The Golden Era of Naval Aviation

About the Book

The Golden Era of Naval Aviation: An Aviator's Journey, 1939-1959 is a personalized account of an aviator's journey through twenty years of Naval Aviation. Author Lieutenant Commander A.M. "Mike" Granat, United States Navy (Retired) takes you into a world little-known or experienced by the average individual. Those early days of flight training will carry you along on apprehensive days of reaching for those coveted "Wings of Gold". Laced with humor, suspense and a bit of romance, the years span oceans and continents, East and West, North and South. From the vast expanse of the South Pacific flying Patrol Bombers during World War II, to the Far East in Military Transports; Alaska operations as an Air/Sea Rescue pilot, to carrier duty in a Fighter Squadron. Duties as a Flight Deck Officer will have you shivering on icy decks off the coast of Greenland while sweltering in the steamy Mediterranean and Caribbean. Reliving the days as a Flight Instructor leaves one with the taste of the interaction between student aviator and the instructor. The author depicts an age in Naval History that will never be repeated - the story of the early propellor aircraft to the coming of the jets. A transition, fueled by WWII that was remarkable. No time in Naval Aviation saw such extraordinary changes in so short a period. He relives it all in his own words and shares with the reader a saga of progress and achievement unmatched in aviation history.

About the Author

From a land of "Hot Rods" and surfboards, this Southern California youth of the 1930s is suddenly thrust into the fiery cauldron of World War II. Surviving the tumultuous skies of the South Pacific conflict, he continues to pursue a post-war career as a Naval Officer and Aviator.

Fulfilling the Navy Recruiter's theme, "Join the Navy and see the World", his travels take him and his family on many diverse and interesting assignments. His retirement from the Naval Service is followed by a second career as an Aeronautical/Astronautical engineer in the Aerospace industry.

He now resides with his wife of sixty years in Poulsbo, Washington - both enjoying varied creative interests together.

Visit Mike's website at www.granatbooks.com