Customer Reviews

Carrier Air Group Commanders: The Men and Their Machines (Schiffer Military History)

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Noted aviation historian and photographer Bob Lawson has produced a multi-faceted, well-illustrated and absolutely first-class history of all the officers who led U.S. Navy carrier air groups or wings - the CAGs.

The list of the officers who have served as CAGs reads like a who's who of naval aviation -Jimmy Flatley, David McCampbell, "Jig Dog" Ramage, Frank Ault, Bob Elder and Jim Stockdale, to name just a few. Their exploits are legend and are well-covered in this book.

After relating the development of naval aviation from 1900 to the 1990s, Lawson discusses the genesis and evolution of the CAG billet before jumping into the meat of the book, profiles of over 40 of the Navy's most notable CAGs. These first-person reminiscences give the reader a very human look into the world of these men as they relate highlights from their "CAG tour".

Lawson then caps off the book with a section of color photographs and artwork depicting the various "CAG birds" flown by these men.

Lawson's book is obviously a labor of love. The many fine personal reminiscences he solicited are complemented by a stunning collection of rare photographs of the men along with color profiles of their aircraft. Anyone interested in the development of naval aviation in the 20th Century should have this book on his shelf. It is the definitive book on the subject and a hell of a good read as well!