Career Path To CO of a CVN
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Career Path To CO of a CVN
I found this very interesting - hugely competitive - all have to have been naval aviators, commanded a sqn, completed Nuclear Power School, complete a tour as XO on a CVN, be selected to command a deep draught ship (eg replenishment at sea vessel), then be selected to be the CO of a CVN which then can be on deployment, on initial build, or on $2 Billion 25-year mid-life reactor replacement / refit.
There have only been less than half as many COs of CVNs (200+) as there have been astronauts (500+).
There have only been less than half as many COs of CVNs (200+) as there have been astronauts (500+).
Hope they check the geopolitical situation before they sail. On the other hand is probable that the PLA (N) aren't set up to intercept a large flight of Ford F-150's...........
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Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Catapult Demonstration [there was a video of an old sedan being launched from a steam catapult from an old USN aircraft carrier but it can't be found so this'll have to do for now]
Last edited by SpazSinbad; 19th Jan 2022 at 09:58. Reason: txt
If only they'd had a QE type front end - they'd have doubled the range
Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Catapult Demonstration [there was a video of an old sedan being launched from a steam catapult from an old USN aircraft carriers
Nice video, Spaz.
It reminded me of something I've wondered about. When the "shooter" raises his hand from the deck to signal the launch, is there a signal that he can use to stop things at that point or is it too late?
PS I've just found this page with a lot of information about Flight Deck hand signals, but it doesn't answer my question:
https://sofrep.com/fightersweep/ask-...e-flight-deck/
It includes a nice video of "A lap around the boat" in a Goshawk.
It reminded me of something I've wondered about. When the "shooter" raises his hand from the deck to signal the launch, is there a signal that he can use to stop things at that point or is it too late?
PS I've just found this page with a lot of information about Flight Deck hand signals, but it doesn't answer my question:
https://sofrep.com/fightersweep/ask-...e-flight-deck/
It includes a nice video of "A lap around the boat" in a Goshawk.
Last edited by India Four Two; 21st Jan 2022 at 04:21.
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I would have to check however in those few seconds there is only the time it takes for the catapult firer (usually in a howdah but in a CVN may be on deck behind a hatch) to press the button. I think (as I said I'll have to check) the 'SHOOTER' would scream on the radio 'SUSPEND' many times and cross his arms above his head. He can see when nothing happens (as he is doing this the catapult may fire because the button was rightly pressed). The aircraft will remain at full power with the pilot ready to go while the CATO walk in front over the catapult track facing the aircraft. By now of course he will have been assured that the launch has been suspended. Then he will signal 'power down' to the pilot then the cat crew will unhook and the aircraft will taxi forward and back behind the JBDs or whatever. I'll need to check precise details (it has been almost 50 years since I was last reamed steamed and dry cleaned, sucking back in the holdback onboard HMAS Melbourne getting skidmarks on me derpants. 
Last edited by SpazSinbad; 21st Jan 2022 at 04:58. Reason: spelin
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CVN FLIGHT/HANGAR DECK NATOPS MANUAL 2008
CHAPTER 4 Catapult Launching Procedures [physical page number 69 onwards]
https://info.publicintelligence.net/...FlightDeck.pdf (2Mb)
...3. Personnel having reason to suspect the safe operational/material readiness condition of the launch equipment, deck gear accessories, the aircraft, or the aircraft hook-up shall immediately cause the launch to be suspended by either suspending the catapult themselves, or by informing the catapult officer or other personnel capable of suspending the catapult....
...5. During launching operations, the voice communication system shall be used only for essential communications, to ensure that signals between operators are not misunderstood....
...9. When the catapult is in use, no one shall go in front of the shuttle or forward of an aircraft that is ready to be launched. No one except authorized operating personnel shall be permitted in catwalks or on the flight deck forward of the catapult battery position....
...a measure of the safety involved in launches made above minimum conditions can be effected. To ensure additional safety, operations should be conducted above the minimum conditions. Ten to 15 knots in excess of minimum take-off airspeed is optimum for bow-launched aircraft. Fifteen knots is recommended for waist aircraft....
...4. 0-15 Aircraft Launching Bulletin. This bulletin provides crosswind limitations for both catapult and deck launches for each aircraft. Additional crosswind information includes trim settings, excess end speed requirements, and a discussion of off-center spotting....
...4.5.3 Launch...
...5. Once the Catapult Officer has control of the aircraft, he shall give the FINAL TURNUP signal.
6. The pilot, upon seeing the FINAL TURNUP signal, shall apply full military power as prescribed in the applicable NATOPS flight manual. Pilots shall keep their feet off the brakes.
WARNING
In the event of a suspend, the Catapult Officer shall not signal the pilot to
throttle back until he has positively determined that the catapult shuttle is
forward of the launch bar. If the launch bar cannot be raised without sending
personnel under the turned-up aircraft, an emergency condition exists. The
Catapult Officer shall positively determine that the catapult is in a SAFE
condition, then give pilot the THROTTLE BACK signal to permit safe
removal of the aircraft....
...15. With the aircraft at take-off power, the pilot shall make his final checks. If everything is satisfactory, he shall position his head against the seat headrest and shall indicate he is ready by turning his head slightly toward the Catapult Officer and by executing a right- or left-hand salute.
a. If, for any reason, the pilot desires to abort the launch, he shall so indicate by transmitting “SUSPEND, SUSPEND CATAPULT NO. ____,” and by shaking his head negatively (day) and not turning on the navigation lights (night).
b. In such cases the Catapult Officer shall SUSPEND
WARNING
Once the aircraft is tensioned on the catapult and turned up to take-off
power, the pilot shall not adjust his visor nor make any other movement that
might be mistaken for a salute until he is ready to be launched.
The Air Officer shall not rely on changing rotating beacons from GREEN
to RED to suspend the launch, but shall activate the SUSPEND pushbutton....
...17. When the Catapult Officer determines the catapult, aircraft, and pilot are ready in every respect, he shall give the signal to FIRE the catapult by sweeping his raised hand down in the direction of the launch, touching the deck, and returning his hand to the horizontal position in the direction of launch.
WARNING
The Catapult Officer and all personnel in the vicinity of the launching
aircraft shall remain clear or in the crouched position and laterally clear
until the signaled aircraft has passed their position or until the Catapult
Officer has executed a SUSPEND/HANGFIRE and the catapult is safe.
All personnel except centerdeck operator in the vicinity of launching
aircraft shall remain in a position prohibiting the aircraft wing from passing
over them during an aircraft launch....
...19. If any deficiency in aircraft hook-up is noted by the Deckedge Operator or if the deck and catwalk forward areas are not clear, he shall not FIRE but SUSPEND and notify the Catapult Officer of the deficiency.
a. Anytime the Deckedge Operator suspends, he shall signal SUSPEND by crossing arms (day) or holding red wand vertical overhead (night), to the Catapult Officer.
WARNING
The Catapult Officer, after touching the deck, shall monitor the pilot for any
signs of a SUSPEND. At night, he shall monitor the navigation lights
ensuring they remain on...."
CHAPTER 4 Catapult Launching Procedures [physical page number 69 onwards]
https://info.publicintelligence.net/...FlightDeck.pdf (2Mb)
...3. Personnel having reason to suspect the safe operational/material readiness condition of the launch equipment, deck gear accessories, the aircraft, or the aircraft hook-up shall immediately cause the launch to be suspended by either suspending the catapult themselves, or by informing the catapult officer or other personnel capable of suspending the catapult....
...5. During launching operations, the voice communication system shall be used only for essential communications, to ensure that signals between operators are not misunderstood....
...9. When the catapult is in use, no one shall go in front of the shuttle or forward of an aircraft that is ready to be launched. No one except authorized operating personnel shall be permitted in catwalks or on the flight deck forward of the catapult battery position....
...a measure of the safety involved in launches made above minimum conditions can be effected. To ensure additional safety, operations should be conducted above the minimum conditions. Ten to 15 knots in excess of minimum take-off airspeed is optimum for bow-launched aircraft. Fifteen knots is recommended for waist aircraft....
...4. 0-15 Aircraft Launching Bulletin. This bulletin provides crosswind limitations for both catapult and deck launches for each aircraft. Additional crosswind information includes trim settings, excess end speed requirements, and a discussion of off-center spotting....
...4.5.3 Launch...
...5. Once the Catapult Officer has control of the aircraft, he shall give the FINAL TURNUP signal.
6. The pilot, upon seeing the FINAL TURNUP signal, shall apply full military power as prescribed in the applicable NATOPS flight manual. Pilots shall keep their feet off the brakes.
WARNING
In the event of a suspend, the Catapult Officer shall not signal the pilot to
throttle back until he has positively determined that the catapult shuttle is
forward of the launch bar. If the launch bar cannot be raised without sending
personnel under the turned-up aircraft, an emergency condition exists. The
Catapult Officer shall positively determine that the catapult is in a SAFE
condition, then give pilot the THROTTLE BACK signal to permit safe
removal of the aircraft....
...15. With the aircraft at take-off power, the pilot shall make his final checks. If everything is satisfactory, he shall position his head against the seat headrest and shall indicate he is ready by turning his head slightly toward the Catapult Officer and by executing a right- or left-hand salute.
a. If, for any reason, the pilot desires to abort the launch, he shall so indicate by transmitting “SUSPEND, SUSPEND CATAPULT NO. ____,” and by shaking his head negatively (day) and not turning on the navigation lights (night).
b. In such cases the Catapult Officer shall SUSPEND
WARNING
Once the aircraft is tensioned on the catapult and turned up to take-off
power, the pilot shall not adjust his visor nor make any other movement that
might be mistaken for a salute until he is ready to be launched.
The Air Officer shall not rely on changing rotating beacons from GREEN
to RED to suspend the launch, but shall activate the SUSPEND pushbutton....
...17. When the Catapult Officer determines the catapult, aircraft, and pilot are ready in every respect, he shall give the signal to FIRE the catapult by sweeping his raised hand down in the direction of the launch, touching the deck, and returning his hand to the horizontal position in the direction of launch.
WARNING
The Catapult Officer and all personnel in the vicinity of the launching
aircraft shall remain clear or in the crouched position and laterally clear
until the signaled aircraft has passed their position or until the Catapult
Officer has executed a SUSPEND/HANGFIRE and the catapult is safe.
All personnel except centerdeck operator in the vicinity of launching
aircraft shall remain in a position prohibiting the aircraft wing from passing
over them during an aircraft launch....
...19. If any deficiency in aircraft hook-up is noted by the Deckedge Operator or if the deck and catwalk forward areas are not clear, he shall not FIRE but SUSPEND and notify the Catapult Officer of the deficiency.
a. Anytime the Deckedge Operator suspends, he shall signal SUSPEND by crossing arms (day) or holding red wand vertical overhead (night), to the Catapult Officer.
WARNING
The Catapult Officer, after touching the deck, shall monitor the pilot for any
signs of a SUSPEND. At night, he shall monitor the navigation lights
ensuring they remain on...."
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I still have the 'crossed arms' for suspend signal in me brain but gubbered if it can be found - here is another looksee: Working on the Flight Deck https://www.navysite.de/cvn/catcom.htm
Why Navy 'Shooters' Launch Their Boots Off of Flight Decks
https://www.military.com/military-life/why-navy-shooters-launch-their-boots-off-of-flight-decks.html
Den dere is dis: https://www.scribd.com/document/17188460/00-80T-113
AIRCRAFT SIGNALS NATOPS MANUAL NAVAIR 00-80T-113 [2001]
Why Navy 'Shooters' Launch Their Boots Off of Flight Decks
https://www.military.com/military-life/why-navy-shooters-launch-their-boots-off-of-flight-decks.html
Den dere is dis: https://www.scribd.com/document/17188460/00-80T-113
AIRCRAFT SIGNALS NATOPS MANUAL NAVAIR 00-80T-113 [2001]
Last edited by SpazSinbad; 21st Jan 2022 at 06:09. Reason: add earl
Thanks Spaz. Good stuff.
It’s clear that that the procedures are designed to make sure that the pilot does not throttle back until the cat is confirmed to be safe.
It’s clear that that the procedures are designed to make sure that the pilot does not throttle back until the cat is confirmed to be safe.
