Wasp (CV 18) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 94 text:

The scene is no different from any other operating day and yet there is a hint of tension found only in a full-scale offensive and defensive exercise. It is a simulated war to be sure, but a make-believe so faithfully realistic as to be almost frightening. 7 E ! u I If Q E 2 just before the ship turns into the wind the helicopter steps up of the deck, careens crazily in that galloping, wheeling, drunken fashion and, miraculously, winds up in rescue position on the starboard beam. Last minute fueling is hur- riedly completed, tip tanks are ,Hrmly attached. Plane captains help pilots with parachute straps and safety belt. The bull horn blares over the area: aCheck all loose gear about the deck, check wheel chocks, tie downs, and ,Ere bottles, stand clear of propellersg start engines! T flag. scre, leaf tow. The S X is he for plan

Page 93 text:

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Page 95 text:

ig Mba The Fox flag shimmies to the top of the halyarfl, Primary Fly drops its green flag, and the Flight Deck Ojfcer sweeps low, arm outstretched, the blasting scream of the engines crushing all else. The Banshee streaks toward the how, leaves the deck, flips almost imperceptihly toward the sea, levels off and fades toward the horizon. The others to he shot are quickly hrirllecl and launched. Then from aft the island, the roar of planes taking of without sling-shot help is hearrl. Corsairs and AD,s follow each other quickly clown the deck., angling for the corner, wheels instantly swallowed up in waiting bellies as soon as the planes are on the wing.