About the Book
Admiral James Holloway offers a firsthand, authoritative account of the Cold War's naval frontlines--from Korea and Vietnam to nuclear strategy and the evolution of the aircraft carrier. Drawing on his unparalleled experience as combat pilot, fleet commander, and Chief of Naval Operations, Holloway delivers vivid combat narratives, behind-the-scenes insights from the highest levels of military leadership, and a compelling case for the aircraft carrier as the backbone of U.S. sea power. Both a strategic study and personal reflection, this book captures the complexity, danger, and leadership that defined the Navy's role in avoiding nuclear war while winning the long struggle at sea.
About the Author :
James L. Holloway III (1922-2019) graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1942, served in World War II destroyers, and became a naval aviator in 1945. He commanded a jet fighter squadron in Korea, captained the first nuclear carrier, USS Enterprise, in Vietnam, and later led the Seventh Fleet. As Chief of Naval Operations and member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he established the nuclear carrier program. His decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, and foreign honors. After retiring in 1978, he served in public roles, including special envoy to the Middle East.
Review :
"Throughout the book, Holloway examines and discusses naval air power as an essential tool for American foreign policy and military operations during the Cold War. Moreover, he emphasizes the need to maintain strong and credible air power in our modern geopolitical environment. This is a valuable work for those who enjoy personal accounts of military action, as well as those who appreciate insights into foreign policy and military planning." --Vietnam Magazine "Jim Holloway--a gifted leader, dedicated patriot, and a genuine professional--spent the bulk of his mature life in the service to the Republic and the Navy. In turn, his experience illustrates the trials and successes of naval aviation--a drama in which he played a pivotal role. It is a must read for aspiring naval aviators and for those who want the feel and smell of air warfare based on a flattop. -- Adm. William J. Crowe, USN (Ret.), former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
"No one is more qualified than Admiral Holloway to write about the role that has been played by aircraft carriers in shaping America's military strength. By the time I was in government, one of the first questions raised in shaping policy during many crises was, 'Where are the carriers?' And Admiral Holloway, as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, and later as Chief, was always there with a helpful answer. Aircraft Carriers at War is an inspiring saga of courage and leadership on the high seas and will be a valuable resource for naval historians, scholars of U.S.-Soviet strategic maneuvering during the Cold War, and anyone who enjoys an exciting and well-told memoir." -- Henry A. Kissinger, Secretary of State, 1973-77
"Throughout military history, certain weapons predominated on the field of battle. Such was the American aircraft carrier from World War II to the present. One of the Navy's great sailors, Admiral James Holloway III, skillfully weaves his own naval career with that of naval aviation, U.S. policy, and diplomacy during that turbulent era in his excellent book Aircraft Carriers at War." -- Capt. James A. Lovell, USN (Ret.), Commander, Apollo 13
"Holloway is the rarest of great leaders; a man who has been tested and distinguished himself in combat in three bitter wars, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, who has reflected deeply on those experiences, and drawn much insight and wisdom from them. He applied that judgment to help lead the nation at the highest levels during the critical phase of the Cold War. His firmness and insight in those years played a major role in bringing about eventual victory. His counsel continues to be sought by the top civilian and military leaders. Historians and a new generation of readers now have his reflections and literate commentary on those momentous times. It is an invaluable history and a gripping read." --John F. Lehman Jr., Secretary of the Navy, 1981-87
"In Carriers at War, Jim Holloway has used his own experiences in the Cold War as a framework upon which to organize the events of those turbulent and threatening years to give us a unique perspective of a critical and still somewhat misunderstood period in current American history. He puts us in the cockpit of a jet fighter attacking Chinese troops in Korea; on the bridge of the U.S. Navy's first--and then only--nuclear carrier striking deep into North Vietnam; and ultimately inside the JCS 'Tank' in the Pentagon and the NSC Situation Room in the White House for an eyewitness account of a hands-on participant. This is a special book that should appeal as much to the general reader as to Admiral Holloway's fellow campaigners of the Cold War years." -- Lt. Gen. Brent Scowcroft, USAF (Ret.), former National Security Adviser to Presidents Gerald Ford and George H. W. Bush
"Throughout the book, Holloway examines and discusses naval air power as an essential tool for American foreign policy and military operations during the Cold War. Moreover, he emphasizes the need to maintain strong and credible air power in our modern geopolitical environment. This is a valuable work for those who enjoy personal accounts of military action, as well as those who appreciate insights into foreign policy and military planning." --Vietnam Magazine "Jim Holloway--a gifted leader, dedicated patriot, and a genuine professional--spent the bulk of his mature life in the service to the Republic and the Navy. In turn, his experience illustrates the trials and successes of naval aviation--a drama in which he played a pivotal role. It is a must read for aspiring naval aviators and for those who want the feel and smell of air warfare based on a flattop. -- Adm. William J. Crowe, USN (Ret.), former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
"No one is more qualified than Admiral Holloway to write about the role that has been played by aircraft carriers in shaping America's military strength. By the time I was in government, one of the first questions raised in shaping policy during many crises was, 'Where are the carriers?' And Admiral Holloway, as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, and later as Chief, was always there with a helpful answer. Aircraft Carriers at War is an inspiring saga of courage and leadership on the high seas and will be a valuable resource for naval historians, scholars of U.S.-Soviet strategic maneuvering during the Cold War, and anyone who enjoys an exciting and well-told memoir." -- Henry A. Kissinger, Secretary of State, 1973-77
"Throughout military history, certain weapons predominated on the field of battle. Such was the American aircraft carrier from World War II to the present. One of the Navy's great sailors, Admiral James Holloway III, skillfully weaves his own naval career with that of naval aviation, U.S. policy, and diplomacy during that turbulent era in his excellent book Aircraft Carriers at War." -- Capt. James A. Lovell, USN (Ret.), Commander, Apollo 13
"Holloway is the rarest of great leaders; a man who has been tested and distinguished himself in combat in three bitter wars, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, who has reflected deeply on those experiences, and drawn much insight and wisdom from them. He applied that judgment to help lead the nation at the highest levels during the critical phase of the Cold War. His firmness and insight in those years played a major role in bringing about eventual victory. His counsel continues to be sought by the top civilian and military leaders. Historians and a new generation of readers now have his reflections and literate commentary on those momentous times. It is an invaluable history and a gripping read." --John F. Lehman Jr., Secretary of the Navy, 1981-87
"In Carriers at War, Jim Holloway has used his own experiences in the Cold War as a framework upon which to organize the events of those turbulent and threatening years to give us a unique perspective of a critical and still somewhat misunderstood period in current American history. He puts us in the cockpit of a jet fighter attacking Chinese troops in Korea; on the bridge of the U.S. Navy's first--and then only--nuclear carrier striking deep into North Vietnam; and ultimately inside the JCS 'Tank' in the Pentagon and the NSC Situation Room in the White House for an eyewitness account of a hands-on participant. This is a special book that should appeal as much to the general reader as to Admiral Holloway's fellow campaigners of the Cold War years." -- Lt. Gen. Brent Scowcroft, USAF (Ret.), former National Security Adviser to
