Ditto for North Atlantics with winds so strong that they told us not to expect a helo to launch to come get us and water so cold that it wouldn't matter anyway. Did on ein 82 and again in 85 and because of Cold War still being on and Bears, Badgers and Bisons enroute to find us, we launched just as described with lumps in our throats. Receovery was pretty sporty with MOVLAS rigged because lens couldn't handle the deck motion. LSOs earned their pay on every recovery.
Good God yes! I’ve worked the deck on the Indy during mid-winter in the Atlantic. I can tell you it was not fun and it was COLD! Winds, rain… Just thinking about it gives me cold chills today. We tied down everything in sight. You landed and the deck crew was there with chains. All hands too! EVERYONE! No matter what color shirt you were wearing.
Steve