Simayan

My grandfather did that a few times during the Korean War when he was near Japan. He was stationed on the USS Iwo Jima, an amphibious assault ship (which has since been scrapped), so it probably wasn't as high a jump, but I'm pretty sure it's a common event.

PackMom

usna09mom, My NROTC S spent his 2c cruise last summer on a destroyer in the Mediterranaen. I know they spent at least one afternoon (maybe more) jumping off the ship and climbing back up the side. I know carriers are WAY bigger but jumping off the ship must be pretty normal under some circumstances.

USNA2012Mom

I plan to be on the bay for fleet week this year. Last year we were at the airport to see the Blue Angel pilots. Last year a city supervisor tried to ban the Blue Angels. He quoted safety issues and even said that the Blue Angels' show was bad for the environment. They are phasing out JROTC in public schools and have refused the Marines a permit to film a commercial. Remember they are only across the water from Berkeley.

As far as the height of a carrier deck - I do not know. My father was knocked off the deck in a flight deck accident in Korean waters during the Korean War. He had to spend the night in the water before they were able to get him. The other guy that went into the water was never found. That was a smaller carrier, obviously before Nimitz class.

Cougar_62

USNA2012Mom: "On the Bay" as in on a boat, or by the Bay? I've heard Chrissie Field is a pretty good place to watch from. Several Years ago my Dad backed his pickup/camper near the water and the next day had a ringside seat.

I guess this thread got way off topic, but it's all good stuff...

USNA2012Mom

On a boat on the bay, but a tailgate at Chrissie Field sounds like fun too.

usna09mom

Just a reminder that the first of three episodes of "Carrier" airs tonight on Public Television! Check out the expanded "Carrier" website at pbs.com

CARRIER | PBS

Excellent resources for additional research; incoming candidates can study naval ranks on the link provided. Full episodes will be available online beginning Monday, April 28.

usna09mom

Did anyone order the DVDs from pbs.com?

Goingtosea

usna09mom, the PBS special that aired last evening was outstanding. Our entire family watched and were very pleased. The carrier is a city unto itself with all the issues that people from many different walks of life deal with every day. Add to this the stress of close quarters living, eighteen hour work days, and six month tours away from loved ones. It is a tribute to those on board that they perform so well. We should be very proud of our sons and daughters who choose to serve their country.

USNA69

Very long hours, very hard work, a huge amount of responsibility, by a bunch of very young kids. That came across real well. However, the lone example of the V-2 Chief attempting to get the guy from sleeping at his desk and getting in the rack is way more prevalent than the movie indicated. That is the way they survive the continuous 18 hr days. And all the deck guys were way way to clean. Jets are dirty. For all you Naval Officers to be, this is what it is about, leading these young guys and gals. I forget exactly how the V-2 chief stated it, ABs are not academically gifted, but they have a heart of gold. So true. They are fun (and sometimes a challenge) to work with.

The one thing that everyone has to realize, which I hope the movie continues to emphasize, is that the SOLE purpose of that floating city (or high school, as they are trying to emphasize), it to put 50 tactical aircraft into the air to drop bombs allowing grunts on the ground to do their job and be a little more safe.

DSL1990

this is also stressed in the new documentary "Speed and Angels" about two of the last SNAs (Jay Consalvi and Meagan Varley) that selected F-14 tomcats (documentary covers their training, winging, first real live combat missions over Iraq during a 2yr period of time):
Speed_And_Angels.avi

hersheybear04

wasn't Meagan Varley also profiled in that service academies show as a plebe?

DSL1990

click on the link and you'll see 45mins of her in the documentary. she ROCKS! i want to be just like her- except maybe handling the jet better behind the boat!

hersheybear04

yeah, i saw the first 10 minutes. she was definitely one of the plebes at USNA in the service academy documentary.

DSL1990

if anyone missed Carrier yesterday, the first 2 episodes (out of 10) are now on the pbs website:
CARRIER . Full Episodes | PBS

totally cool and not to be missed!

even more cool is that some of the ppl on that cruise are hanging out over on http://www.airwarriors.com
(ok, sry, that was another plug for my favorite forum- LOL!)

USNA69

Well, at least the flotation vests are getting a little dirtier. A little more realistic. Great depiction of the tensions of close living and working relations. Great depiction of relationships between the supervisors (chiefs and LPOs) and the troops. Nothing about officer-chief or positive about officer-enlisted. Hope that changes in the next few episodes.

I hope they show the exuberance of the squadron enlisted and the flight deck crews once they start dropping bombs. Those guys really get excited when they know they are doing something worthwhile and real.

One thing fun to watch is when the aircrew are getting in and out of the aircraft. During pre and post flights some will do it alone. Some will have a half dozen mechs following them around, chatting and laughing. Not real hard to determine who the 'people' officers are.