[DB]

Fox reported this morning that it was caught by the #4 cable.

The #4 cable is the first cable to catch, not the last.

The New York Times reported that the #4 cable was the last cable and everyone has been repeating that ever since in error.

[SMEDLEYBUTLER]

The #4 cable is the first cable to catch, not the last.

Incorrect. The number four wire is the last wire, not the first. Cables are numbered from aft to fore. The Times is correct and you are wrong.

[Magnum44]

The #4 cable is the first cable to catch, not the last.

Incorrect. The wires are number ordered from the aft to forward on the deck. The targeted wire is usually #3 because it is safely forward of the stern of the ship and still provides plenty of area for run out and margin of the angle deck. If #3 is down for maintenance, #2 is targeted. #1 is short landing and least desired due to the risk of ramp strike. #4 is landing long, the safer alternative to being short.

[Leisler]

It is a requirement that you know nothing about anything to be qualified reporter. Journalism is the Education degree of observational occupations.