This is a clip from a 90 minute documentary television special that I made for the 50th anniversary of invention of naval aviation. I got to be on an aircraft carrier as it was headed to Lebanon back in the 1980s. It was incredible to watch the men (there were no women in the combat military at that time) perform complex tasks almost perfectly that were very dangerous. Aircraft carriers have evolved to be the centerpiece of many modern naval fleets, especially for powers with global interests like the United States. They serve multiple strategic purposes. Aircraft carriers allow a nation to project air power far from its shores without the need for local airbases. This capability is especially crucial in regions where access to friendly bases might be restricted or in distant conflicts where rapid response is required. The mere presence of aircraft carriers, as is the case now in the Middle East carrie, with its assortment of aircraft and weapons, can deter potential adversaries from taking aggressive actions. They serve as a visible symbol of a nation's commitment to defend its interests. Carriers ensure that the seas remain open for friendly forces and closed to adversaries. They can be used to ensure the freedom of navigation, protect vital trade routes, and deny access to enemy vessels. In the aftermath of natural disasters, carriers can serve as a floating base for relief operations. They can provide medical facilities, fresh water, and a platform for helicopters and aircraft to deliver aid. A carrier strike group (which includes the carrier and its accompanying ships) can conduct a wide variety of missions simultaneously, from air strikes, fleet air defense, anti-submarine warfare, to information operations, making them versatile assets in any naval strategy. Aircraft carriers can rapidly respond to emerging threats or crises. Their onboard aircraft can be reconfigured for various missions, from air-to-air combat, ground attack, surveillance, electronic warfare, and more. Stationing carriers in crucial regions around the world ensures rapid response capabilities. This forward presence can reassure allies and partners of a nation's commitment to their security. Beyond their military value, carriers often play a diplomatic role. Port visits and "showing the flag" can strengthen diplomatic ties, promote goodwill, or send a message to potential adversaries. The concept of using ships as a base for aircraft operations began with seaplanes and balloons. The first recorded takeoff from a ship was by Eugene Ely in 1910 from the USS Birmingham. He also made the first landing on a ship, the USS Pennsylvania, a few months later. The British Royal Navy converted the ship HMS Furious to include a deck for aircraft to take off. The first-ever carrier strike was launched from HMS Furious in 1918 when seven Sopwith Camels bombed the German Zeppelin base at Tondern, although the effectiveness of carriers was still limited during this time period. This era saw significant developments. The first purpose-built aircraft carrier, HMS Hermes, was launched by the British in 1924. The U.S. Navy commissioned the USS Langley around the same time, converted from a collier. The doctrine and tactics of carrier-based warfare were also explored, with advancements in ship designs and aircraft capabilities. The importance of the aircraft carrier became unequivocally clear in this war. The attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese, using six carriers, illustrated the potential of carrier strike power. Notable battles, such as the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway, were primarily carrier engagements. By the war's end, carriers had overtaken battleships as the dominant capital ship in naval warfare. Jet aircraft brought new challenges due to their greater speeds and requirements. The angled deck, steam catapult, and optical landing systems were introduced to make jet operations feasible. Nuclear propulsion, first seen with the USS Enterprise in 1961, allowed carriers to operate for longer durations without refueling. Supercarriers, particularly those of the U.S. Nimitz class, became symbols of naval power and projection. These vessels can carry more than 70 aircraft and are equipped with advanced systems. Modern carriers are increasingly automated with advanced radars, combat systems, and stealth technologies. The U.S. Ford-class carriers introduced the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) as a replacement for steam catapults. The term "Top Gun" refers to the US Navy Fighter Weapons School and its course designed to train elite naval aviators in the art of air-to-air combat. Established in 1969 and popularized by the 1986 film "Top Gun," this program trains pilots to become the best of the best in air combat maneuvering. The ability to remain calm, focused and determined, even in the face of potential danger or overwhelming odds, is a hallmark of Top Gun pilots.