An Aircraft Carrier Flight Deck Looks Like A Ballet. Navy Men Working As A Team. Beautiful to Watch

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An Aircraft Carrier Flight Deck Looks Like A Ballet. Navy Men Working As A Team. Beautiful to Watch

Рет қаралды 507,151

7 жыл бұрын

This is one of my favorite clips. a scene from my PBS TV special, Second Home, on board with the Navy men on the John F. Kennedy Aircraft Carrier, following them as they go to sea. The extraordinary beautifully performed actions on the flight deck at sea make a potentially exceedingly dangerous situation into one that I felt safe filming (constantly watched over by them. Although the noise was deafening, my team and I filmed this amazing footage including sync sound because they made it possible. At one point I was kicked by a man on the flight deck and fell forward. When I got up I saw the the chain was about to hit me and he his swift action saved my life. I thanked him with a thumbs up -- and we both went on with our jobs. #flightdeck #topgun #navy #aircraftcarrier #fighterpilot

Пікірлер: 289

@mikebrown1926 3 жыл бұрын

The yellow shirt with the beard brought back memories. After I left the Ticonderoga in 1969 I was assigned as an instructor at a school on Lowry Air Force base in Denver, and I grew a beard (beards in the Navy had to be full, neatly trimmed and well groomed). Sometimes I would be challenged by some old Air Force type who would demand to know "Since when has the Navy allowed beards?" My reply was usually "Since 1776."

@darrellsomers5427 2 жыл бұрын

My dad was a yellow shirt on the tico

@timandshannon03 3 жыл бұрын

Tomcat is such a beautiful aircraft! It's what a fighter should look like.

@robertheredia2130 2 жыл бұрын

The F4J is a better looking plane

@timandshannon03 2 жыл бұрын

Also a beautiful aircraft.

@calgaines4841 2 жыл бұрын

@@robertheredia2130 The sillouette of a Tomcat, folded wings, breaking the sound barrier simply can't be touched .... Performance-wise, probably take out six F-4's with the Phoenix .. I happened to have went on 2 WestPacs and worked the flight deck .. 1979 with the Phantoms .. 1982 with the Tomcat ....

@USN308 5 жыл бұрын

Good to see all you Airedales checking in! I was Ship's Company, Engineering, a "fresh air snipe/ IC man, 1970-1975, USS Oriskany CVA 34 "The O Boat"; last of the Essex Class. Yankee & Dixie Stations. "Tonkin Gulf Mobile International Airport." Man, I sure miss that old gal & Crew! Dad joined USN n 1923 at 16 (lied about his age), his first job was shoveling coal into the boilers. Retired as Chief Aviation Machinist's Mate with 18 yrs Active Duty Service 4 months before Pearl was hit. Next day, Dec.8, 1941, rejoined. They told him "We know you got your pilot's License, we need pilots, you're going to Pensacola, and you're not a Chief any more, you're a Lt., Sir." Flew TBF, Dauntless, something about a 26 Marauder flying straight down the center of Manila Bay taking photos at 50 ft. altitude. He said they didn't shoot at them with anything but small arms because the Bay was full of Nip ships loaded with ammo, fuel. But had to come up at the end of the Bay because of the mountains & "The Zeros tore the hell out of us then, shot up our hydraulics, wobble pump was working but no fluid so I had to steer with the engines. Put her down on an abandoned overgrown airstrip, saved the crew except for my Co-Pilot. Those bullets that hit him were meant for me. You're named after him, son." They had to pull him off the instrument panel & controls, took more than an hour. 7 broken vertebrae, stick shoved into his gut. Had a stomach 1/3 normal size after they finished cutting out the ruined bits. I can't remember which carrier or battle but his was hit in the bridge by a kamikaze, took out all the command officers; he was senior ranking officer aboard so had to get all personnel transferred to another ship. Got every last man off. She sank in 2 hours. Navy Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, Distinguished Service Cross, 3 Purple Hearts. Made Lt. Commander. Lt. Commander Earl L. Miller Died 0600 HRS., 07 December, 1977. The best damn father I could have ever wished for.

@arielle7934 2 жыл бұрын

OmG.

@terrygere9131 5 жыл бұрын

Most wholeheartedly agree that the Tomcat is the sexiest aircraft ever. Most folks don't realize how big it is. A Hornet looks like aVolkswagon parked next to a tank.

@sam8742 3 жыл бұрын

And the hornet is huge compared to some airforce aircraft F-16 is ass change my mind

@darrellsomers5427 2 жыл бұрын

She was a big kitty and a nasty one for sure

@richborg45 4 жыл бұрын

I sure miss working the flight deck. I was 19 years old the first time up there as a Plane Captain on F-14s. After 2 West Pacs, Rim Pac, and lots of work ups, I sure miss it.

@stephensmith4480 5 жыл бұрын

Amazing to watch these lads going about their duty like its nothing. It reminds me of organised chaos done in a totally professional way. From A UK brit I totally respect the armed forces of the USA. Our brothers in arms.

@christianrosa1120 5 жыл бұрын

Becomes second nature not that there's no worries trust that many including myself were hurt at least once even during maintenance the flight deck is just a seriously dangerous place but the rush I can't compare to many other things I didn't get to work on tomcats they had just finished retiring them

@USN308 5 жыл бұрын

HOOYAH, Good on yer, Mate, Thanks heaps & right back at ya!

@hondadude7 4 жыл бұрын

i learned very quickly on where to be and how to be. you learn what's called "having your head on a swivel". you have to learn to use all of your senses to interpret what is going on around you. your hearing on the flight deck can be a great asset, as you can hear things in 360 degrees.

@JonHuhnMedical Жыл бұрын

Never served myself, but as an American who is also in awe of our service men and women, I thank you for your respect of these brave heros (Also, sorry about that little skirmish we started in 1776. Friends?)

@stephensmith4480 Жыл бұрын

@@JonHuhnMedical Always Brother 😂👍

@ronald6138 5 жыл бұрын

I AM IN AWE OF THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO SERVE THIS COUNTRY THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE .

@iamrichrocker 2 ай бұрын

and the beautiful, controlled, easily recognized narration of Wil Lyman..thank you David for such epic content..

@h.r.puffnstuff8705 5 жыл бұрын

The F-8 is the sexiest Navy jet fighter ever!

@Joe-gu6oe 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks and, life up top can become much more busy than this video shows. To be there is an experience I'll never forget. USS KITTY HAWK CVA-63 1971-73. All my respect.

@brettt777 5 жыл бұрын

Made a Med cruise on the Big John in the mid '80's. This bring back some memories for sure. Also made cruises on the Constellation, Ranger and Eisenhower, and spent time on the Kitty Hawk and Enterprise, and six months on the Midway.

@RErnie-gv1hv 5 жыл бұрын

Hard Core Reg. Nav. Thanks for your service.

@dougdeem282 4 жыл бұрын

Worked on Intrepid, Entetprise, and America flight decks. Rain, shine, pitching deck. Bombs, rockets and napalm all around.

@danielfronc4304 4 жыл бұрын

Massive respect for you. Thank you very much.

@wyattearp3939 5 жыл бұрын

The F4 Phantom not only looked Bad Ass it was a Bad Ass. 1964 to 1967 I was aboard the Saratoga CVA-60. What a time we had on the flight deck.

@darrellsomers5427 2 жыл бұрын

Correct never count out a F4 turn and burn way better then a F18

@loveamerica587 5 жыл бұрын

From a guy that never served......I much appreciate every single one of you

@USN308 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Sir, you have no idea how much that means to us!

@Reedrew1 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks donald trump trump

@janhuber2799 3 жыл бұрын

My son is training now as a Plane Caprain on the USS Ronald Reagan. Shipping out in May. Hopefully cone home for ffirst leave in 2 years!

@scottharris5714 Жыл бұрын

The ultimate in teamwork. High risk work yet highly reliable. I cannot get enough of this! Go NAVY!!

@mikebunner3498 2 жыл бұрын

It amazes me how young these people are. American's greatest... So cool.

@dancujo5591 6 жыл бұрын

Forrestal CVA-59 got'em on and off like you change your drawers. From the flight deck down to the pits it was a thing of beauty. Stay safe all of the men and women who are serving our country. We love and thank you all.

@wayneellis1565 5 жыл бұрын

Dan Cujo 74-78 VF-11 Red Rippers.Red Shirt.

@erichubbard7387 5 жыл бұрын

Uss Enterprise 86 to 94 Gear Rat....we hardly ever fouled the deck from a retract....hook runner and deck edge...and handler...key to the speed...we set a record for God awful amt in so many...forgot now but I seen a newer Ricky recruits...they don't check tension while the birds all the way up.....may be why so many accidents lately....

@jasonmaddox8913 5 жыл бұрын

My son will be on the flight deck very soon 😬 I think I’m more nervous than he is

@warrenharms6901 5 жыл бұрын

I flew off the Forrestal in the 60's, 198 traps, about half at night. During that med cruise we lost only one flight deck crew.

@USN308 5 жыл бұрын

@@jasonmaddox8913 No worries, Mr. Maddox, his Shipmates have his back. WE STICK TOGETHER.

@MJLeger-yj1ww 5 жыл бұрын

Yes, flight-deck operations are indeed a beautiful thing to watch -- precise coordination among the pilots and all the deck personnel! But then it can't be any other way or accidents would occur!

@samuelWx 6 жыл бұрын

David, thank you for sharing this. I deployed aboard "Big John" with CVW-3 in HS-7 as a helicopter crew chief/rescue swimmer 1981-1985. The clip shows the VF-11 Red rippers and VF-31 Tomcatters as well as the VA-75 Sunday Punchers. You'll also note one of our H-3 Sea King helo's in the "trash" as the yellow-shirt is explaining the arresting wires. I don't recall a film crew aboard during deployment, however, this appears to be work-ups off the Va-capes probably late 1983 given the beards. USN d/c'd them in 1986 as I recall but squids still had them when I got out in 85. Cheers

@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker 6 жыл бұрын

thank you for your service Samuel. I loved the deployment and the men who servied. David Hoffman - filmmaker

@JonMichael001 6 жыл бұрын

Great to see the Kennedy and those Tomcats. I was a crew member aboard USS Independence (Dec 1972-Aug 1975) and remember the first F-14 taken aboard for tests. At the time our fighters were F-4Js . Kennedy operated with us during the 73-74 Med Cruise.

@THaulk 5 жыл бұрын

I was in VA-35 on the America in '74. I think the Indy relieved the America at Rota, then.

@chesterdeisch3967 5 жыл бұрын

I was on the Indy same time period maybe we worked together? chesterdeisch1@gmail.com

@oswaldocollazo196 5 жыл бұрын

too bad, the kennedy never had a vietnam war deployment.

@michaeldelrossi4487 5 жыл бұрын

I was stationed in the South Pacific (1970) and we had a squadron of 120 F-4C Phantom Jersey...... awesome aircraft to work on as a mechanic! 2018 sorry to see them go, now stationed at Davis Monthan collecting dust!

@factsoverfeelings1776 5 жыл бұрын

I was an Aviation Ordnancemen from 97 to 2017 and the best most memorable deployment for me was on the 2000 cruise on the Stennis where I got to do Cag Arm Dearm with an airwing that had VF-211 Checkmates.

@StanleySchmengie 6 жыл бұрын

If this is a clip from the documentary I think it is, there is a really funny scene when one of the old flight deck crew is going over hand signals with the new guys. He goes through several motions describing their meaning, and then he says "And if you see me do THIS" ....where he covers one fist with the palm of the other hand and rapidly pulls it away...."that means get your head out of your ass, cause you are about to be blown off the deck!" Love those old 80's era documentaries. They were so very well done.

@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you. David Hoffman - filmmaker

@mikebrown1926 6 жыл бұрын

After eight years in the Navy I went into law enforcement, and discovered that people are at their stupidest when an officer is trying to direct traffic at a busy intersection when the lights are out, but they all instantly understood when I gave them that same signal. I got a lot of resentful glares, but it got them moving.

@robertheredia2130 2 жыл бұрын

To have the privilege to work a flight deck now would be an honor, a great honor 👍🛩 go Airedale’s

@davidpierce9949 5 жыл бұрын

God i miss it. Carl Vinson west Pac 96 and nimitz world cruise 97-98. What a great experience.

@factsoverfeelings1776 5 жыл бұрын

Nimitz 97-98 World Cruise was my first deployment. I’d say it was cool but I spent almost the entire deployment TAD to S2 Messdecks. Lol

@factsoverfeelings1776 5 жыл бұрын

I was with HS-8 at the time.

@richardstuckmeyer8070 5 жыл бұрын

Amazing, the aircraft tail's "ship designator" AC was the designator for my ship back in the 1960s, the USS Saratoga (CVA-60). It's cool to see it again.

@ManuelDiaz-on7tg 7 ай бұрын

Same as in 75-79 when I was on the SARATOGA as a flt dk electrician… taking care of the lighting, catapults and arresting gear electrical systems.

@shirolee 4 жыл бұрын

The greatest Navy in the world!

@briangatch1107 6 жыл бұрын

I was on the Kennedy, from 79-83, I worked Flt Dk Ord, Weapons dept

@stevedandy973 6 жыл бұрын

Carrier operations can be described in one word: INTENSE.

@TheDrloboski 6 жыл бұрын

There Not 22 year old kids, There 22 year old men. Kids play games, These are America's finest trained.

@johnbucki6341 6 жыл бұрын

thedrloboski stevens USS Independence CVA 62 med cruise 68

@edlinde4628 6 жыл бұрын

Worked one the flights deck. First time out on the deck at flights ops much first though was holy stuff. Had to had your head on a swivel all of the time.

@JonMichael001 6 жыл бұрын

I was 18! :)

@RErnie-gv1hv 5 жыл бұрын

Don't short-change all the Teens working flight decks and other places also.

@stevenwilliams9720 5 жыл бұрын

to officers and chiefs they were kids, as much as i disagreed . . . my deck time i was 19 and felt like an old man, being a e-5 tractor driver

@maxwellheintz2391 Жыл бұрын

This footage is great !

@jessehorn4709 5 жыл бұрын

I'm a Kennedy Plank Owner and was on cat three for 9 months and then transferred to V-1 Crash and Salvage where I finished my 4 year enlistment. I noticed he said the average age on the flight deck is 22. It was 19 when I was on board. Wonder what the difference is?? Could it be that at the time period I was in (68-71) that more young men were joining because of the draft? I joined when I was 17 and I received my draft notice while in boot camp.I figured if I joined the Navy I would at least have a roof over my head at night, 3 meals a day and not be dodging bullets and bombs. I was assigned to the flight deck where our average day was 18-20 hours and some times longer in all types of weather (coldest was wind chill of -40 and below). I spent many days only getting to eat once, and was dodging missiles and bombs coming off planes while landing.

@oswaldocollazo196 5 жыл бұрын

I ALSO WAS 19 ON THE USS AMERICA CVA-66, VIETNAM WAR DEPLOYMENT.

@JK-lt9ip 4 жыл бұрын

Also on CVA-67 during the years 1968-71. VF-32 flight deck troubleshooter/finial checker on first Med cruise, TDY to ship's IM3 (AIMD) Division on second Med cruise. Watching these videos brings back the smell of JP-4, the sound and body jarring vibrations you are exposed to standing/kneeling next to an F-4 Phantom in afterburner.

@bubbaclinton1105 4 жыл бұрын

I loved working on the roof,= as airframes troubleshooter. We only used 1 back then, now at least 2. It was exhilarating until something went wrong like a A6 dumping fuel into the cat tracks and igniting under the plans fully armed with bombs, then it was a nightmare until the fire was out, once extinguished. Next aircraft... launch, no time for sigh of relief. Usually things went off without a hitch, they trained us well in Memphis and in the squadron.

@stuartdurbin4441 5 жыл бұрын

I really don't need to be told what goes on on a flight deck. My first tour of duty was on the flight deck of the U S S Independence off the coast of Vietnam. Believe me, I definitely know what goes on on the flight deck. That being said, thanks for the memories.

@EagleOneM1953 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your service and dedication. I spent three days on the Forrestal in 1991 somewhere in the Mediterranean as a civilian, taking pictures for a couple of books and was given a tour down below. I gained an enormous respect for all aboard and what they do for 6 months on the water. To survive in such highly dangerous environment is not easy. Also almost lost my head when I didn't stoop low enough in the catwalk and a wing pylon fuel tank of a Viking passed inches over my head. My 'guardian angle' behind me tapped me on my shoulder and showed me by how much between thumb and finger and showed I should hit the deck the next time. Good advice because I was able to get off scot-free on Saturday with over 1000 pictures resulting in 6 books. I'll never forget that trip and the thrill of getting trapped on board and being catapulted off when my visit was over. Night landings in the pitch dark were awesome to watch from the bridge. Not a job for the weak hearted and indecisive. Danger lurks everywhere.

@jimbarton3279 5 жыл бұрын

Have a flashback go to your ships reunions Bart V5 Bonnie Dick

@USN308 5 жыл бұрын

@@EagleOneM1953 Well then, 'fess up the book Titles, man! We'd like to see them!

@evtrandy1 6 жыл бұрын

In '86 VF-14 & VF-32 were on the Kennedy. I was in VMA-533 at that time. Made Med cruises '86 -'87 & '88-'89. Work-ups started in '85 for the '86 cruise and I do not remember any red tailed F-14's on board.

@samuelWx 3 жыл бұрын

This is the work ups off Va Capes for what would be the 1983 Med Cruise.

@craigshirley7098 6 жыл бұрын

I was stationed on the Kennedy 1980-81 and worked in the radio shack, right under the flight deck.

@oriolesfan61 3 жыл бұрын

A ballet where the dancers can die at any moment

@machinistmikethetinkerer4827 2 жыл бұрын

Will never forget my time on the Ranger.

@dave_yeg8596 4 жыл бұрын

Are these guys getting younger or am I getting older, damn impressive watching this.

@vandalynwilkerson3498 2 жыл бұрын

I KNOW THEY LOOK LIKE HIGH SCHOOLERS.

@jhollie8196 Жыл бұрын

Enjoyed my time on a carrier. USS Coral Sea, CV-43 from 77-80 as part of the Marine Detachment.

@patsmith8523 6 жыл бұрын

Been there. Seen that. Brings back memories.

@bejobintangtoedjoeh5616 3 жыл бұрын

Memory of the F-14 Tomcat 😥

@davidmartin8404 4 жыл бұрын

My dad worked on F18s and saw F14s he said he was supposed to be in the Air Force but getting to see the tomcats and hornets just made him like top gun more

@midninteranger4315 6 жыл бұрын

Our military is the best in the world and every American should praise all of them for every one is our sons🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

@christophercardono6274 5 жыл бұрын

midninte ranger and daughters too.

@memovelazquez2278 5 жыл бұрын

I love the F-14 TOMCAT...POWERFUL FIGHTER JET....THE BEST...FOREVER...MR TOMCAT...F-14

@michaelohrling3794 9 ай бұрын

I worked on this with you David. Brings back great memories of you and Francis Kenny (DP). Gosh so long ago but still vivid in memory.

@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker 9 ай бұрын

Nice to connect again Michael. Francis and I remain friendly. He sure went far in his career did he not? David Hoffman filmmaker

@michaelohrling3794 9 ай бұрын

Yes. Splendid. He owes it all to you! Ha! Are you still in Portland? All my best.@@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker

@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker 9 ай бұрын

Michael. I've lived in California for the last 30 years and in Santa Cruz for the last 24. Love it here. He does credit me for plenty but he had the drive to go to Hollywood. Not me. David Hoffman filmmaker

@oswaldocollazo196 5 жыл бұрын

i was stationed on the USS AMERICA CVA-66,and being on any aircraft carrier is a very dangerous to be on one. the AMERICA served 3 tours of duty in the south china sea, in the tonkin gulf. i'm a brave member of the gulf of tonkin yacht club.

@oswaldocollazo196 5 жыл бұрын

thank you ! AMERICA OFF THE COAST OF NORTH VIETNAM, CODE NAME YANKEESTATION, OFF THE COAST OF SOUTH VIETNAM CODE NAME DIXIESTATION !

@USN308 5 жыл бұрын

USS Oriskany here, '73,4,5, Yankee & Dixie Stations.

@EnhanceRaptor 6 жыл бұрын

I love the Hornet and Super Hornet, but no Navy plane past or present is or was as sexy as the Tomcat.

@JonMichael001 6 жыл бұрын

The Phantoms were pretty awesome too and still flies in 4 countries.

@EnhanceRaptor 6 жыл бұрын

More than 4, Chief. Iran, Egypt, Greece, Turkey, South Korea and Japan still have one version of the Phantom or another. The Japanese anime series "GATE" really hits the spot if you ever wanted to see a pair of F-4s and AH-1s take on Dragons.

@JonMichael001 6 жыл бұрын

You could be right about Turkey and Egypt still flying Phantoms. I know Turkey experienced a few accidents of late and I thought that I understood them to have ended their service. So, a few other countries still find them 'sexy' too. :)

@EnhanceRaptor 6 жыл бұрын

According to The National interest (I know, it's a real dodgey website so take it with a grain of salt) modern F-4's are competitive against F-15s and have even shot down Su-27s in training exercises.

@adorabledeplorable5105 5 жыл бұрын

EnhanceRaptor I was on the Midway for two years in V-2 division . I always loved the F-4 , but when I transferred to the Constellation it was in Bellingham Wa going threw an overhaul . They had to change the JBD ‘s to accommodate the F-14’s . When we went to sea trials I was blown away at the superiority of the bird . I worked arresting gear . And believe me in was like hobbling a T Rex .

@mammeogirl 4 жыл бұрын

As far as I can tell that would be 83-84, Air Boss was Capt. Boston and the CAG was Capt. Mazak and they are both in that video.

@samuelWx 3 жыл бұрын

Exactly, that was the 1983 Med Cruise. 10/23/83, never forget! The beginning of the "war on terror".

@williamvaine8713 5 жыл бұрын

I was there that day,,, on deck---- VAW-126.

@FlightDeckLife 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome video!

@dickfitswell3437 5 жыл бұрын

I spent 11 months on a LHD. Baby Carrier for Helo/Harrier Jump Jets and I got the hookup and got flightdeck qualled as a Marine and got to watch flightdeck ops. Life on a LHD or Carrier sucked at the time but looking back now...sure was fun

@darrellsomers5427 2 жыл бұрын

Navel aviators are the best in the world

@john-paulnagel2732 5 жыл бұрын

America’s Veterans! The Best of the Best!!!

@hragster1 5 жыл бұрын

I used to LOVE being on that FLIGHT DECK(GO NAVY)

@hragster1 5 жыл бұрын

I was on the AMERICA (1980)AND THE CARL VINSON(81-82)I was a GRAPE

@maidinulster 2 жыл бұрын

An extremely fine turned machine

@DUFFY_33 5 жыл бұрын

Tomcat ? The Final Countdown is its best advocate show

@jamesshaffer7891 6 жыл бұрын

f8-e crusader was the sexy navy fighter of all time

@lonnaconner4082 5 жыл бұрын

SS Hancock 71-72 Gulf of Tonkin

@frankc.5430 5 жыл бұрын

@@lonnaconner4082 Mighty Hannah VA-163 68-69 WestPac (AE2)

@USN308 5 жыл бұрын

@@lonnaconner4082 USS Oriskany CVA 34 '73,4,5. Don't you mean the "USS Handjob"?

@allgood6760 3 жыл бұрын

Cool vid!.. Thanks👍🇳🇿

@jakeskully5637 6 жыл бұрын

The F-14 was....still is....the most sexy Navy fighter of all time....

@josephpreissler6855 6 жыл бұрын

Ruhr Pott yes sir

@cadser0engco 6 жыл бұрын

Phantom takes some beating for looks mate

@rearspeaker6364 5 жыл бұрын

it very hard to replace perfection!!

@michaelmixon2479 5 жыл бұрын

Absolutely! Wish they had kept it in service with continued upgrades!

@xfliegerkorps8676 5 жыл бұрын

Indeed. The phasing out of the F-14 (as well as the S-3) has cost the US Navy critical capabilities which will come back to haunt it, in the wars soon to come...

@fourthchute 2 жыл бұрын

great vid !

@tansionghuat3528 4 жыл бұрын

Nice to see F-14 Tom Cat again.

@bubbaclinton1105 5 жыл бұрын

I'll never forget working on the roof of SaraMaru! In short... exhilarating!

@JoaoPaulo-bt3um 3 жыл бұрын

Everything beautiful...WoW!!!...A nice lifestyle 👍...

@kimfay7937 6 жыл бұрын

Ahh Brings back fond memories

@susanbourgeois523 Жыл бұрын

I got to do that on land only. Loved it.

@ronaldreed7698 6 жыл бұрын

I love those old tom cats

@faronl33 2 жыл бұрын

I made 2 cruises on the JFK 1979-1982 with VAQ-138 I loved working on the flight deck as a trouble shooter

@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker 2 жыл бұрын

That flight deck at that time was one of the most amazing experiences I have had in my life. David Hoffman filmmaker

@billgraves4346 5 жыл бұрын

Oh yea.. Flight deck duty green shirt USS America. Catapult crew member first Vietnam cruise. Grew up quick.. Lots of close calls but came home in one piece... My hearing is shot but not just because of the flight deck. More likely because my wife yells at me all the time

@ElkridgeRanch696 5 жыл бұрын

Bill Graves USS America 1975-77. Grew up on the deck also!

@ElkridgeRanch696 5 жыл бұрын

Bill, I did that time frame with VF-143 Pukin’ Dogs! Did the Rio cruise!!

@lorenzomaximo1818 5 жыл бұрын

I concur Flight Deck duty is extremely hazardous. Had many close calls myself aboard USS Oriskany during Vietnam War with VA 155. Plane captain and Ordnance Handler.

@USN308 5 жыл бұрын

@@lorenzomaximo1818 "O Boat!" Ship's Company, fresh air snipe/IC man '73,4,5. Did you see the way that Squadron Commander got a free-spool on Port cable end, hit the afterburner, stood that F8 Crusader on her tail, walked her over to Port side, ripped out the ILS lights & catwalk handrail with the tail hook,got it away from the ship over the water, & when she pitches nose down ejects. Angel 004 fished him outta the drink & when he stepped out onto the Flight Deck that man got a standing ovation. Now THAT is a PILOT!

@lorenzomaximo1818 5 жыл бұрын

@@USN308 Can't say I remember that one but I remember a lot of bad traps and Cat shots. I think it was early 74 during our last ops an RF 8 hit the fan tail broken half pilot ejected going off the number 2 elevator ejected and almost landed on a flight deck. But the angels fished him out of the drink and it was okay. That RF8 was the one that John Glenn set a speed record in was going to go into the Aero Space Museum Washington but it's gone forever now. Bad cat shot November 71. XO of VA 153 killed. Ejected going off the bow and his parachute shroud lines got caught on the front of the ship he drowned.

@MrSpeartip12 2 жыл бұрын

Worked the flight deck as an AE troubleshooter and final checker on 3 different carriers.

@dianegonzalez4748 4 жыл бұрын

A ballet for sure such precision 🇺🇸hi dave

@chrismaggio7879 3 жыл бұрын

Miss this. ABE... Plank owner CVN72, time on IKE and AMERICA as well.

@knightlife98 4 жыл бұрын

Aircraft Carriers and F-14 Tomcats!? How did we get so lucky?!

@sonnym.5326 4 жыл бұрын

The first plane I ever hooked up to the cat was an F-14 Tomcat. I just turned 19 years old. Mighty Ike (CVN-69) V2 BOW CAT 1 and 2. 1993 to 1997.

@robertbrink2240 2 жыл бұрын

The planes might have changed, but not the professionalism. Oriskany 1970 ,Ranger 72-73. I always loved the excitement of flight ops.

@jamesunger6892 6 жыл бұрын

F-14 paintjobs are indicative of very early 1980s or very late 1970s, probably after VF-14's & VF-32's left.

@davidcollison8973 5 жыл бұрын

James Unger vf31 and VF11. This was on the 1983/1984 med cruise

@lorenzomaximo1818 5 жыл бұрын

F-14 Tomcats we're just transitioning into the US Navy in mid-to-late 1974.

@USN308 5 жыл бұрын

We didn't have the cat pressure to launch Tomcats on CVA 34 USS Oriskany, but that's the sexiest damn fighter ever. Period.

@lorenzomaximo1818 5 жыл бұрын

Plus I don't think we had the space for F-14 Tomcats on the Oriskany she was a small carrier.

@user-tr3kf9hs6g 5 жыл бұрын

GREAT STUFF! 6/1/19

@Yonatan_Max 5 жыл бұрын

Coolest jobs.

@ZAPPAFREAK59 5 жыл бұрын

22? I was a 18 year old fly one blueshirt on CV-41 way back in 77

@USN308 5 жыл бұрын

CVA 34 here Shipmate, '73,4,5.

@jessicaeernisse958 5 жыл бұрын

God bless y'all! We appreciate your services in Mount Vernon Georgia!

@DKT1970 6 жыл бұрын

fantastic clip, thanks

@johnpeterson4213 4 жыл бұрын

Regarding average age, yup, I was 21& 22 when I served on the U.S.S. Enterprise from July 1976 to July 1978! One of the Greatest experiences of my life! Crash & Salvage, red shirt drove fire trucks, before that, yellow shirt plane director, before that, blue shirt who ran chocks & chains, very physical job. This was my second enlistment. My first enlistment started at 17 years of age, in August 1972. Was a Crashcrewman at N.A.S. Moffet Field in California, and then at N.A.S. Agana, Guam, February 1974 to August 27, 1975.

@strikeryachts 5 жыл бұрын

Its called a FM setup I just remembered after 40 years of being aboard her !

@iroezekiela7295 5 жыл бұрын

What a Beast

@Gyphon 5 жыл бұрын

JFK...AE worked in Buddy Stores... 92-93 Med Cruise

@allanr6132 5 жыл бұрын

Dang, look at all the black exhaust smoke belching out of those Tomcat's as they approach the carrier.

@JK-lt9ip 3 жыл бұрын

1968-71 on JFK with VF-32. Worked AT shop, flight deck troubleshooter/final checker 1st cruise. AIMD 2nd cruise.

@hardebil 6 жыл бұрын

I spent 3 years on CVN 70 , I notice this is an old Film, since they still had beards like me !

@erniemontanez1157 6 жыл бұрын

I'm a plankowner of the Carl Vinson, fly 1 yellow shirt. Damn, I miss those days!

@hardebil 5 жыл бұрын

I a Plank owner also, 80 -83 ……. R division,

@erniemontanez1157 5 жыл бұрын

@@hardebil well hello shipmate! I had a hell of a good time on 83 world cruise!

@Xman8184 5 жыл бұрын

VF-111 CAG-15 . (84-90)

@USNveteran 2 жыл бұрын

The only thing more impressive than flight ops on the ship is night flight ops on the ship. Thanks to all now serving, those who have, and those who will in the future. FLY NAVY!!!