Not many people in this world have heard the phrase, “Launch the Alert 5!” I mean, why would they? Unless, of course, they watched the movie, “Top Gun.” But for those of us who have lived it… it’s more than a catchy phrase!
I’m a Navy veteran. I was an ABH (Aviation Boatswains Mate-Handler), which meant I worked with aircraft: Crash Firefighter and Aircraft Director.
After Boot Camp (RTC Orlando) and ABH “A” School (Lakehurst, NH), my first duty station was NAS Agana, Guam. We worked two sections, “Port” and “Starboard,” 24 hours on and 24 hours off, every day, for 15 months. FYI… I was in the Port section. While on duty, five of us spent two, four-hour shifts a day in a cramped Crash firetruck on an “Alert Spot” between parallel runways. Our job was to wait for an aircraft emergency, or worse… a crash.
While I was in Guam, I never heard the phrase, “Launch the Alert 5.”
On the Flight Deck…
It wasn’t until I was aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), that I heard it for the first time. I was in V-1 Division/Crash during the Westpac ’75 cruise and worked on the flight deck. I learned what “Launch the Alert 5!” meant with the help of Crash Bos’n Ty Robuck, Crash LPO Jeff Atteberry, and Ass’t Crash LPO “Big Willie” Williams.
(Photographer Unknown)
Back in my time (’73-77), we were still in the “Cold War” era. Geez, that seems sooooo long ago. Among other things, the Russians constantly flew reconnaissance missions over our Carrier Task Force. We didn’t trust them any more than they trusted us.
The two main Russian aircraft that buzzed us were Russian Bears and Russian Badgers. BTW, the Russians still fly reconnaissance missions over our naval forces.
Russians in the Air
Once we left Hawaii and on the way to the Philippines, we established the “Alert 5.” This meant we had two F-4 Phantoms on the catapults ready to launch from a cold start within five minutes. We kept this routine up around the clock during that two-week transit, primarily because the Russians didn’t work nine-to-five either.
A pilot and RIO (Rear Intercept Officer) sat strapped in the F-4 cockpit waiting; nearby the starter equipment was hooked up to the aircraft, and a full plane crew, including maintenance and ordnance men. A Yellow Shirt director would be there, too, all ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Launch the Alert 5!
If the Russians came anywhere near us, the Air Boss would announce over the 5MC [flight deck PA system], “Launch the Alert 5!” At that point, the plane captain and crew would start the F-4 Phantoms, spooling up the jet engines, check the ordnance, and ready the aircraft for launch. The Yellow Shirt would direct the F-4 onto the catapult. Then, when all was ready, the Shooter would launch the aircraft.
The goal was to have at least one aircraft in the air within five minutes. Most of the time, we made it with time to spare, though sometimes there would be an equipment malfunction in which case we would launch the second one.
One pilot relayed to me that the usual scenario was that they would fly escort with the Russian Bear or Badger and smile and wave. Both the American pilots and the Russians would take photos of each other. But the pilot was always ready with his trigger finger, just in case. I was glad nothing ever happened; at least no one ever told us anything ever happened during those friendly exchanges.
And, no, as far as I know, no pilot ever flew “inverted” over a Russian aircraft like “Maverick” did in Top Gun. Cheesy, but effective for Hollywood.
The “Alert 15” – Always a backup
We also had an “Alert 15” as backup. Two additional F-4 Phantoms or A-7 Corsairs would be ready to launch within 15 minutes after the Alert 5. The crews were not in the cockpit for the Alert 15, but close enough to get ready quickly in case one of the Alert 5s could not launch. It was spectacular to watch this remarkable teamwork in action.
I’ve been known to QUIETLY say, “Launch the Alert 5!” It usually happens when I’m driving and somebody recklessly pulls in front of me. Am I the only one?! Or, when I’m in the grocery store and the aisle is blocked. Yes, I often get a strange look or a harsh word. But it is so worth it.
Teamwork is the Key
While I can easily recall the phrase, the thing I remember the most is how we worked together as a team to make it happen. Think about it. A couple dozen guys, many who don’t know each other personally, but recognize the importance of what we do and why we do it. We constantly trained for this and when the time came, we executed.
After I left the Navy, I became a firefighter with the City of Gainesville – a “natural” progression for me as an ABH. Similar to those emergencies we faced on the flight deck, training kicked in when needed. There were times I worked with other firefighters, same city, but a different shift from a different station. But because of our continuous and intense training, we all knew what to do when we needed to do it.
Those Instincts… Still There
I’m currently retired, at least today. Who knows about tomorrow? But there are times, few and thankfully, far between, when I’ve come upon an emergency and my reactions mimic what we did in the Navy and the fire department. I react to the situation and hopefully, am of some help. Traffic accidents, house or car fire, cat up a tree…, or health emergency – I do what I can. I’m sure I’m not the only one here.
My wife is an RN (retired) and more than once we’ve come across an accident and worked the scene as a team. Like most first responders, that instinct to run toward the fire/accident/emergency is still there.
I do miss the challenges and the excitement of the flight deck. Yes, it was dangerous, and we lost a few crew members. We can Never Forget them. But we were there for a mission. We were there for the Navy. We were there for our country. And that, my friends, makes me a proud Navy veteran!
Stay safe.
Until we meet again,
Andy
Andy Adkins is a US Navy veteran (’73-77) and the author of several books. His newest novel, NEVER FORGET, is the story of A Vietnam Veteran’s Journey for Redemption & Forgiveness. NEVER FORGET is FREE (eBook, PDF) for all veterans. Download your FREE copy HERE.
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Hi Andy-Love your stories. I was a Plane Captain on my first Med. Cruise on USS Intrepid (1961/62) before I got into the AT shop. Your story here reminded me that P.C. had already started when I was in. At that time each squadron had a aircraft loaded with a Nuke sitting on the hanger deck designated the “Duty Bomber”. Sometime, before I separated in 1963, the nomenclature was changed to ” Alert Aircraft”. I always thought “Duty Bomber’ sounded more badass!
“Duty Bomber…” that’s a first for me. Still, though… exciting times. Thanks for your comment.