What Life Aboard an Aircraft Carrier is Really Like

[@luacreskid]

Ok. I'm 82 and was on board CVA-42 over sixty years ago. This is, by far, the best look at an aircraft carrier that I have seen. It captures the "dance" on the flight deck, but it also captures the serious mission carriers have. I am so proud to be an ex carrier sailor. BZ

[@tippo5341]

I'm 50, and from Australia, and never served, but would like to thank you good sir, for not just your service to your country, but in a larger part of that to the world, as without the USN and the projection of power across the seas, I'm quite certain the world woud be a far different place than it is today. So once again, to yourself, Ward, Hozer and the countless other servicemen and women that so proudly serve in all branches of the US, Australian (ANZAC Day today...Lest We Forget), and the forces of all nations (no matter where from)...thank you for the efforts and sacrifices made!!!!

[@kayakutah]

My father flew the P-38 in 1944. I flew the F-14A in 1984. A lot changed in that 40 years, but my sense is that there has been more "change" - in tactics, technology, training and capabilities in the time from 1984 to 2024!

[@jamesyoungquist6923]

Propellers to jets. Now jets to integrated Intel and drones. I hope the next 40 years ushers in lasting peace

[@gregorymaupin6388]

I worked the flight deck and got cross trained during one of our dets because they had two f-14 squadrons but they were short handed on the cat shots. I didn’t shoot too many but from an A-7 to a Tomcat they were worlds apart on the surfaces moving. Good times!

[@dennishayes65]

Does the fitness boss on Truman have earings on his ears ?

[@spaceburger80]

Thank you, sir. And many thanks to your father for defeating fascism in Europe. 🫡🇺🇸⚓️

[@missingremote4388]

Lots of quality of life changes for ships crew and air det. Since the 1980's but, it is still a tough 18 hour workday

[@jjd-lx5vr]

Good on the Navy for participating in this with you. I think videos/content like this can help with recruiting. If I was 19 yrs old again I’d give the navy a good look after seeing your channel. Retired Air Force btw 🇺🇸

[@jhonyermo]

Yeah, now get over there and chip that paint.

[@Keil2590]

I would have def gone Navy had I not gone AF. I did have a blip in the Army Reserve during High School, but that's a whole other story.

[@jjd-lx5vr]

@@jhonyermo I’ve had several joint assignments, I’ve been briefed several times on the lives of the boatswain mates hehe

[@waynefletcher9884]

Na! Take it from this Marine; you went to the best service! 😂😂😂

[@DennisBante]

I came from púre aviation family background. Mom was a pilot also! However, ; The dark horse of my brothers went Army aviation. Man was Dad pissed. Vietnam was still "ongoing.😢😮

[@khandimahn9687]

That grin when your C-2 landed... felt good to be back, didn't it.

[@johnbridgers9275]

Ward you knocked that one out of the park! Glad to see the Truman following in Harry’s footsteps with opportunities for all Americans

[@daveboatman4024]

Mooch, one of your best ones yet! Great video. Thanks for highlighting the crew members.

[@kennethward9530]

The interview with the Captain was an excellent management training course many would do well to listen to.

[@jetfixer8198]

At the 21:30 timeline is THE best example of the WHY question I’ve ever heard. As an AT3 aboard the USS America CV66 (89-91) I resented the “cause I said so shipmate” attitude response from an ‘old salt’. Everybody knew to ‘follow an order and complain later’ process, but the explanation of the ‘why’ is how you catch bees with sugar and not vinegar. Very nice Skipper👍🏻

[@gregknipe8772]

you nailed it here, jetfixer!!!!

[@jamesmcintosh1521]

One of your best Mooch! Thanks for the trip out to the Truman. I was an engineer aboard USS Ranger (CVA-61) 1963-1966. Three of the best years of my life. This trip brought many of those memories back. Thank You!!!

[@jimgutshall4855]

Great episode. Thanks for honoring our sailors and their officers. Before retiring as a civilian DOD employee, I did two deployments to Afghanistan stationed in Kabul, Bagram, and Kandahar. The young soldiers, airmen, and sailors I encountered were highly trained and motivated. I was very impressed and proud.

[@jefferymaxfield7826]

During my 28 yr career I served aboard 5 Carriers, ship company totally 16 yrs USS JFK, Nimitz, Saratoga, Kittyhawk, and John C. Stennis. E-3 though CWO4 with 11 cruises ( 5 med/6 west pacs) under my belt. Your Video is the most accurate of life at sea I ever watched. Thank you for giving these Sailors their due.

[@gullywhumper7959]

OUTSTANDING!!! Mooch you sure brought the enlisted side of the Navy front and center. Good on Ya. I'm now an 84 yr old, who served at NASWF Albuquerque NM in 1957-61. As a 17 yr old AN, the Navy grew me up! Greatest thing I ever did in my life. I idolized the planes and the pilots. I became a pilot in general aviation and owned my own airplanes. I became successful human being in life because of the leadership I had then. I retired as a Police Lieutenant. The Navy formed me, and it's so good to see that the Navy is still doing that. Thanks Ward... Phil...... Mooneydude.

[@janiekcarney5482]

I appreciate all that these men and women do to keep us safe.

[@edwardbennett2312]

Thanks again Mooch! 20 years retired and I still reflect from your reports. Rock on!

[@Charlie-Oooooo]

These sailors onboard U.S.S. Harry S. Truman, those at every level of responsibility and duty, make me so proud to be a U.S. citizen! Big thanks to all interviewed, for giving us a quick look at your service experiences, and to those who made Mooch's and Hozer's visit to CVN 75 possible. We give thanks every day, be it in words, thoughts or prayers, to all for their dedicated service both present and past, to the defense of our great nation! Stay safe, stay strong, and be good to your shipmates! We need you all at your best, everday - but especially today, and we know you can do it! Bravo Zulu!

[@oldgoat142]

Didn't even start this when it got an instant like. That's the quality of your videos and reputation you've earned, Sir. I served on Ike in the mid 80s and when the safety officer walked you across the deck and brought you down to the reception area under the island, and then watching flight deck ops, I actually jerked back a little from the flood of memories from that time. For a good portion of my career, I worked the roof. I envy you your time on the boat, Sir, and I'm so very proud of Ike and the entire crew, top to bottom. My thoughts and prayers will always be with our fine men and women who put their lives on the line and on hold to serve this nation. May God watch over all of them. Man alive, was I ever that young? Great coverage, Sir.

[@caramanico1]

Mr. Carroll - it was a pleasure and an honor to meet you (at the 7-11 near The Academy) a couple of months ago. Thank you for the autograph and for your service to our country. Also, something I neglected to mention when we met - I love the Les Paul and the Marshall stack in the background of your vids. I use the same rig (and a Vox Wah). ;)

[@wayneroyal3137]

Probably the BEST Carrier video i have ever seen. Great mix of action and interviews.. Awesome that were able to do this Mooch and Hozer!

[@-KingOfKhaos]

Easily one of the BEST documentaries about Carrier life! Great interviews from the Top Brass to the most basic sailor … they all seem to love their jobs, and look forward to serving in our Navy. Excellent job Mooch!

[@kenvenn1848]

Ward we can see you are home. Your smile and clear ease around the boat comes thru.

[@scubasteve3032]

I had the honor of being given a tour of the USS Harry Truman. I have never served in the military and was absolutely amazed and impressed on how well of an oiled machine an aircraft carrier is run. The size of an aircraft carrier is truly amazing! On a side note, the captain at that time had a sense of humor and had a pair of furry dice hanging beside his chair in the control tower.

[@skeeterman7144]

My most favorite Mouch video yet! Will treasure this one. Memories abound.

[@skipallen3309]

My birthdate was drawn 8th in the 1968 draft lottery. I was sent to Jacksonville for my physical and failed it due to severe football injury in high school. So, I never served in our military. This video has inspired me by seeing the quality of all the folks both young and older who sacrifice and serve in our military today. I truly enjoyed the video; great content and quality production and shooing. Thank you Ward for a special video chronicle of what life is like on a carrier. Well done!! Keep up the good work!

[@vk1pe]

Thank you, Mooch. And, thanks to CVN-75 crew.

[@V2catapults]

Thanks Mooch its been over 35 years since I was onboard a carrier. Miss the flight deck life

[@RocketmanS2K]

Thanks Mooch! I served aboard CVN 68 during Desert Storm and Southern Watch as a flight deck final checker for VFA-146 (Blue Diamonds). As I am getting ready to retire from my 27-year desk job as an engineer, this video reminded me of how much I miss the good ole days, especially flight ops!

[@roymeyers7883]

Ward, thank you for what you providing us with a good opportunity to see how Truman is working up to prepare the young sailors for the mission. During 1972 I was doing the same work up on the USS Forrestal CV 59 and a member of VAW-126. We spent. 10 months in the Med. It is good to see the ship and aircraft in action and the E-2 Hawkeye sitting on deck next to the island. God bless all those who serve the USS Truman.

[@clyderaw]

This video is better than a History Channel documentary. Talking with everyone who actually make things happen is much more informative. My dad was drafted and served at Fort Carson, Colorado. My son is still serving and is a CW two Blackhawk pilot. Your videos are awesome Mr. Ward And thank you for your service.

[@bobvines00]

Yes, it's definitely better than the "original" History Channel documentaries!

[@mikebridges20]

Mooch, you just set another standard. Hit all (well, a lot of) the different roles people serve in on a carrier. Wanted to see a bit more of Hozer, but maybe in a future segment. Thanks so much!

[@WardCarroll]

Hozer will be joining me for a "behind-the-scenes" livestream tomorrow at 1500 EDT. Stay tuned for details.

[@RogerRamjet156]

Brings up great memories - 3 years of adventure on USS Ranger (CV-61, 1981-84). 2 West Pacs, including Australia!!!

[@robmiles233]

By far my favourite episode to date.That was really special! Great job “Mooch” and “Hozer”

[@davidlee950]

Viewing from Tokyo..... almost midnight here... loving the musical intro. Thanks for your content featuring the great men and women serving in today’s Navy.

[@riggodrill]

This is brilliant. This should be used for recruitment purposes.

[@DElkan]

I think the Navy's allowing this video to happen was an intentional, top-down PR move. I'm sure they're keeping their fingers on the pulse of social media, looking for influencers to partner and produce content with.

[@toddewire13]

So glad you got on board again Ward.

[@davidphillips7321]

Truly Amazing...Thanking ALL of OUR Service and Veteran's Personnel...Salute...Stay Safe...

[@bernardedwards8461]

I'm ex-army, and you shouldnt urge service personnedl to take care and stay safe, quite the opposite, as they used to do in the old days. Up and at'em lads, give them hell, is more the kind of thing. Can you imagine commanders just before the D-Day landings urging their men to stay safe?

[@pdoherty]

Very good job with this one Ward. Some of the differences I noticed from 53 years ago aboard CVA 41, 63, 64, 16, and 43. Lots of room, gyms, emails, and female sailors! Looks like our Navy is still in good hands. Keep up the good work sir.

[@danmiller7079]

When I was a grunt Marine on board the USS NEW ORLEANS, lpd-11, the hanger deck at night was a pretty restful area especially for Marines. In good weather, the hanger deck elevator door was usually open and you could enjoy cool air and watch the ocean go by. It didn’t seem as crowded as the Truman unless we had av-8b’s aboard. I used to watch the maintenance guys work on those planes. EXCELLENT video, Sir. Keep up the good work and I know if there’s anything poppin off in the military world, you’ll do the deep dive into the intel. Semper Fi!

[@LOYALONESTILL]

Best behind scenes vid I have seen anywhere. Callouts of specific names, a/c, locations, roles, especially helpful to fully appreciate complexity and dedication of men and women serving. Thank you to all!

[@davidkindley1211]

Impossible to watch this and not be overwhelmed with pride in this unbelievable team, from the blue shirts to the Strike Group Commander - superb professionalism, inspiring and dedication to the mission. What I would give to be a JO again.

[@JonathanReed1970]

Retired AF armament troop. In the late 90's, they flew me and my crew to the Vinson to learn how to safe up Naval jets if they had to divert to our AB. After 24 hours on the Carl Vinson, I was ready to get off lol. Much respect for the Navy guys and gals!

[@adamoneil7435]

this is why I'm a patron of the channel. What stands out to me, Ward, is that you obviously care about everyone on the ship, and I'm touched by that

[@jedwelder3322]

“Toto we are not in Kansas anymore!”

[@getmeagator]

That is exactly how it feels when you exit the COD.

[@waynefletcher9884]

I know I loved it! 😂😂😂

[@gregorymaupin6388]

Nothing like the smell of Jet Fuel and 40 knots of wind over the flight deck along with crazy weather and rough seas sometimes. Oh the memories those of us blessed to have served on an aircraft carriers. It’s so strange to see a Hawkeye with a refueling probe.

[@livethefuture2492]

This is i think certainly the most pure and authentic portrayal of life at sea and what its like to be on aircraft carrier out there. And who better to take us on that journey than a former aviator!

[@tedgraf4101]

Mooch, one of your best episodes. I flew with VF-32 on FDR in 67-68 and VF-96 on Enterprise 69. The more things change the more they remain the same. What does the JO bunk room look like on these new ships?

[@markbowling3475]

CMDR, no offense but these are the best broadcast you do, its so hands on and you give us a behind the scenes look at our absolutely great men and women sailors, pilots , supporting crews, crew chiefs , everyone from the cooks to the CO . What a well oiled machine, thank you so much and I bet you were able to consume the excitement and adrenaline rush. So glad you were able to relive your experiences on the boat Godbless America and the commitment that our young people , all branches serve our nation !

[@abhishekiddamsetty7665]

Was eagerly awaiting for this one sir.

[@KC-nd7nt]

Epic job . I'm glued to every word . Glad you had a chance to return to a carrier too . Must have felt amazing and im sure most of the men and women know your name and appreciate your service today in the form of teacher . God bless you and i never say that .

[@ThereseInDenver]

Just shared this with the USNA class of 2024 Aviation Selectee Parents of MIDN who graduate 5/24. Thank you, Ward, You have no idea of the "reach" of what you do -- we just introduced you to the CO/WY USNA parents' club class of 2028 as a great source to help understand the world their kids are entering in July 2024. Team MOOCH!!!

[@WardCarroll]

Look forward to seeing them in Annapolis! Thx!

[@danwegner423]

Mooch, Wow, what a fantastic episode! As a long time Team Mooch Patron, I've seen all of your episodes, and this is one of your best. It has it all; insider perspectives of flight operations, behind the scenes views of carrier operations, meaningful insights from senior leadership, heartfelt perspective from the sailors, and even Hozer waving the CAG Paddles again. Your evolved production value is on full display in this episode, especially illustrating your top notch skill in editing and music mixing. Bravo Zulu Mooch!

[@Delatta1961]

Great show Mooch. I flew 60s in the Army, and was DLQd on the Iwo Jima many years ago. The sailors and Officers onboard were absolutely impressive. Thanks for sharing your experience

[@Acousticmarine678]

I am a big proponent of a strong Navy, sea power is the ultimate force a country can wield. That said, as a Marine Vet, I didn't care for ship life and only had brief stays on a few ship, I like my feet firmly planted in the dirt. I support our Navy and Sailers 110%. Excellent video Mooch, stay safe, peace out.

[@PelicanIslandLabs]

Love the mini interviews of all the crew members. Very reassuring to see such knowledge, dedication and enthusiasm.

[@geofit2193]

Thanks for sharing this video on the current life aboard a carrier. I served on board the USS NIMITZ from’76-‘80, as an ABE2 on Cats 1 & 2. What a challenging time it was but definitely proud of how it helped me become a better person. GO NAVY! 🇺🇸

[@Mr_Bullay_SlideRule]

Great video Mooch! It's like a mini documentary. So happy the Navy granted you and Hozer this opportunity to record this and share with us our Navy Brothers and Sisters in action. Fly Army! 🚁 BTW...great music scores too!

[@Bodrumbum]

This is one of the most comprehensive, well produced and revealing displays of "life aboard a carrier". What I enjoyed was the profiling of various individuals and parts of "the team" that make the whole concept work as it does. Much has changed since my service days of late 70's to early 80's and this video took me back to those times. Thank you Ward!

[@chrisdS-3C-130]

Great job capturing life aboard these days. This brings back some memories of the years I spent working the flight deck.

[@RayCamacho-m2e]

WOW!! Bravo Zulu, Ward!! That video has brought a lot of memories back for me when I served aboard the Stennis. The squadron I was attached to (VFA-37 "Ragin Bulls") did serve on the Truman, though, not anymore. I believe they serve now with the Ford. I appreciate you engaging with top leadership about Gen Z. In my opinion, the Navy has NOT gone "soft" as I have heard so many comments on that regard. The Navy is adapting as it should. I can't wait until you do your video with the Ford when it deploys.

[@CharlesJohnson-sk6lt]

Hey Mooch, thanks for the great job you are doing to share the high quality job being done by the air crews to protect our Nation! As a lifetime Navy League member I’m proud to be a supporter and appreciative fan!

[@WardCarroll]

I’m a Navy League member too! Thanks for watching.

[@AnchorAlchemist]

Great to see Jimmy doing big things. We served at Recruit Training Command as RDCs and again when he was CMC on the Nimitz. I retired in 2021 after 30 years. Really enjoyed the conversations we had, this guy is MCPON material. GO NAVY!!!

[@johnmason-smith]

This was fantastic Mooch! I was invited to be a distinguished visitor on board the Stennis (CVN-74) on this very weekend in 2018 in the Pacific. What a great job of capturing the spirit of the team on the Truman!

[@duaneblunt7132]

Thanks Mooch,for the trip down memory lane, and the opportunity to meet the next generation of USNavy sailors and airmen. I never got the chance to ride a nuke into harms way in my 20 year service as an AD2 F-14 Tomcat, and F/A-18A,B,C,and D Hornet maintainer. But it seems like the morale is high and teamwork is a very high priority in today's Navy. Thanks again for your KZbin channel and the opportunity to interview our Awesome sailors and airmen on board the best Ships in the world!😊

[@eaglerare1273]

Excellent Ward what incredible access you were given. Great representation of our Navy

[@GlideYNRG]

The smile on your dial speaks a thousand words Ward. Thank for an amazing insight to the side of life a lot of us will never experience. Thank you to those of you who do.

[@ti1ion]

Amazing video! I love that Hozer got to do some LSO work; that's really cool. Touring the ship and seeing how the Navy works hard to keep the crew working and motivated is very interesting.

[@richhudnut5110]

Got to spend 3 days on Carl Vinson (CVN 70) "in port" while in boy scouts, it was amazing to be on a ship that big, had almost full run of the place....

[@rexcochran2781]

Mooch this may be your best product to date. I get to see what I was preparing to go do as a Middy in NROTC but as a college program student and not getting Flgiht School orders, I resigned and went another way in life. But your production value and the personal stories of all of the sailors, as well as a tutorial on all things A/C carrier, made for a great piece of work, I know you were thrilled to be there doing it

[@danmorgan7737]

This was a great one Ward,I think this should be shown in the classrooms of our high schools, it would be life changing for alot of our kids,I know it would have been for me. How great it would be to be part of such a great team.

[@utmastuh]

This is impressive production quality for how little time you had. Having people there to film you flying off, in the aircraft, landing, music and editing, lining up the interviews and having the questions, dealing with difficult audio environment, etc...

[@harrylime3.143]

Ward this was GREAT!!! Love this episode, love the way you can get the navy to cooperate and let you take us all with you to see our sailors doing a great job.Thank you hope you get to see other ships, this is so beneficial for the public to see what these sailors do.💪⚓🇺🇸🇮🇱🇺🇦

[@charlesdavis7940]

Great showing the many different sailors and jobs. You may have unwittingly created one of the better Navy Recruitment ads in years.

[@ronsmith4480]

I've read all the comments thus for. This is truly the best video you've produced. Very well done. Thanks

[@felixvf31]

Stunning production, Ward. Saratoga, CAG3, VF31, F4 JO pilot ’63 - ’67 here. The details and operational sophistication in those 57 years are obvious, but the rudiments are unchanged. Eight month cruises were the standard then. Just as the tailhook Navy has matured, your many talents have developed the channel to the level we all enjoy so much. Thank you.

[@jimirvine763]

Mooch and Hozer, outstanding job. Many thanks to the sailors, aircrew and leadership team aboard Truman. PS Hozer looked like he was having too much fun playing "paddles"

[@phaedo11]

Thank you all for your service! It is always impressive to see real pros at work!

[@capicolaspicy]

Oh My God - the best onboard detailed view I've seen so far on Aircraft Carrier operations - thank you! Thanks to you for creating it, and to every single one of the sailors and pilots AND their families that are giving us their effort, energy and skills on board!

[@KyleCowden]

@Ward Carroll having lived a storied life yourself, it still had to be an awesome feeling when that hook caught once again. I salute you sir.

[@Dawg1z]

28 years USAF fighter crew chief. Nothing but respect for brothers and sisters in the USN. Godspeed on your upcoming adventure.

[@fairman14065]

Mooch. Your content is always great, but this episode is probably my favorite. I recently got an excellent multi-hour tour of the Midway under the guidance of a former F4 RIO. Your video with interviews from a WIDE range of current service members was even more impactful! Thanks to you and Hoser!

[@larry5508]

Mooch, another most excellent video and peek into the lives of our sailors and officers aboard the carriers. I was most interested and impressed with the brief interviews with the sailors, the carrier C.O. and CAG. Articulate, focused and open about the pro's and con's of the carrier life and retention. Very impressed with the efforts to make the sailors and officers lives more like living, rather than just existing, through social , athletic and other humanistic efforts. Go Navy!

[@janiekcarney5482]

Amazing to watch this.

[@PDLM1221]

This Captain “. frosty” does a nice job of using his talented section Chiefs to Handle the normal everyday items and by delegating it helps clear his plate for more important things , sounds like he has a handle on it.

[@stacymcmahon453]

I'll tell on myself a little bit here--it's become rare for me to get through a 40+ minute video in one sitting. But... Ward's videography, editing, and most importantly interviewing skills and journalistic "nose" really come together in this episode. I watched it all the way through and never checked time remaining, and I bet most everyone else did too. I hope the Navy sees it and wants more, because I sure do. Bravo!

[@dikirkland]

Very much enjoyed the entire video! Well done Ward and God bless our sailors, marines, and airmen!

[@randallbrown229]

Absolutely the best doc on military life and obviously USN. Congrats Mooch and all, thx to the HST crew, awesome to see you all out!!! Go Nav.

[@LowEarthOrbitPilot]

Thank you for taking us along, and introducing us to those working hard to be ready to be at the forefront of conflict around the world. I am grateful for your [collective] service and sacrifices to make it all happen. Ward, this was one of your best videos. (Thank you for identifying the selections of music, as well!) Godspeed to this hardworking crew! 🙏🏼🕊️🇺🇸

[@joekoenig9587]

Outstanding job on this most informative video, Ward! 🇺🇸😎

[@tg-pf9eq]

Superb Sir. My first deployment was aboard CVA-14 in VF-191 during wartime. Satan’s Kittens. F-8K’s One of the two cruises was 11 months long. My second was aboard CV-66, ships company as a senior enlisted. Was it tough? Yes. Was it necessary? Yes. Projecting power to anywhere in this world is paramount especially during trying times which we are experiencing now. This video is a great recuiting tool to show to young, inspiring, and talented men and women, enlisted and officer bound. Makes us proud of where we are at and where we are headed. “Sierra Hotel!’’ MCPO Retired

[@robzilla60]

What a fantastic episode! I was awaiting this one, and you did not disappoint. The last time I was on a carrier in the service was a 10 day CarQual det on the Lexington AVT-16 in the Gulf of Mexico in the summer of 1983. I was with VT-22 out of Kingsville, and we got 100% quals on our student pilots during that det. There has been a world of change on board carriers since then in all aspects, including flight ops, habitability, etc. Compared to back then, retention shouldn't be much of a problem from the enlisted standpoint except for the nowadays 8 to 9 month deployment possibility. Great interviews with great sailors out there on HST. Thank You again CDR Mooch.

[@johnhenderson3646]

Great vid, Ward! Smooth, polished production. Video, editing, soundtrack, all big thumbs-up! This would be an awesome series, if at all possible. As we used to say in the eval days, 4.OH!

[@DOWHATIWANT]

great job mooch. appreciate the great content and the HARD work our sailors and flight crew do on the daily. Props to the families for their sacrifices as well as they are essential parts of the Navy as well. BZ Gang!!

[@paulgriffith3549]

I've been waiting all week for this. Fly NAVY!

[@BigDuke-md8ec]

One of the best videos you’ve put out so far Ward. I was navy back in the early 90’s destroyer DD -974. Your video brings back so many memories from being deployed with the carrier Saratoga as we would frequently take up position as plane guard . Again Great job 👏

[@hazegrayandunderway8077]

Loved it Ward. My first ship was Kitty Hawk, checked on in 1982. I’d say things have changed, but in some ways many things are the same. Great video. Bravo Zulu

[@patgiblinsongs5]

Great episode, Ward! It’s awesome that you and Hozer earned the trust of the crew! I really appreciate you highlighting some of the enlisted sailors, and let them show how their work drives the ship, and fleet.

[@xXE4GLEyEXx]

As a non American the first thought halfway through for me was that if I was born in the US, I'd definitely try my best to get into the Navy and onto a carrier. These things are big, dangerous and all, but god damn would never get bored of watching/aiding aircraft come and go.

[@robertl606]

WOW, This was way better than the Docs you see coming out of mainstream outlets.

[@JPR3D]

Opening the door of the C-2 and seeing the Hornet right there must have been a hell of a welcome.

[@LorenzoTorres-uj8zi]

9p

[@robertw.bauesjr9190]

This was amazing to see the different perspectives of carrier life. Those night traps must be absolutely terrifying. Ward, appreciate you taking us on board one of your best vids ever! Thanks again.

[@brucepaxton2471]

I almost joined the Navy in back in 1972 for three reasons. One, there was still The Draft (low number in '71), two, at that time, sailors were allowed to grow beards, and three, my dad served in the Navy during WW2 (USS Boise, CL-47). Richard Nixon ended the draft early in 1973, and I had my first good job as an apprentice aircraft mechanic. I continued working in that field for 48+ years.

[@robertupchurch8088]

Absolutely outstanding, it’s great to see the Navy is such good hands.