What Fighter Pilots ACTUALLY Do Just Before Launch

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

[@paulfox3532]

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

[@christophschwienbacher3137]

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

[@77Fmydog]

@@christophschwienbacher3137 lol

[@rkyleporter]

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

[@sirjohnmara]

I concur. VO is GREAT!

[@jasonsong86]

@@christophschwienbacher3137 you need faster cars 😂😂😂

[@pdxholmes]

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

[@GrowlerJams]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Ryan-mq2mi]

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

[@lukelee7501]

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

[@Tommy-rl8tb]

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

[@neilcave8434]

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

[@jonesboy201]

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

[@I_Bully_The_Bullies]

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

[@braveworld2707]

Pilots are like that. We like to share what we enjoy so very much. _Why work when you can fly for a living._ 👍

[@yanniskouretas8688]

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

[@GrowlerJams]

Thank you for your service.

[@goodputin4324]

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

[@robertnixon3816]

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

[@embededfabrication4482]

I'm sure the Chinese like all the detail too

[@TheSilmarillian]

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

[@embededfabrication4482]

@@TheSilmarillian what are you talking about?

[@braveworld2707]

@@embededfabrication4482 🙄🙄🙄🙄

[@braveworld2707]

@@TheSilmarillian 👍👍👍👍

[@donkeyballs3081]

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

[@GrowlerJams]

My pleasure!

[@Watermusic0709]

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

[@GrowlerJams]

Ha! 😂

[@tippo5341]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@johnshields6852]

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

[@JavaMike71]

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

[@GrowlerJams]

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

[@JavaMike71]

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

[@mikecrim5292]

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

[@RickHoot-gc4zu]

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

[@robr2389]

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

[@dustinchupurdy9431]

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

[@enjaku2600]

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

[@CorvettePredator]

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

[@skidstung]

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

[@njjeff201]

⚓️👍🇺🇸

[@AKjohndoe]

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

[@ShadyAcres28]

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

[@thomasglessner6067]

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

[@RichardS-qh8mi]

The choreography of the flight deck is truly impressive, a team effort like no other out there. The aircrews are the glamour but the entire ship’s crew make it happen. Great narration as always Pail.

[@GrowlerJams]

Thanks a lot!

[@Kefoo_]

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

[@GrowlerJams]

My pleasure!

[@ussreeves]

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

[@robertwilkins8357]

So cool to listen too, I love this I'm 83 now and the fighters drive me crazy to watch. 4 A-10 flew over our building in Towson Md. I was stationed at Castle A F B and Earnest Harmon Newfoundland. I got to fly in the Huskie over Newfoundland 1964

[@GrowlerJams]

Thanks for watching.

[@georgiafogle7392]

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

[@teresahixson8716]

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

[@x3racer86]

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

[@brokenmedic9133]

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

[@CirrusGraham]

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

[@rss021815]

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

[@DirtyLilHobo]

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

[@GrowlerJams]

Thank you for your service.

[@braveworld2707]

I am as envious, *not* jealous, just envious as hell. 😖

[@tidycat4004]

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

[@skipker]

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

[@GrowlerJams]

Fly Navy!

[@X_Hog]

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

[@GrowlerJams]

Thanks, Chris.

[@zoidasteire]

Its always an Exeptional and Funtastic moment, to watch this great videos. Hope for new ones and... please dont stop doing them. thanks.

[@keithbrown9198]

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

[@nkhmd]

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

[@celricytchannel3792]

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

[@steini6771]

The more I watch these vids I truly understand how everyone on deck depends on each other. Badass and I love it!

[@glennaycock9445]

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

[@pyroc503]

These voiceover’s are awesome ! Fly Navy!

[@phelanpawly2507]

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

[@vincentgattorno9751]

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

[@ewanlad]

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

[@PilotPhotog]

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

[@GrowlerJams]

One more day!

[@PilotPhotog]

@@GrowlerJams copy and can’t wait!

[@rocketman1916]

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

[@braveworld2707]

If the Navy really wanted to reward this flying, narrating, recruiting naval aviator then they could have allowed him to keep the site monetized and the _Buy me a beer / coffee_ active. There is a massive amount of time that goes into editing these video gems.

[@roderick2315]

Your training and skill is honorable and I am glad for folks like you in the cockpit, I sleep easier at night :)

[@agusis01]

Excellent job with these videos. Recently I had the privilege and honor to visit the CVN70 during CQ operations and to experience this from a safe distant. Seeing it from your perspective and listening to your VOICEOVERS is the perfect complement. FLY NAVY!!!

[@rustykilt]

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

[@Wernerle2BeiYoutu6e]

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

[@GrowlerJams]

Noted!

[@camhaines5482]

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

[@jimcorbett6926]

AWESOME!!! Thanks for your service to this country.

[@jamesjross]

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

[@peteschiavoni]

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

[@GrowlerJams]

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

[@ero1456]

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

[@salty_flightdeck_cpo]

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

[@palinka4u]

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

[@jinxie228]

Thank you for your service! My husband (retired Navy) and I enjoy watching your videos!!!

[@user-yh8pc4hy3o]

I really enjoy your videos. You aviators are awesome

[@farondodd8430]

This is brilliant. Your narration is so calming. Really interesting. I've subscribed. TYFYS.

[@GrowlerJams]

Welcome Aboard!

[@jayzumwalt9412]

Yep!! Love the voice over!!! Fun to learn about the processes involved with managing the operations on the fight deck of an aircraft carrier!!! Great stuff!!!

[@jimlong527]

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

[@GrowlerJams]

🫡

[@braveworld2707]

Yep, protecting a *Great* country so why are there idiots out there who want to make it _Great Again_ when it always has been? 🤷‍♂🤷‍♂

[@OldGlaseye-gf7si]

@@braveworld2707 maga(t)s.....TRE45ON

[@tomjw1306]

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

[@alexcurtis6579]

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

[@customerservice5708]

Voiceover is so clear and succinct. Always wondered how it all worked and this provides some insight. Many thanks for your service!

[@GrowlerJams]

Fly Navy.

[@dawnmaster96]

"if you enjoyed the jam..." perfect outro for a growler like yourself, thanks for the awesome videos showing an insight to these amazing feats of aviation

[@peterstanistreet603]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing and doing so in a way that gives us a really clear picture of the tech involved in what you do! Absolutely thank you for your service.

[@gerrylg1219]

Absolutely wonderful! Thank you so much!🎉

[@littlecheetah47]

Thanks again Pail for a great video! Love the voiceovers!! The detail of what is going on is very fascinating!!

[@johng.2321]

Thank you for including us in your extraordinary life as a Naval Aviator. To be able to join you on your journey is a treat to those of us who are fans of aviation but also those who are just curious. Cheers!

[@patfontaine5917]

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

[@MedicSD]

I'm obsessed with these videos. Thank you for your service!

[@GrowlerJams]

Pace yourself…and wiggle your fingers and toes.

[@kennethrobertson1201]

Thanks for all that you do

[@mleno4369]

This has to be one of the coolest cockpit videos i've ever seen, if not the first, if I can remember. Well articulated and explained. Wouldn't expect anything less from one of our best.

[@lauraoday1761]

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

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@maliaw8392]

Thank you for your service, sir! I am the wife is a former Army Ranger sniper, the daughter of a naval veteran, the granddaughter to both a naval veteran and a since passed WW2 Army veteran. I have numerous family members that served and are now in law enforcement. I am a nurse that has taken care of our service personnel at a VAMC and will be returning to the VA medical system very soon in Pensacola. Thank you for taking us all along on very easy to understand day in the life of your office chair!

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@braveworld2707]

Best office chair on the planet. I was a civilian professional pilot and climbing into my office was like nothing on earth. Miss it every day since I had to stop. Quite a military dynasty in your family. I hope they told you stories of their service because their experiences should always be remember and not fade into history when they pass.

[@ericanderson7882]

Spectacular! Thank you for posting!

[@jimm2216]

Thank you for your Service and sharing your insight!

[@elizabethnisotis334]

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

[@gcapps100]

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

[@alexlucas7075]

The detail on the watercooling of the jetblast deflectors was very cool. Thank you for these informative and entertaining videos!

[@michaelnation6335]

Thank you Pail for another awesome training video. My daughter flies Navy Carrier simulations and enjoys watching your channel. Your channel attracts a lot of young pilots, so please continue making your videos. Thanks again and please stay safe!

[@frankbonsignore.RochesterNY]

You explain things very well. Thank you!

[@yoblob34]

Thank you for your service

[@1Arcite]

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

[@timgraaff7551]

Thank you for making these videos!

[@dennisperkins4784]

U all r great people thank u for your service

[@greghyatt4505]

First things first. Thank you for your service. My father flew RA5C Vigilante's in Vietnam. He was shot down and was a POW for 5 1/2 yrs. I understood what he did but he never really explained in detail the intricacies of carrier launch and arrest. I hold ALL of you guys in the highest regard for what you do for this country. God Speed.

[@harnellholliman4265]

Love your voice over videos! So captivating! Thank you

[@darinhunter6126]

I just found this channel,your insight is fantastic,i cant stop watching your videos

[@GrowlerJams]

Welcome aboard!

[@sameaseverybodyelse]

the second video from GJ that I've rolled with. nothing short of an old man's dream. superb videos, superb voiced insight. i'm sure you've made a few old boys cry (joy) with these video's, even if they can't show it. Thumbs up mayte!

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@nokoman85]

Great video and narration. You have raised the bar on the Naval aviation videos.

[@user-ko6hi3xp7f]

30 years Navy. 2 Carriers (Big E and Ike). (Supply guy). Always loved going up to Vultures Row to watch. Commentary is awesome! Glad I found this. You put what I was seeing in context, and I greatly appreciate that.

[@GrowlerJams]

Welcome aboard!

[@ibbylancaster8981]

Man, I have to tell you that as someone who loves aircraft, your videos are pretty dang awesome. The descriptions are awesome. It’d be awesome to ride in one of these. I’m sure that it is just awesome to have one of these babies at your fingertips. Thank you and all of your brothers and sisters who draw the line in the sand for all of us. I live literally next to Ft Bragg and we occasionally get visitors from Seymour Johnson AFB. Mainly it’s just the rotorheads buzzing around but it just makes you proud to be an American. Much love from North Carolina and God Bless America 🇺🇸🇺🇸🤙🤙

[@davidbarlow4454]

So calm and immensely descriptive, what a blast

[@barrywinslow9798]

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

[@crabbyj]

Appreciate the walk-through on flying these amazing machines! 👍👍👏👏👏

[@memmu2913]

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

[@belleice1943]

I enjoy the hell out of these great lots thank you. One case of beer coming up.

[@chrislovett6120]

That’s badass you guys are nuts in a great way. Thanks for all you do

[@mikesmearnov1319]

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

[@Scotts_Status]

Fly Navy! Absolutely love the voiceover concept…Thank you for your service!