I was an A-6 Ordie on the Nimitz an went on the Med cruise after the shoot down. It was great seeing the jet involved. You are correct about the things we were able to get away with then. I’m sure its quite different now.
We deployed with a helo squadron, USMC Queer, E-2, S-3, A-7, A-6, and F-14. Oh, and a Whale
I was on Nimitz during the deployment in 87 when we had the last launch of a Whale. During final recovery attempt the nose gear hit the top of the barricade and we lost the plane and all 7 aircrew.