Video: 97,000-ton US aircraft carrier marks 200,000 landings with F-35C fighter recovery

On August 18, the USS George Washington marked a major milestone by recovering its 200,000th fixed-wing aircraft during operations in the Indian Ocean. Navy Lt. Steven Frazier, flying an F-35C Lightning II, made the historic landing after a routine mission in the U.S. 7th Fleet area, according to the U.S. Department of War. Frazier, who serves with Strike Fighter Squadron 147, performed what naval aviators call a “trap.” In this maneuver, the aircraft’s tail hook catches one of the carrier’s steel arresting cables as it lands on the flight deck. This milestone follows 34 years of continuous carrier operations for the USS George Washington. The carrier can recover an aircraft about every minute and usually handles around 70 aircraft during several flight operations each day. A milestone built on consistency “For the George Washington, more than anything, it shows consistency over the last 34 years to be able to complete whatever mission the country calls upon it to do,” Frazier said. “For me personally, it shows that if this aircraft carrier launches me off of the ship, I’ll be able to come back and land on it.” The carrier’s ability to repeatedly launch and recover aircraft depends on teams working across the ship. Pilots, landing signal officers, flight-deck crews, arresting gear teams, and maintainers all work together for each recovery. “Two hundred thousand traps is not just a number — it is a testament to the enduring strength of American naval aviation and the unmatching professionalism of the sailors who make it possible,” highlighted Navy Rear Adm. Jeffrey L. Heames, commander of Carrier Strike Group 5. “This milestone reminds the world that U.S. carriers remain ready to launch and recover aircraft anywhere, anytime, in defense of freedom and our allies.” Flight deck teams keep operations moving Each recovery puts pressure on the carrier’s arresting systems and flight-deck crews. Hydraulic and mechanical equipment must work at all times, even when the weather changes. “I am immensely proud of every sailor who has served aboard [the] George Washington over the past 34 years,” expressed Navy Capt. Nicholas DeLeo, the carrier’s commander. “The 200,000th trap belongs to the arresting gear teams, the yellow shirts, the maintainers and every watchstander who ensures this afloat airfield stays full mission capable.” The carrier has handled a wide range of aircraft throughout its service. Its recovery record includes F-14 Tomcats, F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, E-2 Hawkeyes and F-35C Lightning IIs. Four decades of carrier aviation The USS George Washington is now continuing operations into its fourth decade of service. The latest recovery reflects the work of crews who have supported flight operations aboard the carrier since its earlier years. “Our ship continues to deliver combat power from the sea, and this milestone is proof that [we are] ready for whatever the nation asks of us,” DeLeo said. The carrier’s 200,000th recovery also highlights how frequently naval aircraft must return to a moving flight deck. Each “trap” depends on precise timing between the aircraft and the ship, with crews responsible for ensuring the deck and recovery equipment are ready. “Every trap is a high-stakes ballet of skill, trust and precision. Reaching 200,000 on [the] George Washington is a shared achievement between the air wing and the ship’s company,” added Navy Capt. Brian Kesselring, commander of Carrier Air Wing 5. “All-hands, past and present, who served aboard [the] George Washington played a part in reaching this monumental historical milestone.” The Navy said the August 18 milestone honors decades of work by sailors who operated the carrier and its aviation systems. With the USS George Washington remaining in service, its flight deck is expected to support many more aircraft recoveries in the years ahead. Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.A versatile writer, Sujita has worked with Mashable Middle East and News Daily 24. When she isn't writing, you can find her glued to the latest web series and movies.