The AT/AQ Shop was right under the #4 JBD on the USS America. FA 18's on the Cat are the worse. 14's are much deeper in tone and sound great. 18's are higher pitched and just sucked.
You can't compare Air Force jets to NavAir. AF are built to a much lighter standard due to such an easier life. Cat Shots, Arrests, and the environment just require a tougher bird.
FOD Walkdown was always improved for the MATWING side of Oceana when one of Tom Cats were practicing their Air Show routines.
