Description

"The combination of Gordon's text and large number of photos creates a thoroughly enjoyable history of the USAFE tactical units in the UK. Readers who crave more details and readers who crave more stories will both be pleasantly pleased." -- The Journal of the Air Force Historical Foundation

This book contains a history of all United States Air Force Europe Tactical flying units that were resident in the United Kingdom during the period 1950 to 1992. 'From the cockpit' testimony from aircrew who were assigned to the individual squadrons and wings is an integral part of the narrative; which is supported by illustrations. The tactical nuclear mission was central to the operations of many of the UK based units and is covered in detail from its beginnings in 1952 with the arrival the 20th TFW and the 47th Bombardment Wing, to the adoption by NATO of the doctrine of 'Flexible Response' and the eventual end of the Cold War. Also included also are sections on the Tactical Air Command units which were temporarily deployed to the United Kingdom in support of the USAFE and NATO operations. The comprehensive appendices contain essays on individual aircraft development, international events which had a direct bearing on the missions and deployments of the individual units, the support aircraft used by the wings, and maps, tables and profiles.