During launches or recoveries, helicopters shall not cross within 5 NM of the ship's bow and within ____ NM of ship's stern without approval from the ____.

The stipulation that helicopters shall not cross within 5 nautical miles (NM) of the ship's bow and within 3 NM of the ship's stern without approval from the Air Boss is rooted in ensuring safety and operational efficiency during critical flight operations.

The Air Boss is responsible for overseeing the flight operations on an aircraft carrier, including managing the movement of aircraft around the ship. Maintaining a safe distance from the stern is crucial because the stern is generally the area where aircraft are being launched or recovered, and it helps mitigate the risk of interfering with those operations. By setting a specific distance of 3 NM from the stern, the protocol aims to avoid any potential hazards that could arise from helicopter traffic during these processes.

This distance allows for a buffer zone that helps ensure safety and minimizes confusion or conflicts between different types of aircraft during busy flight operations aboard a ship. Ultimately, having the Air Boss's approval ensures that this safety protocol is adhered to and that all operations are conducted smoothly and without incident.