Life on the Flight Deck

[tomcatfan]

saw this video while procrastinating my paper, thought it was funny
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=34207777

 

[East]

White shirts

Having no deck experience at all, I am wondering what these guys are doing up there? I know the shooter (yellow) but these guys (white) I can't place. Perhaps safety guys?


Pls fill me in.

 

[OldNavy]

http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/ships/carriers/rainbow.html

 

[HeyJoe]

Having no deck experience at all, I am wondering what these guys are doing up there? I know the shooter (yellow) but these guys (white) I can't place. Perhaps safety guys?


Pls fill me in.

White is used for several specialities, but in this case, they are Line Division Troubleshooters assigned to even more specific task of Final Checkers. Troubleshooters wear white with a checkerboard design on their helmet and jersey. They are the most experienced and savvy maintainers assigned to Line Division, which also includes the Plane Captains who wear brownshirts and are relatively less experienced. When performing role of Final Checker, they are positioned to watch certain parts of the launching aircraft and give thumbs up before it is launched. As you can see, it is a harsh environment in which to work especially with a slick deck.

070723-N-8119R-149 PERSIAN GULF (July 23, 2007) - Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class Joshua Watts, assigned to the “Black Aces” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, acts as final checker for an F/A-18F Super Hornet before it launches from nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz Strike Group and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 are deployed in the 5th Fleet area of operations conducting maritime operations and supporting the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gretchen M. Roth (RELEASED)

 

[HeyJoe]

Final Checkers during Prowler launch. This image shows their relative positioning.

070917-N-8923M-081 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 17, 2007) - Final checkers give the thumbs up prior to launching an EA-6B Prowler, assigned to the "Zappers" of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 130, from aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Kevin T. Murray Jr. (Released)

 

[East]

Thanx

Thanx for the info Markdido & HJ, highly appreciated!

 

[HeyJoe]

Here's training on the job underway

070328-N-5345W-134 ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 28, 2007) - Final checkers, assigned to the "Swordsmen" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32, give the clear to launch signal as a Super Hornet prepares to launch during flight operations on board Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman is underway conducting Tailored Ship's Training Availability, a standard used to evaluate a ship's readiness for deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kristopher Wilson (RELEASED)

030629-N-9319H-002 Arabian Gulf (June 28, 2003) – Final Checkers assigned to the “Black Aces” of Strike Fighter Squadron Four One (VFA-41), jump to check the upper-surface of a wing as an F/A-18F Super Hornet readies for launch aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) and embarked Carrier Air Wing Eleven (CVW-11) are deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). OIF is the multi-national coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. U.S. Navy photo by Airman Angel G. Hilbrands (RELEASED)

041015-N-6213R-008 Western Pacific Ocean (Oct. 15, 2004) - A final checker jumps skyward to inspect the aileron of an F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the "Fist of the Fleet" of Strike Fighter Squadron Two Five (VFA-25) on the flight deck aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) during morning flight operations. Stennis and embarked Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) are on a scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Mark J. Rebilas (RELEASED)

030807-N-6213R-456 Pacific Ocean (Aug. 7, 2003) -- Final checkers from the "Diamondbacks" of Strike Fighter Squadron One Zero Two (VFA-102) leap in the air to inspect the aileron of an F/A-18F Super Hornet prior to launching from the flight deck of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Stennis is at sea conducting training exercises in the Southern California operating area. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Mark J. Rebilas. (RELEASED)

030803-N-6213R-092 Pacific Ocean (Aug. 3, 2003) -- A final checker assigned to the "Black Eagles" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron One Thirteen (VAW-113) gives the thumbs up prior to the aircraft launching from the flight deck aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Stennis is conducting carrier qualifications in the Southern California operating area in preparation for a scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Mark J. Rebilas. (RELEASED)

030302-N-7265L-010 Pacific Ocean (Mar. 2, 2003) -- A flight deck Shooter and an aircraft final checker prepare for another aircraft for launch, immediately following the catapult launch of an F/A-18C Hornet strike fighter from one of four steam driven catapults aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and her embarked Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9) are on deployment in the support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Inez Lawson. (RELEASED)

 

[East]

Thanx again HJ

Thanx for taking so much time (and find those pictures) to answer my question.

 

[A4sForever]

Here's training on the job underway .... then follows GREAT pictures ....

Good pix, Joe. In spite of the strange looking aircraft. Spaceships ... Star Wars, perhaps ???

I always LOVED to watch the "ballet" of the flight deck. The skill, courage, timing, noise, wind, hustle & bustle ... the pure athleticism of all the participants --- there's nothing in the world that compares with it !!!

Care to dance ??? It's certainly got it over the Bolshoi any day of the week.

And sometimes, you just gotta cool 'em down ... w/ a typhoon.

 

[HeyJoe]

Those guys are my heroes. Toiling night and day in all sorts of weather and harsh conditions so we could go fly. God bless 'em all!

As far as motivation, I just ran into my favorite Troubleshooter from first cruise in early 80s at Oceana. He's now a LCDR LDO and one of legendary maintainers in community helping the Master Race learn to do things the Tomcat way!

 

[Tyler]

Thanx for the info ... & HJ, highly appreciated!

Who's giving out HJ's?!:icon_tong

...but really. Thanks for those posts. Nice pics.

 

[Schnugg]

Although they make the same moves as if they're being blown about by a huge cold wind...remember they're actually being blown about my extremely hot jet exhaust.

I've been up there and been blasted manning up, it's not fun...but of course I really tip my hat to these junior sailors, they work there 12 hours a day, I just pass through.

 

[phrogpilot73]

Do they always get blown down the deck like that?!? Or was he just in the wrong place, or not prepared for the blast?!?

The pics & video reminded me of the Peace Corps recruiting slogan - "The toughest job you'll ever love."

 

[HeyJoe]

Unsung heroes

I really tip my hat to these junior sailors, they work there 12 hours a day, I just pass through.

I really don't know how they do it. The work is hard and dangerous. Starting out as a 19 year old Plane Captain in the "Land of the Quick and the Dead" is quite daunting. hauling chains in all sorts of conditions as they follow their jet around the obstacle course of a flight deck is a wonder to watch.

070728-N-8923M-082 ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 28, 2007) - A plane captain assigned to the "Gunslingers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105, carries chocks and chains while waiting for aircraft to land during flight operations aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman is underway in the Atlantic Ocean participating in Operation Bold Step where more than 15,000 service members from three countries will participate in the Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFX) in preparation for deployment to the Persian Gulf. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Kevin T. Murray Jr. (RELEASED)

080414-N-7981E-067 Pacific Ocean (April 14, 2008) A plane captain assigned to the "Kestrels" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 goes through pre-flight checks with the pilot of an F/A-18E Super Hornet aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9 are on a scheduled seven-month deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans (Released)

080404-N-2838C-010 ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 4, 2008) Plane captains prepare F/A-18 Super Hornet strike fighter aircraft for the first launch of the day aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Roosevelt is conducting tailored ship's training availability and final evaluation problem. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Cole (Released)

080401-N-2838C-023 ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 1, 2008) A plane captain assigned to the "Rawhides" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 ties down a C-2A on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during a tailored ship's training availability and final evaluation problem. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Cole (Released)

070321-N-2984R-003 ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 21, 2007) – Plane Captain Airman Tramaine Johnson, assigned to the "Seahawks" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126 watch with other plane captains as an E-2C Hawkeye taxis towards them after landing on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman is underway conducting Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ricardo J. Reyes (RELEASED)

070317-N-3659B-401 PACIFIC OCEAN (March 17, 2007) - A plane captain, assigned to the "Black Eagles" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, raises his head out of an emergency escape hatch after brake riding an E-2C Hawkeye while moving it into position on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Plane captains are responsible for the pre-flight and post-flight inspections and procedures performed on U.S. Navy fixed wing aircraft. Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 are underway in support of operations in the western Pacific. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joseph M. Buliavac (RELEASED)

061116-N-5961C-004 Pacific Ocean (Nov. 16, 2006) - Airman Jillian Williamson is plane captain for F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron One One Five (VFA-115). VFA-115 is attached to the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Reagan is currently underway conducting routine carrier operations in the southern California operating area. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Spike Call (RELEASED)

060911-N-0108R-003 Atlantic Ocean (Sept. 11, 2006) - Plane captains assigned to the "Greyhawks" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron One Two Zero (VAW-120), carry tiedown chains while awaiting the launch of a C-2A Greyhound aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Eisenhower is currently underway conducting carrier qualifications. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathon Rownd (RELEASED)

 

[bb1125]

Do they always get blown down the deck like that?!? Or was he just in the wrong place, or not prepared for the blast?!?

The pics & video reminded me of the Peace Corps recruiting slogan - "The toughest job you'll ever love."

I've never personally seen anyone get taken across the deck that far. A little slide hear and there, but not that bad. I'm thinking he was probably just in a bad spot on a wet, slick deck. I was a helo maintainer and I always grabbed a padeye during launch/recovery to keep from getting taken down by the rotor wash.

That video is from the Shitty Kitty, my old boat, and I swear that deck didn't even have non skid. After a week or two underway it would get pretty bad, but I'm sure all the boats are like that.