Ouch...!

That was always scary watching the WWII videos of Navy aircraft coming in for landings.   Landing gear collapsing,  wings folding and planes crashing into the super structure.   And seeing the pilots as the deck crew tries to get them out of  what left of the plane.  Even videos of the modern jets making landings that didn't quite go right.   Worst was the pilot who ejected just as the plane rolled over the edge of the deck.   The deck hands have got to have the most dangerous job. 

As a 2MMR Reactor plant/steam plant dude, I never got to experience the deck during such activities, but I certainly agree with you John,  I've always been intrigued by those old video's of landings and stuff on the old bird farms.  And to think, back then you had a 12-14 foot prop spinning one each when they were warming them up, Almost makes you think it is safer out there now than it was back then.... My dad was a (I think) a green shirt  for VA65 from about 1963-70, but he tell to many stories other than how he loved that Skyraider!

Pretty sure I was allot safer on the flight deck of the Hancock than I would have been in the jungle.

That my friend, I agree with whole heartedly!