Tip of the Spear:: U.S. Navy Carrier Units and Operations 1974-2000

This book presents a detailed tabular review of U.S. carriers and squadrons between the end of Vietnam and the start of the new millennium. Over 200 separate at sea periods are covered in this work. Each chapter contains impressive data that details every major carrier deployment covered. Each ship, wing and squadron that operated during the period is included as well as short narrative commentary that provides a wealth of background information. Combat and near-combat operations are covered as well with specific emphasis placed on the units involved and victories/losses in each engagement. Squadron lineages as well as background information on each of the Navy's carrier aviation communities is included. John Matlock "Gunny" (March 2007) Another beautiful book from Schiffer Publishing. It's the most complete story of the Navy's recent carriers available. 1974 was a watershed year in that the carriers used in Viet Nam were more than just a little weary. They needed heavy repair, or replacement. This makes it a good starting place for a book like this. From 1974 until now, here is just about the complete history of U.S. carrier operations. It has chapters on the carriers themselves (each carrier used by the Navy during this time), the deployments where they went into action, the Air Wings, the Fighter Squadrons, Attack Squadrons and all the other squadrons that make up the fleet. And yes, the Marines are included also. The book is beautifully illustrated and printed, and uses seqn bindings for a long life. It is hands down the most complete recent book on carriers available and highly recommended. The Title: The Tip of the Spear is the small percentage of military people who are at the forefront of any operation. It's not the supply people, or the intelligence people. It's the warriors, those people right at the front line. And for a lot of years now, that's where the cariers have been, right at the 'pointy end' of U.S. forces. AUTHOR: Rock Morgan began collecting the material for what became this book over three decades ago. Although he lived on a succession of Air Force bases while growing up Rick credits a visit to NAS Alameda, CA in 1971 with igniting his interest in Naval Aviation. The author graduated form Alamogordo (New Mexico) Senior High School in 1974 and accepted a Naval ROTC scholarship to the University of Missouri, from which he was commissioned an ensign in 1978. He subsequently earned the qualifications f both Naval Aviator and Naval Flight Officer. He served with VAQ-33, 129, 139 and 141 over a span of sixteen years, flew in excess of 2300 hours in the EA-6B Prowler and participated in forty-one combat missions during Operation Desert Storm. 150 colour & b/w photographs