Launching The Navy's Smallest Jets With Steam

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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 MIL power catapult shots during 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.
Thanks to Shipmate on the bow for letting me film and answering my questions. It was great watching you make it look easy. Fly Navy!
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 CAT Shot 1
2:28 CAT Shot 2
5:30 CAT Shot 3
8:00 CAT Shot 4
10:40 CAT Shot 5
10:53 Shipmate Interview
15:07 Down the Hatch
#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

[@TheDigifi]

No stupid music, no stupid cuts every 30 secs, just pure action with real sounds. Thank you !

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@user-uv2vs7mi4g]

Glad there is no music so we can hear the engine love the way it sounds

[@haroldowen6001]

I thankfully second that!

[@kelleysimonds5945]

Amen bro!

[@jerrystone7521]

35 almost 40 years ago, I was a Yellowshirt Director on the Nimitz. Specifically, in Fly 3, which is the fantail section. The planes are different, but I can still read the hand signals!!! Thanks for showing everyone that little-known world, Pail!! GO NAVY!!!

[@tonylongoria3567]

Pail, Thanks for making me KZbin famous! Haha. It was nice to be able to provide the explanation of what we (Shooters) are doing during the launch. I’m still rockin the “stay strapped” patch you gave me after the interview. Take care brotha! Hooyah! Fly Navy! V/R, LT Tony “Shipmate” Longoria

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers, Shipmate! Thanks for letting me see your world. I appreciate you guys putting in those long days on the flight deck, so we could get our students qualified. You make it look easy. Merry Christmas.

[@Gitn2it]

Tony, we're so proud and grateful for what you do to help keep us safe. The training shows. You know your stuff. God bless!

[@ronbelldvm]

Wow!! So many moving parts to that operation. I'm retired army, but my hat is off to you navy guys and gals, for doing the job. Many thanks to you, Pail, for taking the time to show us what naval aviation is all about. Growler Jams is one of my favorite KZbin channels, and I hope it continues. Lastly, I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas, and I hope you have a fantastic new year.

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@Nuzzler9]

Ditto to the comments from retired Army and Field Artillery. Fantastic explanation of what each movement is accomplishing and how there is redundancy built in. My salute to the Navy pilots and their roaming airports. We winter on the Alabama Gulf and enjoy Pensacola NAS with lunch at Mustin Officers Club. Navy pilots have to be the best in the world.

[@jimdennis2451]

@@GrowlerJams Pail, I am following a lot of what is going on, but I am sure I am missing tons. Wish you/they could walk us through a shot or two as it is happening. What is the white toilet plunger looking thing on deck? The hold-back bar? When you went below deck, I could smell it. Thanks.

[@jimdennis2451]

@@GrowlerJams I never realized you launched and recovered at the same time.

[@1919champ]

Oh yeah! That’s what I’m talking about about!

[@pollylewis9611]

Pail this was great, I really enjoy being right up in the front row seat of these launches and recoveries, but what tops this all off is you asking the crew questions and having them explain what all it takes for a launch. Thank you, Pail, I know you put a lot into your channel for us to enjoy! Polly

[@GrowlerJams]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@klauskervin2586]

The interview was great and really shows how much responsibility is on these crewmen handling this high intensity job.

[@pollylewis9611]

Something me as a lay person never knew, very intense for sure!@@klauskervin2586

[@Gitn2it]

​@klauskervin2586 So true. It also showed the redundancy built into each step. What a great job by everyone. I loved this video!

[@Sajuuk]

That last part with the Shooter explaining things and the walk from flight deck to belowdecks was awesome.

[@josephaquino8796]

Our finest!! Thank you all for your service 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@B-A-L]

Britain's finest you mean!

[@robertplant5062]

Brings back so many memories. I was with HS-15 on the Independence in the late 70's and going and working on aircraft on the flight deck during flight ops was exciting as well as scary as crap. The whole concept of having eyes in the back of your head, came to play here. I remember almost getting rolled down the flight desk after a yellow shirt turned and F-4 exhaust on me. Nothing will wake you up quicker than 2 J-79's blowing you down the deck.

[@GrowlerJams]

Truth.

[@leroyjames2825]

Whoa, I was in HS-15 (RED LIONS) during that time period 1977- 1980, also. We must know each other. Small world.

[@robertplant5062]

​@@leroyjames2825 Worked in the Jet Shop. I got assigned to AIMD for the 1979 Med Cruise. I ran the test cell on the Independence. I still remember one of the engines that we got from civilian maintenance eating itself. But we go the bird back onboard with one of my engines, with a radar dome full of sea water.

[@robertplant5062]

@@leroyjames2825 I’m sure Leroy,although I got TAD to the jet shop pretty quick. Nothing beats getting out from under the #3 wire in the bearthing are during flight ops.

[@TC-bj8pu]

Wow! A fantastic view of what happens on the deck! You know we all missed the “signature move” but really enjoyed this perspective today. Thanks so much, and many thanks to your shipmates for giving us a peek into what goes on to Fly Navy! You folks are the finest! Thanks for watching over us!

[@teresahixson8716]

Honestly, one of the top three (IMO) most informative video's of yours I've seen. Great job to you and all your shipmates !! Cheers. 😃 and always #FlyNavy ❤

[@NoName-zn1sb]

videos of

[@OhioCoastie94]

I used to be a Deck Watch Officer on a USCG oceangoing buoy tender. They always conveyed the seriousness of our work by reminding us that the only place on a ship that's more dangerous and complicated than the buoy deck, and with narrower margins for error, is the flight deck of a CVN. This video sure does reinforce that adage. Lots of ways to get maimed or killed. Gotta hand it to y'all for doing some damn tough jobs with professionalism.

[@magnustorque5528]

The coordination and teamwork between all of those elements is phenomenal. The safety systems for checking everything before a launch is also phenomenal. And they make it all happen so quickly in a steady stream of checklist items.

[@daveblevins3322]

All I can think to say is thank you my fellow vets 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 Well choreographed !!

[@michaeldehart648]

Wow, look at how empty that desk is. Makes it look so much bigger! Fly Navy! The Navy should realize that channels like this not only educate and inform, but they garner a lot of support for the Navy. Those deck crew are awesome folks!

[@ev6558]

What makes you think they don't?

[@paulholmes672]

IIRC, this period was after it's mid-life 'crisis' refit and it had no wing(s) on-board, just using it for T-45C real life ops training, and continuing to test after refit, a 'two-fer'. When a full wing is deployed you can't see the forest for the trees! Toured the USS New York (my daughter's ship) and it's helicopter deck is impressive, albeit one tenth the size, when there is nothing on it, it gives a real meaning to 'empty'. Go Navy (USAF Retiree 🙂)

[@teresahixson8716]

Pail, what an awesome treat it is getting to watch the T-45's launch. Flight deck operations are so mesmerizing because it's such a well oiled machine. Knowing that these guys are training puts an entirely new depth of respect for the instructors. Mind blowing. I know you're usually doing the videoing and I hear your voice talking to the flight deck crew, but by any chance were you the instructor in any of these T-45's that day? Amazing video !!! Thank you!! #FlyNavy ❤ Gotta watch this again!!

[@GrowlerJams]

No, I wasn’t instructing that day. I was just working admin issues for the students.

[@daves536]

Unk if anything has changed, but my son did his T-45 Carrier Quals in Spring 2019, and he said there were no instructors in the jets with the students - (it was a solo thing to pass or fail). He was in Kingsville, TX, and graduated earning his "Wings" in June 2019. He is a Marine Fighter Pilot currently. Love seeing the T45's again!

[@teresahixson8716]

@daves536 That's wonderful. Such a hard earned and honorable achievement. I know you are proud of him. Pail, is in Kingsville, TX as well. Thank your son for his service, please.

[@Brian_the_prospector]

Excellent! As a former USAF crew chief, the coordination of all of the different specialists on the flight deck fascinates me. Thanks for the informative video!

[@GrowlerJams]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jedibusiness789]

I’m 6’6” and was gobsmacked at how high a F15 wing was above the ground. I could walk erect under it. Compare that with a Hornet, had to contort my body into all kinds of shapes to check the main wheel wells. Also how thin the Eagles landing gear was compared to the beefy undercarriage of a F18.

[@rickwelch8119]

Plank-owner of the USS GW. Great to see her back in the water training this generation. The flight deck was always full of very purposeful , silent ballet. A world of hand-signals and body language!! Lord, I miss it! (and I was just a white-shoe staff puke; Navy Nurse)

[@dannyjones8546]

Absolutely love these. My wife can now go to her quilt meetings and talk intelligently about carrier flight deck ops👍👍👍 I’m ex navy, and never thought I’d get to see anything like this. Thank you for your service

[@paulgriffith3549]

Thanks as always. I can't wait to share this with my 12 yr. old grandson. We love your stuff! I can't buy you a beer, but if you come to my house I'll give you all you can drink! Fly Navy!!!

[@dalebraun5497]

I learn more every day with you. Great video and even better was the "shooter" explanation. My father served on the USS Croatan (CVE-25) back in WW2. If he were around today, he'd love to watch your uploads.

[@2thumbsdown]

I just found your channel a couple of months ago. 45 years ago this month I reported to CVN-69 where I worked the #1 proposition plant for the next four years. I never got to see much of your world up top side. Thanks for taking us along. I'm still amazed today, that it worked so well. Man we were young!...

[@MarkB3h]

Great to hear from the sailors conducting deck operations. Love seeing their professionalism. Thanks for your service.

[@davidmartin8275]

Worked the T45CLS at Kingsville for 18 years. In depth knowledge on the history of the Blue RRHB's. Unique contract with the T45's, enjoyed my 18 year tour. 1991 through 2008.

[@beckyumphrey2626]

I was in VT-21 from.81-85. Loved Kingsville.

[@davidmartin8275]

Was on my 2nd Tour at Kingsville, Dec 81 until May 85, Last of the AK’s, Base Supply, 2701; Retired at Beeville May 91, Settled in Kingsville, Love this Town.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇨🇱❤️

[@mikestafford2792]

This was fun to watch as always. Great watching students learning their craft. Merry Christmas to you Pail and all your shipmates. Fly Navy.

[@Hey_MikeZeroEcho22P]

GAWD!!!! I Love that co-ordination of those FD crews.... this was Probably the best looking VIEW of the crews moving around and getting those planes in the air!!! The Training is PARAMOUNT, as is the SAFETY Needed in getting Everybody back home..... Thanks 'Growler Jams' for the posting!! Former OS1 (SW) 84 - 05 onboard FF/FFGs

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@PilotPhotog]

Carrier ops is without a doubt one of the most difficult things in all of aviation - teaching others to do it takes incredible skill, patience, and trust. Thanks for posting this Bravo Zulu!

[@magwo]

I can't think of anything that's easier than this.

[@filiphoffmann6582]

I agree, your never in a crosswind, and you never have to flare.

[@GrowlerJams]

🤔

[@simsaren]

You got four fucking wires, how could you miss?

[@magwo]

Right @@filiphoffmann6582 ? I mean you have four wires, how could you possibly miss?

[@Barney-ic3uy]

An immense amount of responsibility within the group of guys and gals... Kudos to them all...really great vid and interesting interview/explanation at the end...

[@sodomyIsAMortalSin]

Navy tin can veteran here. So glad you good guys are on our side!

[@maggiepaul1225]

This is so f-ing cool! Even having spent my childhood on an AF base and having served in the AF myself, I never get tired of watching planes takeoff - especially from carriers!! Thanks!!

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@TheStowAway594]

Dude that was awesome! Thank you so much for talking to that shooter & center deck operator. I have watched 100s of carrier videos, and that breakdown was really clear and easy to understand. Thanks so much for sharing all these videos and answering people's questions, you have the best videos on carrier aviation. Also Merry Christmas! I hope you and your family have a wonderful new year.

[@GrowlerJams]

Merry Christmas!

[@bp4170]

Thank you, to all who have served. I watch these and other military videos with great pride!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@GrowlerJams]

💪🏼

[@jeromehiggins3001]

I have been retired for over 12 years now, and watching this video brings back so many memories of work-up cycles and deployments.

[@GrowlerJams]

TYFYS.

[@bernardanderson3758]

Naval Aviation carrier Qualification has got to be a amazing achievement for these T-45 pilots and for their dedication and commitment

[@josephpittman7245]

Could watch this all day long. Navy is the best. Only naval personnel can orchestrate this dance. What a rush to marshall aircraft.

[@sweb4614]

Thank you for another great video, and all of the work that goes into making it. This must be a stressful and thrilling day for the students - and their instructors.

[@stevestubberfield3528]

Another great video from another perspective of the flight deck. Thank you pail for all you do keep up the good work and stay safe.👍

[@adrianw7011]

Where it all begins, great perspective and thanks for sharing.

[@NOELTM]

Awesome seeing such skill, professionalism and above all - Teamwork. Thanks for all you do!

[@wildinourways]

Thank you so much for making this video. I didn’t want it to end!

[@markg7834]

Just the best! Thanks so much for making this and your other videos, Pail.

[@dR00Ck]

Thank God for the men and women in the US military. Truly a magnificent machine. Love this “behind the scene,”, thank you and all of them!

[@jeffo3253]

great insights Pail, `thank you and the men & women for their dedicated service

[@viking-norge115]

Great !!! one thousand thanks for this wonderful moment !!!... fly safe , buddy !!!!

[@JulieC442]

Really great video. Loved the interview at the end. So much responsibility and so calmly done. You're all great!

[@SSP567JRA]

You rock Pail! Thanks for the inside look!

[@randyp-do4po]

So beautiful. Like watching a ballet with all the choreographed movements. So well done. The camera angle makes one realize how big the deck really is.

[@SomeTenth]

Great stuff! Thank you so much for giving us an insight into carrier operations.

[@roryburdine3257]

Awesome stuff. Thank you and thank you for your service. I was Army 101st Airborne early 70’s.

[@jackjones391]

Thank you for that view and the explanation of how the parts fit and come together to launch our aircraft promptly, safely, and effectively.

[@user-zl7cj1hj6h]

Each time you show us a video I think it's the very best, but then you come out with another one that's even better! Absolutely amazing what you've been sharing. It's also evident how much time and effort you put into these incredible videos.

[@Slingshotgixxer]

Wow, that is an intense piece of real estate , a carrier deck , super professional , lots of crucial information being passed around , amazing footage thank you!

[@robertellard]

Thank you. Very informative and appreciate the little camera walk inside at the end. 🙂👍🇮🇪

[@douglasiles2024]

I remember getting to be out on the flight deck during cat shots and traps on the TR during a dependent's day cruise. It's mind blowing the amount of coordination it takes just for a cat shot. A very well done and informative video, shipmate.

[@fabiohaddad2531]

Loved! Thank you for sharing!

[@nigelyorkshiremanwadeley6263]

That as a fantastic explanation of the whole launch sequence. Having that choreographed "dance" explained to launch an aircraft made it all so much clearer.

[@SmilerAndSadEyes]

Fascinating! The explanation is awesome, I've always been curious. Thank you for your videos, I love learning about every aspect that we're allowed to know!

[@francocasentieri932]

So cool to see the immense work and choreografie to just do ONE Task. Hats up for everyone.

[@MCMXI1]

Honestly one of your very best vids. I could watch Fly, Shooter and the rest of them for hours.

[@PacificAirPhoto1]

Awesome vid! Wasn’t expecting the shooter interview but so appreciate that you shared that with us… even the walk-off was great, such never before seen footage for me! Fly Navy! 😁👍

[@Jimmythefish577]

Really cool to see parts of the operation and the ship we don’t normally see! Great content!

[@ponkor]

This is so relaxing to watch...thank you.

[@Dunn1219]

This video is the perfect example of all the cogs working together to create success, a true teamwork environment. Cheers for a great video!!!

[@ti1ion]

That was an amazing video of a perspective that is not shown much, if at all. That deck is huge and the amount of activity going on simultaneously is impressive. Those T-45s come in FAST from this angle!

[@currentfaves65]

Best cat launch video I've ever seen. Feels like I was there. No edited in drama, music, useless commentary. Thanks for taking the time to post this !

[@marcosavila8215]

thank you so much for this, we reallllyyyyyy apretiate that!!!

[@sandralutz-rodriguez2864]

so many intricates parts to this complex puzzle! amazing to see alongside the flight deck view!Thank you for all your services and sharing!

[@ericanderson7882]

Terrific video (as always)! Thank you!

[@steed3902]

these are really great videos! Thank you sharing them!

[@sylviasquires3016]

Wonderful to watch, and how quickly and carefully everyone moves. Especially enjoyed the crew 😅descriptions and explanations.

[@BG-od7tm]

OUTSTANDING!

[@pointnozzleaway]

I can watch these videos ALL Day. Thanks for allowing Us to watch !!!

[@thetomschaeffer]

Incredible ops description and perspective - thanks for posting GJ!

[@Nawlins5]

I didn't realize all the intricate parts that the Shooter pointed out. Really amazed and admire what goes on for a launch. Awesome video Pail!

[@Ed_in_Md]

That was awesome. I loved the explanation about how things are done. Thanks very much!

[@stinzz3]

Man, this brings back some great memories!!!

[@cseivard]

This has been a great glimpse into the process. I have watched enough launches that I think I understand what is going on. Thanks!

[@2ndAmendment-Jeffrey]

Awesome video as usual. This gives great insight into the best military in the world. Much appreciated!

[@GoochWareTravelsteadOfficial]

Outstanding! Sincere thanks for taking the time to film and share. As someone who works with hand signals, this was fascinating to watch: it's a beautiful thing to have a slick team, operating in complete silence. Fly navy!

[@timralph9669]

Way cool! The knowledge this people have and their ability to maintain calm and cool is amazing!!

[@timomick912]

Great video, thank you for posting it!

[@nipperdog7777]

One of the best videos ever. Totally cool. Wow.

[@respectbossmon]

That was very cool. We watched the crew perform the launch procedures several times. And then it's explained exactly what they're doing and the reason behind the body language and hand signals.

[@sue-ellencallaghan8238]

Awesome , what an amazing job. I just cant find the right words to expess how cool i think everyone is. What a career. ❤❤❤❤ Thank you.

[@alsecen5674]

That was an awesome video. Loved learning what the shooter was looking for. And also the short tour back into the ship! Thanks Pail!

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@okstatepiper]

Thank you for a fantastic up close view that we never get to see!

[@wstansutton1]

It always seemed like chaos.....but your video makes it all seem like pieces on a puzzle....easy peazy.

[@ChrisMuncy]

Absolteuly LOVE the end of the video when you are talking with the shooter and how the entire process works. Thanks for sharing that Pail!

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@kirklarson116]

Amazing! I loved watching the launches, Loved the interview with the launch controllers and was left wanting more with the trip into the carrier. I know most stuff on the carrier can't be shown but I find it very interesting.

[@Watermusic0709]

Dang. Amazing!!! I'm learning so much. What a beautiful dance; the teamwork, coordination, communication. Absolutely amazing!

[@jonjones3691]

Fantastic stuff! Thanks Pail!

[@thomasroutson3046]

So frickin cool! Thank you for this one!

[@imdoobie80]

Those Sailors are absolutely amazing. They really work hard and as a team. Amazing work my Brothers and Sisters.

[@corjp]

Wow , awesome man.... Thanks for sharing.

[@chucktx5957]

That was awesome! Thank you!!!!

[@clydemurphy2392]

What an amazing video. Very informative. You can't possibly watch this one time and take in everything that is going on. I really enjoyed the interview. Thanks for all that you do in putting together these videos. Ive said it before and i will say it again, your videos should be mandatory viewing for all family members of naval aviators in training to let these family members know that the safety of their loved ones is in extremely capable hands. Thanks again Pail, as always FLY NAVY.

[@aboriani]

This video is pure gold!

[@sdfhjklhsfdjdsflhkds]

Really great! That's a well-oiled team right there. Appreciate seeing the missed hook / touch & go as well!

[@rickwilliamson9248]

Amazing Jam, Pail. Loved the conversation with the Shooter explaining everything. Unlike most cameras, its not as simple as 'point and shoot."

[@TheLoneFranger]

This is incredible

[@johndegroot1187]

Thank you for this. Love your content.