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Catapult Shooter

Catapult Shooter poster art.

Modern aircraft carrier air operations include the operation of fixed wing and rotary aircraft on and around an aircraft carrier for performance of combat or non-combat missions. Modern aircraft carrier flight operations are highly evolved, based on experiences dating back to 1922 with the USS Langley. Yellow shirts are worn by aircraft Handlers and aircraft Directors that shuttle aircraft around the carrier’s tight and chaotic deck. Catapult Officers and Arresting Gear Officers also wear yellow shirts. 

Catapult Officer: Also known as “Shooters”, catapult officers are Naval Aviators or Naval Flight Officers and are responsible for all aspects of catapult maintenance and operation. They ensure that there is sufficient wind (direction and speed) over the deck and that the steam settings for the catapults will ensure that aircraft have sufficient flying speed at the end of the stroke.