In article ,
Andrew C. Toppan wrote:

During all our steel beaches, there were always alert-5 and alert-15
aircraft.

Like I said, the definition of "fully battle ready" can vary. I don't
think the condition you describe is "fully" battle ready in any way.
Perhaps capable of basic self defense, which is a rather different
thing.


Perhaps so. In my mind's eye, "fully battle ready" (in the context of a
CV/CVN) would mean: the ship is at GQ and all tactical air assets are
armed and ready for launch.

In peace time, this is not often the case, but it doesn't take long to
get to that stage...even when steel beach is in progress. Alert crews
are ALWAYS at the ready for all CVW assets and the weapons are just a
bomb elevator and an AO-squad away from being ready.

BTW, which carrier did you serve on and when?


--Mike