Review (PDF) Aircraft Carriers At War: A Personal Retrospective Of Korea, Vietnam, And The Soviet Confrontation
Adm. James Holloway describes this book as a contemporary perspective of the events, decisions, and outcomes in the history of the Cold War―Korea, Vietnam, and the Soviet confrontation―that shaped today's U.S. Navy and its principal ships-of-the-line, the large-deck, nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. Without question, the admiral is exceptionally well qualified to write such an expansive history. As a carrier pilot in Korea, commander of the Seventh Fleet in Vietnam, Chief of Naval Operations in the mid-1970s, and then as a civilian presidential appointee to various investigative groups, Holloway was a prominent player in Cold War events.Here, he casts an experienced eye at the battles, tactics, and strategies that defined the period abroad and at home. Holloway's first-person narrative of combat action conveys the tense atmosphere of hostile fire and the urgency of command decisions. His descriptions of conversations with presidents in the White House and of meetings with the Joint Chiefs in the war room offer a revealing look at the decision-making process. Whether explaining the tactical formations of road-recce attacks or the demands of taking the Navy's first nuclear carrier into combat, Holloway provides telling details that add valuable dimensions to the big picture of the Cold War as a coherent conflict. Few readers will forget his comments about the sobering effect of planning for nuclear warfare and training and leading a squadron of pilots whose mission was to drop a nuclear bomb.Both wise and entertaining, this book helps readers understand the full significance of the aircraft carrier's contributions. At the same time, it stands as a testament to those who fought in the long war and to the leadership that guided the United States through a perilous period of history while avoiding the Armageddon of a nuclear war.
Age Range: 1 - 1 year
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Naval Institute Press; First Edition edition (May 4, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1591143918
ISBN-13: 978-1591143918
Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 1.4 x 8.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #558,923 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #31 in Books > History > Military > Korean War > Aviation #516 in Books > History > Military > United States > Veterans #951 in Books > History > Military > United States > Vietnam War
I think many of us who study history and politics have a sort of mental disconnect. First, we know about heroes - generally young men in war who do brave and amazing things or at least participate in historical and/or dirty battles. Then, we see images of senior military guys - chests full of ribbons and stripes on sleeves - standing next to the world leaders they serve or getting in and out of cars at important buildings. How, if at all, does the young hero become the military brass?This story tells of exactly such a transformation. It's the story of Admiral Jim Holloway III, who had about as brilliant a career in the Navy as one could possibly ever expect to have. From World War 2 through Korea and Vietnam to leadership roles as captain of the nuclear powered USS Enterprise, commander of various fleets, and finally Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I mean, the guy actually flew the lead F9F Panther for the movie "Bridges of Toko-Ri"! His story, taken as is, is amazing.From what I gather from the book and my background knowledge, Holloway's success can be attributed to the following things:1. Loyalty, bravery, and similar outstanding personal qualities.2. A personality that made people like him and made people feel as if they wanted to be part of his success. I've met people like this in my life - it's just something about their personalities (more than, say, their abilities, though of course some abilities are a prerequisite).3. A fine naval pedigree. It's doubtlessly true, as Holloway says in his book, that his famous Navy father never helped him directly. But, we all know that especially in such a place as the US Navy, having the "legitimacy" of a famous father helps indirectly.4.
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