About
Acknowledgements
A big thank you to all who helped with the book!
Books are never solo projects, and this one would never have been possible without the amazing support of a lot of other people.
Acknowledgements
A special thanks to all the crew of the USS Nimitz who kindly let us into their lives, answered questions, explained their role, and shared their stories. Whether you were in for a short time, or the Navy is your career, what you added was important. The job you performed was needed. And the long hours, the frustrating times, the rewarding moments, and the memories you have will forever shape you. Use your experiences to inspire others to pursue perfection, and along the way, achieve the excellence that you displayed!
Our Mission
Our goal is to shine a light on the part of Naval Aviation not many have seen—the flight deck. Working long hours, in all kinds of weather conditions, these young men and women show a level of dedication that is rare. They are the true heros of the United States Navy's flight operations!
About the book
A unique glimpse into aircraft carrier operations
Experience Life on the World’s Most Dangerous 4.5 Acres — The Flight Deck This stunning coffee-table book captures powerful, up-close images of daily life on an aircraft carrier flight deck—one of the most dangerous workplaces in the world. Read firsthand stories from the sailors and airmen who brave extreme weather and high-stakes operations, day and night, around the globe. Plus, get exclusive access to a gallery that contains images that we couldn’t fit in the book!
About the author
Chester Hull
Chester Hull is an author and life-long student of aircraft carrier flight operations. In addition to two different underways aboard the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) capturing images and interviewing sailors for Life on the Flight Deck, Chester has had the great fortune of having toured the USS Yorktown (CV-10), USS Midway (CV-41), and the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). Chester lives in Virginia with his wife and four kids with whom he’s had the greatest adventures in all 50 states! He loves his family, mountain biking, and you’ll often find him at aviation events around the country.
About the photographer
Kenton VanDuyne
Kenton VanDuyne is a husband and father to three teenagers. He’s a family man, an avid lover of photography, and an adrenaline junkie. He is a highly skilled photographer with a passion for capturing life through the lens in any and all circumstances. Kenton is always looking for the next grand adventure and aviation photography never disappoints. He considers his time aboard the USS Nimitz to be a great honor and one of the highlights of his life. Kenton’s work in this book offers a rare and unique glimpse into one of the most dynamic environments in military aviation.
A book truly like no other.
This book is dedicated to all the men and women of the United States Navy, but especially to those risking their lives working on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier. You know what it’s like to feel the sting of jet fuel vapors coating your throat. To feel the power of the hot jet blast push you backwards, and to fear the invisibility of a spinning propeller.