Many people do not realize how much sacrifice our military members dedicate to protect America from our enemies. This is just as true today as it was in 1958 when I was a lieutenant junior grade in the U S Navy assigned to USS Bon Homme Richard, CVA 31, and flying in the western pacific as an all-weather attack element of the 7th fleet. I woke up most mornings on the eight month cruise wondering if this would be the last day of my life. This is based on a true story but the names and certain incidents have been changed.
Aircraft carriers are part of America’s strategy of massive retaliation designed to prevent nuclear war. VAAW 35 is one squadron assigned to every carrier whose duty it was to deliver atomic bombs against enemy targets if the president makes the decision to enter a nuclear war.
Ltjg Smith and the Smith Crew are chosen to fly the first nuclear attack in World War III. This book describes the fictional briefing, launch and surprise attack from a low altitude bombing maneuver. The weapon carried by this single engine AD5N Skyraider is five times the power of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima to end World War II. This bomb is designed to be delivered by a low altitude bombing system which starts the bomb run at 100 feet to carry out a surprise attack. Delivery of an atom bomb in a prop plane from 100 feet is pretty dangerous.
This and many other hazardous, even fatal incidents, are described as Det Echo pursues its duties in WestPac. Duty, fear, courage, separation from home and family, danger, and patriotism are all themes described in Blue February, a particularly rough month for the Smith Crew and their shipmates. Once you start, you won’t put it down. https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/528786