This T-2C is queued up behind the starboard catapult blast deflector awaiting launch. A flight deck crewman has a tiller steering bar to assist with the precise nose wheel alignment needed for catapult hookup.

VT-9 is based at NAS Meridian, Mississippi. As it is quite a distance inland from the Gulf of Mexico the squadron would deploy aircraft to NAS Pensacola for carrier qualification training using the USS Lexington operating off the Florida coast. The Lexington has been retired since 1991, and now all Training Command carrier quals are conducted aboard fleet aircraft carriers either offshore the Pacific or Atlantic coasts.

The A-4 did not have nose gear steering, the pilot using differential braking to make turns. That was fine for taxiing around airfields, but in the confined areas aboard ship it was an issue. As a result, a steering bar or tiller was used by a flight deck crewman to precisely maneuver the a/c. This was especially important for lining the jet up on the catapult. Here we see the crewman and a/c headed to the starboard catapult aboard USS Lexington.

Slide taken aboard USS Lexington during TA-4J carrier qualifications for VT-7 Student Naval Aviators. This TA-4J is clearing the landing area (note speed brakes still open). A successful qualification is six arrested landings and six catapult shots. After the last catapult, each pilot will hold overhead the ship and when the last of the flight joins up they will return to NAS Pensacola. As they leave another flight of 3 or 4 TA-4Js will be arriving to begin their qualifications.

This VT-7 TA-4J is awaiting being positioned on the USS Lexington's starboard catapult. Student Naval Aviators were required to perform two touch an go and six arrested landings in order to carrier qualify with the TA-4J. All carrier qualification flights were solo, with no instructor in the aircraft. This was near the end of the advanced jet syllabus. This a/c was lost near NAS Meridian, Mississippi on 8 June 1986 due to engine failure. Both crew ejected safely.

This was the third C-1A to be named Blue Ghost. Lex's COD (Carrier Onboard Delivery) flew two round trips a day from NAS Pensacola out to the ship. Shown here taxiing clear of the landing area after arriving from Pensacola. Name "Blue Ghost #3" is on the rear fuselage.

Sold in Australia as VH-EER. Tony Arbon photo.

The engine nacelles carry a logo VIP Air