Sorry for the delay in replying - the last few days have been a bit hectic.
Originally Posted by KenV
The above account seems to confirm the wisdom of requiring only Naval Aviators to captain aircraft carriers in the USN. In the "black shoe" world vs "brown shoe" world of a USN aircraft carrier (black shoe are ship's company officers, brown shoe are carrier airwing officers) the captain of a USN aircraft carrier ALWAYS wears wings of gold and brown shoes. This ensures that the airboss has the influence and clout he needs to get the aviation job done.
Is the Captain's background really a factor, or the fact that the USN takes it very seriously, with carrier qualification, work ups, constant training, and integration of ship and air wing? Practice make perfect!
I am pretty certain that aboard a (RN) carrier/LPH it is FLYCO that gives 'Yes' or 'No' to both launch or take off - either the Cdr (Air) or the Lt Cdr (Flying), both of whom are aviators. So they (or the LSO) will request a flying course/speed from the OOW - who also has to maintain situational awareness of things such as other aircraft, navigational hazards, or ship defects.
Originally Posted by MSOCS
That wisdom resonates with me also. It is archaic, dis-Joint and frankly ridiculous to view the aircraft onboard as purely weapon systems of the ship, to be used solely at the behest and whim of the Captain and his team. The Captain is the head of the ship (or MTG if roled as Cdre) and responsible for the 600+ souls on board; he directs and empowers his people to carry out their duties. Such duties are ensuring flying operations can be conducted safely. Without those on duty, not a wheel would turn. The same could be argued for an airfield, quite easily. The difference is the environment - at sea everything is trying to kill you as an aviator, and when you least expect it, but I know you know this only too well (this is to try and help those that don't!)
What is wrong with seeing the aircraft as the ship's weapons (and sensors)? Why does this imply they are solely to be used at the Captain's behest? A Minehunter's weapons are her sonar, mine disposal system, and divers. Would you say they are for her Captain's whim? Of course not, all the ships in the task group are there to perform a role as part of a task group/joint force.
The reason referring to a carrier as a 'floating airfield' alarms me is that it misses the point - a carrier is completely different with both advantages and complexities.