Joe Ruzicka, call sign "Smokin," is a former Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) in the F-14 Tomcat and Weapons Systems Officer (WSO) in the F-18 D/F. Joe gives a “from the cockpit” insider view of the procedures of aircraft launch and recovery on a U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier. Recommended reading: Joe’s article in The Drive: “How To Land A Fighter On An Aircraft Carrier On A Stormy Night”