The USS Bald Eagle is a United States Navy aircraft carrier that has a live webcam stream for the public to view. The Bald Eagle cam allows people to get a glimpse into life on an aircraft carrier and see operations taking place on deck. In this article, we will look at where the USS Bald Eagle cam is located, what viewers can expect to see, and the history of the webcam.
Where is the Bald Eagle cam located?
The USS Bald Eagle webcam is located on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier. The Bald Eagle is currently homeported at Naval Base Kitsap in Bremerton, Washington. Bremerton is across the Puget Sound from Seattle.
When viewing the Bald Eagle cam, the orientation is looking out from the rear of the flight deck facing forward. Viewers are looking towards the ship’s island superstructure. The Bald Eagle cam provides a wide view of aircraft launch and recovery operations taking place on the flight deck.
Some key locations seen on the Bald Eagle cam include:
Aircraft Catapults
The Bald Eagle has four aircraft catapults used to launch planes off the deck. The two starboard side catapults are visible.
Landing Area
The landing area is where aircraft catch arresting wires with their tailhooks to rapidly decelerate on landing. Pilots aim to hit one of four wires stretched across the deck.
Island
The ship’s island tower contains the bridge and navigation equipment. It rises several stories above the flight deck.
Aircraft Elevators
Aircraft elevators move between the flight deck and hangar bay below. Elevators bring up aircraft from the hangar for launches.
So in summary, the Bald Eagle cam is located on the rear flight deck facing forward towards the island to provide great views of catapult launches and arrested landings. The live stream comes from Puget Sound at the ship’s home port.
What Can Viewers Expect to See?
The USS Bald Eagle webcam provides a fascinating look at flight operations aboard an aircraft carrier. Here are some of the activities and sights viewers can expect to see:
Catapult Launches
The steam-powered catapults give aircraft carriers their rapid launch ability. The Bald Eagle cam allows you to watch aircraft blast off the deck from zero to over 160 miles per hour in mere seconds. Catapult launches happen regularly during flight operations.
Arrested Landings
Arrested landings are exciting to watch as pilots skillfully maneuver returning aircraft to catch one of the arresting wires with the plane’s tailhook. This rapid deceleration looks dramatic on camera.
Aircraft lineup
Aircraft waiting to launch are parked forward near the catapults. Viewers can see F-18 Hornets, E-2 Hawkeyes, Seahawk helicopters and more lined up for their launch turn.
Flight deck crew
The Bald Eagle cam allows viewers to see the choreographed chaos of the flight deck. Sailors in colored shirts direct aircraft movements and operate the catapults.
Aerial refueling
Receivers line up behind tanker aircraft near the island to refuel in flight prior to their catapult launch.
So in summary, viewers get great sights of carrier launches, landings and flight deck action. Catapult shots and arrested landings are very dramatic to watch live.
History of the Bald Eagle Cam
The USS Bald Eagle webcam first launched in 2017. The cam aimed to provide more public exposure to flight deck operations that had been increasingly difficult to view from pier side in recent years.
Here are some key facts about the history of the Bald Eagle cam:
Started in 2017
The webcam was first activated in 2017 during the Bald Eagle’s homeport shift to Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton.
Upgraded camera in 2021
The Navy upgraded to a Pan-Tilt-Zoom camera in 2021 to provide better quality video and control.
Popular public views
The Bald Eagle cam has become very popular, with over 2 million views on its YouTube channel.
Support Navy outreach
The cam supports Navy goals of reaching the public and inspiring interest in naval aviation.
So in summary, the Bald Eagle cam provides a unique window into aircraft carrier flight operations. The webcam first launched in 2017 and was upgraded in 2021. It has been widely viewed.
Watching the Bald Eagle Cam
For anyone interested in seeing the Bald Eagle cam live, here are the details on how to watch:
Bald Eagle Cam YouTube channel
The webcam stream is broadcast on the Navy’s DVIDS YouTube channel. Search “Bald Eagle Cam” to find it.
Live when ship is working
The cam is live during typical daytime working hours when flight operations are happening, just like a security cam.
Replay archive
If the cam is offline, you can scroll back through the archive to watch past highlights and operations.
Be patient
Remember there can be long stretches of inactivity during breaks in the flight schedule. Be patient and the action will start again!
So in summary, search for “Bald Eagle Cam” on YouTube to watch the live stream. View during daytime hours for the best chance to see flights. Scroll the archives to replay past highlights.
Conclusion
The USS Bald Eagle webcam offers a one-of-a-kind view of active flight operations on an aircraft carrier flight deck. Since going live in 2017 from Puget Sound, the cam has given millions of viewers front row seats to catapult launches, arrested landings and flight deck action aboard the USS Bald Eagle. The Bald Eagle cam is an exciting example of the Navy’s efforts to reach the public and showcase life in the Navy. So pull up a seat on YouTube and see what’s happening live aboard the Bald Eagle!
