[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.

[Alberta's Child]

I invented the #4 cable. And the other three, too.

Al Gore

P.S. I invented the aircraft carrier, too. But that's another story.

[El Gato]

The video I watched, looked like he caught the 4th wire. If they are numbered from aft to forward, then he caught the #4. I felt bad for him, because he's bound to catch "stuff" from other pilots for not catching the 3 wire. However I think he just missed it. Besides, any landing you walk away from, especially if it doesn't break the airplane, is a good landing. A bolter would have been more than just a little embarassing, wouldn't it? :)

[DB]

Well then the Fox reporter on the ship was wrong and not me.

I'm just repeating what the reporter said as I indicated.

I didn't claim to "know" myself.