With a storied military pedigree and unmatched war record, Air Force Gator achieved worldwide fame and legendary status among his peers. After falling into a years-long depression fueled by booze and pills, the alligator pilot is inspired to clean up his act and return to action after the tragic events of September 11th. When a former partner goes off the grid and threatens to shake the foundations of the United States, Air Force Gator is forced to return from the Middle East to face him head-on. Can Air Force Gator stop his old partner Gustav, or will the dastardly crocodile's plan for a reptilian revolution succeed?
The privilege of commanding an Air Force squadron, despite its heavy responsibilities and unrelenting challenges, represents for many Air Force officers the high point of their careers. It is service as a squadron commander that accords true command authority for the first time. The authority, used consistently and wisely, provides a foundation for command. As with the officer's commission itself, command authority is granted to those who have earned it, both by performance and a revealed capacity for the demands of total responsibility. But once granted, it much be revalidated every day. So as one assumes squadron command, bringing years of experience and proven record to join with this new authority, one might still need a little practical help to success with the tasks of command. This book offers such help. “Commanding an Air Force Squadron” brings unique and welcome material to a subject other books have addressed. It is rich in practical, useful, down-to-earth advice from officers who have recently experienced squadron command. The author does not quote regulations, parrot doctrine, or paraphrase the abstractions that lace the pages of so many books about leadership. Nor does he puff throughout the manuscript about how he did it. Rather, he presents a digest of practical wisdom based on real-world experience drawn from the reflection of many former commanders from any different types of units. He addresses all Air Force squadron commanders, rated and nonrated, in all sorts of missions worldwide. Please also see a follow up to this book entitled “Commanding an Air Force Squadron in the Twenty-First Century (2003)” by Jeffry F. Smith, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF.
Presenting a fascinating insider's view of U.S.A.F. special operations, this volume brings to life the critical contributions these forces have made to the exercise of air & space power. Focusing in particular on the period between the Korean War & the Indochina wars of 1950-1979, the accounts of numerous missions are profusely illustrated with photos & maps. Includes a discussion of AF operations in Europe during WWII, as well as profiles of Air Commandos who performed above & beyond the call of duty. Reflects on the need for financial & political support for restoration of the forces. Bibliography. Extensive photos & maps. Charts & tables.
Presents professional information designed to keep Army engineers informed of current and emerging developments within their areas of expertise for the purpose of enhancing their professional development. Articles cover engineer training, doctrine, operations, strategy, equipment, history, and other areas of interest to the engineering community.
In this sequel to the revolutionary Air Force Gator, eight years have passed since the Crocodile Rock incident that almost irrevocably damaged the United States. Since saving the country on that day, Air Force Gator's legendary status has grown to unseen heights. His strength is magnified after being exposed to the chemical GatorAid. He's dating a super hot stripper. Once a desperate and alcoholic whoremonger, the alligator pilot has finally found peace. When President Obama organizes a rally on the National Mall to honor the inaugural Air Force Gator Day, the heroic reptile plans on announcing his retirement from military duty. His dreams of a quiet retirement come crashing down around him when a fringe group of radical reptiles led by an evil pig farmer interrupts the festivities and carries out a massive terrorist attack. Devastated by the increasingly personal attacks of the Sons of Gustav, it's time for Gator to lace up his boots again and bring the pain.
This guidebook to all things Gators reveals the most critical moments and important facts about past and present players, coaches, and teams that are part of the storied history that is Florida football. Throughout the pages, readers will find pep talks, records, and Gators lore to test their knowledge, including Steve Spurrier's 1966 Heisman Trophy season and how the quarterback-turned-head coach returned to build one of the nation's elite programs in the 1990s; the teams' unforgettable 1996 championship season, when Spurrier and quarterback Danny Wuerffel led one of the most prolific offenses in college football history; and the Gators' return to the top in 2006 and 2008 behind head coach Urban Meyer and legendary quarterback Tim Tebow. Die-hard fans from the days of Spurrier behind center and new supporters of head coach Will Muschamp's squad alike will appreciate this book that contains everything University of Florida fans should know, see, and do in their lifetime.
This collection of squadron histories has been prepared by the USAF Historical Division to complement the Division's book, Air Force Combat Units of World War II. The 1,226 units covered by this volume are the combat (tactical) squadrons that were active between 7 December 1941 and 2 September 1945. Each squadron is traced from its beginning through 5 March 1963, the fiftieth anniversary of the organization of the 1st Aero (later Bombardment) Squadron, the first Army unit to be equipped with aircraft for tactical operations. For each squadron there is a statement of the official lineage and data on the unit's assignments, stations, aircraft and missiles, operations, service streamers, campaign participation, decorations, and emblem.
