Oversized and magnificently illustrated, this book by historians and active duty and retired officers will be cherished by aviators and the countless others who have been inspired by the feats of U.S. naval aviation. 500 photos, 300 in color.
United States Naval Aviation, 1910–2010, first published by the Naval History and Heritage Command in 2015, is the authoritative work on the history of the U.S. Navy's aviation program, from its beginnings at the turn of the 20th century, through World Wars I and II, the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, and up to the modern day. This book (Volume One) is a year-by-year, detailed chronology of important events, and is illustrated throughout with hundreds of rarely seen archival photographs. The companion Volume Two is a compendium of statistics and information about naval fliers, aircraft, and programs. United States Naval Aviation, 1910–2010 will serve as an up-to-date, invaluable reference for historians, researchers, and those interested in naval aviation.
Published to coincide with the centennial celebration of U.S. Navy Aviation, this book chronicles Navy aviation from its earliest days, before the Navy’s first aircraft carrier joined the fleet, through the modern jet era marked by the introduction of the F-18 Hornet. It tells how naval aviation got its start, profiles its pioneers, and explains the early bureaucracy that fostered and sometimes inhibited its growth. The book then turns to the refinement of carrier aviation doctrine and tactics and the rapid development of aircraft and carriers, highlighting the transition from propeller-driven aircraft to swept wing jets in the period after WW II. Land-based Navy aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft and rigid airships, and balloons are also considered in this sweeping tribute.
Americans think of the Korean War as death and hardship in the bitter hills of Korea. It was certainly this, and for those who fought this is what they generally saw. Yet every foot of the struggles forward, every step of the retreats, the overwhelming victories, the withdrawals and last ditch stands had their seagoing support and overtones. The spectacular ones depended wholly on amphibious power -- the capability of the twentieth century scientific Navy to overwhelm land-bound forces at the point of contact. Yet the all pervading influence of the sea was present even when no major landing or retirement or reinforcement highlighted its effect. When navies clash in gigantic battle or hurl troops ashore under irresistible concentration of ship-borne guns and planes, nations understand that sea power is working. It is not so easy to understand that this tremendous force may effect its will silently, steadily, irresistibly even though no battles occur. No clearer example exists of this truth in wars dark record than in Korea. Communist-controlled North Korea had slight power at sea except for Soviet mines. So beyond this strong underwater phase the United States Navy and allies had little opposition on the water. It is, therefore, easy to fail to recognize the decisive role navies played in this war fought without large naval battles.
Subtitled: US Naval Air Power Since 1941. Today, a single 'Nimitz' class nuclear-powered carrier can pack a bigger punch than most country's combined air, sea and land forces! This high-tech volume, packed with vivid color photographs, looks in-depth at the amazing developments that have taken place in US Navy aviation since the dark days of Pearl Harbor. Armed with supersonic fighters and bombers, reconnaissance, tanking and rescue aircraft, Shades of Blue delivers dynamic coverage of today's naval air power. Hdbd., 8 1/4" x 11 3/4", 140 pgs., 59 bandw ill., 144 color.
An epic picture book commemorating 100 years of Naval Aviation, Fly Navy! Captures the pinnacle achievements that demonstrate how far the Navy has progressed over the last century. Aviation photographer and author Erik Hildebrandt chronicles all systems serving in naval aviation with never before seen photography and through the words of those brave individuals who have had the privilege to serve. The results of this effort will culminate in a grand, coffee-table style book that will be released in January 2011 at the official US Navy Centennial observance ceremonies in San Diego. With sections on each of the current aviation communities in the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, this book is certain to be the ultimate collection of modern and historic aircraft imagery ever assembled.