Lexington (CV 16) - Naval Cruise Book

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pults, either of which is capable of launching air- craft every 60 seconds at a speed of 135 knots. V-2 also has domain over the four arresting gear systems, the optical landing system, and the bar- ricade system. The arresting wires are capable of bringing aircraft weighing as much as 35 tons to a quick, safe stop. The barricade is a huge nylon net which can be suspended across the landing area in approximately two minutes Ca job requiring 30-35 men, and necessitating fre- quent rehearsalj, for the purpose of stopping an aircraft which for some reason, such as an inop- erative tail hook, is unable to engage an arrest- ing wire. V-4 division, also with red coding, handles and stores the aviation fuels, AvGas and IP-5. Extreme safety precautions must be observed in stowage and handling of these volatile fuels. When fully operational, fuel may be pumped from 26 different stations on the hangar and flight decks. The men of V-6 wear green, and maintain all of the 'fyellow gear used to pull, lift, dismantle, start and test aircraft and aircraft systems. They also maintain electric, electronic, hydraulic, struc- tural, and engine repair facilities to support air- craft maintenance. During operations with train- ing aircraft these men operate starting equipment and make inspections of aircraft in addition to shop maintenance. Since the ability to accomplish the assigned task in the time available depends principally upon the efficiency of flight deck operations, every moment is valuable. Speed of operation is second only to considerations of safety. Team- work and precise coordination from the Air Boss down to the newest airman are planned, prac- ticed, and scrutinized constantly. The object is to land aircraft, get them serviced, repaired, or replaced, and launch them again. Lady Lex continues to do this in a manner which exceeds her own record performance with speed, efficiency, and pride. Left, top, 159s being reacliea' for catapult launches. Left, below, V-4 Division per- sonnel rush out to refuel a helicopter. Below, member of V31 retracting the tailhooh of an F9 as a V-6 checker in- spects wing andflap. N 1.1 : . ',.., ..'.- cr.-. ..-.- ....... .,.n.. L... ..-......Y.,-...............:::::.L.5:4:.....:. L. ',4-H-,-QAAQMA , - ,ATV-, U :A V v,.. ...'-.- - V L- , ,. , ., .. N . ...,.. ,.,...a.,2.- .. .- --.--W-----------A--H'---W--gg--'-H--'---nf-,: :- ' mmhfmmnnmmm Hwn...x.m1:.1,g1Asseg..a.4m..,,,-mqefaasawemmnr . . , nn r ...........-.... .yt-.w-fm-nv.1.s-fn,-1-.n-un-in nnnnmwm--.. m f - ,

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Below, cz helicopter refueling on the flight deck. At right, cz member of V2 Division retrieves a caiapult bridle afier a launch. Righi, below, Air Depari- meni personnel work on the mirror landing system.