Posted on 05/16/2010 10:01:31 PM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
USS Enterprise (CVN 65) successfully completed flight deck certification May 14 pushing itself one step closer to its 21st deployment.
Flight deck certification is a requirement that every aircraft carrier must achieve prior to deploying with fixed-wing aircraft.
The certification proves that the crew of the ship is capable of safely launching and recovering aircraft and is prepared to prevent or combat flight deck mishaps.
The last time Enterprise conducted flight deck certification was prior to her last deployment in 2007.
"Air department Sailors eagerly awaited the arrival of aircraft during a long shipyard period, and to have aircraft back aboard is the culmination of the crew's two years of hard work," said Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) (AW/SW) Michael E. Mappin, leading chief petty officer for Air department's V-1 division. "Every step of flight deck operations requires members of Air department, the air wing and the crew to be successful."
To safely recover a jet, many personnel are required. From the below-decks crew, to the culinary specialists, to the Bridge watchstanders, to the plane captain, it's a team effort.
Launching aircraft is no different.
The pilot of the aircraft must rely on many Sailors from the squadron and ship in order to complete a successful launch.
The flight deck is one of the most dangerous places in the world to work.
"So many things can go wrong and one misstep can bring catastrophic results," said Mappin. "Everyone is shaking the rust off, and with the limited time the air wing has had to practice with the ship, it's basically been a team project of training and learning," said Mappin. "Commander Naval Air Forces commended us on our job, and that we are clearly ready to operate.
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Headline is misleading. ;)
As always, thanks for posting this sonofstrangelove.
Wasn’t the Enterprised launched in 1962?
On January 12,1962 CVN-65 made her first maiden voyage.
ping
Thing should have been replaced waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay before now.
Oh, she’s been overhauled a couple times, I believe. I know that her entire island structure is different than what she was launched with.
Besides...Big E and I are the same age. If I’m not gonna slow down, why should she?
Click on pic for past Navair pings.
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“Everyone is shaking the rust off.....”
BAD choice of words, considering the age of the ship and the piping problems that were found during the shipyard period.
Love live ships named “Enterprise”.
I got to go on other ships at Gitmo, but this one left a lasting impression! The only other one was a diesel sub. I prefer it on top...
My Brother-in-law was on the Enterprise during this event.
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