Black Aces High: The Story of a Modern Fighter Squadron at War

Rating:
Summary: Factual but Ponderous
Review: Robert Wilcox is an extremely talented military aviation writer and Black Aces High is another great effort. This is a story of a rundown squadron with low marks and low moral that is transformed into the top bombing squadron in the US Navy. When a new and determined CO, with the unfortunate call sign, Joey, takes over the squadron, he recruits the best senior pilots he can find and a handful of talented maintenance chiefs. Reminiscent somewhat of the story 12 O'clock High, Joey changes the attitude and commitment of the squadron by keen leadership, attention to detail, and care and concern for the men under him. Flying old F-14A Tomcats, recently configured as bombers, VF-41 heads in harm's way aboard the USS Roosevelt for combat duty over Kosovo. The reader gets the inside story as the pilots learn their trade through trial and plenty of error. The book is candid and reveals the squadron's early failures, frustrations and tension. From launching into storms and rain, dodging SAMs, AAA, mountain peaks, and, sometimes, the rules, to landing low on fuel, scared and exhausted, the reader is in the cockpit for all the action. Based primarily on interviews with the participants, Wilcox does a great job building the tension and developing the story. A super accolade to the author for his recognition that the reader knows what an aircraft carrier is. Understanding that carrier aviation has been around for 80 years now, we do not suffer through a yet another cook's tour of the ship, explaining that different colored shirts on the flight deck do this or that, what an LSO does, how a catapult works, what a mirror landing system is and all the other tedium that most naval writers drag readers through. If you read about baseball, you don't expect an explanation of what a pitcher does, where a batter stands, how many are on the team, etc. Thank you Mr. Wilcox, you rate 5 stars just for this! Without Allied ground forces to call out targets, the Black Aces learn how to use LANTIRN, FLIR, and TARPS systems (and a cool, new IZLID system) to hunt out an elusive Serbian military at night in bad weather. This is not Desert Storm tank plinking, but down and dirty hunting and killing among the trees. We learn these systems are not fool proof and every bomb drop is not a CNN highlight film. Its hard, its dangerous, and it takes a determined effort to get it right. Many pilots are unconvinced they can do the job and the rules of engagement, lack of information sharing among forces, and tonnage drop requirements are uncomfortably reminiscent of Vietnam at its worst. But leadership, determination, courage, and that unique quality of American innovation turn the tide. These guys soon become skilled and terribly efficient in what they do. Both Wings of Fury and Scream of Eagles are excellent. Put Black Aces High on your bookshelf right next to them.

Rating:
Summary: The Inside Scoop
Review: This is the best book I've read about cutting-edge American airpower; tactics; strategy; day-to-day operations; and the makeup of good people who make the whole thing fly.