A subjective study of fatigue during Navy flight operations over southern Iraq: Operation Southern Watch

Carrier Air Wing FIVE (U.S.S. Independence) sustained and continuous operations during the onset of Operation Southern Watch provided an opportunity to evaluate fatigue and responses to fatigue in naval aviation aircrew personnel. We compiled U.S. Navy Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) aircrew subjective fatigue reports during and immediately after the 18 d of intensive carrier aviation operations enforcing the "No Fly Zone" over southern Iraq. This survey provided indicators for monitoring fatigue during patrols of 5-6 hours. Also addressed are the most commonly used methods to combat fatigue, including caffeine tablets and nicotine gum.