As a carrier guy and now a command ship CO, I have typecast myself as a dude who prefers movement over static (both runways and networks). So, a couple quick thoughts about what our Navy’s LCCs bring to the fight: /1

https://twitter.com/brentdsadler/status/2048417394201076186

1. Movement. We can move 350+ nautical miles in a day and can travel 13k+ nautical miles before we need gas. That allows us to be exactly where we need to be: support the fight with whatever communications are appropriate for the time and place, while complicating targeting. /2

I am a month removed from Big XO. The tour was everything I thought it would be and more. The highs were higher and lows were lower.
I chose this path to get out of my comfort zone. Always an easy thing to say, but another thing to live. /1 I have never struggled in a job like I did as Big XO. I knew it was going to be challenging, but in the back of my head I harbored a thought that I was going to dominate the job. Right now I feel that I merely survived. Learning and growth have occurred and will continue. /2

Had a really informative conversation with the deck loading analysis team and school OIC in Lakehurst about current CVN loading. The OIC just left as the Handler during CVN 70’s most recent deployment, the first with F-35 and CMV-22. I specifically asked about the size of our air wing back in the 90’s. Although we have less aircraft currently (though that is in flux), the average space an aircraft takes up on the flight deck has increased (all Super Hornet squadrons and more Helos).

And today I learned what “two-block” the arresting gear actually means.

It refers to the block of maple wood in the picture that is attached to the end of the arresting gear engine. If the engine travels too far the wood will impact the other of the assembly. The actual underbelly of the arresting gear.

A Nimitz-class carrier is a technical marvel. And yet, sometimes it is a simple piece of maple wood that gets the job done.

Just finished “Flying Camelot” by @Hankinstien

A great read and highly recommended.

Some thoughts… 1. We easily forget the struggles of the past. A number of successful aircraft have had their hiccups and naysayers along the way.
The story of the F-35 still has a long way to go. I imangine there will be a similar book written about it 30 years from now.

I was flippant with my initial response, but this in fact requires a deeper explanation that I was not ready for at the moment. But it is a question that comes up often. /1

https://twitter.com/ChrisV20077418/status/1482156141878685697

Ultimately this is an anecdotal explanation, but here is my opinion that no one asked for as always. I will also just focus on a Navy fighter-attack mindset. /2

Here is why I am a fan.

Thread

Why The Navy Is Looking To End Carrier Qualifications Entirely For Its Pilots In Training thedrive.com/the-war-zone/3… First, what is MAGIC CARPET, I.e. PLM (precision landing mode).

PLM is completely inherent within the flight computers of the aircraft. The aircraft carrier has no role to play, neither does ACLS or JPAS. At the end of the day it still requires the pilot to move the controls.

Got the ready room together yesterday to discuss everyone's experience and lessons learned from our squadron mishap back in June.

***Disclaimer: I will not discuss any particulars of the mishap. A big part of what has made my time as an XO/CO has been the "been there, done that" aspect. Most things that come into my office I have experience with, so not too much catches me off guard (COVID-19 on the TR is a whole 'nother conversation).

So I begin to compile a list of statements and quotes that I think are guidelines for life i agree with. I take no credit for original thought.

Price’s Principles

1. Be a better person than you were yesterday. 2. Do the job