Working on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world.

A flight deck poses many hazards, including jet blasts, gusts of wind that sometimes threaten to blow Sailors overboard, and the potential for wires to snap, which can result in the loss of life or limb. For a select few Sailors throughout the Navy, this is the greatest job they could have.

"Launching and recovering aircraft is one of the most intense and exciting jobs, and what makes it even more special is knowing not everyone can do it," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) (ABE) 3rd Class April Randall.

Randall, assigned to V-2 division in the Air Department aboard aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), joined the Navy in July 2013, a month after graduating from Springfield High School in Eugene, Oregon. She checked aboard Ike, her first duty station, just a few months later in February 2014. Now, her primary job is to help launch and recover aircraft from the carrier's flight deck, a responsibility she knows is one of the greatest any Sailor can have aboard an aircraft carrier, especially for a 21-year-old with fewer than three years of service.

"A typical day in the ABE life is launching and recovering 'freedom,'" said Randall. "We work hard to keep our equipment going, so if that means working long hours to keep things running, that's what we do."

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class Eddie Seals agreed the job is tough, but he said it is essential to the success of the command.

"At first glance, our rating can be a little intimidating due to the wide range of equipment that we operate and maintain during flight operations," said Seals. "However, as I continue to learn and gain experience, it is evident how we play a critical role in the primary mission of an aircraft carrier. Launching and recovering aircraft is what we do, and it is the heart and soul of Ike."

Ike has been undergoing a rigorous schedule of workups, involving a robust schedule of flight operations and flight deck drills. Randall and her fellow ABEs have been seeing a lot of action on the flight deck, which has helped to forge bonds among the topside crew members.

"It's long nights and tough hours, but the people you work with become your family," said Randall. "You eat, work and rest together. No matter what problems come up, we try and work them out as quickly as we can so we can get back to business and complete our mission safely."

Seals said Ike's ABEs embrace all the challenges they encounter and take great pride in their performance.

"The reward is knowing that we directly contribute to saving lives and protecting the cause of freedom," said Seals. "That outweighs whatever level of difficulty we face."

Randall, reflecting on how much she has already learned during her short time in the Navy, said the challenges she faces working on the flight deck are only matched by the sense of accomplishment she feels at the end of the day.

"You give up a lot when you choose to serve your country," said Randall. "You have to work hard, but if you truly dedicate yourself and do it for the right reasons, it can be so rewarding. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something. Prove them wrong."

For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), visit www.navy.mil/.