What is Aircraft carrier approach operations?

Approach ops (Air Ops) are the maneuvers that aircraft (attack/fighters or support) execute to get aboard the carrier (trap). Since the flight deck is not very large, the aircraft must be stopped catching a wire stretched across the deck with a sturdy hook attached to the plane.

They follow a very standardized pattern around the carrier, day or night, good or bad weather, clear or no visibility.

It is considered the most difficult and dangerous thing there exists in aviation.