On Fri, 12 Nov 2004 15:19:02 -0500, Eisboch
wrote:

Short Wave Sportfishing wrote:

Maybe I've told this before, but I've actually landed on one. My
oldest boy is a Marine fighter jockey and arranged it with one of this
Navy buddies. He and I came aboard on a COD - it was a thrilling ride
out from shore to the carrier. The pilot let me sit in the observer
jump seat so I could see out the windscreen.

We went back on a helo. I really wanted to launch, but it was a fun
trip anyway.

Eisboch JR. launched off the Truman last June. The carrier was on a
training cruise and he had to go back to Norfolk for another school.
He launched in a twin engine turbo prop that they use to deliver mail.
He called me that night and was still excited about the whole thing.
0 to 145 mph in 2 seconds due to the catapult.

I'd give my left nut to do that.

I would have too, but the next plane off was long after they were
underway and my son had to get back ashore, so we hitched on a helo.

I forgot to mention, my ride was to the Roosevelt - CVN-71.

The thing that amazed me is just how BIG these things are. If you
stand on the bow and look stern, it just seems to fall off the
horizon. Amazing.

We did get to have lunch and dinner in Officer's country - it was true
in my day and it's still true - the freakin' food is first rate. I
must say that the Officers on board were really nice to an old grunt.

Later,

Tom