The US naval aviator of World War II played a pivotal part in the winning of the war. From the warm waters of the Pacific to the icy conditions of the Bering Sea (including the battle of Midway), the Naval aviator was on hand to fight the enemy in any and all conditions. Between 1940 and 1942 the training of the naval aviator lasted eleven months, divided into five separate and distinct phases. From phase one, known as the Elimination or "E" base for short, through to final assignment to a carrier based squadron, the training was demanding and unrelenting.This title examines the life and experiences of the US Naval Aviator in all three types of carrier squadron - fighters (VF), dive-bombers (VB) and the torpedo squadrons (VT). From recruitment to battle, the detail of what it was like to fly and fight for the US Navy is brought vividly to life.

Introduction · Key Events in the History of Naval Aviation · The Naval Aviator · Carrier Assignment · Beliefs and Belonging · Aircraft of the Fleet, 1941-45 · the Weapons of the Naval Aviator · The Carrier War, 1944-45 · Museums and Collections of Interest · Bibliography · Glossary of Terms · Colour Plate Commentary

Robert Philip Hargis was born December 7, 1959, and gained his BA in History from California State University San Bernadino. He currently works as a High School teacher, teaching United States History and Western Civilization. A militaria collector for over 25 years, he also has a close involvement in living history presentations. He is married with two children, and lives in California.
John White is a commercial illustrator with many years' experience of working with advertising agencies, design firms, publishers and large corporate accounts. He has received awards from The Broadcast Design Association and The National Naval Aviation Museum, and his paintings have appeared in Aviation Art magazine, Aviation History magazine, and on the History Channel. John and his wife Margery live in Charlotte, North Carolina.