This work demonstrates how maritime deterrence strategy in a challenging world is critically underpinned by strategic air power at sea and on land.

In this book, the history and utility of land- and carrier-based strategic airpower is brought to life by the gallant exploits and photographs of B-17 aircraft “Quittin’ Time” and of its Navigator, “Fred” Julian in the Second World War, and by the unforgiving and unswerving dedication of “Sharkey” Ward and his Sea Harrier team in the Falklands war.

The overarching message is that the strategic airpower lessons of the past eight decades underpin the urgent need for the UK government to invest more wisely in its Fleet so that the latter may work effectively in conjunction with the US Navy on the global mission to deter those that would harm us, and to maintain the freedom of passage of all shipping throughout the global commons.

The authors show how a maritime deterrence strategy in a challenging world is critically underpinned by strategic air power at sea and on land.

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• Foreword
• Pre-Publishing Reviews
• Preface
• Introduction
  • Part I: The Second World War and the 100th Bomb Group
  • Chapter 1 The 100th Bomb Group Arrives in the UK
  • Chapter 2 The 100th Bomb Group Begins Intensive Strategic Bombing
  • Chapter 3 One Man, One Navigator of the 100th Bomb Group Paul ‘Fred’ Julian, Navigator 351st Squadron
  • Part II: The Falklands Air War
  • Chapter 4 The Preamble to the War - The Day the RAF Lied
  • Chapter 5 The CVA-01 Decision in More Detail
  • Chapter 6 Rising from the Ashes - The Sea Harrier is Conceived
  • Chapter 7 Rising from the Ashes - The Sea Harrier World
  • Chapter 8 The Invincible Team Prepares to Engage the Enemy
  • Chapter 9 There Emerge Important Conflicts of Opinion Between the Two Carriers
  • Chapter 10 1 May 1982 – A Pivotal Day in the Air War
  • Chapter 11 The First Week of Fighting Sets the Tone
  • Chapter 12 The Lull Before the Storm
  • Chapter 13 Air Attacks on the Beachhead are Intense – Full Deterrence and Airspace Denial Not Achieved
  • Chapter 14 The Strategic Lesson from the Falklands Air War
• Chapter 15 Principal Tactical Lessons from the Falklands Air War
  • Chapter 16 The Most Extraordinary Volte-Face of the Twentieth Century
  • Chapter 17 Key UK MoD Decisions Beyond the Falklands
  • Part III: Beyond the Falklands War
  • Chapter 18 The Continuity, Impact and Significance of the USAF Presence in the UK
  • Chapter 19 The Strategic Drivers that Should Effect Change
  • Chapter 20 A Way Ahead for the UK and US in Air Warfare and its Impact on UK Policy, Operations, Acquisitions and Defence Structure
  • Epilogue
  • Commander N.D. MacCartan-Ward DSC AFC, Royal Navy; better known as ‘Sharkey’ Ward
  • Dr Anthony R. Wells