being dismantled in Newport News. Leon J Guisburg AMS3 United States Navy 1975 1979

[@ronplucksstrings7112]

This is truly awsome...and beats the shit out of ANY Hollywood movie! Thank you for your service, our men and women in uniform!

[@johnpamick2330]

I’m truly grateful for the talent and skill of our armed forces...... your the BEST!

[@V29546]

Days of days... it was some hard ass work up there but I miss it.

[@zentriceggofficial]

Great vid. Nicely edited and great to hear the original sound rather than cliche music!

[@mikesmith1115]

I did two tours in the S. China sea aboard the Bon Homme Richard (Bonnie Dick) 66-67. Grape. V4 fuels checker. (QC). Took relieving carrier onto the Hancock in Sasabo Japan in 68 two for tours back to back. Loved every minute of the hustle and bustle of the flight deck.

[@Aviatorspot]

Amazing takeoff video! The most powerful aircraft carrier in the world.

[@Smileatlife37]

Thanks for what you do everyday.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@GeorgeVirginia]

Super Good Representation of Life on Aircraft Carrier

[@esbliss]

How cool is that? I got to go on this ship back in probably early 70. I dated a sailor that was stationed in Virginia Beach. Thomas A Siegfried. Would love to track him down. His job on it was catching the planes when they came in. Thanks for the memories!

[@chrismaggio7879]

Thomas weighs about 320 now, he sells sunglasses on the boardwalk in Venice beach, is covered with amateur tattoos, is on parole and has new charges pending, and his boyfriend is half his age. You wouldn't recognize him, so better leave him in your memory the way he was.

[@thearnoldteam]

Fantastic experience I would do it all again. Served aboard USS Hancock VF 211 flight deck red shirt Vietnam 69 and 70

[@carlosguzman443]

VA97, was my squadron, From the Enterprise to the Coral Sea, 1979, 2nd class bb stacker, 2 1/2 cruises westpac. stationed Lemoore Ca. 102 days Indian ocean. PI was needed .Bad LOL

[@michaelmappin4425]

I started on 43 and finished on 65.

[@chazfatur1929]

Was on two carriers - Midway & JFK - loved watching flight ops!

[@chazfatur1929]

Participated in a few FOD walk downs too!

[@marcjacob7372]

I was on the USS Saratoga CV60 working on the flight deck with the Crash and Salvage personal back in 1972.

[@ManuelDiaz-on7tg]

USS SARATOGA...flight deck electrician....lighting. cats and A/G systems...77-79

[@donnaclay9611]

Just Awesome as always missed my calling Thank you all ❤️ for being you

[@gregorygordon8747]

The flight deck is no place to joke around if you do you won't be around.

[@vchrizs]

5:17 that is one pretty lass!

[@Xalabaster]

PcMast3Rac3 Cutest smile on the deck! :o)

[@warringtonminge4167]

@@Xalabaster in a race of one competitor winning don't count for Diddley. But purely on aesthetic grounds her smile could melt a polar icecap.

[@lifeshort]

She must get rattled a fair bit

[@dickcook5395]

Flight deck is one of absolute discipline and to use the word chaos to describe it is ludicrous!!

[@N1njaSnake]

I will never, ever look as cool as a shooter doing one of those poses and sending an fighter into the sky.

[@USNveteran]

Most dangerous job & place in the world. It's hard to understand until you have been there, you can't just go to an IMAX, you have to be there, see it, feel it, hear it, smell it. It's like no other place in the world. Thanks to all now serving, those who have, and those who will in the future. FLY NAVY!!!

[@israelruiz5062]

Such precision & perfection!

[@pastorhaze9509]

I use to do this every day. now i work for alaska airlines. Man i wish those f18s had flight benfits

[@vrdesroches3729]

And most of these people are just kids! ROCK ON KIDS ! :)

[@Platoon-ti8py]

Fantastic video!!! Bye from Italy 🇮🇹

[@JGW845]

CVW-1! The first airwing I deployed with in 1969 with VA-81 flying A-4C's embarked in USS JF Kennedy, CV-67 on her maiden cruise. We were awarded the AirLant 'E' under the command of Cdr. JJ Lahr. Upon return to NAS Cecil Field we began the transition to the (then) brand new A-7E Corsair II.

[@arnoldkellner2173]

I love to watch the choreography if these brave flight deck folks, USARMY 10-68/10-70

[@gordonbergslien30]

So glad that CV-80 will be named Enterprise. She'll carry on the legacy of CV-6 and CV-65.

[@zsedcftglkjh]

Why is 'Danger Zone' playing rent free in my head?

[@lonewolf604]

same

[@mjcandy9153]

"F" in the chat for the Homie who snagged the 1 Wire at the end there. Low and slow at the 3/4 and held that until In Close, then he probably got a few "Power. POWER!" calls from Paddles and that's what cued him in at the last minute.

[@meirsasson4088]

i love the sound of the engin!!!

[@alphamale1865]

4:51 grapes purple shirts V-4 division seem to have some very clean jerseys must be new mine were always dirty from crawling under planes

[@christianrosa1120]

Plenty of people have multiple ones for different things to do on the ship like be I was an E and we would be told to clean up to eat so we learned to have multiple shirts

[@michaelmappin4425]

Shot soon after the shipyard.

[@bodazaphfa]

My first cats and traps were on CVN-65.

[@gavinday2429]

Pros....awesome to watch.

[@stingerveteran1982]

I miss some of it......... hard being away from family for a long period of time

[@michaelmappin4425]

Right! If only the job could be 9-5 m-f.

[@ThanhNguyen-rm5pp]

Hi.Gung Ho Vids, thank you your video clip.

[@weaslebronco2867]

Best pilots in our military

[@nenitaesler3410]

Flight decks and pilots had their understanding

[@davidwaldenga9880]

Nice to see the "grapes" involved.

[@michaelloder5150]

to build an Airport on water is Amazing in itself.....that stretches almost 1000 feet long......not to mention 2 decks to hold other aircraft... WOW.............and to float.....

[@darkjedi74]

Michael Loder This is CVN-65, USS Enterprise. And she was the longest aircraft carrier ever built (even slightly longer than the current Ford class) at 1123 feet. Sadly, she’s the only one of her class to be built, as the other 5 Enterprise class carriers were cancelled.

[@michaelmappin4425]

​@@darkjedi74 Interesting fact: Enterprise is longest because when the bridle arrestor horns were scheduled to be cut off after all aircraft began using nose gear launch bars, the ship's CO wouldn't allow it. He ordered that they be kept so the ship would remain the longest. Nimitz class ships that also had bridle arrestor horns all had them removed.

[@KevinP32270]

epic...love these videos...thanks.

[@easygoinguklad7641]

Hi was this part of the handover of Commanders from, Cdr Mccall to Cdr Bixby? great video thank you for the share.

[@1A2Key]

Money spent on the military isn't completely necessary, it could be better spent elsewhere in the US. But the fact that we can do this is hella cool, aircraft carriers are worth every penny. Nothing better than knowing we have this kind of power and can project it anywhere in the world.

[@chrisardern4594]

It would be interesting to have these post with a commentary of who does what and what that move represents. Other wise it looks like a Ballet in a extreme environment.

[@x-planed]

Check out one of my videos - i explain it in detail:)

[@jimtaylor2836]

Navy pilots are the best on the planet. #GoNavy!

[@thepuncakian2024]

lol guy at 2:48 "this is fun as fuck"

[@rajibsulis4031]

Amazing,,all crew on this mothership are clever and stronger ,,,

[@honorladone8682]

Go Navy !!! FEMALE ON DECK. PHILADELPHIA USA

[@dlee1076]

The most dangerous place to work, US Navy veteran, VF-102

[@renegadebiker24]

+Darrell Lee That is soooo true Darrell. US Navy Veteran, VF24

[@bodazaphfa]

Darrell Lee VF-213 here.We were your neighbors at Hgr.500.

[@dwayneddg]

Darrell Lee : here here. US Navy veteran, CVN 64 "yellow shirt"

[@stuartdurbin4441]

Darrell Lee vf 41 Nam vet brown shirt and green shirt. fair winds and following seas shipmate.

[@evelien2335]

Darrell Lee n

[@mc.studios7121]

I cant help but think about top gun through this its great!!!

[@harrihiltunen3126]

perfect fighter video..

[@prototype8861]

Birds of the feather, Flock together

[@commandershepherd8987]

Haha VFA-136! I almost thought they were our hangar buddies VAQ-136, but nah. VAQ-137 all the way! Go Rooks! ;D

[@gage4g]

What an exciting job. And dangerous.

[@mikebeer9279]

it looks like the greatest job in the world

[@terrymoody489]

When I was on the Big "E" in 1983, one of our shipmates was sucked up in the intake of an A-6, while we were on West-Pac cruise!

[@tldeck8282]

I think there's footage of it on KZbin.

[@juliansewell615]

I was there on the Big "E" in 1983 and there was a crew member that was sucked up in the intake of an S-3. He came up from the catwalk and walked in front of the intake just as the pilot was going to the cat. Our A-6 was next to it when it happened. It was a very bad day...

[@michaelmappin4425]

As Dave said below, I think you're thinking of the S3 incident. The video of the A6 ingestion occured on TR.

[@kungfulender8733]

Those Hawkeyes must be scary to move on the deckm

[@scienceehal2596]

Flight Deck Operations of US Navy 見てると意味がすぐ分かる。これ、車の誘導に使うとカッコいい！ アメリカスタイルはカッコいいなぁ。・・つまりブリティッシュスタイル、フレンチスタイルが有る訳で。

[@something-great369]

新鮮です。 カッコいい(^-^)

[@scienceehal2596]

ぷり・ビアンズ これ、ぷり・ビアンズさん覚えて使うと！^_^

[@something-great369]

SCIENCEe HAL あ、バレてもうた(笑)

[@scienceehal2596]

ぷり・ビアンズ ｗｗｗ

[@michaelking8824]

I was on the "roof"of Enterprise 74-75,76-77 VAW 113 Plane Captain

[@GazAce]

Just totally totally awesome

[@charleswest6372]

DANGEROUS-!! Not where I want to be-!

[@shcaskey]

what a cool fucking job!! courtesy of the USN! a person ONLY gets that opportunity via military service. I highly recommend it!!

[@NicolasPare]

When two people are doing the same job (one learning, one teaching), how do others know who they should "trust" an being the authoritative one? For example what if one gives thumbs up and the other signals a problem, how would the pilot know what's going on?

[@michaelmappin4425]

The trainee is in front the trainer is in back. Most of his signals are not to the pilot but to the catapult crew. The crew is fully aware of who is qualified and won't press launch till they see the qualified guy say so. If anyone signals a problem, it will be taken seriously even if the signal is given by an unqualified person. As soon as a suspend signal is given, absolutely everyone will begin to repeat the same.

[@NicolasPare]

​@@michaelmappin4425 Thank you. From what I understand, while preparing to launch, the pilot communicates with the shooter (maybe another yellow vest). The shooter makes sure everything is ready by pointing to crew members and making sure they are giving a thumbs up.

[@elizabethkuchta4259]

Waving Hands is better than a waving Glutes. Regards, ENGLAND.

[@Flickchaser]

Q- To someone who has worked the flight deck: At about 1:37 the pilot and other crewman lift their hands to be visible to the yellow jacket shooter-whats the reason for that procedure?

[@mikekit7274]

I was on the America 82-86 ABF.Drug alot of hose and endured some pretty hot jet exhaust!!!!Miss the hell out of it! The reason the pilots put their hands up is to show the Cat Signal Officer that no thrust is being applied until the Shooter touches the deck and points forward,signaling the catapult operator on deck to push the button which int turn signals the boys below deck to release the steam pressure to the cat shuttle and away ya go!!!

[@Gung_Ho_Vids]

Mike Kit That is so fucking cool... to hear it from someone who has been there and done it. I put these videos up for you guys and girls... yea I make some money, but I was Navy. Always will be. Thanks for the comment. good comment.

[@mikekit7274]

Thank you very much for the videos and appreciate your feedback

[@markhorton4483]

y man IT was like yesterday.a.b.h.cv#59

[@michaelmappin4425]

They are arming the ordnance. Hands in the air to ensure no touch of anything that could trigger it.

[@bruttocheffo]

Hypnotic.

[@bodazaphfa]

My former home away from home with thousands of hours on deck...CVN-65/70.

[@leanneblake4248]

Marvelous.

[@kasiakasia5669]

I like schooters and pilots 😊😀 I don't not why but this is very intersesting job. I'm just imprest 🥇🏅😎😀

[@gregoryrush1643]

that sailor at 5:20 is very cute!

[@SouthernArcher1962]

I miss that life so much.

[@BlasterJunos]

VFA-211! Fighting Checkmates go!

[@rajeshjasrotiarajeshjasrot6544]

F18 best plane . I salute you.

[@nitetrane98]

It is a military operation so there will be the inevitable "hurry up and wait" involved. It just doesn't get videoed.

[@kevincarr335]

This looks a tad dangerous

[@9johnpaul]

Somewhere Below the flight deck there is a person standing looking down on a table that resembles the flight deck, and he (or maybe she) will be moving nuts and bolts around on this table. These nuts and bolts represents all the aircraft. These pieces are moved around to match exactly the movement of the aircraft above , and he or she needs to know the exact weight of every plane that is about to be launched, and pass on that information to the person who pressurizes the catapult piston.If the weight given for the aircraft is less than the actual weight the piston might not have enough pressure to pull the aircraft to its needed speed for lift off and if the weight given is to light the under carriage could be ripped off of the aircraft when the launch is executed.

[@michaelmappin4425]

That happens inside flight deck control which is on the same level as the flight deck inside the island. The aircraft weights are verified by a scrolling weight board near the catapult. The board operator shows the weight to the pilot and he will verify while taxxing onto the cat.

[@9johnpaul]

@@michaelmappin4425 Not what I was posting about. Just watched a video of a person inside the island and all they do is press a button. Like I said, not what I was posting about. Sorry.

[@IlCorsaro5803]

Grazie bellissimi video.

[@SimplyDavid78]

Beautiful ❤

[@jeremysalmons6424]

Green shirt v2 gear rat ! USS Forrestal great memories

[@bobcranston3414]

I was also on the FID. VAW-122. Did the last two cruises.

[@lfll5]

wow...what a place!!!

[@maidinulster]

But I bet you guys work like a well oiled clock with precision

[@docthorium1562]

I hope that the guy at 6:03 didn't get hearing damage

[@rsqdvr3665]

LSO watching for foul deck. Has ear plugs in.

[@jolenethellama]

@Gung Ho Vids I can imagine there's a lot of jet fuel gasses on the flight deck, how was it working in that enviornment? Was it okay because of the constant wind on a ships deck or did you smell it really bad? I am a former sailor who currently works at an airport (small airport with enough jetfuel gasses), and I am considering gunnin' for a gunner job some day, would you recommend it?

[@Gung_Ho_Vids]

I never served aboard a carrier. I didn't mean to give that impression. If I did I'm sorry. However, I was a submariner USN 1978-1986. So this is my channel and I upload many different videos from all branches of the U.S. Military, and some allied countries when I can get them. If I had to advise anybody who is considering to join the Military... think about it seriously. It is a serious occupation. But if you go into it with a clear head and honest, or even ambitious intentions... it will shape your life for the better. Thanks for your comment and I wish you the best.

[@michaelmappin4425]

Yes, there can be a lot of vapors at times. However we spend much of our time driving into a 30+ knot headwind. That carries it away.

[@joebaxter6895]

Can someone who has done this explain all the motions, why the pilots lift their hands from the flight controls for checks etc?? Love to see a play by play.

[@bobcranston3414]

Actually, hands up in the cockpit is to ensure safety when the final checkers are under the aircraft. The signal that the pilot has completed all checks and is ready for launch is a salute to the shooter. Watch carefully and you'll see it. (see time 2:10 for example)

[@johnshurts]

F-18 pilots have a handle up on the right side of the canopy that they must hold onto during takeoff with their right hand - their "stick" hand, left had is on the throttle. The plane has an auto takeoff function that eliminates pilot control during the critical launch sequence - so the pilot shouldn't be interfering by keeping his hand on the stick. If you watch vids of F-14's taking off, those pilots have full control and are hands-on.

[@joebaxter6895]

So at what point do they take control in Hornets? As soon as the plane is off the deck or a few seconds after? Are the ailerons pitching up automatically to gain altitude after launch?

[@johnshurts]

The pilot takes control just after launch. Ailerons don't pitch the plane up and down - those are for roll control. The elevator on the tail is responsible for pitch control. Rudder is for longitudinal control.

[@วรพลพูนเพิ่มโชคชัย]

VFA-136 Rhino Strike Fighter Block 2 Return Naval Air Station Lemoore

[@stevencarsley1983]

Is there a video to tell us what the different colour uniforms are?