Description
The year is 2003, and the United States is in the midst of its invasion of Iraq. Watching from across the border, the Islamic Republic of Iran is very interested in the activity. The Iranians see an opportunity to seize control of Iraq from the Americans and quell a centuries-long border dispute. They intend to conquer Iraq once and for all, but first, they must force out the Americans. To do so, they begin gearing up their F-14 “Persian Tomcat” fighters with a new weapon. Using these fighters, purchased from the U.S. decades earlier, will Iran find success? Not if the USAF 55th Fighter Squadron “Shooters” has anything to say about it.
While flying fighter jets is an exhilarating, dangerous profession, performing maintenance on them is difficult and sometimes overwhelming. Without the professionalism and dedication of the aircraft maintainers, the pilots would never be able to take to the skies. This story illustrates the special bonds that form between pilots and their maintainers, as one cannot perform their job without the other.
Main Characters
1st Lt Victoria “Shirley” MacMillan
A recent graduate of the USAF’s F-16 fighter pilot basic course at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, she is assigned to the 55th Fighter Squadron “Shooters” at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. The young fighter pilot, the daughter of a USAF Major General, learns the dangers of flying the sleek jet fighter while training to employ the “Viper” in combat.
SSgt Christopher Gray
An F-16 aircraft maintainer assigned to the 55th Aircraft Maintenance Unit at Shaw Air Force Base, he is a leader in the Specialist’s Flight. As an avionics specialist, he is the one who the pilots depend upon when they need their aircraft to operate at its best, especially with its electronic warfare equipment. A gifted mechanic, he drives a completely restored 1967 Pontiac GTO hot rod.
Lt Col Moein “Mad Dog” Mahmoudi
Iran’s most decorated F-14 fighter pilot, he is the commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force’s 81st Tactical Fighter Squadron “Persian Cats.” A hero from the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980’s, this US-trained Tomcat fighter pilot is a professional, dedicated to leading his pilots into whatever aerial dangers they may face.
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Morgan Kirts
This is a good tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere. Short but very precise info… Many thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!
Barry Burden (verified owner)
This is a great book for civilian and military alike, there’s enough info to explain what needs to be said. And it’s a peek into the aviators world from the nuts and bolts side. I couldn’t put it down. I read it while on vaca near the base at Oceana and had Jet noise filling the sky as I devoured the book! Great book by Mitch I can’t wIt for the Sequel.
mitchell.boling
Thanks for the great feedback, Barry. I appreciate it!