The Hook - Naval Aviation in World War II - Spring 2001

On The Front Cover: LT Trevor "Bulls" Estes of VAQ-I30 waves a VS-22-S-3B aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) during operations in the Persian Gulf on 4 Jan 2001. LSO platform is LTs Mark "Iris" Fryman of VF-32 (center) and Micah "Shaggy" Manningham of VFA-105. Photo by PHAN Rodger D. Schilling, USN via CHINFO0Table of Contents : Air Plan. GGA Image ID # 21abb5f51c

Introduction

The Spring 2001 issue of The Hook showcases a rich exploration of naval aviation's legacy and its evolving role in modern military operations. With a focus on historical retrospectives such as "Naval Aviation in World War II: The Grumman F7F Tigercat" and contemporary insights like "Where Are the Carriers?," this edition spans decades of innovation, valor, and strategic evolution. Featuring contributions from prominent voices and vivid photo essays, the table of contents underscores the publication's dedication to preserving and advancing the understanding of carrier-based aviation.

Table of Contents : Air Plan

• BRIEF
  • From the Chairman: An Open Letter to the President
    RADM Frederick L. Lewis, USN(Ret)
  • Here's My Opinion: It's the M Word
    Margaret Bone
  • BuPers Report: Detailing At The Crossroads
    CDR Steve "Moose" Laukaitis, USN
    Aviation Junior Officer/LCDR Assignments (Pers 432)
  • From the Executive Director: Gearing Up for Reno
    CAPT J.R. Davis, USN(Ret)
  • Naval Aviation in World War II: The Grumman F7F Tigercat
    photo essay by Robert L. Lawson
• TAILHOOK EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
• FROM THE CATWALK
  • From the Catwalk
    conducted by CAPT Hook
  • The Further Adventures of Youthly Puresome: Preflightus Maximus
    CDR Jack D. Woodul, USNR(Ret), artwork by Carl Snow
  • Where Are They Now? Monroe Smith
    Barrett Tillman
• LAUNCH
  • Workhorses of the Fleet: Naval Aviation's Utility Squadrons
    Sean Paul Milligan
  • Where Are the Carriers?
    Pacific Fleet: USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), USS Constellation (CV-64), USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), USS Nimitz (CVN-68).
    Atlantic Fleet: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), USS Enterprise (CVN-65), USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), USS George Washington (CVN-73), USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69)
• AT MARSHAL
  • Air Wing and Squadron Reports
  • The Way it Was: Saufley Field
    CDR Doug Siegfried, USN(Ret)
• RECOVERY
  • Commentary: Potomac Currents
    Michael Dennis
  • Lockheed Martin's Navy JSF Completes Test Flight Program
• IN REVIEW
  Combat: Edited by Stephen Coonts; Tor/Forge Publishers, New York, NY, 2001; hardcover, 765 pages, $27.95. TBD Devastator Units of the U.S. Navy; Barrett Tillman; Osprey Aviation, Sterling Heights, MI, 2000; softcover, 96 pages, illustrated, $17.95. The Navy; RADM W. J. Holland, USN(Ret.), Editor-in-Chief; Naval Historical Foundation, Washington, DC, 2000, hardcover, 352 pages, illustrated, $70.00. Eyes of the Fleet: A History of Naval Photography; Art Giberson; Wind Canyon Books, Inc., Niceville, FL, 2000; hardcover, 181 pages, illustrated, $49.95. Lockheed T2/T-1A Seastar; Steve Ginter; Steve Ginter Publications, Simi Valley, CA, 1999; softcaver, 73 pages, illustrated, $15.95. Around the World With the U.S. Navy: A Reporter's Travels; Bradley Peniston; U.S. Naval Institute, Annapolis, MD, 1999; hardcover, 248 pages, illustrated, $25.95. Shield and Sword: The United States Navy and the Persian Gulf War; Edward J. Marolda and Robert J. Schneller Jr.; U.S. Naval Institute, Annapolis, MD, 1999; hardcover, 517 pages, illustrated, $36.95. Writes of Flight: The Making of a World War II Naval Aviator; James W. Vernon; Vernon Books, Camarillo, CA, 2000; softcover, 229 pages, illustrated, $13.00.
• RESPOT
  • Midway Museum Project Wins Approval
  • Remembering Zeke (Richard L. Cormier 1919-2001)
    Barrett Tillman
  • Bay Area Ready Room On Successful Track
    Cheryl Bly Chester
  • Ex-POW Brings Closure to Fellow POW
    Henry Sakaida
  • Aviation Cadet Museum to Open
• WAVEOFFS & BOLTERS
  • What is It?
    Steve Millikin and Hal Andrews
• IBC PATCH PAGE
  • Reserve Carrier Anti-Submarine Air Group 80 (CVSGR-80)

AMSAN Jason Severson tightens bolts on the rotors of an HS-7 SH-60F Seahawk in the hangar bay of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) on 2 Feb 2001. At the time of the photo, Truman was on patrol in the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. Photo by USN PH3 Narina Larry, USN, via CHINFO. GGA Image ID # 21abb09ca3

Tailhook Association Vision, Purpose and Objectives

It is the vision of the Tailhook Association to be nationally recognized as the premier organization for support of carrier and other sea-based aviation.

The purposes of the Association as set forth in the organization bylaws are: "... to foster, encourage, develop, study, and support the aircraft carrier, sea-based aircraft, both fixed and rotary wing, and aircrews of the United States of America; and to educate and inform the public in the appropriate role of the aircraft carrier and carrier aviation in the nation’s defense system.”

The objectives of the Tailhook Association in implementation of the stated purposes are:

• To uphold a commitment to the highest standards of professional and personal conduct
• To honor the service and sacrifices of all those who are or have been a part of carrier-based aviation
• To sponsor and participate in professional gatherings designed to constructively enhance public recognition of the importance of carrier and other sea-based aviation
• To provide an interactive forum for fleet aviator thought and opinion in carrier aviation matters, particularly that of the junior aviator
• To contribute to the enhancement of professionalism, camaraderie and morale among carrier and other sea-based aviators
• To honor and give special recognition to those who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of carrier-based Naval Aviation
• To contribute to improved communication among civilian and military communities regarding carrier aviation matters; and
• To develop an ever-widening membership base.

The Hook is published quarterly by the Tailhook Association, a California nonprofit corporation. 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 the USA. Bulk-rate postage paid at San Diego, Calif. Copyright ©2001 by the Tailhook Association. All rights reserved.

Subscription for The Hook is included in the $40.00 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. Subscriptions are also available to organizations or individuals.

A current corporation annual report, prepared in accordance with Section 8321 of the California Corporations Code, is available to regular members upon request.

Conclusion

In this issue, The Hook masterfully bridges the past and present of naval aviation. From the World War II era to the latest advancements in carrier strategy and aviation technology, it offers a comprehensive and engaging narrative. The detailed table of contents highlights the publication's commitment to honoring history, fostering professional discourse, and celebrating the individuals who shape naval aviation. This Spring 2001 edition stands as both a tribute to enduring traditions and a forward-looking guide for the challenges and triumphs ahead.

Managing Staff Members

• EDITOR : CAPT Steve Millikin, USN(Ret)
• MANAGING EDITOR : CDR Jan C. Jacobs, USNR(Ret)
• ASSOCIATE EDITORS
  • CAPT Wynn F. Foster, USN(Ret)
  • Barrett Tillman
  • Carmelle Carter
• CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
• Hal Andrews
• Margaret Bone
• CDR Doug Siegfried, USN(Ret)
• Mike Weeks
• CDR Jack D. Woodul, USNR(Ret)
• CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
• LCDR Ian Anderson, USN
• Ted Carlson
• Rick Llinares
• José M. Ramos
• CDR Chris Buhlmann, USNR

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Articles and news items are welcomed. Submit material for The Hook to: Editorial Offices, The Hook, 9696 Businesspark Ave., San Diego, CA 92131-1643. (858) 689-9227 or (800) 322-HOOK, Fax: (858) 578-8839

VOLUME 29 NUMBER 1 SPRING 2001

©2001, all rights reserved

ISSN: 0736-9220