The Hook: Journal of Carrier Aviation - United States Navy
The Hook is the official quarterly journal of the Tailhook Association and as such is the only publication in the world that is dedicated to telling the story of U.S. Navy carrier aviation, both past and present.
Each issue contains a selection of carrier and squadron histories balanced with departments containing the latest news of current units and aerospace industry developments effecting carrier aviation.
Emphasis is placed on high quality reproduction of the best photographs available of U.S. Navy aircraft in operational situations. A typical issue of The Hook will contain over 180 photographs and many squadron insignia within its 68 pages.
Archives of "The Hook": Journal of Carrier Aviation
1982-01 Spring Tailhook Magazine
This Spring 1982 edition offers a rich blend of articles, photography, and first-hand accounts showcasing aircraft, aircrew, and operations. It pays tribute to the dedicated individuals supporting naval aviation, from flight deck crews to reconnaissance pilots.
1982-02 Summer Tailhook Magazine
The Summer 1982 edition of The Hook highlights a diverse range of topics centered on carrier aviation, offering readers a comprehensive look at historical and contemporary aspects of naval operations.
1982-03 Fall Tailhook Magazine
The Fall 1982 edition of The Hook captures the spirit of carrier aviation with a focus on innovation, history, and precision training. Highlighted by "Topgun at Ten," celebrating the decade-long legacy of the Navy Fighter Weapons School, the issue offers insights into the advancements and challenges of naval aviation.
1982-04 Winter Tailhook Magazine
The Winter 1982 edition of The Hook offers a dynamic exploration of the Naval Air Training Command, with a particular focus on carrier qualifications and the evolution of naval aviation training. Highlighted by features such as “CNATRA” and “Hittin’ the Boat,” this issue blends historical retrospectives, personal narratives, and technical insights.
1986-03 Fall Tailhook Magazine
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.
1988-01 Spring Tailhook Magazine
The Spring 1988 issue of The Hook delves into some of the most remarkable moments in carrier aviation history, featuring in-depth coverage of "Vietnam: The Greatest Air Battle, 10 May 1972," and the heroic "HC-7 Rescue of Showtime 100 Crew."
1991-01 Spring Tailhook Magazine
The Spring 1991 issue of The Hook showcases the exceptional role of naval aviation during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, highlighting the contributions of CVW-14, famously known as “The Air Wing From Hell.”
1991-03 Fall Tailhook Magazine
The Fall 1991 issue of The Hook spotlights the diverse facets of naval aviation, with a particular focus on the A-7 Corsair II and its storied service in the fleet. This edition delivers compelling insights into wartime operations, historical retrospectives, and thrilling personal narratives.
1992-02 Summer Tailhook Magazine
The Summer 1992 edition of The Hook delves into the storied history of the USS Lexington, known as "The Blue Ghost," through a detailed operational narrative spanning from 1943 to 1991. With highlights such as the operational history of USS Lexington, carrier air wing updates, and reflections on historical milestones like the Doolittle Raid, this edition showcases the dedication and innovation that define carrier aviation.
1994-02 Summer Tailhook Magazine
The Summer 1994 issue of The Hook offers an extraordinary exploration of naval aviation, with a special emphasis on historical and contemporary carrier operations. Centered on a vivid photo essay, "World War II in Color," this edition celebrates the vibrant legacy of naval aviation through captivating visuals and in-depth narratives.
2000-01 Spring Tailhook Magazine
The Spring 2000 issue of The Hook highlights the evolving legacy of naval aviation with a vibrant and diverse array of articles. The table of contents offers an engaging roadmap, from discussions on operational advancements like "Naval Time Critical Strike" to historical reflections such as "Naval Aviation in Color — The Mighty Spad Douglas Skyraider."
2000-03 Fall Tailhook Magazine
The Fall 2000 issue of The Hook offers a detailed look at the evolving role and operations of naval aviation at the turn of the 21st century. With a spotlight on the strategic positioning of aircraft carriers across the Pacific and Atlantic fleets in "Where Are the Carriers?," this issue delves into the critical role of naval power.
2001-01 Spring Tailhook Magazine
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.
2001-02 Summer Tailhook Magazine
VAQ-141 EA-6Bs break formation over the Washington Cascade Range on a flight from their home station of NAS Whidbey Island. Photo by CDR Chris Buhlmann, USNR. VOLUME 29 NUMBER 2 SUMMER 2001.
2001-03 Fall Tailhook Magazine
On the Cover: A VF-143 Pukin' Dog F-4J awaits a huffer to start up for another mission from USS Enterprise (CVA(N)-65) in 1971 during the late stages of the Vietnam War. Photo by LT Greg "Butch" Cassidy, USNR. VOLUME 29 NUMBER 3 FALL 2001.
2001-04 Winter Tailhook Magazine
On The Cover: US. Marine Corps ordinancemen from VMFA-251 move training bombs around the flight deck of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) on 27 Sep 2001 as they train for Operation Enduring Freedom. In the background, a VFA-86 F/A-18C Hornet makes its final approach for an arrested landing. VOLUME 29 NUMBER 4 WINTER 2001.
2002-01 Spring Tailhook Magazine
Can A USS Kitty Hawk (CV•63) V-2 Division greenshirt signals "all system go" as he quickly clears away from a VS.21 541 Viking prior to a catapult launch for an Operation Enduring Freedom mission on 16 Nov '01.
2002-03 Fall Tailhook Magazine
A CVW-1 LSO casts a watchful eye as a VAW-123 Screwtops E-2C Hawkeye traps on board USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) after a 23 Jan '02 Operation Enduring Freedom mission.
2003-03 Fall Tailhook Magazine
Two F-14 Tomcats along with two F/A-18 Hornets overfly USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) in a diamond formation at the conclusion of the ship's commissioning ceremony at NavSta Norfolk, Va., on 12 Jul '03.
2003-04 Winter Tailhook Magazine
Twilight for the Sea Control Community. With the retirement of the S-3, beginning in April 2004 with the deactivation of VS-29 and VS-38, the Navy's VS squadrons will be a thing of the past by 2009.
2004-01 Spring Tailhook Magazine
VAW-I 10 E-2C Hawkeye, BuNo 160415, banks over NAS Miramar on an 18 Apr '84 flight. The Firebirds were established on 20 Apr '67 as RVAW-110, the West Coast E-2 replacement squadron and home squadron for deploying E-lBs.
2004-03 Fall Tailhook Magazine
Carrier Air Wing Three landing signal officers grade a recovery on board USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), 12 Feb '03, following an Operation Enduring Freedom mission.
2005-01 Spring Tailhook Magazine
A VA-25 Fist of the Fleet A-1H turns up and unfolds its wings on USS Midway's (CVA-41)flight deck in the Tonkin Gulf, c. 1965.
2005-02 Summer Tailhook Magazine
Gerald Scott of the VMFA-232 Red Devils I 4.9 Sidewinder missile on an F/A-18C Hornet USS Nimitz (CVN-68) while participating in off the coast of Southern California, 17 Dec '04.
2006-03 Fall Tailhook Magazine
A VFA-154 Black Knights F/A-18F Super Hornet tours NAS Fallon's Bravo-10 target during CVW-9's 2006 Air Wing Fallon training. Crewing NG 100 was LTs Tyler "Sassy" Tennille and Darin "Bahgak" Dean.
