Saratoga (CV 60) - Naval Cruise Book

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lil' WTHE DIRECTORS NOTESM He s the conductor of the symphony of flight He orchestrates the signals that send the Navys most modern Jets singing into the sky He is the Plane Captain or the Yellow Shirt flight deck director His ensemble of hand signals guides the pilot and aircraft through safety checks and preparations for a well orchestrated take off The Aviation Boatswam Mate Handlers are choreographers of the never ending dance performed by aircraft on the flight deck With precision agility and a mastery of their craft they make the most of every Inch of the flight deck to taxi spot park maneuver of their own the yellow shirt directors and their counterparts the Blue Shirts on chocks and chains work day and night In every kind of weather Each flight deck spot has a name the point the sneak the meatball the Saiatoga spot the hood ornament and others Each aircraft move has a pLu'pose that ensures qtuck load mg for launches rapid landing clearance foi recoveries and opt1 mum parking, spaces foi maintenance In between chock and chain the dancers. Using a highly developed language . k . L 7 . . O. R . .- CITY WITH A MISSION 27

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,:,1f..- 1.-2.4.4,-at-r-1-.,-4 .... .:x:,,,., ,, J , ,,,,, The Saratoga Air Department Presents The Rooftop Ballet Co. On Saratoga's flight deck, every move is carefully orchestrated, every signal has a critical meaning. Even a sudden jump or a dramatic twist may tell a pilot his next move. These movements are cherished possessions to the men on the flight deck. Like a running- back who is identified by his version of the touchdown jig in the endzone, Saratoga's men add their own flavoring to their signals. And though there's room for spice, there's no doubt the seriousness of any action on the roof Even a minor accident can cost major taxpayer dollars. But more impor- tantly, lives are on the line. This remains in the mind of' each man. from the safety observer who is paid to watch out for his fellow shipmates, to the man on chocks and chains whose main concem is security of' the aircraft. Everybody knows the danger, and everybody trains hzu'd and takes pride in their flight deck professionalism. The planes must move on deck with the same precision they exei cise in the air. The players. must like the dancers in a ballet per- formance. must carefully select their moves. Saratoga and her airwing are well-known for exceeding flight deck safety averages. The country and the Saramen deserve no less. 26 CITY WITH A MISSION

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