Kitty Hawk (CVA 63) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 24 text:

Diirhig the launch the ship shudders every 30 seconds as another bird is slung into the sky. The apparent confusion on the flight deck is but coordinated movements which have made the launch of an attack aircraft carrier a dreaded weapon in the eyes of any potential enemy.

Page 23 text:

Ml And IS moved oiilo the steam- ing catapult for the launch. The bridle is placed and tight- ened, the plane screams as the pilot gives his o salute... the cat officer goes to one knee . . . the cat firing man signifes go with a raised hand. In an in- stant, the plane is hurled doivn the track ami into the air. 1

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idelux In a flashback to other eras, the still dependable AIH Skyraider makes a deck run and lifts oft ' every time — just ivhen the water starts.