Step into the cockpit of the legendary Grumman S-2 Tracker with Lt. Mike Ray as he chronicles the USS Hornet Far East cruise of 1965 — one of the final chapters of the great Essex-class ASW carriers. Told through vivid pictures and firsthand narrative, this is a historically significant account of naval aviation at its most raw and real. This is a vivid non‑fiction aviation memoir documenting historic naval aviation events.
A one-of-a-kind tribute to the men who flew anti-submarine warfare missions from carrier decks during one of the most intense periods of the Cold War era. If you served, you'll recognize every moment. If you didn't, you'll wish you had.
What's Inside
Grumman S-2 Tracker operations — ASW flying from an Essex-class carrier deck
USS Hornet 1965 Far East cruise — pictures and firsthand accounts
Essex-class carrier history — a chronicle of a defining era in US naval aviation
Personal stories — the camaraderie, the missions, and the memories
Perfect For
US Navy veterans and naval aviation history enthusiasts
Grumman S-2 Tracker fans and ASW aviation buffs
Military history collectors and Essex-class carrier historians
A meaningful gift for anyone who served aboard the USS Hornet
Available as an instant digital download. A historically significant piece of naval aviation history.
