Based upon that statement, I would tend to discredit the comments of the supposed ex-pilot. I have some experience in Carrier Flight Ops, and can tell you truthfully that yes indeed, we bloody well DO perform Flight Ops at night, even while not in battle conditions. Good training involves day and night ops, in good or bad weather.
Also, during rain, high winds and rough seas. Carriers are not small ships but they do pitch and roll some -and nobody promised you your career in flight ops would be safe, especially while operating in a carrier-based environment.
Look, for example, at your typical EA-6B. All-weather bird -and yes, it DOES fly in all weather conditions, during the day or at night.
I spent months at a time working the night shift on a carrier on several cruises, so I can assure you that they do indeed fly and practice warfare at night.
Not to say it wasn’t difficult. I used to see the pilots walking back to the Ready Rooms after they got off the flight deck.
You couldn’t see it under the red light conditions on deck.
But when they got below in the lighted passageways, you could see their hair, damp with sweat, and the the pit and crotch dark areas where they perspired.
That convinced me how tough landing at night must be. But they do it.