Rating: 
Summary: The Hook - Journal of Carrier Aviation Book Review
Review: Angles of Attack: An A-6 Intruder Pilot's War; Peter Hunt; Ballantine Books, New York, N.Y., 2002; softcover, 368 pages, illustrated. ....
This newest Gulf War memoir is excellent; it really does put the reader in the cockpit. Like the A-7 Corsair, its stablemate in the Navy's attack community, the A-6 Intruder flew its final combat sorties in the six-week action that ousted the invading Iraqis from Kuwait. Intruder squadrons flew from all six carriers deployed during Desert Storm (as well as two Marine Corps shore-based squadrons), and one A-6 aviator tells a story that covers the buildup of Desert Shield and the nightly launches that devastated Iraqi naval and land assets.
Peter Hunt's enthusiastic account is one of the best of the type this reviewer has read in recent years. The focal point of the book is, of course, his experience flying 45 combat missions with VA-145 and the close bond with his bombardier-navigator (BN). The descriptions of the prewar activities as the squadron, air wing and carrier prepare to deploy give a fine insider's view of carrier aviation. The work ups are described in detail that might at times slow the story, but Hunt carries the story well with the result that these portions are well worth the reader's time. Hunt tells what it was like flying combat from one of the Navy's oldest carriers, USS Ranger (CV-61).
Peripheral areas like a port call in the Philippines, the loneliness of Christmas Eve at sea ' he decides to sort out his personal survival items ' and thoughts of family so far away are some of the most appealing aspects of Hunt's work..
The author and his BN participated in the Battle of Bubiyan, which saw the destruction of several Iraqi navy PT boats that eliminated that threat. They also flew during the last major attack on Iraqi units along the so-called 'highway of death' as the invaders torched the Kuwaiti capital and tried to flee.
Though a rather large paperback, the writing flows well and the author has a nice, personal style. Unfortunately, the book concludes on a sour note because of his dissatisfaction with the post-war Navy, the impact of the Tailhook scandal and the resulting 'rot from within.' Family separation also plays a hand in his decision to leave, as does the demise of the A-6 community, with no replacement after the A-12 debacle. Nonetheless, Angles of Attack is a fine effort that tells the story of one of the Navy's stalwart aviation communities during its last combat deployment.
Peter Mersky
Rating:
Summary: The Hook - Journal of Carrier Aviation Book Review
Review: Angles of Attack: An A-6 Intruder Pilot�s War; Peter Hunt; Ballantine Books, New York, N.Y., 2002; softcover, 368 pages, illustrated. ....
This newest Gulf War memoir is excellent; it really does put the reader in the cockpit. Like the A-7 Corsair, its stablemate in the Navy�s attack community, the A-6 Intruder flew its final combat sorties in the six-week action that ousted the invading Iraqis from Kuwait. Intruder squadrons flew from all six carriers deployed during Desert Storm (as well as two Marine Corps shore-based squadrons), and one A-6 aviator tells a story that covers the buildup of Desert Shield and the nightly launches that devastated Iraqi naval and land assets.
Peter Hunt�s enthusiastic account is one of the best of the type this reviewer has read in recent years. The focal point of the book is, of course, his experience flying 45 combat missions with VA-145 and the close bond with his bombardier-navigator (BN). The descriptions of the prewar activities as the squadron, air wing and carrier prepare to deploy give a fine insider�s view of carrier aviation. The work ups are described in detail that might at times slow the story, but Hunt carries the story well with the result that these portions are well worth the reader�s time. Hunt tells what it was like flying combat from one of the Navy�s oldest carriers, USS Ranger (CV-61).
Peripheral areas like a port call in the Philippines, the loneliness of Christmas Eve at sea � he decides to sort out his personal survival items � and thoughts of family so far away are some of the most appealing aspects of Hunt�s work..
The author and his BN participated in the Battle of Bubiyan, which saw the destruction of several Iraqi navy PT boats that eliminated that threat. They also flew during the last major attack on Iraqi units along the so-called �highway of death� as the invaders torched the Kuwaiti capital and tried to flee.
Though a rather large paperback, the writing flows well and the author has a nice, personal style. Unfortunately, the book concludes on a sour note because of his dissatisfaction with the post-war Navy, the impact of the Tailhook scandal and the resulting �rot from within.� Family separation also plays a hand in his decision to leave, as does the demise of the A-6 community, with no replacement after the A-12 debacle. Nonetheless, Angles of Attack is a fine effort that tells the story of one of the Navy�s stalwart aviation communities during its last combat deployment.
Peter Mersky
Rating:
Summary: Accessible and Timely Patriotic Military Reading
Review: I am a woman who's never served in the military, but the book was gripping in its detailed account of the "first" Gulf War.
I couldn't put it down! I found it particularly interesting now as the U.S. prepares for a "second" Gulf War.
Rating:
Summary: OUTSTANDING!!
Review: Pete Hunt captured the sights and sounds of carrier aviation and combat operations on every page. This is a must read for those who want a glimpse of the 24/7 world of life on the USS Ranger during Operation Desert Storm.
Rating:
Summary: The Gulf War Experiences Of a Navy Pilot
Review: Peter Hunt is uniquely positioned to write a memoir of the Gulf War. His parents lived for several years in the Middle East. His uncle served as Ambassador to the UN during the conflict. Hunt was, and is, a pilot with the highest level of professional skill. He is also an honest, intelligent, and reflective writer, a careful observer of others and of himself. Hunt gives us the story from his point of view as a navy A-6 pilot, deftly moving back and forth in time from training to combat to shipboard monotony. He recounts his fear of being killed and his fear of inflicting death upon innocent civilians. Hunt's strongest quality is his ability to depict the intensity of the trust, and comraderie of the members of his squadron, especially regarding the man he most respects, Lieutenant Commander Rivers. Hunt has important things to say about the effect of military reform on the pilots who bear responsibility for success of the missions assigned them. Given the fact that US air power may soon be asked to defeat Saddam Hussein, this book is a must read; a way to know who will be sent to war and what will be asked of them.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting book about fighting Desert Storm from the air
Review: There aren't a lot of books by former naval avaitors about flying and fighting during Desert Storm. This book is also rarer since the platform he flew, the A-6 Intruder, has been retired despite several advantages over its replacement, the F/A-18. The book describes the working up period prior to deploying to the Arabian Gulf, shipboard life, as well as the buildup and actual fighting done during Desert Storm from his carrier. The wrting isn't as gripping as a professional writer would do, but nonetheless is an authentic account from a unique source. Overall, I was gald to have had the opportunity to learn more about what makes combat and naval aviation so much more different than what land-based forces go through. As a book to throw in your bag for a weekend reading source, this will be fine.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting book about fighting Desert Storm from the air
Review: There aren't a lot of books by former naval avaitors about flying and fighting during Desert Storm. This book is also rarer since the platform he flew, the A-6 Intruder, has been retired despite several advantages over its replacement, the F/A-18. The book describes the working up period prior to deploying to the Arabian Gulf, shipboard life, as well as the buildup and actual fighting done during Desert Storm from his carrier. The wrting isn't as gripping as a professional writer would do, but nonetheless is an authentic account from a unique source. Overall, I was gald to have had the opportunity to learn more about what makes combat and naval aviation so much more different than what land-based forces go through. As a book to throw in your bag for a weekend reading source, this will be fine.
Rating:
Summary: As real as it gets!
Review: This is the real deal. As a former Navy pilot myself, I can tell you this book smacks you down in the pilot's seat, tosses you around, shoots at you (and lets you shoot back), and doesn't let you go until Saddam is begging for mercy. Quite simply, a great war yarn, with surprising personality and wit for a new and relatively unknown writer.I look forward to future work from this up and coming writer. Buy it - you won't be sorry.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding "inside" look at a pilot's view of Desert Storm
Review: Title of this review says it all. The only reason I wanted to post another review of this book is to just add another 5 stars-it's that good. This book should become a classic-alas, I fear it will be overlooked by most, and that will definately be their loss. I kid you not-I've read most of the first person accounts of aerial combat, from all periods, and this one is right at the top of the list.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding "inside" look at a pilot's view of Desert Storm
Review: Title of this review says it all. The only reason I wanted to post another review of this book is to just add another 5 stars-it's that good. This book should become a classic-alas, I fear it will be overlooked by most, and that will definately be their loss. I kid you not-I've read most of the first person accounts of aerial combat, from all periods, and this one is right at the top of the list.
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