O nce out at sea at about noon, the Navy put on an incredible show. They performed takeoffs and landings for the viewing pleasure of the 5,000 plus family members aboard the ship. We witnessed the takeoffs and landings of various types of planes. The pictures you see here were taken on the flight deck close enough to Naval Aviators to hear their comments on the show. Ill fated Lt. Hultgreen, the Navy's first female combat pilot was in that group.
Hornet is about to launch.
The launch crew are clearing out of the way. Looks like a clip from Top Gun . H ere is a Tomcat taking off. Note how the Weapons Officer is holding on to the pilot's seat. So that made this the only Tomcat takeoff we saw.