Keeping the Peace

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 During the Cold War 1946-1991

Keeping the Peace
Steven K Dixon
RRP:
NZ$ 79.99
Our Price:
NZ$ 63.99
Hardback
h228 x 152mm - 288pg
15 Nov 2022 US
International import eta 7-19 days
9781636241937
Out Of Stock
Currently no stock in-store, stock is sourced to your order
The complete operational history of an outstanding Marine fighter squadron throughout the Cold War. The Thunderbolts of VMFA-251 were reactivated as a Marine Air Reserve squadron in 1946. Their Cold War only included a few weeks of traditional combat operations in Korea - but they would undertake constant training exercises and deployments from 1946 to 1991 as they prepared for a potential war against the USSR or China, the two giants of Communism. From South Korea to Norway to Turkey and points in between, the Thunderbolts found themselves defending the free world and living up to their motto, Custos Caelorum. Following the end of the Korean War, the squadron remained in the Far East until 1956. Back in the States it began flying the FJ-3 Fury, a jet fighter, before converting to its first supersonic fighter, the F-8U "Crusader". In early 1962, it was the first Marine F-8 squadron to deploy aboard an aircraft carrier, as part of CVW-10 (Carrier Air Wing) aboard the USS Shangri-La. During deployment in the Mediterranean Sea, the squadron set a record for the most flight time in one month for a Sixth Fleet-based F-8 squadron by flying over 500 hours. In 1964, the Thunderbolts were the first Marine squadron in 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing to transition to the F-4B "Phantom II," which they would fly for 21 years and 80,000 flight hours, until transitioning to the F/A-18 "Hornet" in 1987. These deployments and exercises, while not "at war," were not without dangers. The Thunderbolts lost many personnel and aircraft, but they persevered as the armed forces of freedom-loving nations faced the ongoing threat of communism for over four decades. Compiled from archive records and interviews by a veteran of VMFA-251, this account narrates how the Thunderbolts worked hard to maintain the peace. They were indeed Custodians of the Sky. AUTHOR: Steven K. Dixon is a veteran of the USMC, serving with VMFA-251 from 1976 to 1979. In addition to writing, he also designs conflict simulation games. He and his wife Lisa currently reside in Georgia, their three children having grown up and left home.
Steven K. Dixon is a veteran of the USMC, serving with VMFA-251 from 1976 to 1979. In addition to writing, he also designs conflict simulation games. He and his wife Lisa currently reside in Georgia, their three children having grown up and left home.

In stock - for items in stock we aim to dispatch the next business day. For delivery in NZ allow 2-5 business days, with rural taking a wee bit longer.

Locally sourced in NZ - stock comes from a NZ supplier with an approximate delivery of 7-15 business days.

International Imports - stock is imported into NZ, depending on air or sea shipping option from the international supplier stock can take 10-30 working days to arrive into NZ. 

Pre-order Titles - delivery will vary depending on where the title is published, if local stock is available in NZ then 5-7 business days, for international imports it can be 10-30 business days. In all cases we will access the quickest supply option.

Delivery Packaging - we ship all items in cardboard sleeves or by box with either packing paper or corn starch chips. (We avoid using plastics bubble bags)

Tracking - Orders are delivered by track and trace courier and are fully insured, tracking information will be sent by email once dispatched.

View our full Order & Delivery information