Within six months of the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. Navy had checked the Japanese military advance in the Pacific to the extent that the United States could return to its original "Defeat Germany First" strategy. That the Navy was able to accomplish this feat with only six fleet aircraft carriers and little more than 1,000 combat aircraft was not sheer luck but the culmination of more than two decades of determined preparation. This thorough study, with detailed drawings and photographs, explains and illustrates the trial and error process which went into developing the aircraft, airships and ships of the interwar period. The critical factors that shaped Naval Aviation after World War I--naval treaties, fleet tactics, government programs, leadership and organization, as well as the emergence of Marine Corps and Coast Guard aviation--are discussed in depth.

About the Author
E.R. Johnson is a retired attorney at law and aviation writer who lives in the Ozark region of north-central Arkansas. As an instrument-rated private pilot, he accumulated pilot-in-command experience in more than 20 types of aircraft, including seaplanes, and is the author of eight books and more than 60 magazine articles on aviation topics.

Reviews
"a valuable compilation that tells the story of a pivotal age in naval aviation's first century"-United States Naval Institute; "a comprehensive guide...Johnson's research is impressive and thorough...excellent reference work...recommended for its encyclopedic, treatment of its subject, thorough research, and good information"-The Northern Mariner/Le Marin du Word; "comprehensive...a very valuable resource"-The NYMAS Review; "anyone seeking a reasonable sound basic guide to the aircraft and aviation-related ships used by the US Navy in the inter-war years will find this book useful"-Aeroplane; "this new nicely illustrated coffee-table edition is a great find for anyone interested in classic military aircraft, Airships and Navy vessels"-Model Airplane News; "Johnson has put together what is probably the best book I've yet read on US Naval aviation between the wars...a fascinating read and a superb resource...highest recommendation"-modelingmadness.com.



Book Information
ISBN 9780786445509
Author E.R. Johnson
Format Paperback
Page Count 352
Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
Publisher McFarland & Co Inc
Weight(grams) 821g
Dimensions(mm) 279mm * 216mm * 18mm