The Hook - Marines and Carriers - Fall 1986

On the Front Cover: VMFA-323 F-4N Phantom Is About to Launch From Coral Sea During the 1979-80 Westpac/indian Ocean Deployment. The Deathrattlers of 323 and VMFA-531’s Grey Ghosts Provided Carrier Air Wing 14’s Fighter Cover the Entire Deployment, Setting a Precedent in Naval Aviation History. The Marine Corps’ Service in Navy Carriers Is Long and Illustrious. Photo by LCDR Pete Clayton. GGA Image ID # 21aa314fd2

Introduction

The Fall 1986 issue of The Hook is a special tribute to the 75th Anniversary of Naval Aviation, celebrating the longstanding partnership between the Marine Corps and carrier aviation. Featuring comprehensive articles such as "Carrier Aviation in the U.S. Marine Corps" and "The Epic Voyage of the Vagabonds," this edition offers a deep dive into the history, challenges, and achievements of Marine aviators aboard carriers. The curated table of contents highlights their legacy, showcasing key moments from Korea to postwar deployments.

Table of Contents : Air Plan

• BRIEF
  In honor of the 75th Anniversary of Naval Aviation, The Hook is pleased to feature the proud association of Marines and carriers in this issue.
• FROM THE CATWALK
  Barrett Tillman
• LAUNCH
  • "Carrier Aviation in the U.S. Marine Corps"
    MAJ John M. Elliott, USMC(Ret)
  • "It Was Not To Be"—MCVG-9 and Saidor (CVE-117)
    COL Hamilton Lawrence, USMC(Ret)
  • "That First Night Trap"
    COL R. Bruce Porter, USMCR(Ret)
  • "Korean Incident"-VMF-312 vs the Chinese Air Force
    Steve Blake
  • "A Tour in Hell"-First Naval Aviator POW in Korea
  • "The Epic Voyage of the Vagabonds"-
    VMA-324's Around the World Cruise in Saipan (CVL-48)
    MGEN R.H. "Smoke" Spanjer, USMC(Ret)
  • "Postwar Marine Carrier Deployments"
    Matrix by Douglas D. Olson
  • "Marines and Carriers"
    photo essay
• AT MARSHAL
  • Command Changes
  • "TraCom Hits 'The Hawk"
    photo essay by Bruce Trombecky
• MANNING THE SPARE
• RECOVERY
• IN REVIEW
• VULTURE'S ROW
• RESPOT
• WAVEOFFS & BOLTERS

About the Publication

The Hook is published quarterly by The Tailhook Association, a non-profit corporation dedicated to foster, encourage, develop, study and support the aircraft carrier, sea-based aircraft, both fixed and rotary wing, and aircrew of the United States of America and to educate the public in the aircraft carrier's appropriate role in the Nation's defense system.

Views expressed in The Hook are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the policies of The Tailhook Association or the United States Navy. Printed in U.S.A. Bulk-rate postage paid at Bonita, California. Copyright © 1986 by The Tailhook Association. All rights reserved.

Subscription for The Hook is included in the $15.00 annual membership in The Tailhook Association. Regular Membership is open to anyone who has made a carrier landing as a pilot or aircrewman. Associate Membership is open to anyone having the background and interest to support the goals of The Tailhook Association, as stated above. Ordinary subscriptions are also available.

Conclusion

From Marine Corps innovations in carrier aviation to unforgettable stories like "That First Night Trap," the Fall 1986 issue of The Hook masterfully captures the valor and resilience of Marines in naval aviation. This edition not only honors their contributions but also emphasizes their integral role in shaping carrier-based operations over the decades. It stands as a tribute to their excellence and commitment, solidifying their place in the history of Naval Aviation.

THE HOOK
Editorial Offices

• EDITOR : Robert L. Lawson L.
• ASSISTANT EDITOR : Barrett Tillman
• ASSOCIATE EDITOR : CDR Doug Siegfried, USN
• CARRIER EDITOR : Robert J. Cressman
• CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
  • LCDR Pete Clayton, USN
  • LCDR Jan C. Jacobs, USNR-R
  • CDR R.R. "Boom" Powell, USN(Ret)
  • Hal Andrews
• CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
  • Douglas D. Olson
  • Michael L. Grove
  • Bruce R. Trombecky

Articles and news items are welcomed.

Submit material for The Hook to:

Editorial Offices, The Hook
5126 Central Ave., Bonita, CA 92002
(619) 479-8896

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