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Divisions in the Air Department People who control Flight Deck Operations Meaning of the different Colors of Helmets and Jerseys to end of page
Much goes into flight operations aboard today's modern US Navy aircraft carriers. Preparations for a launch or recovery very much resemble a well-choreographed ballet. Those involved in the evolution have specific, clearly defined roles, and are easily recognizable by the color of their jerseys and helmets.
back to top go to the end of the pageThe Air Department aboard the Aircraft Carrier consists of the following Divisions:
| V-1 Division | is responsible for moving aircraft on the flight deck and "spotting" catapults. They are also responsible for making sure the flight deck is free of foreign object debris (FOD). |
| V-2 Division | maintains and operates all of the catapult launching and arresting gear. |
| V-3 Division | has about 80 people and is responsible for moving aircraft in the hangar bay. |
| V-4 Division | has about 50-60 people who work on the flight deck; fueling aircraft, defueling aircraft and repairing fuel stations. |
| V-5 Division | consisting of approximately 15 Sailors, handles primary flight control. This division works with the air boss and keeps track of all of the aircraft. |
back to top go to the end of the pageFive People control Operations on the Flight Deck:
| Air Boss | directs all aspects of flight deck operations from Primary Flight Control, the carrier's control tower, including launching, recovery and shipboard handling of the aircraft. |
| Mini Boss | the Air Boss' assistant in directing operations on the flight deck. |
| The Handler | directs the handling of the aircraft on the flight deck and in the hangar bay. |
| Air Bos'n | supervises crash crews and fire parties in handling aircraft emergencies during flight and general Quarters. |
| LSO | Landing Signal Officer, monitors and directs the final approach and landing of every fixed wing aircraft. |
back to top go to the end of the pageMeaning of the different Colors of Helmets and Jerseys:
| Color of Jersey | Color of Helmet | Tasks | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|
| blue | blue | - Aircraft Handlers - Tractor Drivers |  |
| blue | white | - Aircraft Elevator Operators - Messengers and Phone Talkers | no photo available |
| blue | yellow | - Aircraft Directors | no photo available |
| yellow | yellow (The letters "UI" on a helmet stand for "Under Instruction" and indicate that this "Yellow Shirt" is an apprentice. Photo.) | - Plane Directors - Aircraft Handling Officers |  |
| yellow | green (with three red stripes) | - Catapult and Arresting Gear Officers |  |
| green | green | - Catapult and Arresting Gear Crews - Air Wing Maintenance Personnel - Photographer's Mates |  |
| green | yellow (with three red stripes) | - Catapult and Arresting Gear Officers | no photo available |
| green | white | - Cargo Handling Personnel - Helicopter Landing Signal Enlisted Personnel (LSE) |  |
| green | brown | - Air Wing Quality Control Personnel |  |
| white | none (sometimes white) | - Landing Signal Officers (LSO) |  |
| white | white | - Air Transfer Officers (ATO) - Medical Personnel - Visitors / VIPs |  |
| white | green | - Squadron Plane Inspectors - Liquid Oxygen (LOX) Crews |  |
| brown | brown | - Air Wing Plane Captains - Air Wing Line Leading Petty Officers |  |
| brown | red | - Air Wing Helicopter Captains |  |
| purple | purple | - Aviation Fuels |  |
| red | red | - Ordnancemen - Crash and Salvage Crews - Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) |  |
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