4 CHAPTER 1 Mighty SHIPS An aircraft carrier floats in the ocean Its deck is buzzing with activity Sailors hurry around They check the steel catapult A jet sits ready for launch Its engines hum The ship's loud horn blares Launch time Three two one FLY
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Wind Over Deck The catapult sends the jet racing down the deck The ship holds steady Below deck the engines rumble The huge ship is always moving It heads into the wind The airflow helps lift jets off the deck It also helps them land safely The ship stays ready for attacks The catapult is like a slingshot Jets go from standstill to flying in about two seconds