WHAT IS AN ARRESTED LANDING?

Landing an aircraft on board an aircraft carrier by having the aircraft's tail hook grab one of the four arresting wires stretched across the flight deck.

THE TAILHOOK 071203-N-2844S-002 - File photo of a C-2 Greyhound making an arrested landing aboard a carrier. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Daron Street

THE ARRESTING WIRE

030121-N-2410G-004 At sea aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Jan. 21, 2003 -- A flight deck officer inspects one of the four arresting gear wires on the ship’s flight deck. Roosevelt is conducting training exercises in the Caribbean Sea. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Brad Garner.

021205-N-7265D-501 At sea aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Dec. 5, 2002 -- From left, Aviation Boatswain's Mate Airman Apprentice Kian Kadota from Hilo, Hawaii, Lt. Cdr. Rich Prest from of Wynnewood, Pa., and Lt. Stu Mattfield from Bemidji, Minn., inspect arresting wires before flight operations begin. “Arresting wires” are actually sturdy cables made of tightly woven high-tensile steel wire. It is these “arresting wires” which are snagged by tailhooks on an aircraft, which makes landing in such a short distance possible. The Roosevelt underway in the Atlantic Ocean for Tailored Ship Training Availability (TSTA). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Sabrina A. Day.

Three arresting wires laid out on deck. In this photo, the plane missed the wires and had to take off again. 050614-N-3494S-003 Persian Gulf (June 14, 2005) - An EA-6B Prowler, assigned to the "Yellow Jackets" of Electronic Attack Squadron One Three Eight (VAQ-138), bolters after missing the arresting wires during an attempt to make an arrested landing aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is currently deployed conducting operations in support of multi-national forces in Iraq and maritime security operations in order to set the conditions for security and stability in the region. Vinson will end its deployment with a homeport shift to Norfolk, Va., and commence a three-year refuel and complex overhaul. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Brian L. Short (

APPROACHING THE CARRIER

041210-N-6363M-008 Persian Gulf (Dec. 10, 2004) - Personnel assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) watch as an F/A-18 Hornet approaches the arresting wires to make a trapped landing. Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3) embarked aboard Truman is providing close air support and conducting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions over Iraq. Truman’s Carrier Strike Group Ten (CSG-10) and CVW-3 are on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Philip V. Morrill

020914-N-2385R-001 At sea aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Sep. 14, 2002 -- An E-2C “Hawkeye” assigned to the "Wallbangers" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron One One Seven (VAW-117) approaches the flight deck for an arrested landing. This is the first time that a full air wing has embarked aboard Nimitz since 1997. Nimitz is undergoing Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) Two and Three off the coast of California. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Yesenia Rosas.

CATCHING THE WIRE

020123-N-2722F-050 At sea aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Jan. 23, 2002 -- Sparks fly as the tailhook on an F/A-18 "Hornet" strike fighter scrapes the deck before catching one of four arresting gear wires on the flight deck of USS John C. Stennis. The Stennis and her embarked aircraft squadrons assigned Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9) are deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class James A. Farrally II.

020422-N-9849W-003 At sea aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Apr. 22, 2002 -- Sparks fly as an F/A-18 “Hornet” lands on the flight deck, catching one of the arresting gear wires, during nighttime aircraft recovery operations. Kitty Hawk is the Navy’s only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier operating out of Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class John E. Woods.

TAILHOOK GRABS ONE OF 4 ARRESTING WIRES 041226-N-2984R-084 Persian Gulf (Dec. 26, 2004) - An F/A-18A+ Hornet assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron One One Five (VMFA-115) "Silver Eagles" catches one of the four arresting wires during aircraft recovery aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Carrier Air Wing (CVW3) 3 is providing close air support and conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions over Iraq. The USS Harry S. Truman Strike Group and CVW-3 are on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. U.S Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Apprentice Ricardo J. Reyes

030318-N-4768W-047 Pacific Ocean (Mar. 18, 2003) - A T-45C Goshawk catches one of four arresting wires as it lands on the flight deck of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). The T-45 aircraft are used for intermediate and advanced portions of the Navy/Marine Corps pilot training program for jet carrier aviation and tactical strike mission instruction. The carrier qualifications are normally conducted on an Atlantic-based carrier within close range of the Navy's Meridian, Miss., training facility, however, the T-45 pilot qualifications were moved to the Pacific since Stennis is one of the few carriers currently not forward deployed. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Joshua Word.

051117-N-9742R-004 Atlantic Ocean (Nov. 17, 2005) - An EA-6B Prowler, assigned to the "Rooks" of Electronic Warfare Squadron One Three Seven (VAQ-137), catches one of four arresting wires on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise and embarked Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) are currently underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Milosz Reterski

041020-N-6213R-052 Pacific Ocean (Oct. 20, 2004) - An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the "Stingers" of Strike Fighter Squadron One One Three (VFA-113), catches one of four arresting wires aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Stennis and embarked Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) are on a scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Mark J. Rebilas

COMPLETE STOP 040119-N-3241H-008 Pacific Ocean (Jan. 19, 2004) -- An EA-6B Prowler assigned to the Yellow Jackets of Electronic Attack Squadron One Three Eight (VAQ-138), comes to a safe and complete stop after catching one of four arresting wires aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). The Bremerton, Wash., based aircraft carrier is currently underway for the first time since returning from an eight and a half month deployment to the western Pacific. Carl Vinson will be conducting carrier qualifications and training with Carrier Air Wing (CVW-9) and units assigned to the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group (CSG). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Dustin Howell.

WHAT IF THE AIRCRAFT MISSES THE ARRESTING WIRES? It returns to the sky. They call this "Bolter".

050614-N-3494S-003 Persian Gulf (June 14, 2005) - An EA-6B Prowler, assigned to the "Yellow Jackets" of Electronic Attack Squadron One Three Eight (VAQ-138), bolters after missing the arresting wires during an attempt to make an arrested landing aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is currently deployed conducting operations in support of multi-national forces in Iraq and maritime security operations in order to set the conditions for security and stability in the region. Vinson will end its deployment with a homeport shift to Norfolk, Va., and commence a three-year refuel and complex overhaul. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Brian L. Short (

050627-N-0535P-024 Atlantic Ocean (June 27, 2005) - Bow Safety observer watches as one T-45A Goshawk trainer aircraft assigned to Training Air Wing Two (TW-2) bolters after missing all four arresting wires as another prepares to launch from the bow during launch and recovery operations aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman is currently conducting carrier qualifications and sustainment operations off of the East Coast. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Jay C. Pugh

Description: F-14 Tomcat returns to the sky after missing arresting wire. 021109-N-1810F-022 At sea aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Nov. 9, 2002 -- An F-14 “Tomcat” assigned to the “Black Knights” of Fighter Squadron One Five Four (VF-154) bolters after missing the arresting wires while making an arrested landing during flight operations, on the ship’s flight deck. Kitty Hawk is the Navy’s only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier and operates out of Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Todd Frantom.

PRACTICING THE LANDING By "touch and go" landing, a pilot lands an aircraft with his tailhook up, purposely missing the arresting gear wires, then quickly takes off. 080319-N-7571S-002 ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 19, 2008) An F/A-18 Hornet performs a touch and go landing aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). A touch and go landing is when a pilot lands an aircraft with his tailhook up, purposely missing the arresting gear wires, then quickly takes off. Theodore Roosevelt and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 are conducting tailored ship's training availability and final evaluation problem (TSTA/FEP). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Snyder

050915-N-5384B-024 Pacific Ocean (Sep. 15, 2005) - An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the “Fighting Vigilantes” of Strike Fighter Squadron One Five One (VFA-151) successfully performs a “touch-and-go” aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln is currently conducting Quarterly Surge Sustainment Training with Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2) off the coast of Southern California. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Justin R. Blake

PREPARING THE ARRESTING WIRES FOR A LANDING SUPPORT BARS ARE PLACED UNDER THE ARRESTING WIRES, RAISING THE WIRE A FEW INCHES OFF THE FLIGHT DECK SO THE AIRCRAFT'S TAILHOOK CAN ENGAGE THE WIRE 041002-N-8704K-002 Arabian Gulf (Oct. 2, 2004) - Sailors assigned to the V-2 Division set the support bars under the arresting gear wires prior to flight operations aboard the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS John F Kennedy (CV 67). The support bars raise the arresting gear wire a few inches off the flight deck so the aircraft's tailhook can engage the wire. Kennedy and embarked Carrier Air Wing Seventeen (CVW-17) are currently deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Joshua Karsten

THE APPROPRIATE TENSION IS SET FOR THE WIRE, DEPENDING ON THE WEIGHT AND TYPE OF AIRCRAFT BEING RECOVERED 030726-N-8148A-032 Atlantic Ocean (Jul. 26, 2003) – Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Stewart Little of Darlington, S.C., sets the appropriate tension for one of three arresting wires aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is currently underway off the coast of Virginia completing initial flight deck certification. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Kitt Amaritnant.

030328-N-9403F-024 The Arabian Gulf (Mar. 28, 2003) -- Aviation Baotswain's Mate 3rd Class Amy Oshaughnessy from Nevada, Iowa, mans an arresting gear machinery room under the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Petty Officer Oshaughnessy varies the resistance of the number arresting wires on the ship’s flight deck depending on the weight and type of aircraft being recovered as well as monitoring operating pressures. Lincoln and Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW 14) are conducting combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multi-national coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Jason Frost.

REPLACING THE ARRESTING WIRE 040331-N-6213R-333 Pacific Ocean (Mar. 31, 2004) - Airman Manuel Santis, of Chicago, Ill., pulls away an arresting cable after being replaced on the flight deck aboard the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) during a scheduled no-fly day. Arresting wires are replaced frequently to prevent the cable from breaking and injuring Sailors on the flight deck. Stennis and her embarked Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) are currently at sea participating in the Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Mark J. Rebilas.

030409-N-3241H-069 The Pacific Ocean (Apr. 9, 2003) -- During flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Aviation Boatswain's Mates switch out a pendant wire from one of the four arresting cables. The pendant wires are changed after a certain number of aircraft arrests are made. Carl Vinson and her embarked Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9) are on deployment in the western Pacific Ocean, conducting missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Dustin Howell.