You are assuming that aircraft always launch from the pointy end (Its called the Bow) but you may be surprised to learn that in general aircraft like to launch into wind. Now the clever thing with a ship is that it can move its bow so that it is pointing into wind. However, on occasions it may not be possible to move the bow and so the other clever thing is that aircraft can launch the other way...towards the Blunt end (Its called the stern).
Never assume anything other than an NBCD state
Anyway, what ever this aircraft is, did it carry any missiles..?