Abstract: Method and apparatus for mating a base deck to an assembly nest are disclosed. The method incorporates use of an alignment post supported by a visco-elastic damping material and a cam controlled mechanical finger, each precluding exposure of excessive mechanical shock impacting a base deck during alignment and positioning of the base deck within an assembly nest. The method further incorporates use of a lift deck supported by a gimbal bearing mechanism. The gimbal bearing mechanism provides attitude compliance adjustment between a base deck datum surface, and a corresponding assembly nest datum surface. Attitude compliance adjustment is promoted by a gimbaling of the lift deck about a centralized spherical bearing of the gimbal bearing mechanism, which occurs subsequent to the alignment and positioning of the base deck in respective said first and second directions and during engagement of the base deck with the assembly nest.