USS JFK dead load testing

[Jersey mike]

Article also has some good video with it. I thought some of our Navy vets and others may get a kick out of it.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/watch-us-navy-supercarrier-uss-173136842.html

[carolinarider09]

Interesting.  I was trying to remember if, when I was stationed on the USS Wasp (CVS-18) in 1969, if we did any dead load testing of our catapults before we left the port in Quonset Point, RI for our North Atlantic and Mediterranean Cruise.

I did get to experience one CAT shot when I got to ride along with a C1A (COD) flight somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean. They were just doing a "training" flight.  Got the CAT shot and, of course, the arrested landing. 

[vanavyman]

Interesting article.  I still work at the Shipyard that builds these CVNs.  I'm an IT guy and don't get involved in the actual building.  Things are changing on the newer Carriers.  I Pre-Commissioned CVN73 and CVN75 when I was on active duty. 

[old2soon]

      I've tried accessing that link 3 or 4 times today and sadly no joy. BUT I served on the USS Yorktown CVS10 for right at 2 years. I've seen other videos of those cat tests and while interesting Actually having done a few cat shots and arrested landings I Still recall the Pure RUSH of the takeoffs and landings. I M O there Is NOTHING else quite like it. Maybe riding a rocket launch BUT I do NOT see that coming to me anytime soon.  I've also heard from other folks the flight deck of an aircraft carrier during flight operations Is One of The most Dangerous work environments that exist. I've made mention of this before as I survived 2 years on a flight deck. RIDE SAFE,

[carolinarider09]

      I've tried accessing that link 3 or 4 times today and sadly no joy. BUT I served on the USS Yorktown CVS10 for right at 2 years. I've seen other videos of those cat tests and while interesting Actually having done a few cat shots and arrested landings I Still recall the Pure RUSH of the takeoffs and landings. I M O there Is NOTHING else quite like it. Maybe riding a rocket launch BUT I do NOT see that coming to me anytime soon.  I've also heard from other folks the flight deck of an aircraft carrier during flight operations Is One of The most Dangerous work environments that exist. I've made mention of this before as I survived 2 years on a flight deck. RIDE SAFE,

Fully agree. I was only on the Wasp for a year but the flight deck ops always impressed me.  A ballet with potential lethality.