My Visit to an Active Aircraft Carrier. With Narration.

Growing up in a small S.C.town, I joined the NAVY in 70 and served in a Recon Squadron out of N.A.S.KEY WEST. We served on board U.S.S. ENTERPRISE, U.S.S.RANGER, and the U.S.S. CONSTELLATION. all 9 month tours in the West Pac Vietnam. I ended up with 3 years 2 months and 12 days at sea. The NAVY Aircraft Carriers are the total package when it comes to complete living on board. Had to get used to my top bunk was midship right under #3 arresting cable. So I was able to place my hand up above my head on the flight deck steel, and feel the tail hook slam the deck and hear the deafening pull of the cable being stretched to the max and the jet engines powering down. When we were "On the Line" in the Gulf of Tonkin, we flew 24/7 sorties. RVAH-5 ROCKS!!!

If they don't make you feel better then I don't know what will , .... these people are true HEROS

i spent 4 years in, two and a half med cruises, almost 19 months total of training, then went to my assigned squadron, vf-11 aboard the uss forrestal cva59. we were flying at that time f4-b phantoms.

My last cruise was as a First Class Petty Officer assigned to HS-10, a helicopter squadron. It was the last World Cruise, aboard the USS Enterprise. I was a Aviation Anti-Submarine Warfare Technician. It was a first rate ship, manned by the best group of sailors you can imagine. I am very proud to have been able to have served among the best of the best. To each and and everyone of my fellow shipmates, I wish them all Fair Winds, and Following Seas!🇺🇸🙏

Oh those endless flight ops. Saw 12, 14, 16, even 20 hour days on the USS Midway. In your "off time" you could eat, wright a letter, shower, get to the ships store etc, then grab a generous 2-6 hrs of sleep with the time left over. Per hour- about 1/2 minimum wage, and loved it!

Everytime I watch this video. I feel great because of our troops. The best country in the world. America 🇺🇸 🇺🇲 USA BABY let's Go. And thank you guys for your service.

I used to work as a stress analyst to figure out repairs for damaged F18’s. Some of those birds may have been ones I worked on. Makes me feel a bit like what I imagine a father feels when they see their kids play. God bless our troops.

Rick, Thanks for the excellent video. I enjoyed every minute of it. It sure brings back some great memories of flight deck duty. I served from 1958 to 1961 and my duty station was NAS Norfolk. I was assigned to Helicopter Squadron Seven and we were flying HSS-1N Antisubmarine choppers. I was a green shirt and an Aviation Electronic Technician specializing in Tacan and other navigation and communication equipment. I was also tasked with the upgrades and modifications of all type electronic equipment in our aircraft. I was a Second Class Petty Officer when I decided to not reenlist and to go to college. That was a mistake I have often regretted. I could have probably made Chief in my next 4 years. I served on the USS Valley Forge and the USS Randolph. My last cruise before separation was to be the down range recovery team for Alan Shepard's first suborbital flight. We were not the primary recovery team but were stationed 70 miles beyond his projected splash point. We were there in case he overshot his splash point. A bit of humor, years later he was here in Mobile, AL to sign his book Moon Shot and I had a copy so went to have it autographed and mentioned to him that I was downrange in the USS Randolph in case he over shot and his comment was "I didn't need your A.. did I"? Thanks again for a super video. Made my day. I just had my 80th birthday this past week.

You'll notice the safety officer in front of you has his head on a swivel. He has to lookout for his safety and the safety of visitors. Lots of responsibilities on his shoulders. I can remember as a 22 year old "kid" working on a flight deck. That was way back in 1973 on the U.S.S. Independence. I can still hear the jets in after burner, smell JP5 and the salt air. Your video brought back so many memories. The guys in dark blue pants are enlisted, the guys in tan (khakis) pants of officers. Some memories never fade. Thank you.

This always my dreams next to the jets. And what they do and or want to be a pilot unfortunately didn't get there wasn't smart enough😪 thanks for your service SALUTE!!!

The absolute most difficult task in flying is a night landing on a carrier - terrifying yet very satisfying when done correctly

Great video. I had the privilege and honor of serving in the U S Navy between 1965-1971. I served on the USS America, and the USS Independence circumnavigated the earth. Greatest experience of my life. Would love to go one more time before I die. Go Navy.

I was fortunate enough to be aboard the USS Ticonderoga CVA-14, from 1968 to 1970, and I share your enthusiasm. I loved watching flight ops. It was one of the most exciting times of my life! Your video brought me right back into it, and I am grateful. Thank you so much!

I got a chance to go on board the USS RANGER CV-61 When it came to port in Vancouver B.C. Canada June 1992 . WOW JUST WOW walking tour with my navy escort I could feel the emence power of the RANGER even as it sat at anchor in Vancouver all of the sailors I spoke to were polite & proud of their ship .They loved our city even got a taste of navy chow ( B.L.T. with fries ) really good ! wish I could have got some pictures but they took my little Kodak camera when I boarded ( yes they gave it back to me when I left the ship ) 2:35 hours of my life I will never forget having the opportunity to tour a aircraft carrier thanks USS RANGER CV-61

It runs like clockwork, then someone turns the lights out and it still works like clockwork .Thanks for posting this .Very enjoyable to watch .Dave (England)

This is better than a lot of documentaries I've watched about carriers. Excellent job! Thanks for sharing.

I love the smell of jet exhaust in the morning! It smells like LIBERTY!

Rick S. Beautiful outstanding video. Keep up the outstanding work. USMC 64 -- 68. Marine Detachment USS Saratoga 66 -- 68. Some beautiful memories that I will always cherish. God Bless.

WE FILIPINOS LOVE TO SERVE THE US NAVY. SUPPLY DEPT USED TO BE LOADED WITH FILIPINO COOKS, SHIPS SERVICEMEN, DISBURSING CLERK, STEWARDS, STOREKEEPERS AND AVIATION STOREKEEPERS. STEWARDS WORKS IN THE WARDROOM, STATEROOMS, CAPTAINS CABIN AND ALSO IN THE WHITEHOUSE IN WASH DC.

Rick you lucky dog. I did a Tiger Cruise , seven days on the Nimitz from Hawaii to Seattle on the homeward bound trip from the Persian Gulf War.. We were stuck up in the crows nest though. Thanks for the memory’s! I wish all Americans could go and see how hard the men and woman work for our country everyday!