This historical biography of John Monroe āHawkā Smith, Navy fighter pilot, is a gripping account of valor, sacrifice, and adventure during one of the most tumultuous periods in carrier aviation.Ā It was no surprise when Hawk, having completed a stunning tour as commanding officer of TOPGUN, received orders to a frontline F-14 Tomcat squadronāVF-213, the āBlack Lions.ā Hawk joined the Black Lions prior to theirĀ March 1979Ā deployment.Ā Several critical factors portended to a most arduous workup period and deploymentāthere were issues lurking.Ā But Hawk was a man who did not shy away from a challenge. Soon, the Lions would have opportunities to show their colors. These included the first-ever Fighter Derby at NAS Miramar, Californiaāthe āWorld Cupā for naval fighter squadrons, and Constant Peg, a highly classified āBlack Programā that exposed aircrews to the capabilities of Soviet fighters. Aviation enthusiasts and historians will be captivated by the historical fidelity and descriptive air combat engagements, amused by the perpetual mirth of TACAIR aviators, and inspired by lessons of leadership that apply to all walks of life.
This book title, Black Lion One (TOPGUN Trailblazer Capt. John Monroe "Hawk" Smith in Command of VF-213), ISBN: 9780764363443, by Donald E. Auten, published by Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. (July 28, 2022) is available in hardcover. Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.
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