Author Archives: Ed

Missmus Bismus #1: The Ghosts of Christmas Past

Testimony of Pilot# 23 “It is required of every man,” the Ghost returned, “that the spirit within him should walk abroad among his fellowmen, and travel far and wide; and if that spirit goes not forth in life, it is … Continue reading

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Complete Series List: 1942- The Year of the Aircraft Carrier

Blown Slick Series #13  1942 – The Year of the Aircraft Carrier Given the two years plus this series has taken, below is a list/linkage for easy access  for all 30 posts. But first a bit of  site background review … Continue reading

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“Tales of the South Pacific” – Conclusion* > 1942- The Year of the Aircraft Carrier; Part 30

Blown Slick Series #13 Part 30 Life is rooted in narrative, humans construct their lives and shape their world in terms of these  memories. Storytelling taps into existing knowledge and creates bridges as a means for sharing and interpreting experiences. … Continue reading

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“1942” – Part 29 – Afterword by Barrett Tillman

1942- The Year of the Aircraft Carrier Series Blown Slick Series #13 Part 29 Lexington, Yorktown, Wasp, Hornet, Saratoga and Enterprise held the line.  Herein is their June 19–20, 1944  pay-off story. Thanks to Barrett Tillman for all the help … Continue reading

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“1942” – Part 28 – Reflections (6 of 6); CAS

Blown Slick Series #13 Part 28 The story of how the Marines developed a close air support system needs to be told. It is a story that is distinct from the volumes of literature written about the controversial strategic bombing … Continue reading

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“1942” – Part 27 – Reflections (5 of 6); Land Based Air

Blown Slick Series #13 Part 27 “However the danger exists that the more important and more fundamental fact may be lost sight of that the land plane bases and the operating units thereon should be available in supporting positions before … Continue reading

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“1942” – Part 26 – Reflections (4 of 6); Fighter Operations

Blown Slick Series #13 Part 26 The U.S. Navy’s carrier fighting squadrons took particular pride in their own contribution during the first fourteen crucial weeks, from 7 August to 15 November 1942. At heavy cost VF-5, VF-6, and VF-71 provided … Continue reading

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“1942” – Part 25 – Reflections (3 of 6); CV Operations

Blown Slick Series #13 Part 25 I As noted in Reflections Part 1, this series has been intended to study carrier aviation using the first full year of U.S. involvement in the Pacific as a vehicle. Part 3  addresses selected … Continue reading

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“1942” – Part 24 – Reflections (2 of 6); Fast Ships in Harm’s Way – The Carriers

Blown Slick Series #13 Part 24 Lexington, Saratoga, Yorktown, Enterprise, Wasp, Hornet….Only two would survive 1942, but they and their crews and their airgroups would stand in the breech and provide America and its allies the vital year it needed … Continue reading

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“1942” – Part 23 – Reflections (1 of 6); Guadalcanal Endgame

Blown Slick Series #13 Part 23  In 1945 U.S. fast carriers supported the final amphibious operations of the war—the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa—drawing the noose tight around Tokyo’s neck. Aircraft from Third and Fifth fleet carriers also pounded … Continue reading

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