Reasons Why Navy Sailors Kneel Right Next to A Plane Taking Off on An Aircraft Carrier

Before a plane takes off on an aircraft carrier, a sailor kneels right next to the plane. When you step foot on the flight deck of a Navy aircraft carrier, you will observe that the crew members are dressed in various outfits and make various hand signals and gestures. One of these gestures is kneeling next to an aircraft about to take off. Not only are aircraft carriers spectacular in terms of their size, but they also function like well-oiled machinery. Aircraft Carrier Take Off.
The flight deck of an aircraft carrier is one of the most hazardous workplaces in the world. Sailors are exposed to a continually high noise level and as many as sixty planes and two hundred people are crammed into a little more than four acres of reinforced steel armor plate.
On the flight deck, workers move in many directions, which may look chaotic to an observer unfamiliar with the procedure. However, the flight deck of a United States Navy carrier is one of the most well-organized man-made vehicles on earth. It functions similarly to an orchestra, with each section responsible for executing a specific movement within the larger symphony of carrier operations. Because of all the noise generated by the aircraft carrier, the only way for the sailors to communicate with one another and carry out their respective duties is by using various gestures and signs. These sailors utilize a variety of gestures and signals to communicate with one another. One of the many gestures and signs that sailors on aircraft carriers use to execute their operations is kneeling.
It is common to observe sailors kneeling near an aircraft getting ready to take off from the ground. If the person kneeling near an aircraft is wearing a yellow shirt, then the person is the Shooter, who is giving the cat crew the signal to shoot the cat.
#aircraftcarrier #sailors #usnavy

[@sandym8787]

My Dad was on the Ranger and my Uncle on the Yorktown - I will always be sad that my Uncle didn't come back , didn't have a chance to marry , have kids , have a life . But he was a Hero just like all that serve really ..

[@lindaross783]

I remember going on a tour of the Ranger when I was in school. Impressive.My cousin let me sit in his A6 Intruder once at Whidbey. My feel had serious claustrophobia. But pretty cool!

[@Dave-ll6ei]

This is why Navy Pilots are the best pilots in the world. 👍

[@patstokes7040]

Not for long if our enemies can just copy what we do by watching KZbin.

[@dod2304]

@@patstokes7040 I wouldn't be too concerned. Good choreography does not make a top notch plane or a top notch pilot.

[@KellysAdventures305]

I had a friend who was a pilot flying missions off a carrier in Vietnam. He told me with a smile, "I never came back with ordinance!" He got in a dog fight with a Russian Mig. Chased him out of the sky. Navy Pilots!

[@Dave-ll6ei]

@@KellysAdventures305 I have several friends who were in combat in Vietnam. They will tell you that the best pilots in the world were Navy and Marine pilots.

[@KellysAdventures305]

@@Dave-ll6ei You bet! Great pilots. The Best!

[@rogerramjet7567]

Vietnam vet. Been there done that !!! Super exciting, thrilling, dangerous. All at the same time! Something I will never forget or regret. God bless America.

[@dotesondots]

God Bless you for your service. 🙏✨️💖✨️💯

[@karylmorgan7320]

Did you know aviator Hoot Foot.

[@suev3339]

Thank you! 🇺🇸

[@nancyaguirre2307]

Thank you for your service!

[@ginamcdonald7854]

Thank you for your service 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@michaelgeary5451]

Was CAT ONE petty officer on USS KITTY HAWK 71-72 Gulf of Tonkin Vietnam. It was balls to the walls and every man on the flight deck was the Best. All 4 cats launching was amazing. In one 23 day line period, we launched 2126 planes. Incredible ship and crew. Takes all hands to make it happen. From engine room, mess crew, you name it, gotta work together. God bless all my fellow vets and those serving now. ABE2 MIKE GEARY .

[@ryleedjonovich8805]

CAT on the KITTY hawk! 🤣 🐈🐈‍⬛

[@robertbishop2407]

I remember you. We worked together for a good while.

[@michaelgeary5451]

@@robertbishop2407 Robert, Mike Geary, I remember working with you, hope all is well with you.

[@jamesa.rodriguez8598]

Amen.

[@dotesondots]

God Bless you and the other Vietnam vets, thank you all for your service. I was 18 and graduated high school in 1974. I remember my family and I would watch the news and I remember everything about that time. I joined the Navy as a hospital corpsman in my 20s and stayed in for 6 years. I am a female vet. I salute the Vietnam vets for their service. 🙏✨️💖

[@cindipossidento5688]

God bless our ENTIRE MILITARY 🙏😘

[@thunderheart7072]

God Bless the U.S Navy sailors tirelessly working for America. Amen !

[@WiredSpace]

Great video. I was a green shirt on the Ike from 1991-94. Worked the waist catapults (3 & 4) on deployment in the Middle East during Desert Storm/Shield. This video brings back a ton of memories. No doubt flight ops are intense. Now imagine everything you just watched but it’s 0300, pitch black, everyone’s been up for 36 straight hours and flight ops are being conducted using traffic wands and sound powered phones… lol Good times!

[@lulumoon6942]

😮

[@user-ri3rb5mf1d]

Wow!

[@dod2304]

Yikes! I'm in awe of each and every one of you. 🙌🙌🙌

[@weeyee60]

🫡

[@mikem668]

I'm glad I didn't know all this when I was a crewmember flying off the Independence and Nimitz. My friend's father was one of the first air traffic controllers on a carrier. He told me the flight deck is a death trap. He said put my hand up, to make sure no jet exhaust was coming my way. If not, run like hell to my plane. I remember sweating my ass off waiting to take off. Then freezing after we took off. Once we boltered three times. The pilot wanted to try once more. We wanted to land in Sicily. We had enough fuel for one more pass. And if we missed to climb high enough to bail out. The pilot got it right on the 4th try. These guys are amazing. And the pilots are crazy.

[@user-ri3rb5mf1d]

Thank God for you!

[@c.a.5808]

Thank you, God bless you 😇 for your service 🤲 to your Countrymen and Country Sir🇺🇸💋

[@cjvigil8020]

Hooya !! I was a HM1 manning the flight deck BDS. Absolute beautiful choreography. Thank you for bringing this to light, especially now with this world in such turmoil.

[@willardward6887]

I spent 10 years in the Navy. Life on the carriers is no cakewalk. Watching this clip brought back alot of memories.

[@Redraven2967]

As a former EF111 Crew Chief for the Air Force I have nothing but respect for the insane individuals who work on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier. It is a dangerous enough job working on, launching and recovering supersonic aircraft on land, doing the same jobs on a sea going airfield much less than half the size I worked on with twice the people takes the precision of the USMC drill team. My hat is off to every one them.

[@johnperilloux5012]

Night ops were the worst.

[@marinotagliapietra7839]

I was driving a bus (public transport ) in the city one day and came up to some road works, the traffic controller signaled me to stop, when the road was clear he dropped to one knee and pointed in the direction of travel ( all very dramatic like the sailor on the carrier) I planted my foot and push back in the seat as if I was being forced back by the rapid acceleration of the bus. I got a laugh out of him as I "rocketed" past.

[@johnwebster76]

That is a pretty cool story. Also, some quick thinking on your part, I wish I could've seen that myself

[@hikerhobby1204]

Great story! I’m an ole Air Force retiree, however, being one of those aircraft carrier directors or whatever they’re called is on my bucket list! Have to have the “Top Gun” music though!

[@lloydkelso1697]

I'll stick with being a paratrooper.

[@jackturner214]

​@@hikerhobby1204 I think you're talking about the catapult officer, better known as the shooter.

[@hikerhobby1204]

@@jackturner214 Sounds right. Thank you, Jack!

[@zackdoc]

As a former US nuclear fast attack submariner in Vietnam, we were always dissing the "Airdales" (Navy slang for Naval Air personnel), but I have renewed respect for them watching this video. A big "THANKS for your service" to all my fellow veterans!

[@BuggsOgden]

Funny, as a former carrier based "airdale", I remember dissing submariners and everyone else who wasn't an "airdale" but when I look back on it, I know that it took all of us, doing our jobs to make the Navy work. I have seen a few submarine videos, and come to really respect you guys. Thank you for your service!

[@njjeff201]

A big Thank You to all Vets 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 I wanted to be on a sub in 1967 graduating HS but they told me 6 years with school. As a pilot they turned me down wearing glasses.

[@2ndtime1sttime43]

I was an airframe troubleshooter(white shirt) in an F/A-18C. Two troubleshooters walk down each side of a jet being taxied into position on the cat. We are literally doing a final check mostly looking for leaks(fuel/oil/hyd) panel and fastener security, and anything else that may look off or out of place. When the jet is in tension on the catapult we have moved to just outside of wing pylon and kneel down. Kneeling allows you to see the other troubleshooter, maintain your balance better and you stay below the jet blast. Yeah if shit goes south it’s that much easier to grab a pad eye. Our “final” check if you will was confirming all flight control surface moved and there was no visible hydraulic leaks. The T/S on the inside will complete that and watch for confirmation from outside T/S that they are good prior to giving the “thumbs up” indicating to the shooter”yellow shirt” that jet is good and send it. At that point that jet is getting launched off the catapult. On video or picture it may look like we are dangerously close to the launching jet and compared to others on deck we are. Positioning is close enough to get good view of all control surfaces but well outside of their range on movement. Kneeling keeps you below the jet blast so if you are lower then the bottom of the VEN of the jet engines there little change from the wind coming over the deck. On the catapult I would kneel in a position that as I gave the “thumbs up” signal with one hand I could hold onto a pad eye with the other since as the jet launches you can be in stable position, hold on, and turn away from the residual jet blast you will briefly catch. Looking back being on the catapult for F/A-18 was relatively mundane since they were physically smaller than most others and rarely were in afterburner to take off. I always had the utmost respect to fellow troubleshooter from F-14, A-6,E-2 squadrons who were all in more precarious positions when there respective aircraft were in tension. Since it’s no longer possible to witness an F-14 on the catapult definitely check out the many videos available. They were huge especially with wings fully swept out and the shear power of the jet in full afterburner was something you could actually feel in your chest. All the respect, admiration and gratitude for all the young men and women serving in all branches today.

[@emmap.7314]

Thank you for your service!

[@hildamariamv]

Thank you for the detailed explanation.

[@stevevanvalkenburg5449]

One of my sons did the same thing as you with VMFA 312 on board the TR and Enterprise from '96 to 2000. Got to take a Tiger cruise with him in '99. Thanks for your service!

[@karenjones1]

Thank you. That was a fascinating read.

[@michelleschultz472]

Much respect and thank you for your service!

[@susanpugh130]

Wow, this was an amazing video! I'm just a civilian who happens to love jets, and this video gave me so much info on the carrier operations. My dad was an AF Lt Col in WWII and I've never been more proud to be his daughter. Thanks to all our service men and women who do so many amazing things to keep us safe at home.

[@ruthretzke8785]

Being the wife of a United States Submariner, I surely do well and truly appreciate all of what these sailors and pilots perform 24/7, 365 days a year, in order to keep us all safe from harm. Thank you to the United States Navy!

[@lovintube25]

A Global Force for Good

[@davidstaudohar6733]

Every wife of a submariner had a boyfriend on the side, while their husbands were on patrol b Do you know me ❓❓❓

[@websrfr8454]

As an ex sailor on a carrier, I appreciate that

[@donnascearce4270]

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@donnascearce4270]

Much respect to the service members and their families!

[@kathyturner6177]

I have the most respect for these guys. When WWll started my father was right there ready to go but he had lost the hearing in one ear and they wouldn’t take him. He tried everything even traveling to Canada but no luck. He had his pilot’s license so he was able to teach new pilots and he always said to me when your country calls you go. My dad traveled a lot in business and told me when on a plane he could tell by the the way the pilot landed where he flew during the war. He missed flying so much and I miss him. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@joywebster2678]

Britain and Canada used those types of pilots to fly planes and supplies to England during WW2, ? Ghost pilots I believe they were called. It allowed military pilots to do military work, and these good but not military fit pilots to transport planes and supplies.

[@grop66]

Thanks for sharing your story 👍🏻 your grandfather sounds like a wonderful man 🙌

[@christopher-ke9nj]

God's teeth kudos to your Dad

[@owensweetland342]

Wow! Trust me. Our deceased love ones are in us rather than outside of us as they once were.

[@galacruse2318]

My dad flew in the war. Afterwards when there was bad turbulence people would be nauseated, uncomfortable and frightened, but not the old man---he had ice in his veins.

[@jamesgiglio1374]

I was in the Army for 7 years but I got to admit watching the ballet on the deck of a carrier is fascinating and exciting. My hat's off to these guys for doing what they do.

[@qua7771]

Carrier duty is the worst.

[@jaykay1053]

@@qua7771 Respectfully, what was not good about it? Was there camaraderie? What was your favourite role in the military? And why? I have so much respect for the dedication to service you all have. I wish I’d been physically able to serve. It just wasn’t in the cards for me or my brother who wanted to be a military jet pilot. I would have probably joined navy too. Are these Navy pilots or Air Force? Or are all pilots Air Force?

[@qua7771]

@@jaykay1053 I was Navy. I worked on P-3 Orion's. Back then the Navy was the worlds largest air force. The US Air force was actually a smaller flying force than the Navy. Each branch has their own pilots, aircraft, bases etc... Marines land on Navy ships/ bases, and are under the same department. The reason I say carrier duty is the worst is because they go underway for long periods of time, the work is hard, and dangerous, and the living quarters are small. A deployment could last 9 months, or longer, followed by maybe a year of shore duty where a typical day is more like a regular job. After that you would likely get stationed somewhere else. It would be unlikely to ever see an Air force plane land on a ship. The regular AF personnel had better duty IMO.

[@shadetreemech290]

​@@jaykay1053 oh no! They are all Navy. The Air Force couldn't begin to do this.

[@washingd]

@@shadetreemech290 I was with VA146 (A7's) in 1970. We deployed with one Air Force captain. I never did find out why and didn't realize then that it was an unusual situation. He left us after that deployment.

[@maryellencook9528]

My late sister-in-law was a Master Chief Petty Officer and Safety Officer on the U.S.S. NIMITZ in the late 1990s. I never quite knew what that job entailed. Thank you for sharing this video, and thank you for your service, MCPO Mary Elizabeth Cook Madden. R.I.P. and know that we miss you. Hope you and Mom are having fun doing your needlework now that you are both Home. ❤️🥰❤️

[@jenadidio6536]

My son was a yellow shirt at that time on the Nimitz. Nate Reneau …they called him Reno. He has also passed…💔

[@mattbartley5712]

ABH1 (Honorably retired, 5 carrier flight decks) Everything that happens on the flight deck is based upon history,honor,safety, and efficiency, the job is highly robotic and clear. Pilots can ONLY get to fly from a carrier if the handler goes to his highest level of experience. Handlers live daily with the pressure of doing the job correctly the first time. The wise ones fear "complacency" more than anything else. I'd recommend it to only those understand what real professionalism is, as it draws on you from within, day in day out, night in, night out. Your reward for the risk you take is that someone somewhere gets their freedom. Freedom isnt free.

[@johnnyevans1367]

Looks like chaos but is actually very organized!

[@onemercilessming1342]

Freedom never was free. "The tree of liberty requires frequent watering with the blood of Patriots". Thomas Jefferson. And some of us military know that it's our blood that might be required. Our blood, well spent, to "secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity". From the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States. Look that one up.

[@elaineeverhart7100]

Bless you for your service...No sir freedom is NOT free..❤️

[@Brembelia]

Working around a flight deck is serious business. On deck, you can be blown overboard by the backwash or get roasted by the afterburners. Down in the catwalk, you can literally lose your head as a bird launches out. These NEC/MOS are no joke.

[@geeb4994]

What a truly fantastic job these guys on the decks do. They are brave and know their jobs inside out…no room for error. I take my hat off to them all !!!!

[@stevehammond2016]

Admiration and praise for all concerned .

[@leekasten3549]

Wow…..thank you for showing us civilians how the jets are brought in and off the carriers! Thank you men and women for serving our great country! 🇺🇸

[@deepsleep7822]

Kneeling: three reasons I can think of: 1) you don’t want to get hit by a wing, 2) you don’t want to get knocked over by the jet blast, 3) praying because you know the plane was built by the lowest bidder on a government contract

[@sheltr9735]

LOL

[@laynecox3992]

And all valid! Actual reason is to be close to the deck as the "Shooter" tags the deck then points to the bow.

[@Harrowder22]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJfFfqicrql3bMU ; F-18 Ala12🇪🇸 / #FestivalAereoGijon , varios Vídeos más de jornada muy chulo las maniobras.,..

[@Magnum0097]

Best summary.

[@chrisneumann4202]

And it's easier to grab a pad eye.

[@carolchidlow4798]

My husband was on the USS Forrestal before the fire. Safety is no accident. Great respect for these incredible sailors.

[@ytubepuppy]

Everyone in the Navy has two jobs and the #1 job ahead of everything else is being a firefighter.

[@patrickcallahan1539]

About USSAmerica watched films of the Forrestal tragedy to help prevent a similar accident . Bravery beyond imagination was displayed by those men . I was always aware of my time on the flight deck after that .

[@nancychandler7289]

My son served on the USS Constellation. Was fortunate enough to board her for a “family day” cruise which was the most amazing trip of my life! I prayed everyday they stayed safe. Thank you to all our military personnel serving and retired! God Bless America and God help us!

[@shreeveda]

Trillions of Salutes to all those working here. What a team! One of the best examples of how a team must work. 🙏

[@vickisharber7915]

My son served as a shooter during 2 deployments earlier in his Navy career. They often miss every opportunity for a hot meal because flight schedule trumps all. Yet he says the adrenaline rush and satisfaction, especially on night check, of a challenging job well was worth it and he’d love it if he got a chance to do it one more day. He’s still working with flight deck operations, but on the Officer side now. This video helped me better understand what he told me abt flight deck operations.

[@conniehawkins9459]

My dad served on several carriers, he was the last enlisted bombardier navigator. After a 30 yr total service he retired. Thank you for describing his job so clearly! Go Navy!

[@ThuyNguyen-ec1rb]

Huge thanks to his service much love to him

[@foofghtr]

They hardly have any enlisted left who fire the actual catapult from the catwalk. Now inside the bubble they made it an Officer billet. Sad but a sign of the times.

[@juditrotter5176]

My Dad was a Flying Tiger bombardier in WW2, flying out of Kunming China. They flew Liberators.

[@dod2304]

@@juditrotter5176 I love air shows with the old aircraft. I used to live on the flight path of our local airport. One day I heard this roar...coming closer...I went out and flying in formation were 5 old WWII military planes. I'm embarrassed to say I can't tell you which model, but it looked straight out of old WWII movies when you'd see a squadron flying overhead. The sound was earth shaking and you could feel it in your chest!

[@EagleOneM1953]

I was very fortunate to spend a week on the USS Forrestal in the Mediterranean in 1991 as a civilian aviation photographer. an experience I will never forget... Highly dangerous with a slippery deck full of spilled hydraulic fluid mixed with salty seawater... roaring engines all over the place... I had a 'gusardian angel' assigned to me to guide me across the deck from catwalk to catwalk. It's an amazing ballet and I can't stress enough how much respect I have for these 19 and 20 yr olds doing this 12 hours a day, 6 months per tour... when you get back to your bunk you're so dead tired you sleep despite the launches continuing during the night and believe me the catapult makes a hell of a noise... Nothing but respect and admiration for all on the carrier including the people working below deck and in the engine bay deep down below in the belly of the ship where it's as hot as I imagine hell must be... nope... no air conditioning...

[@deathsheir2035]

Mad respect for the deck crew of an aircraft carrier.

[@ThuyNguyen-ec1rb]

Yes it's true

[@copperhousefarm4794]

This makes me proud to be an American! Thank you for your service. This Is God's great favor and blessing on America!

[@betty4gators]

God bless and protect all of our military!!

[@cfoegelle]

Former Shooter (CVN 77). With the exception of CAT 3, their was really no need to kneel when shooting. The safe shot line that you stood behind kept you relatively safe and free from having your head removed. Loved being an aviator, but the shooting gig was a damn good time.

[@mindyschocolate]

They actual do require you to kneel. The catapult crew guys won’t even hook up the holdback bar and launch bar until they see you’re kneeling. That’s why they scan both sides of the jet before giving the hand signal to move the shuttle forward to catch the launch bar before the aircrew sets their trim.

[@cfoegelle]

@@mindyschocolate unless their has been a change to the CVN NATOPS that’s not an accurate statement. The holdback bar is attached as soon and the bird comes up to the CAT and is spotted. Launch bar is dropped after the shuttle comes aft. The shooter only goes into the kneeling position after they go into Final Ready and make the final scan of the flight deck signal lights, CSV matching lights and winds/x winds and thumbs up from the final checkers.

[@harryricochet8134]

@@mindyschocolate Incorrect

[@armywidow6004]

I've always been fascinated by these forms of communicating. My late father was a Marine and then a Naval reservist.

[@mikeking7381]

I have the utmost respect for the deck crews that do this day after day in all kinds of weather 👍🇺🇸

[@johnabbottphotography]

I'm so glad I saw the PBS series "Carrier" to get a basic feeling for what its like to be on the deck of a carrier. Although I'm sure it can never fully explain it, the opening sequence (controlled chaos) does a good job of letting you know how professional you have to be once you get on the deck of a carrier.

[@trbarton743]

I served on the USS Coral Sea, CVA 43 but worked below decks with guided missiles & only went to the flight deck a few times. I was aware that it was extremely dangerous. Great video explaining everything.

[@tomtolentino7575]

Flight deck crash and fire crew USS CORAL SEA CV43 82’-84’

[@susie154]

Thank you for your service!

[@MegaChuck51]

I was on the Coral Sea in 71 with VF-111 during NAM.

[@geeb4994]

Those guys on deck must have nerves of steel…a job I would never have the bravery to do, but I do admire those who do it and keep everyone SAFE !!

[@starrfaithfull6934]

​@@MegaChuck51 👍🇺🇸

[@longdogt6724]

My Dad was on the Essex, Forrestal, Intrepid, and Enterprise, but worked below flight deck as a parachute rigger. He had many interesting adventures to tell about, and some tragedies, too. Men (it was only men when he served) had died on the flight deck, sometimes because of situations beyond their control. But, the synchronized work they performed kept human errors out of the equation. Go Navy!

[@conniehawkins9459]

My dad was on the Oriskany, Ticonderoga, Enterprise, and was a rigger first withe safety equipment backup...always loved to hear the stories. Go Navy!

[@revronvic]

I was never stationed on a Carrier, only cruisers and destroyers during my 20 years in. This was informative, I like it!

[@jessiemyrle4907]

That was so very very interesting and far more complicated than I could have ever imagined. I have nothing but respect for these men and women, both in the planes and on the decks. They make it look so simple.

[@brianjohnson9456]

One day I want to see this live. My hats off to these men and women who handle millions of dollars of equipment daily like it’s nothing! Much respect my brothers and sisters! 🎯😎

[@jimmehlich6093]

Aviation is amazing My first duty station was on an aircraft Carrier. I had watched the crew work like a well oiled machine and how they launched those jets. I am so grateful to have served.

[@veramae4098]

The single biggest regret of my life (70 yrs old) is never having served in our military.

[@TeethOfDead]

@@veramae4098 F

[@JulesUS8386]

Much respect to all of these sailors. My Dad was in Navy during Korea. 🙌

[@user-qz1fy7kx1n]

I have not been in the military but, the men and women who are on aircraft carriers are the best of the best! Thank you to all military personnel, past, present and future!!!❤❤❤

[@edarmstrong9389]

Another reason for kneeling is that you are closer to pad eyes that are scattered all over the deck, those are anchor points for chains if the A/C need to be tied down. I have seen crewmen blown down the deck like a leaf in a wind gust by jet blast. Latching onto a pad eye will keep you from being blown over the side or getting blown in front of the gear of a taxiing A/C. I was a flight deck Ordnanceman on the Kitty Hawk attached to VA-192 the Golden Dragons 1971-73.

[@sericarose1828]

Thanks for the "pad eye" explanation. Former Navy Brat. Go Navy!

[@RobertHollander]

Great job explaining something that is far more complex than I ever imagined.

[@robertbrink2240]

Cat troubleshooter VAQ-130 USS Oriskany 1970. We kneel to be kept from being blown down. 40 plus knots of wind and the jet blast makes you want to stay close to the deck. Loved working the flight deck. Over 50 years ago and have never done anything more exciting since. .

[@Chris_at_Home]

My son was ships company on the GW in the mid 90s working the cats. I was in Naval Aviation as an avionics tech but never went on a ship. P3s didn’t have tailhooks.

[@robertbrink2240]

@@Chris_at_Home Thank both of you for your service. I was always impressed by the guys who worked the cats. It took guts! I was an AE-2 on the A3 s. We had a tail hook but we were such a big aircraft that they kicked us off the ship and sent us to Danang. We worked out of shacks made from shipping crates and kept our planes flying. The P3 was an amazing aircraft. I stood beside one once it made me feel small. Nice to hear from a fellow Airedale.

[@JK-lt9ip]

True! VF-32 troubleshooter & final checker USS JFK , 1969.

[@robertbrink2240]

I'm sure looking back you're impressed with your younger self as am I. Thanks for your service. Only those of us who have worked the flight deck during flight ops can appreciate the teamwork and dedication it takes to make it happen!

[@sampix]

Did different squadrons have different troubleshooters? My uncle was an aviator with VF-194 on the Oriskany who was lost in June 1971 when he had a malfunction while on the break. We never got much of an explanation, so as far as wwe know he either didn't have time to eject or he wasn't going to endanger people on deck by trying to land.

[@johnkelly903]

I enjoyed the video. I respect those people on the flight deck. Air Force veteran.

[@stephenwaddell7294]

Much Respect for all those that serve. God Bless you all.

[@karenjarrett8904]

I just want to say I’m so proud to be an American. Thanks you to all service branches that keep us safe. 🇺🇸

[@GoodVibes1997]

This looks very impressive and dangerous. Controlled chaos, no mistakes allowed. Thank you all for your service.

[@bruceford1000]

My father was an RIO in F-4's. His squadron was VF-84 out of Virginia Beach, VA. He served aboard USS Forrestal CVA-59 . He was on the Forrestal from 1964 - 1967. I was very proud of him. I was unable to serve due to an injury I received as a child, I'm half deaf. Thank You to all who have served and are presently serving. Great video, close caption makes it to where I can watch.

[@Mark-yb1sp]

Blessings to you and your dad. HHC 1/37 Armor, Corpsman.

[@bobbycv64]

@Bruce Ford your FATHER is a hero no matter what he did. He was that generation of the Vietnam Vets who were hated, disrespected and more challenges. I was lucky to show up later in 77. The public was not nice to us either, we didn't go through what your Father did. BTW, do you know the story about the Fire on the Forrestal. Was your Father on the CVA59 when they had the terrible fire. That incident changed the NAVY forever. Since the Forrestal Fire, every shipboard sailor and marine is required to requal every 3 years in fire fighting training. If anyone wants more information just reply to me and I will be glad to share the information or look up forrestal fire 1967. 134 sailors were killed.

[@MrSheckstr]

My father was on the Nimitz from 82-88 the jolly Rogers were on that ship for at least one med cruise during that time, but obviously remained stationed at Oceana when the Nimitz transferred to the Pacific fleet in 87

[@BFSilenceDogood]

F-4s are bad-ass

[@powerbad696]

WOW,Bruce,I was in VF-84-Nas Oceana when I was in the navy,attached to airwing aboard the USS ROOSEVELT.Don't know if the squadron is still with the Roosevelt,this was early 90s when I served.

[@rajeshkanungo6627]

The MIT Technology Review had an extremely insightful article by Robert Poole, When Failure is not an Option. They analyzed nuclear aircraft carriers as one of the examples. A must read for why my dear friends have been so successful. In particular ““Even the lowest rating on the deck has not only the authority, but the obligation to suspend flight operations immediately, under the proper circumstances and without first clearing it with superiors. Although his judgment may later be reviewed or even criticized, he will not be penalized for being wrong and will often be publicly congratulated if he is right.”

[@veramae4098]

Trivia; For first nuclear bombs, uranium ore refinery was in Tennessee. People watched lots of control panels but were told not to try to "fix" anything, but report to superiors. They found out [chuckle] it was better to have women doing this. Men almost always tried to fix things but bollixed it up worse. Women reported readings to supervisors.

[@lottiestanley7696]

@@veramae4098 Of course! 😂

[@alfreffrances8355]

Informative and great.

[@johncasteel1780]

@@veramae4098 Well, yes. Men, particularly in maintenance fields, are hard wired for problem solving. I always need a constant effort to stay uninvolved when I see what I think is a problem anywhere. "Stay out of it. *It's not your problem*.", I am always telling myself.

[@kasession]

This just tells me that it would be a mistake to put me on the deck of an aircraft carrier. I'd never remember all the hand signals. God Bless them 👍🏾

[@CreativeThinking52]

Go Navy!! 💪

[@hopebumbaca8236]

Can’t get enough of aircraft carrier takeoffs ❤ as a retired 20 year Marine, the deck crews still amaze me. Such precision and 100% teamwork makes these dangerous and amazing takeoffs possible ❤ 🛩️

[@susanlandsman9572]

That was a fantastic video. As a civilian, I had no idea of what is involved on an aircraft carrier to get planes safely on and off the ships. I'm going to watch the video again; there's so much detail involved. Bless those navy men!!

[@ronsamborski6230]

There are women on aircraft carriers now as well as the men. If I’m correct, women are part of the flight deck teams too.

[@juditrotter5176]

My husband was in Boot Camp between his Jr and Sr years of high school. The Gulf of Tonkin event happened when he was there. After a few years in school he went on active duty Jan ‘67. His squadron was VA 165 Boomer, A6 Intruders. They were stationed at NAS Whidbey Island until they deployed in Fall of ‘67. Their ship was the USS Ranger CVN 61. He was a jet mechanic for Intruders. That group also wore green shirts. I have loved the many films that showed life on board. I get a more rich understanding of the life he experienced when deployed from each film. I am grateful that I didn’t know how dangerous working on the flight deck was until he was home.

[@FlowerGemsGirl]

This is all so cool!!! My favorite Uncle on my father’s side was in the Navy. He said he was a Popeye, from the cartoon series I liked so much. He had some great stories, and my mom would get a little upset when his tales got a little “naughty” for children. But I didn’t care, he was amazing. He even got me hooked on G.I. Joe comics and then I got hooked on the 80’s cartoon series. The character Shipwreck reminded me of my uncle.

[@kathiparchem6254]

They make it look so easy. Incredible.

[@robertbaldwin547]

I was a Flight deck chief in an aircraft squadron on three cruises. 2 on USS Nimitz and one during Desert Storm on USS Roosevelt. Best job in the world and very satisfying. Very good video

[@joerichardson4325]

We may have crossed paths (or passageways)! I was an AT with VS 24 Scouts (S-3's anti sub). Did you ride the Nimitz around the Horn in '87, after a 5 mos Med Cruise, (Shellback), then Rio de Janeiro? I did. As I was East Coast (Jax, Fl), we debarked in San Diego, went home, then next time out assigned to Teddy Roosevelt in '87/'88 NATO/Med Cruises. Were you there then?

[@andrewvillanueva3722]

God bless all these military personnel!!!

[@gilly775]

Yellow shirts are also aircraft handlers for parking. Green shirts are also aircraft maintenance. I worked in AIMD (shipboard aircraft maintenance). Brown are plane captains (taking basic care of the aircraft/assisting the pilots), blue are chock/chainers (tie down aircraft). I was stationed on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) for two years.

[@theresareineke6753]

Dwight D. Eisenhower CVN-69, 1999 - 2001. I was a black shoe, worked below decks in the stockrooms. My favorite spot on the carrier was the Crow’s Nest, watching the organized chaos below on the flight deck. CVN-69, one of my favorite Commands.

[@gilly775]

I ws on the IKE, 93-95. Airman, AIMD. One of the last two year enlistees. Hello, fellow shipmate :)

[@theresareineke6753]

@@gilly775 Two-year enlistees? I thought they’d done away with those along with “go to jail or go in the military” crowd. I guess maybe it was around the same time.🤷🏼‍♀️. 🤔Hmm , let’s see…1993-1995 I was attached to Amphibious Construction Battalion One (ACB1) in Coronado (San Diego). It was fun while it lasted.

[@brianw4220]

@@theresareineke6753not yet. That happened after I got out in 95. My Dad went with me to the recruitment office when I got my rate offers. I was offered Corpsman, Seabee, ATC, Electricians Mate and a few others. ATC was the only one offered in Aviation which was the field I wanted to go into but not ATC as my father being a pilot said it was the most stressful job in the fleet. lol. So after not really liking any of them, my Dad asked the recruiter if there was an enlistment that didn’t have a rate where I could just strike for my rate. The guy’s face just sunk lol (probably lost his bonus) he said there were two year enlistments for the three areas so I knew that’s what I wanted to do. Anyway, I learned that sometime in the mid 90s/pre-2000 the Navy did away with that.

[@johnnyevans1367]

I was in an A-7 squadron and knew the wing was well above my head when standing. Even kneeling, when a plane was launched I reflexively tried to get lower. Just couldn’t help it!

[@bon9410]

The pilots landing on the deck of the carrier are so brave. They must have nerves of steel. There seems no extra room for error. Thank you all servicemen and women for protecting the American people. God bless.❤❤

[@catrin8578]

My deepest gratitude to all the men and women past and present who keep us safe at their own risk. May God bless you all your days! May you always know great peace!

[@unclefester9113]

Thank You Thank you. Very informative. Poetry in motion. Thankful that we have such highly trained and dedicated crews in our Armed Services. Thank You All. God Bless You All

[@pacificostudios]

The work done on a CVN should inspire every American to do his or her best. Look at all the people that have to do their job perfectly every time to not have a disaster.

[@pacificostudios]

@Account NumberEight - Not quite $900,000,000,000,000. But it beats being forced to learn Chinese.

[@randalmiller4135]

As a Navy serviceman on a different ship, I was always fascinated by the carrier crew; especially those who were on the flight deck of the carrier. Thank you for showing me the deck crew and their duties.

[@mikegallegos7]

GO NAVY

[@allanr6132]

Great, informative video. Big thanks to all service men & women, past & present.

[@USNveteran]

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

[@petermcgill1315]

The most dangerous 1/4 acre of US territory.

[@Darknamja]

As a youngster, I always dreamed of being on a USN carrier flight deck. I could not swim so I ended up maintaining USAF aircraft instead.

[@USNveteran]

@@Darknamja Thanks for your service. Doesn't matter what branch you were in, you wore the uniform & did the job. FLY NAVY!!!

[@joycemelton9694]

I thank each and every one of you for their service. I also have several family members who were in the Navy…An Uncle, my Son, A Sister and a Niece.

[@katie-didellis2437]

I always found these maneuvers and hand signals and gestures almost like a ballet. Everything means something. Thank you for the explanation. I don't understand everything but it's much clearer than it was before.

[@retiredyeti5555]

Served on the fleet oiler USS Ashtabula AO - 51 as a radarman, from '63 - '65. From the bridge during task force unreps, we could see planes being launched for missions to North Vietnam, but could not see the deck crews from our lower position. Nice to know what was happening on the flight deck at the time.

[@kittekat79]

I was an Operations Specialist aka Radarman served 1999-2005

[@tolson57]

20 years in Naval Aviation. Very well-done video!

[@francestomic2772]

Thank you for taking care of me. I respect you.

[@stephen4763]

Salute !

[@jodeeps2287]

It is like watching a perfectly choreographed dance, very impressive 👏. All my respect and appreciation goes out to all the men and women who are serving and have served in US Armed Forces 🇺🇸 ❤️

[@philtorres2975]

I served aboard the USS HANCOCK CVA19 , 65-68. had the privilege of working the PLAT CAT/ AG on the 66 cruise WESPAC. landed aboard the COD once and launched twice, an experience you never forget also landed under a CH 46 helo from the Sacramento AOE1 when transfered from the USS O'BANNON DD 450 somewhere on station in the Gulf of Tonkin the first time meeting the Hancock.

[@HistoryRepeats101]

What discipline and precision in their responsibility to all the lives affected each day as they serve their country. Utmost respect for all who give of their time and talents for the safety of our country. 👍💕

[@Barry-oq1mm]

I was an AT3 in VF103, aboard USS Saratoga CV60. I worked nights on F4Js. One time I got in a hurry while keying scrambler boxes and jumped off the wing during a darkened ship. I liked only a few inches from jumping off the ship. Lesson learned; make sure the wing you're jumping off isn''t off the ship. Proud to serve 1973-1977!

[@danielvroom2949]

Dark at sea on a moonless night is another level of dark. Moving on the deck between ops might be more dangerous than during operations.

[@Barry-oq1mm]

@@danielvroom2949 Thanks Daniel, Great comment, no one can imagine how dark unless they have been there.

[@qua7771]

Fellow former AT here, but I was on P-3's. I can appreciate anyone who worked on the Sarah. Sounds like tough duty. If you went over the edge at night with no helo in the air, I don't know if they would have ever found you. Every sailors worst nightmare. Glad to hear you made it, and can tell about it.

[@davidfraley746]

I was on the Saratoga in 1971. PR2 in HS-5….we were usually deployed on Wasp or Intrepid with no jets….we thought the Sara was the real Navy especially night ops. Several trips to the flight deck during ops and I was very aware of the danger especially in the dark.

[@amyhenry9315]

In World War II, my father, a Navy Pilot, flew the planes that took off from and directly landed on water.

[@beingheardmedia6339]

My father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, cousin and brother in law were all in the US Navy. I was born at a Naval Hospital. So YEAH, THIS WAS HELLA COOL!!! Thanks!

[@edgarbaring6319]

Just to say they have to be taught those hand jesters in a class or school, and that has to be a lot to remember once you are on the deck doing your job. My hats are off to everyone on these massive ships.from greasing and inspecting cables for landing jets, amazing work

[@elisevautour6292]

Fascinating indeed. I salute all crew. Extreme skills. 💙🌞

[@johnduffy6546]

That is impressive! I am thankful they are on our side

[@carolg8535]

Fascinating stuff. I look back on my life and wish I would have joined the Navy. I wonder how many of those folks on the flight deck suffer from tinnitus because of that deafening noise. This video is awesome.

[@Lyn4817]

Being a civilian, not attached to any branch of the Military, it's awe inspiring to stand on the dock where a US Aircraft Carrier is tied up too. Its hard to comprehend their size until you see a portion of a chopper's Rotor blade and nothing more, over the other side of the runway. Or a couple of crew in green jacket standing close together talking on the dock side of the carrier. If you ever get the chance to see one of these enormous, well oiled Aircraft Carriers up close and personal, berthed in your city, I suggest you go check it out. As a teenage I was lucky enough in about 1969, to be invited on board a UK War Ship berthed for resupply and R&R. That was an absolutely incredible experience, that I serious doubt would happen today. The same as being able to go onto the flight deck of a 747 an observe. The sunset on that flight from the flight deck was so incredible. Visits while on Commercial flights, of course are now a thing of the past, sadly.

[@lauraoday1761]

Absolutely loved this video. Thanks for posting

[@johnwilson9094]

I was in an A7 TRAINING Squadron VA-174 in the early 80,s...We would go out to different carriers teaching pilots how to land and maneuver on a carrier..when I got out the USS CARL VINSON was the newest and the USS LEXINGTON being the oldest one.I had been on every carrier we had at the time. It was an AMAZING experience.

[@valentinaleissler4212]

Wonderful men and women that guard our country and freedom. Thank you and bless you all, past and present.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@chrismaggio7879]

OK, in the past I have been vocally critical of your vids because there have been a few important glaring and questionable "facts" and comments in the voice over. I used to work the flight deck as a green shirt, so I have a clue. But my friend, this one was terrific! You covered a lot of ground for people who have never had the actual experience. The info on hand signals and sequences were delivered accurately, (but maybe a little fast) and some of the time you showed someone actually making hand signals. These are getting better... keep 'em coming.

[@Noble_pancakes]

severe

[@jacquelinelicht576]

How beautifully well orchestrated....a finely tuned precision operation...A beautiful awesome sight to behold...God Bless our finest ❤️ Military in the world

[@bboomermike2126]

Naval aviation is a little over a hundred years old. The Navy has been tuning and fine tuning the orchestra that long.

[@LelaE34]

These brave young sailors keep America safe for everyone but unappreciated but a lot of the younger generation. It’s a shame what these sailors do for us but most don’t give it a second thought. They are why I am free and I can sleep well at night. God bless and keep them safe always.🇺🇸🙏🏻❤️🇺🇸

[@michaelmcculloughphotograp8571]

Great explanation. More people need to watch this. Talk about a well trained team.

[@sandralutz-rodriguez2864]

so interesting! thank you for explaining it all

[@mathewbenson5447]

I served as an Ordnanceman (red shirt) on the flight deck. We kneel so we don’t get blown down. When you work the bow, you also kneel so the wing doesn’t take your head off.

[@robertbrink2240]

I was always impressed by the AO s during my time on the Oriskany and Ranger during the Vietnam War I can't even imagine how many 500 pounders they handled. They were good poets too.Jane fonda was the subject of many. Thanks Airedale for your service.

[@rednecktourguide100]

IYAOYAS!

[@robertbrink2240]

@@rednecktourguide100 love it, I don't think us AEs had an expression as cool as that.

[@Dingomush]

What do they call that all flight surfaces “wiggle” that they do just before launching the aircraft? Does it have a name?

[@robertbrink2240]

@@Dingomush I don't know if it has a name, but it's nice to know that the rudder,elevators and ailerons are working properly. My job as cat troubleshooter was another set of eyes to make sure my plane was ready for that cat shot.

[@SHARKFORDINNER]

Wow, that was terrific! Thank you for sharing this most impressive hand signal video. I am so proud of the United States Navy.

[@gusloader123]

Good video. I liked and subscribed. I was part of a WestPac Battalion Landing Team in 1976 on the LPH-3, The U.S.S. Okinawa. It was a helicopter carrier. One of the Navy P.O. guys told me that it was the size of WW2 Aircraft (fixed wing) planes during WW2. We P.T.'ed on the flight deck a couple of times. It is amazing how much wind is up there,,, I thought we might get blown off the deck while running. That is why there is a chain-link fence affixed around the deck area. It looks just like a fence you might see around a school yard but instead of being upright it is almost laying sideways with about a 20 degree(?) upward cant t it. It is there to catch any humans, so they don't do a "Man Overboard". I was impressed by the Navy Flight Deck crew. Helicopters (rotors / blades /engines) can be mega dangerous. You CANNOT be a flake or a lazy goldbricker or a "anything goes" kind of person on the flight deck. People can get dead/injured and the very expensive equipment ruined.

[@williamdobbins3131]

I was a final checker for ES 3. also an LSE for H 46. the explanation of the signals was correct, but the process was way over simplified. 3 people kneel. the shooter, and 2 final checkers. those checkers are the only ones allowed in "no mans land" beyond the foul line. But damn, I loved ever single launch event! VQ 5 on the USS Independence CV 62.

[@chrisneumann4202]

True it was over simplified, but be fair. If a bunch of old roof rats like us made a video like this it would be a 4-hour documentary. 😅

[@stickoutofthemud]

What is the typical rank of the shooter? E5? Chief?

[@hallen4094]

@@stickoutofthemud admiral 😉

[@alonzomuncy6871]

@@chrisneumann4202 I'd watch it.

[@God_Guns_n_Dixie]

Thank you sir for your service!