VigilanteVigilanteRVAH NAVY NewsletterRVAH NAVY Newsletter May, 2017

LOOK AT ALL THE COLORS!!

Skittles: A Guide to the Colors

Skittles: A Guide to the ColorsAboard a deployed aircraft carrier, the flight deck servesas the workplace for nearly a thousand Sailors. Althoughfraught with danger, it is a place of beauty, skill andtiming. Many writers have called the activity that takesplace on the flight deck a “ballet.” When it comes totiming and interaction, the comparison is apt, but keep inmind that some of the other “dancers” are lethal, multi-ton aircraft that, at times, travel hundreds of miles perhour. The dance floor is a hot, stench-filled, steel deck thatcan be measured in acres and contains hundreds ofhazards.George C. Wilson—author of Supercarrier— said, “Anaircraft carrier’s flight deck is a million accidents waitingto happen.” He’s right, but Sail­ors armed with theknowledge of places to avoid, things to look for, andsounds to be aware of are more able to manage risk.The flight deck is filled with activity: aircraft taxiing,engines starting, people running, whistlesblowing, and sirens wailing. It is so busy that everyonemust maintain situational awareness at all times. Aircraftare launching and recover­ing, catapults are shooting noloads, mechanics are doing engine maintenance turns,people are re-spotting and parking aircraft, “grapes” arerefueling airplanes and helos, and other Sailors arehandling ordnance. More than a hundred jobs are goingon at the same time. Each flight-deck task has the

Various people make up the rainbow of colored jerseysthat occupy the flight deck.

Air Officer (Air Boss or Boss)–Is responsible to the ship’scommanding officer. He supervises and directs primaryflight-control operations, aircraft-launch-and-recoveryequipment (ALRE), aviation-fuel systems, aircraft handlingon the flight deck and hangar deck, aircraft firefighting,and crash, salvage and rescue operations.Assistant Air Officer (Mini Boss)–Aids the Air Boss bymaking sure that his plans, orders and instructions arecarried out. The Mini Boss acts as the assistantdepartment head. He also func­tions as the air-department training coordinator.

YELLOW JERSEYS:YELLOW JERSEYS:Aircraft Handling Officer (ACHO or Handler)Aircraft Handling Officer (ACHO or Handler) ––ExercisesExercisesoverall supervision of embarked aircraft and assists the Airoverall supervision of embarked aircraft and assists the AirBoss in conducting of flight opera­tions. The handler alsoBoss in conducting of flight opera­tions. The handler alsois in charge of the Air Depart­ment Training Team (ADTT).is in charge of the Air Depart­ment Training Team (ADTT).FlightFlight--Deck OfficerDeck Officer––Is responsible for safe and timelyIs responsible for safe and timelyoperations, training of personnel, readiness of aircraftoperations, training of personnel, readiness of aircrafthandling support equipment and overall main­tenancehandling support equipment and overall main­tenanceand material condition of the flight deck.and material condition of the flight deck.

on at the same time. Each flight-deck task has thepotential to end in a mishap. Our Sailors from ABs to AZsmust get their work done, and they must do their jobsdespite the danger.The flight deck is our office, but it unfortunately has beena place for us to die, as well. Aviation Sailors must knowthe flight-deck rules. Understanding flight-deck markings,learning how to maneuver about the deck, andrecognizing hand signals are critical. It takes the work ofmany to accomplish any single mission, and the ability tocommunicate is vital. We must know, understand,recognize, and follow all safety signs and signals. Everyonemust work together to control hazards on the flight deck. Catapult Officer (Shooter)Catapult Officer (Shooter)––Is directly responsible to theIs directly responsible to the

Air Boss, via the handler, for the safe and effi­cientAir Boss, via the handler, for the safe and effi­cientoperation of launch equipment, and for the crew’soperation of launch equipment, and for the crew’sperformance during launches. He has the ultimateperformance during launches. He has the ultimateresponsibility for the safety in launching of all aircraftresponsibility for the safety in launching of all aircraftfrom the catapults. Shooters wear a green helmet withfrom the catapults. Shooters wear a green helmet withthree orange stripes and a yellow vest.three orange stripes and a yellow vest.

Skittles: A Guide to the Colors

WHITE JERSEYS:Safety Officer and Crew–Responsible for the overall safetyof flight-deck operations. They make sure all activities arein accordance with procedures.Air Transport Officer (ATO)–Coordinates the loading,unloading and movement of all air cargo and passengers.Landing Signal Officer (LSO)–Ensures that each aircraftremains within safe perimeters during landing approachthrough radio communications and light sig­nals. LSOs arestationed portside aft. They initiate the wave-off ofaircraft that are outside the safe-landing envelope.

BLUE JERSEYS:Handling and Chock Crewmen–The blueshirts areresponsible for handling and securing all aircraft withwheel chocks and chains. They also operate the handlingequipment, which includes tractors and aircraft-startingunits on the flight deck

RED JERSEYS:Crash and Salvage–This flight deck “fire department”fights aircraft fires and rescues personnel on the flightdeck. They operate all mobile firefighting and crash-and-salvage equipment.Ordnance Officer–Responsible for the movement,handling and loading of aircraft ordnance. Their jersey has

Squadron Plane Inspectors (Troubleshooters) –Identifiedby the black-and-white checkerboard pat­tern on the frontand back of their jerseys with squad-Elevator Operators (EOs)–Operate the carrier’s aircraftelevators, which move aircraft to and from the flight andhangar deck. They wear white cranials.

handling and loading of aircraft ordnance. Their jersey hasa black stripe and “Safety” on the front and back.CAG Arm and Dearm Team–Ordnance personnel assignedto the carrier air wing for arming and dearming weapons.Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer and Crew– Theydispose of, disarm and neutralize defective ord­nance.Their jerseys have “EOD” on the front and back.Ordnance Handlers–The “BB Stackers” move, load, andunload, ordnance on aircraft. Their jerseys have blackstripes and their squadron designator on the front andback.

Skittles: A Guide to the ColorsPURPLE JERSEYS:Aviation Fuel Crews–Known as grapes because of theirjersey color, purpleshirts fuel and de-fuel aircraft fromfueling stations strategically located around the flight andhangar deck. The grapes also supply automo­tive gasoline,lubricating oil to the catapults, and fuelto the jet-engine test cell.

GREEN JERSEYS: (CAT CREW)Catapult Safety Observer–Is a direct representative of thelaunching officer makes sure people follow launchprocedures and precautions.Topside Safety Petty Officer (TSPO)–Ensures thatholdbacks and repeatable-release assemblies are installed,and that the aircraft’s launch bar is seated in the shuttlespreader. For bridle aircraft, the TSPO makes sure thebridle is engaged with the spreader and the aircraft’s towfittings. They are the last people to exit from under theaircraft.Holdback Personnel–Install holdbacks and repeatable-release assemblies. They install tension rings and bars andholdback assemblies. They also verify position.Centerdeck Operator–Communicates with catapultcontrol, relaying aircraft type, gross weight, side number,and capacity selection valve settings for the launchingofficer.

Jet-Blast Deflector (JBD) Operator–Raises and lowers thejet blast deflectors for each aircraft. The JBD prevents jetblast from hitting personnel and aircraft aft of the catapultlaunching area.Weight-Board Operator–Verifies the aircraft gross weightwith the aircrew as a final check before launch. Each planerequires a different catapult CSV setting based on aircraftweight.

Skittles: A Guide to the Colors

GREEN JERSEYS: (MAINTENANCE CREW)Aircraft Maintenance Crew–Maintain the air­craft. Theirjerseys are marked with a squadron designator and blackstripe on the front and back.Helicopter LSE (Landing Signal Enlisted man)– Directs thetakeoff and landing of all helicopters with visual handsignals. The LSE wears a red helmet.Photographers–Capture images and videotape flightoperations for documentation and media requests with asafety rep.

GREEN JERSEYS: (ARRESTING CREW)Topside Petty Officer (TPO)–Supervises the arresting-geartopside crew. Responsible to the AGO for ensuring topsidearresting-gear equipment is in good working order.Deck-Edge Operator–Retracts the arresting gear afterrecovery of each aircraft. Is stationed in the cat­walk.Hook Runners–Ensure cross-deck pendant and purchasecable have been disengaged from the aircraft tail hook,and, when the landing area is clear, they give retractsignal to the deck-edge operator.Deck Checkers–Ensure the landing area is FOD free, thewire is in position for aircraft recovery, and all personnelare clear of landing area.

BROWN JERSEYSPlane Captains—Make sure aircraft are inspected andserviced before and after each flight. They are responsiblefor the cleanliness and general condition of the aircraft.They also supervise ground-starting procedures. Theirjerseys are marked with their squadron designator on thefront and back.

Flight Deck:

•Don’t walk onto the deck during flight operationswithout wearing proper flight-deck gear.•Don’t wear jewelry such as neck chains or bracelets whileon the flight deck or in the workcenter.•Don’t have sleeves or goggles up during flight operations.•Don’t walk close to aircraft with engines turning. Stay atleast 25 feet away from all intakes and propel­lers. Avoidjet exhaust by at least 150 feet when pos­sible.•Don’t walk through propeller arcs even if the prop is notturning. Always walk around them.•Don’t work on or pass beneath a moving aircraft. Do notpass beneath drop-tanks or air-refueling stores on parkedaircraft.•Don’t place yourself on the outboard side of a taxiingaircraft or one being towed to or from the bow.•Don’t walk onto the flight deck via the bow catwalksduring launches or via the port catwalk during recoveries.•Don’t turn your back to the landing area during recovery.•Don’t cross behind jet-blast deflectors while aircraft are athigh-power settings and ready for cata­pult launch.•Don’t sit on the flight deck.•Don’t try to stand up if blown down by jet exhaust. Graba pad eye or any immovable object, and hold on.

•Wear all six items of flight-deck gear:•Flight-deck helmet (cranial) which consists of a front-plate shell with (at a minimum) a 3-inch by 6-inch whitereflective strip on front and a back plate with a 6-inchby 6-inch white reflective strip. Make sure the shellsare connected to the liner and the sound attenuators.•Use double hearing protection.•Goggles: Always use clean, clear lenses. Make sure thegoggles are attached to cranial. Tinted lenses are usedfor day operations only.•MK-1 float coat: The fabric should be in goodcon­dition, the jacket must stay buttoned. Every day,check its overall condition, make sure the inflatorassembly, light, and whistle all work. Ensure daily PMSis completed.•Flight-deck boots: Must be steel-toed, with non­slipsoles, and without any holes.•Flight-deck jersey: Must be the right color and longsleeved. Keep the sleeves rolled down.•Authorized fire-retardant gloves: Always wear glovesin good condition.• Keep your eye on anyone you think might be settingthemselves up for an accident. Help to avoid that

Do’s Don’ts

a pad eye or any immovable object, and hold on.•Don’t place yourself near arresting-gear wires duringaircraft recovery or when gear maintenance is being done.•Don’t leave power cables lying on deck. Always stowthem.•Don’t stand in front of mobile firefighting equipment.•Don’t cross elevator stanchions while they are raised.•Don’t stand in front of a jet-starting unit’s (huffer’s)exhaust.•Don’t loiter on the flight deck. If you do not have work todo, stay below.•Don’t walk under tailhooks.

themselves up for an accident. Help to avoid thatpoten­tial danger.•Lend a hand when an aircraft “push back” is calledaway. Caution—watch wheels, intakes and ordnance.•Clean up immediately any mess under and aroundaircraft. This will help stop foreign-object damage(FOD) and will help keep the deck skid-proof.•Take part in all flight-deck drills and FOD walkdowns.•Seek out a yellowshirt and ask for assistance if you areunsure of a situation.•Avoid walking in front of jet intakes or behind jetexhaust, especially if you aren’t sure whether theaircraft’s engines are turning. This is very important atnight.•Assume an aircraft’s engines are turning if you seesomeone in the cockpit.•Avoid an aircraft’s moveable surfaces while theengines are turning.•Always enter the flight deck from behind thestar­board side of the island.•Keep trainees an arms length away or closer to thetrainer.•Stand clear of safe-park and safe-shot lines when flightoperations are in progress.•Notify flight-deck control immediately if you mis­placea tool, wand or object.•Know the plan for the cycle. Know the flow of traf­ficby watching aircraft directors.

RVAH-5 40th DecommissioningAnniversary Celebration/Reunion

Time: September 30, 2017 all dayLocation: Pensacola Grand Hotel-National NavalAviation MuseumStreet: 200 East Gregory StreetCity/Town: Pensacola, Fl 32501Website or Map: http://www.pensacolagrandhote…Phone: Cell # 618 567 3982Event Type: squadron, decommissioning,celebration/reunionOrganized By: Joe AllemanPensacola will be the reunion location.Attendees are welcome to make lodgingarrangements which best suits their needs. The folksat the Pensacola Grand are providing a reduced rateand allowing us space to gather as a group to tell“sea stories” and meet & greet old acquaintances. Ifyou choose to stay at the Pensacola Grand they havea block of rooms for RVAH-5 under thecode "AH5". The confirmed room rate is$119.00/tax for a standard room with two queenbeds. All unreserved rooms will release on August15. Pensacola Grand will continue taking

REUNIONSNAS Sanford, Fl reunion:

Time: June 22, 2017 to June 25, 2017Location: Branch 147 Post HomeStreet: St Road 46 (1st Street)City/Town: SanfordOrganized By: Fleet Reserve Branch 14749th reunion NAS and all squadrons 1941 - 1968 atFRA Branch 147 Post Home :Contact: CDR Ralph Feeback, 205 Poinsetta Drive,Sanford, Fl. 32773Phone: 407-302-2252Email: rlfrsf@aol.com

15. Pensacola Grand will continue takingreservations after this date, at the quoted rate,based on availability at the time of the request. Youcan contact the hotel direct for reservations: 850-433-3336 ask for Room Reservations with code"AH5". The hotel provides free airport shuttle 6am-10pm. All guest rooms receive free WiFi.On Saturday, Sept 30th all Savage Sons, Family andFriends will gather at the Cubi Point Bar & Grillwithin the Naval Air Museum. Between 11am –1pm, check in - we’ll do lunch and mingle. Lunch willbe served off their regular menu, pay as yougo. After lunch (1:30pm) we’ll gather at RA5Cdisplay for group pictures, discussions, presentations(if any) and spend the afternoon touring the AirMuseum. I was not able to get it etched in stone butthe good folks at the Air Museum are going to getthe RA5C moved up to the main building area fromthe back lot in time for the reunion gathering.More details will be forth coming about the Fridaynight gathering and Saturday events as they firmup….. A few things still being planned but have somebugs to be worked out. Stay tuned!

josephaalleman@gmail.com

AVIATION SYMPOSIUM 2017:The 2017 Naval Aviation Symposium will takeplace May 10th – 12th, 2017, at the NationalNaval Aviation Museum.

Call 850-453-2389 to inquire about reservations.http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/event/naval-aviation-symposium-2017/About the SymposiumSince 1987, the Naval Aviation MuseumFoundation has hosted its Naval AviationSymposium each May in Pensacola. TheSymposium series average nearly 3,000 guestsannually, including active and retired flag andgeneral officers and executives from theaerospace industry, as well as young navalofficers, sailors and Marines undergoing aviationtraining in Pensacola. Activities includepresentations and panel discussions, a golftournament, luncheon, and a closing receptionand banquet.

All NAS Sanford reunion June 2012.

I have this button that I wear occasionally that says..."Therapy is expensive.... Bubble Wrap is cheap.... Youchoose!"True words....There is something about bubble wrap that forces youto pick it up and pop it! You can't help it... and whenyou're done, you feel better! I'm sure that there's somescientific proof of the connection between inner peaceand bubble wrap, and if I had the time and the energy,I'd do the research but instead, I'll make stuff up...75% of studies show that people who pop bubble wrapfor recreational purposes have clearer skin, loseweight, and 30% fewer cavities when used inconjunction with a conscientiously applied program oforal hygiene and regular professional care...But we all knew that, didn't we?Did you know that there are other uses for bubble wrapthough?Heck, yes!! This stuff is versatile!!"What else can you use it for?" you ask, and well youshould...How about this scenario... you come home one day andsitting there in your driveway is a brand new 2001Harley Electra Glide.... Yep... your spouse stumbledacross this bike on sale at "Harley's (backwards) R US"and picked it up for you, and here it sits, in all of it's

Bubble TroubleHere's another one.... Why spend hundred of dollarsfor one of those hi-tech, complicated home securitysystems that you can never totally trust or figure out.Not only do you have to buy it, but you have to pay amonthly fee for it as well! And as we all know fromwatching TV, any good burglar can figure out how toget past these systems... Nope... you don't need that...Get a whole bunch of really big sheets of bubble wrap...then, each night before you go to bed, spread it out onthe floors inside your doors and windows.... Then whenthe bad person enters your house without permission,two things will happen:The sound of the bubbles popping will wake you up andalert you to the fact that there are unauthorizedpersons in your house...and,If you get the bubble wrap with the really BIG bubbles,the sound of the bubbles popping will sound likegunshots, scaring the poop out of the burglar whothinks that the homeowner is shooting at him and he'llbe outta there and will tell all his burglar friends to stayclear of your place because you're armed and shootwith no warning.... Cool, huh???One more?? Ok.....Going camping?? Sure, you can go to Gander Mountainand spend a couple of hundred bucks for a fancyand picked it up for you, and here it sits, in all of it's

Candy Apple Red, chrome and leather glory..."Cool!" you say and immediately hop on to take it for aspin...But then... you realize.... NO HELMET!! Being the lawabiding citizen that you are, you would never go outthere without a brain bucket, would you?Fear not... Bubble wrap can save the day...Take a whole bunch of bubble wrap and beginwrapping it around your noggin. The more the better...when the wad of bubble wrap is about the same size asa motorcycle helmet would be, grab that roll of ducttape (you do have a roll of duct tape handy at all times,don't you??) and make a couple of turns around withthat and voila!! A helmet!! And it will probably workbetter than that $300 Bell or Buco helmet that you'dbuy!!And let’s go further… How about a bubble wrap jacket?And if you do have an accident,think how cool it will sound when all that poppingindicates life saving impact absorption, yes??

and spend a couple of hundred bucks for a fancysleeping bag.... OR!!You can go to UPS and buy a two 6' X 3' rolls of bubblewrap. Lay one roll on top of the other, get your ducttape out again, and run the duct tape down along thesides sealing the two rolls together... Now, you have aninsulated, way cool sleeping bag. Be sure to wearjammies though, because the bubble wrap is kind ofopaque. For even more comfort, buy three rolls ofbubble wrap and put the third one under your custommade sleeping bag as a "ground mat".... You will be theenvy of all the other campers, trust me. Especiallywhen they have to carry theirs... yours will be MUCHlighter.One note of caution... if you're camping near a lake or ariver, be sure not to get too close... bubble wrap floatsand you might wake up someplace other than whereyou fell asleep...But let's not forget the best use for bubble wrap...Relaxation!! Feeling tense?? Need to unwind a little??Don't have any bubble wrap close at hand??Not to worry.... This is a great time we live in...There is now...Cyber Bubble Wrap....Click the link below... (make sure your sound is on)ENJOY!!!http://www.urban75.com/Mag/bubble.html

The Funny Page

Welcome to Our NewMembers!

Welcome to our new members of RecceNet!

THE GEAR LOCKER IS MOVING!!Please keep an eye out for the new location

on the RecceNet website.Until then, the Gear Locker is temporarily

closed!

William Gehrkens

Robert J Conneely JrRobert E. Stewart

Welcome aboard shipmates!" Muster all restricted personnel on the

quarterdeck with the duty Master atArms. Secure the mess line!.”

May Birthdays!Remember that it’s never too late to be anything you wantto be… Unless you want to be younger…Congratulations… you are officially too old to die young!

Happy Birthday,Ya Swabs!

Mike Baker 1-MayMargaret Davis 1-May

Jean Schwichtenberg 3-MayJohn Songer 4-MayHans Kirsten 4-MayRonald J Rice 4-May

Daniel M. Farage 4-MayHarvey Brestle 4-MayHoward Love 4-May

Lester Diamond 5-MayDelbert W. Hayes 5-May

Gary Matthees 7-MayMartin Mankowski 7-MayCharles F. Eubanks 9-May

Jack R. Leonard 9-MayJim Roth 9-May

Tyrone Lechleitner 9-MayJohn E. Carroll Sr 10-MayJack R. Gordon 10-May

Robert (Bob) Lee Drake, Jr. 17-MayBert Woodford (woody) 19-May

Dave Weiss 19-MayChuck Bergren 19-May

Alton L. Williams 20-MayFrank Sercia 20-May

Allen G Frantz 20-MayPaul W. Richards 21-May

Franklin Riley 21-MayNoel Briley 22-May

Ulric M Roberts 22-MayBob Rogers 23-MayRob Weber 24-May

Kenneth Bass 24-MayBill Kelehar 24-May

Thomas W. Cooper 25-MayRalph Simi 25-May

Robert W. Lasanen 25-MayM.E. Bowman 26-MayJack R. Gordon 10-May

Les Taylor 11-MayWayne Scott (Scotty) 11-May

William R. Smarr 11-MayArthur Gooselaw 11-May

Lawrence (Larry) Blackburn 11-MayMatthew Mayer 11-May

Benjamin G Coleman 12-MayBob Protomastro 13-May

Lei Pierce 14-MayLawrence (Ski) Grumboski 14-May

Donald W. Payment 14-MayAlbert "Salt" Saltalamachea 15-May

John H. Haley 15-MayBill Stretzinger 16-MayRoger McKinley 16-May

Joe Pruzzo 16-MayRobert Bradica 16-May

M.E. Bowman 26-MayJohn Oliver 26-May

Steven A. Manchook 27-MayPaul Kantner 28-May

Paul Ezelle 29-MayJohn S. Eden 29-May

Joseph Alleman 29-MayCharles P. Spencer (Spence) 30-May

Gerard J. Leygraaf 30-MayTerry Fulton 30-May

Peter C. Derose 30-MayThomas Leonard 30-May

Donald Ennis 30-MayJames Hall 31-May

Gary Rausch 31-MayJohn C. Carter 31-May

J.K.Hall 31-MayRichard (Dick) W. Dighton 31-May