Page 51 · Ship's Company

The mission of the Air Department is to conduct aircraft handling, launch and recovery operations, including Visual Flight Rules (VFR) control of airborne aircraft, and to provide services and facilities for the maintenance and fueling of aircraft so that embarked squadrons and detachments can most effectively conduct air operations in the application of their military potential. Of equal importance is the damage control role of the aircraft crash and firefighting teams on the flight deck and in the hanger bays. Under LT J.D. Morrison, V-1 Division is responsible for the safe and efficient movement of aircraft above the flight deck. The division is also in charge of crash and salvage equipment, four deck edge elevators and tractor utilization. V-2 Division Under the leadership of V-2 Division, LT Tom McGovern handles the maintenance and operation of the ship’s launch and recovery equipment, including catapults, arresting gear and visual landing aids. Consisting of over 200 personnel, V-2 is one of the largest divisions ™) on the carrier. As a national strategic asset, the Constellation is charged with protecting power from the sea. Six-hundred strong, the Air Department and | what it does is what people think of and come to see when they think of an aircraft carrier. The “ballet of shirts” - yellow, blue green, red, purple and white - is the magic behind the mystery of the flight deck. With an average age of just under 20 years old, it is the young men of. the flight deck, under the watchful supervision and guidance of a few more experienced Leading and Chief Petty Officers, who turn inanimate jets into an instrument of National Policy for the citizens and President of the United States, and if need be, a formidable source of power for any, operational commander. hy V-3 Division al LT Scott Jacobson and the V-3 Division is responsible for anything that happens on the hanger deck. This division has the incredible task of constantly moving aireraft in and out of the hanger to the flight deck. They handle aircraft movement, cleanliness and upkeep, as well as keeping abreast of maintenance requirements and being prepared to fight aircraft fires. Occasionally, they even host an icecream social Throughout the cruise, there was tremendous pride and high morale as the Air Department, led by Commanders Dan “Darth” Cain and on the hanger bay! Mike “Turbo” Wertz, performed its duties. During a cruise which included extensive high tempo operating periods, it all came down toa “do it right the first time” attitude. V-4 Division Co + a 8 4 *, «, ‘ . é The Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels) of the Air Department, known fleet-wide as “the Grapes”, are identified by their purple jerseys. ‘The Air Department fc di this Western Pacifi I rt of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH in the ae — ‘ A A ss s Beep cbartment’s/performancg curing this) WER ame oe 1g Suppor OF Operatt a The Grapes have an enormous task maintaining and operating all equipment leading to the safe and professional issue of clean and bright ~ fuel to embarked aircraft. USS CONSTELLATION’s Grapes have established the reputation as “The fleet’s finest fuelers.” Arabian Gulf, speaks for itself,” said Air Boss, CDR Cain. “These men are the best. I could not have been more proud of anyone’s performance or professionalism.” V-5 Division Under the Leadership of LT Andy.“‘AJ”? Johnson, ABCM (AW) Bill Smith and YN2 Jonathan Mangilit, V-5 Division performs the | administrative role of processing and organizing the communicative needs of the Air Department. The primary flight control personnel are also managed by V-5, performing critical operations in the Primary Flight Control Tower known as “PRI-FLY.” “Our fighting AB’s (Aviation Boatswain’s Mates) have a proud and strong tradition in carrier aviation. Without their dedicated and professional efforts, doing what they do best making sure we are ready for anything, the Connie would not have been able to excel the way Hate ( DEPARTMENT i Commander Dan L. Cain