Customer Reviews

Adak: The Rescue of Alfa Foxtrot 586

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This is a superb book about the heroism of a Navy patrol plane crew that goes down in the midst of a raging north Pacific storm, and the men who dare the elements to rescue them. A well know story within naval aviation, it is thrilling to read this riveting account, and it is great to know that many others will have the opportunity to learn this tragic yet uplifting tale. I first heard this story from one of the survivors who visited my squadron many years ago, and it dramaticly affected the way I look at my job. I recommend it to everyone.

As the son of a Navy P-3 (and sea plane) pilot and former CO of VP-9, this book hit very close to home for me. The story is well-written and extremely emotional, at least to anyone who has ever had a loved one fly in harm's way. When you're a kid, and your Dad flies Navy planes for a living, you never really consider the risks and dangers. This true story demonstrates what these men faced on a daily basis and shows how their endless training and attention to detail was essential to their survival. You wouldn't expect a Navy flyer turned author to write a tear jerker, but that is certainly what Andy Jampoler has done, at least for me. Thinking back on all those flights, all those deployments, all those "close" calls with engine failure, and realizing that it could have been my family welcoming back a box instead of a father, there simply is no way not to shed a tear of both sorrow and thanks. The men of PD-2 were heroes in the traditional sense; they did their jobs in the face of incredible danger, some losing their lives in the process. But for me, what this book really shows is that tragedy doesn't make heroes. For every Jerry Grigsby, Ed Caylor and John Ball, there were thousands of other Navy officers and men who were just a much heroes. In this time of war, it's important to remember that.

I read this very exciting account of the rescue of these flyers in two sittings. Capt. Jampoler brings the story to life by presenting, "Finding of Facts," from the official investigation and then tells us the details in a very readable way. Jampoler also brings humor into this heroic story. He explains that the Navy does not train flyers to use survival suits in freezing water because it is akin to "practice bleeding."

I was stationed on Adak (NSGA) and was sitting on watch the day PD-02 went in the water. I recall the day very well. Later in my career, I flew over 300 missions in EP-3 and modified P-3 aircraft, most under the PARPRO program. Over the years I've wondered many times what happened on PD-02, but I figured I'd never find out. Then I saw that this book had been written. I snapped it up, and I couldn't put it down.

Skipper Jampoler did a simply superb job of describing the plane, the crew, the pre-mission activities, Adak, the North Pacific...you name it. This is an incredibly realistic book. I found myself being reminded of things that I'd long ago forgotten.

Also, weaving the story around the official Findings of Fact was a brilliant idea.

Well done!

A great read for all. Even better for us P-3 guys, gives great insight on many of the "why's" from emergency procedures. If you're not convinced E-handling a pitchlocked prop is a bad idea, you need to read this book.

This book amazingly recreates the scene of a horrific chain of events back on a cold day in Oct 1978. As an ex-Navy man, and a son of one of the flight survivors, I appreciate the accuracy and directness of the authors writing. The way the Mr Jampoler articulated the facts and experiences of all those involved is a tribute to those lost that day.

This story provides an emotional referrence to use whenever you think you are having a bad day at the office.

Having flown in P-3s in the early 70's and knowing all too well the rigors that these crews faced, I found this book to be a very well written and accurate account of what can happen when things go terribly wrong. The details might get a bit daunting for persons without technical knowledge of this aircraft. For us "ex" P-3 types it is an interesting book and I read it in two sittings. It gives a great view into the world of P-3 aircrews and the proceedures that SAR crews use.

A must read for old seadogs like me!

I was a mechanic with VP-9 when PD-02 went down off of the coast of Russia and went on to become a flight engineer with the Golden Eagles and had the opportunity to fly with Ed Caylor on a number of occasions. I knew most of the crew members personally and most all of the other people mentioned in the book. I was very young when we lost 5 of our crew members in the Pacific and the event had a huge impact on me. The book is very accurate and well written. It's great reading for aviation buff's and a must read for anyone that was part of VP-9.

This is a riveting account of the horrific North Pacific ditching of P-3 Orion AF-586 (PD-2) in 1978. Thorough research and interviews bring the crew to life on the page. I could hardly put the book down, and read it in less than 2 days. A much better read than Shane Osborn's "Born to Fly".

You won't be able to put the book down. The Rescue of Alfa Foxtrot 586 should be made into a movie. There are heroes galore and this story shouid be told to a larger audience.