FighterSweep fans check out this awesome first person flight deck video from the Catapult 4 Topside Petty Officer in 2014.  The Cat 4 Topside Petty Officer ensures proper hookup of the aircraft to the catapult.

This video shows a typical launch off Catapults 3 and 4 from the USS Eisenhower (CVN 69).  At the start of the video, note how all personnel with the exception of the Troubleshooters (also known as Final Checkers) are behind the red and white safety line.  The Troubleshooter (white vest) is looking underneath the jet during the engine run up for any abnormalities.  He then gives a thumbs up to the “Shooter”, signaling the aircraft is safe for launch. In a noisy flight deck environment, hand signals are the preferred method used to communicate to personnel.

A special treat is watching the EA-6B Prowler taxi into the shuttle from an up close and personal view (3:15). Notice how precise the nose gear movements are to get aligned properly for launch. The Prowler is no longer used in the US Navy inventory having been replaced by the EA-18G Growler.