Working On An Aircraft Carrier - Integrated Catapult Control Station (ICCS/"Bubble")

[@FlightDeckLife]

Hey everyone! Check us out on our new Instagram Channel @FlightDeckLifeVideos

[@GeFlixes]

6:05 Cool job, pressing the 'fun' button.

[@TVADSNOW799]

I'm proud of the professionals doing that work.

[@leebradly1251]

I was the safety oberver on cat. 2 ( front left on cat walk 2 in 1988 ) ( airman Poling ) .. what a thrill to serve on IKE . thank YOU so much ....... we worked nearly day and night for pennies !!! but when flight launches was over we worked under deck cleaning ang and waxing floors.. it was then that I learned how to be a real worker . what experience at the age of 19 !

[@Orca19904]

Hooyah sailor, thank you for your service.

[@leebradly1251]

I still remember all the launch weights and measurements til this day .... how weird is that ,,,,,, 25 years later

[@aussiebloke85]

awesome can you tell me i love this stuff

[@bobbyrutts]

Guess not..

[@garyjohnson2879]

quite normal. No short term but you can remember your B21 83 62 in 1968. Amazing isn't it?

[@dominiquestephenson1541]

TurKey 201, 54,000.......we didn’t have the luxury of this bubble, just the hatch! Good times

[@curtekstrom6600]

As a Former Plane Captain with Tomcat and Corsair 2 squadrons. I still remember the Launch sequences for both Aircraft 35 years later. Like it was just last week. Great memories!!!

[@Kaitydid74]

There really is no simple or mednial tasks in these operations, the teamwork involved is so amazing

[@kristov29]

The interior looked nothing at all like I expected. I figured there would be several computer screens, long rows of complex buttons and switches and a host of other electronic gizmos with half a dozen personnel inside working all of it. It looks like one officer (yellow shirt) and an assistant and once they get the signal from the deck, the officer pushes the button and the plane races away. Simple and functional, but of course it would have to be on a ship. Even so, is there a backup system to launch manually from the deck and bypass the "bubble"?

[@yxeaviationphotog]

kristov29 Yes, there are control panels on the port side catwalk, aft of the ICCS bubble, which operates cats 3 & 4.

[@christianrosa1120]

@@yxeaviationphotog I wouldn't call that person an assistant by any means

[@yxeaviationphotog]

@@christianrosa1120 Which person are you referring too?

[@christianrosa1120]

@@yxeaviationphotog the other person calling bubble an assistant not that I think they meant to sound that way

[@torn-_shuttle123]

Was there a comment that was deleted?? Yes, Bubble operations or ICCS operations is an assistance to the Shooter. But, as an ICCS Operator, you’re not only observing that everything is being conducted according on the Flight Deck, but you’re also ensuring that the Hydraulic / Steam pressure, Temperature, and Waterbrake Pressures & Temp are correct also. You’re also responsible for retracting the shuttle and piston for launching. But the biggest task while operating this station, is knowing how to “Troubleshoot” if anything goes wrong during ALL stations on the Flight Deck or below deck.

[@kineticdeath]

very interesting view of the stuff that pretty much everyone, outside a few, will never see. Lots of responsibility on the shooters shoulders, pressing that button early could be disasterous!

[@natecataldo1136]

I'm guessing your cruise is over since you haven't uploaded in 9 months lol. Love your videos though!

[@hena330]

Wow, thanks for sharing all these video's... A great insight into naval operations!

[@GerbenWijnja]

Before watching this one, watch the weight board operator video first! Then you start noticing the guys showing the weight board, like at 4:08. Otherwise you completely miss details like that.

[@delvin8882]

Hi. Een andere nederlander die ook falcon speelt! Cool!

[@Alpha0727]

Gerben Wijnja Are you talking about this video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYmln3SGeb1_bZo

[@azmanmdsalleh2009]

wb person looks like a lady... very likely 😁

[@torn-_shuttle123]

⁠@@azmanmdsalleh2009It very well could have been a female running Weight Board. Does this propose an issue?

[@azmanmdsalleh2009]

@@torn-_shuttle123 I sarcastically responded to deleted comments

[@strangedays4]

The guy must feel like a God when pressing the button

[@Orca19904]

I imagine working in the "bubble" would probably be one of the least dangerous flight deck jobs, as you're relatively safe compared to the other crewmembers out on deck who have to keep their heads on a swivel at all times lest they take one wrong step that could get them and/or someone else maimed or killed.

[@torn-_shuttle123]

It is the safest and most comfortable position launching aircraft. But in order to get to this position, you will have to had performed all of the pre-requisite procedures to get to this spot. In other words, you must have had performed, excelled and qualified on ALL flight deck and below deck stations prior to obtaining ICCS qualification. In other words, it’s a “have been there and done that”.

[@scuddrunner1]

So you're the guy that launches. Cool video!!!! USA!!

[@bohhica1]

Been nice if we could hear both sides and knew what their job was besides launching a/c.👍👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 great video.

[@leokimvideo]

More fun than flipping burgers

[@michaelloder5150]

wow that was incredible footage thank you... for what you all do.....Amazing....

[@FlightDeckLife]

Thank you, make sure you share & subscribe!

[@steveneppler5301]

Man, this is great stuff... Thank you!

[@notlikely4468]

Looks...warm and dry...and much safer Where to I sign up?

[@torn-_shuttle123]

It’s not that simple. And it would take a hot minute for you to get that qualification. Join the Navy, get designated as the best rate in the military (Aviation Boatswains Mate Equipment), be educated regarding everything Flight Deck, and master all below deck equipment and operations that pertains to Catapult stations.

[@VulpeculaJoy]

Hull number 69. Nice!

[@MORGATH99]

did they reuse an old car or something ? that paint over panel

[@coma13794]

so interesting seeing unedited raw footage like this. Thanks so much for posting it. Strange mic the Operator's using, seems like a pain in the ass to use! headset with one ear piece seems like it would be more convenient, no? The guy's on the radio for the whole shift it seems.

[@ALSNewsNow]

Keeps the surrounding noise out

[@jerrylallen7884]

coma13794

[@KK_on_KK]

No such thing as convenience on jobs like this... function, reliability and safety are the only concerns

[@daledeffenbaugh5287]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing.

[@GeorgeSmith-bm4rz]

Would you review the description of the operations in the "bubble" on the flight deck on an aircraft carrier.

[@MrPantss]

It’s amazing to see this! So much to it!

[@leecarbunkle1]

My shooter jersey was never that clean, except when new.

[@soonyeng5689]

That catapult control station looked like a specail office.

[@ballisticv]

Best videos I've ever seen of carrier deck operations. Would like to know more about the ordnance guys. What were they doing? Was that just for the gun? Thanks for making and posting these!

[@canopy9244]

Red shirts are: Ordinance men, Fire Fighters, Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD), and crash recovery. When Ordinance men they are responsible for loading and unloading the bombs and such from the aircraft and they also arm the bombs when they get to the catapults.

[@afcgeo882]

What ordinance does at this point in operations are two things: they arm the bombs/missiles and gun and at the same time they check to make sure all the stuff is mounted well on the pylons. The last thing that's done is push in the button that arms the gun and run away.

[@dimacus15]

Very interesting! Thanks!

[@narehabako]

I would like to run the 13 billion dollar carrier like a boss too!!!

[@PositionLight]

When does the shooter do his thing on the desk and who controls the catapult in that situation?

[@christianrosa1120]

Deck edge controls shooter gives signal up top but when its bubble ops you get this

[@torn-_shuttle123]

The 2 modes that are typically used for operations are Topside & ICCS. For Topside operations, the Shooter operates on the Flight Deck and coordinates between the Center Deck operator and Deck Edge operator. During ICCS operations, the Shooter is located inside the “Bubble” along side with the Console Control operator. Whether it’s Topside or ICCS, everything is relayed below decks to the Central Charging Panel (CCP) operator to ensure proper Hydraulic, Pneumatic, Steam & Waterbrake pressures are accurate. But overall, it’s the confirmation of identical Capacity Selector Valve (CSV) setting prior to launch. This will ensure the proper pre-determined amount of steam required to launch that particular aircraft. I know it’s a lot, but hopefully it makes sense.

[@lucaviggiani2189]

How many visual checks does he do for thumbs up, safety etc after throttle up before he pushes that button?

[@RightCenterBack321]

Question - under what conditions does the "shooter" do his job from the deck?

[@christianrosa1120]

Doesn't go off of weather

[@afcgeo882]

There are shooters on the deck and in the bubble/catwalk at all times and they constantly switch out. Their duties are different.

[@jpatt1000]

Are all your videos shot on the Eisenhower, or do others contribute to your channel? Was there another station between the catapults?

[@yxeaviationphotog]

Ok....just so I have this straight.....is the Shooter doing the jobs of both the Center Deck Operator and Deck Edge Cat Operator, from that one Console?

[@FlightDeckLife]

Sort of. The ICCS Operator (to the left) is operating the retraction engine (advancing and retracting the catapult, along with the nose gear launch system operation) while the Shooter's console is all launch related. On the Deckedge Box, it's all in one.

[@torn-_shuttle123]

The Shooter has been given “basic” operation on how a Catapult is operated. They’ve been taught “Head / Cross wind”, type of Aircraft, weight of Aircraft (with or without Ordnance), and given their calculations on what the CSV setting should be. CSV = pre-determined amount of steam allowed in the Catapult Pistons for launch. Other than that, from what I’ve seen, Shooters don’t know Jack shit on maintenance or troubleshooting to correct issues that may arise. That’s why there’s an ICCS operator next to them to get that shit figured out.

[@sentinel76]

What's the checklist that the Shooter runs through before pressing the button?

[@garynolan5240]

He just checks all thumbs up and boom its gone 🙂

[@chrismaggio7879]

They all have different checklists, but mostly the same kind of stuff 1: Should I make an appointment to get my prostate checked... again? 2: What was the name of that girl I shagged last week? Wonder if she was clean. 3: Get milk on the way home, and some cat food. 4: How do I BS my way into making Lt CDR before I get drummed out? 5: Everyone got a thumbs up?

[@torn-_shuttle123]

Good question and obviously you’re not going to get the answer you want.

[@atccrazy629]

Stupid question but, are all personnel on the flight deck enlisted except for the pilots? Are there any junior officers on the deck?

[@chrismaggio7879]

It's a mix but mostly enlisted. The Enlisted do qualify to very high standards and they are very qualified to run the show. Just being an officer doesn't make them better at the job, but it makes them responsible for the actions of their crew (and most of them learn to lose their chip really fast and let the well trained crew leaders, LPOs, make it tick). I trust an old enlisted sailor more than some new nugget or butterbar.

[@torn-_shuttle123]

@@chrismaggio7879You said Butterbar😂😂😂. That’s a first.

[@leebradly1251]

I also was trained in the hydraulic recovery system too at Lakehurst NJ . where the hendengurg Blew UP..

[@torn-_shuttle123]

Every Aviation Boatswains Mate Equipment that requires either a Catapult or Arresting Gear “A”, “C” or “Maintenance Tech” school gets their training at the same place. And I believe it’s the Hindenburg, that you’re referring.

[@MultiGamerClub]

Looks like old-tech, but wow.. Always wondered how this worked.

[@chrismaggio7879]

Old tech... yes, it actually is, but remember when high tech fails, and it always does, it's low tech that keeps moving. And jets need to go, no matter how bad the situation is.

[@torn-_shuttle123]

Old adage….if it ain’t broke, don’t fucking touch it.

[@jamesweldon9726]

Is the shooter an aviator?

[@pip12111]

Yes he is an aviator

[@torn-_shuttle123]

Not necessarily. LDO’s & CWO’s can obtain their Shooter qual as well.

[@StritarD]

What is the Shooter pressing with his finger on the right white monitor, just before the shoot?

[@torn-_shuttle123]

Final Ready sequence is the last stage of “stepping up the cat” prior to launch.

[@garymichalec9720]

Why do the shooters work from here and other times they are on the deck?

[@tkelly411]

the guys below have view of the whole deck action,, final authority to punch the go light

[@curtekstrom6600]

The Shooter on Deck ensures an ALL GO for the Trigger man in the Bubble.

[@chrismaggio7879]

They train for all scenarios, and conditions, and being able to operate from several locations helps ensure the continuity of flight ops in case of an emergency or damage or other situation.

[@aaaht3810]

Do all modern USN carriers have an ICCS? I do not always see it on the flight deck. Does it retract flush to the flight deck when not in use?

[@curtekstrom6600]

Yes it does go below Flight deck when not in use.

[@torn-_shuttle123]

The USS Enterprise (CVN 65) before decommissioning, was the last aircraft carrier that DIDNT have ICCS capabilities. And utilized “wrap around consoles” below decks to launch. Not quite sure what you mean on your question regarding “does it retract flush to the flight deck”.

[@WootTootZoot]

Are they Officers or Enlisted ?

[@FlightDeckLife]

Enlisted on the left, Officer on the right.

[@TheRockerxx69]

Can t figure out how this cabin is located on the flight deck. (?)

[@ChampionPowwerWashing]

TheRockerxx69 basically under it. It sticks up about 18”

[@TheRockerxx69]

@@ChampionPowwerWashing you see an F18 taking off non parallel to that cabin but 180 ° transversal (?)

[@curtekstrom6600]

It lowers below deck when not in use. There is one of the side by Cats 3&4, and another between Cats 1&2 that lowers below the Flight Deck. They are commonly called "Bubbles".

[@catwithabat7163]

Atleast we aren’t sitting in a hole all day now

[@maricidevamega939]

So the ICCS is only responsible for CAT 1 and CAT 2? CAT 3 & 4 are operated by other centerdeck operator locates in between CAT 3 & 4, correct?

[@FlightDeckLife]

There's one ICCS for Cat 1/2 and another for 3/4.

[@torn-_shuttle123]

Waist Catapult ICCS (3 & 4) is located Port Side catwalk just aft of the Optical Landing System. And the Bow Catapult ICCS (1 & 2) is located between both catapults just Aft of the weapons elevator in the Box.

[@ph11p3540]

I wonder if this is where the phrase "on the bubble" came from?

[@chrismaggio7879]

haha, no, but that is funny. On the bubble means "destined for failure", and let's hope that NEVER applies on the flight deck!

[@popcorn8153]

Is it air conditioned ?

[@FlightDeckLife]

Yes

[@torn-_shuttle123]

It is, but not all of the time. But overall it’s the best place to be while launching in the Gulf.

[@TheChipMcDonald]

The hand gestures - point to the left, then front twice; what is he seeing/looking for?

[@curtekstrom6600]

He is doing a Final Safety ALL CLEAR, before giving All Go to Triggerman in the Bubble

[@hectorperez-zq3uc]

Wants to see all thumbs up

[@EightBall]

Who the ICCS Operator is talking to ?

[@Southerngravy50]

+Eight Ball He is either talking to the the Deck Edge Operator, Bow/Waist Safety Operator, JBD Operator, Rotary Engine Operator or Water Brake Operator.

[@christianrosa1120]

@@Southerngravy50 why would he talk to deck edge operator, he's doing bubble ops, he's talking to console recorder, panel operator, bow safety, water breaks he can also talk to the office definitely not deck edge

[@jigssscupid8836]

What that heavy sound rumbling ?

[@torn-_shuttle123]

It’s the sound of Freedom!!!

[@hardboiled7467]

Whats that popcorn ceiling...

[@FlightDeckLife]

...it's an old ship lol

[@torn-_shuttle123]

That’s called “lagging” exterior portion of the Bubble.

[@SimbaC2007]

where is the bubble located near 3 and 4 or 1 and 2?

[@FlightDeckLife]

Between catapults 1 & 2, in the deck.

[@SimbaC2007]

@@FlightDeckLife thank you

[@bayupriyawaskita2222]

Has anyone been inside the bubble during a storm at sea?

[@RUSlan-lw1oo]

Ниги наконец то)))Респект

[@anthonylambing3831]

where does the catapult go after does it go in the water?

[@BrokenRRT]

anthony lambing - no it's in a channel in the deck.

[@chrismaggio7879]

The twin pistons of the catapult slam into a water tank called the water brakes, and they stop at an alarmingly short distance, with a huge BANG! If you are not ready for it it will knock you off your feet and scare the sht out of you! Rocks the entire bow section of the ship. No one sleeps through that!

[@ghostbear35]

Does the guy on the rights vest say "Shooter?" Because if it does, that fucking awesome! :)

[@chrismaggio7879]

Yes.. and it is something that very few people on the planet ever get to claim!

[@kenns9]

so in this example, the shooter is no longer on deck?

[@afcgeo882]

There is an enlisted person on deck that does the same job, but the actual activation (shooting) is done from the bubble.

[@torn-_shuttle123]

Flight Deck operations are evolving. Shit has changed since the mid 80’s. Who’s to say 20-30 years from now everything on the Flight Deck will be done remotely, personnel included. Obviously I’m making a light joke about this. But you never know.

[@patton303]

So can somebody who’s done this or worked around one explain to me what this “bubble” is made of and give me some tech info and trivia about it? I’d imagine it’s fairly hardened and highly protected because you can’t launch aircraft without it.

[@jimshockey6789]

@@Tanks_In_Space I would have guessed Lexan.

[@chrismaggio7879]

haha Dutchman... Yeas, it's hardened steel with its own air system. It's bomb proof and CBR proof. The exposed deck crew is expected to carry on as best they can if things turned toxic (and be replaced as they fall), and this assures that the shooters can survive initial destruction to carry on the mission. It's not the person that rates the protection, but their job.

[@KK_on_KK]

You can still launch aircraft without it.

[@torn-_shuttle123]

My suggestion would be, if you ever get an opportunity to “Tour” an Aircraft Carrier, those would be questions that you would ask your “Tour Guide”.

[@kevincutway]

I wonder if the stem catapult can be replaced by a variant of the railgun ...any thoughts?

[@afcgeo882]

kevin cutway A railgun? No. Why? Now could it work via electromagnetic means? Yes, and the new carriers have that instead of steam.

[@kevincutway]

That’s what i had assumed but wanted to check on it. Rail gun makes much more sense then steam. But with a carrier , they use steam for other reasons, and could still function as back up for rail gun / launch option.

[@guillaumelalonde7945]

@@kevincutway railguns consume massive amounts of power and produce a load of heat. What's the point of all that when you already have a nuclear reactor producing steam for you.

[@chrismaggio7879]

@@guillaumelalonde7945 I think Kevin is using the term rail gun and means EMALS, but is not familiar with the difference, either in their construction or their operation. But he means well and is correct, an electrical version is potentially better in many ways. But being a steam cats guy, I prefer the smoking' barrels and thundering water brakes.

[@KK_on_KK]

*Stam Catapoot

[@muzzaball]

Where's the fun in this for the Shooter; no spool up the engines, no hand signals, no salute, no touch the deck and fire? Must be good in the bubble during inclement weather tho! Cheers.

[@chrismaggio7879]

When they are really hung over they shoot from the bubble... sometimes they actually let their kids play in there and press the button "when daddy says it's OK". Otherwise they are up on deck.

[@KAAKKK]

I’d love to know what they’re actually saying and what it all means.

[@margaretmargaret570]

There really is no simple or mednial tasks in these operations, the teamwork involved is so amazing

[@torn-_shuttle123]

ICCS operations…….well, it should be a secret, but it’s not. Someone else will tell you everything.

[@sanfranciscobay]

How many ways are there to get in or out of this room?

[@christianrosa1120]

2, up top or out when it's down

[@torn-_shuttle123]

It’s actually 2, regardless if it’s up or down.

[@chase161]

I like it

[@autismo3405]

Is this a officer job?

[@FlightDeckLife]

Enlisted on the left, Officer on the right.

[@autismo3405]

FlightDeckLife cool thanks

[@tropicaldog5852]

Why does the other side look so far away

[@torn-_shuttle123]

An Aircraft Carriers flight deck is pretty massive, especially if you’ve never set foot on one. The width alone is around 256’. Put that into perspective.

[@lappilappland3708]

Not the Worst Job....

[@torn-_shuttle123]

Yet, it’s the Best job…..

[@koko9610]

more videos pls

[@intertr0ns]

Front row seats!

[@stavinaircaeruleum2275]

Is it just me or do those windows look dirty?

[@FlightDeckLife]

Lots of jet exhaust.

[@torn-_shuttle123]

The windows do get dirty. Exhaust, Steam, Fuel, Grease and broken Non-Skid material. Operations on the Flight Deck isn’t the same as driving your day to day vehicle on the Interstate. But, we do have personnel clean them when needed.

[@orbitalpotato9940]

*That 69 in the background tho*

[@ddosddos4673]

Какая заработная плата сейчас у этих людей?

[@torn-_shuttle123]

Pay varies. Google is a good source to find that info out.

[@gendoikari6062]

What type of airplane are these two guys are sitting in ?....

[@curtekstrom6600]

Seriously?

[@maddisonloree]

@Lt. William Manuel So what do you do in the military? I agree with you being a pilot would be awesome. I would love to fly a stealth. That is my favorite plane. Do you have a Twitter account?

[@christianrosa1120]

A stealth ? well that's not a plane

[@berner]

Why does it look like everything's been jizzed on?

[@torn-_shuttle123]

Because ABE’s blow their load every time we step foot on the Flight Deck.

[@tonybaines3332]

all that technology and he,s waving his fuckin arms around in the window ?

[@TheFilmMixer101]

WERE ARE DEM NEW VIDS

[@eyebeebak]

It must be boring doing this on an 8-hour shift everyday.

[@noez_ergo]

not for me I love that =D. You must keep the passion XD . But I admit I would prefer to be the Pilots

[@maddisonloree]

@Lt. William Manuel are you a shooter on the flight deck? I think your job is exciting, complicated, but exciting.

[@noez_ergo]

no sadly lol but my com meant that If I would be, I'll never lost the passion , even, as I said, if I would prefer to be the pilot. But I know if I was a US Navy pilot; the day I don't fly, I'll passed all the day to watch flight deck ops and watch Aircraft take-off

[@eyebeebak]

Lt.William Manuel not everyone is qualified for a fighter pilot. You weren't, so you're stuck with this job. The only thing for you to get up in the morning is to pretend to have a passion so you could make the best out of it. Sorry for the harsh words.

[@maddisonloree]

@tuk tuk syko. Your comments to @lt. William Manuel were really rude and belittling. He is a Lieutenant after all so he doesn't have to pretend. Everybody wants to be something different...it's called dreams and goals.

[@ford_ram_chevy5703]

I hear being in there sucks ass

[@torn-_shuttle123]

Well,….what you’ve been told is bullshit. If you’re an ABE, stick to running Weight Board if that suits you.

[@cliff9708]

What has this with somali pirates to do

[@Thoar003]

What are you talking about?

[@darrellhubbard9080]

bow safety observer 93-97 different back then no 12 on 12 off

[@christianrosa1120]

Lol we don't do 12 on 12 off either nice try

[@torn-_shuttle123]

@@christianrosa1120It should be 12 on & 12 off. Anything otherwise is a violation of TYCOM directive.

[@garyjohnson2879]

noise and JP5

[@Ad___Astra]

what a boring job..

[@torn-_shuttle123]

If you’ve never done it, I suppose.

[@GREMLINS516]

Where is the interest of this video ?

[@margaretmargaret570]

The interior looked nothing at all like I expected. I figured there would be several computer screens, long rows of complex buttons and switches and a host of other electronic gizmos with half a dozen personnel inside working all of it. It looks like one officer (yellow shirt) and an assistant and once they get the signal from the deck, the officer pushes the button and the plane races away. Simple and functional, but of course it would have to be on a ship. Even so, is there a backup system to launch manually from the deck and bypass the "bubble"?

[@FlightDeckLife]

Check out our videos about deck edge or center deck!

[@torn-_shuttle123]

WTF?!? Wasn’t this question answered earlier?