Flash Point

Acknowledgments

I would like to express my gratitude and admiration to Commander Sam Richardson, USN, an F-14 pilot and the Commanding Officer of VF-14. He was kind enough to read the manuscript and give me excellent guidance. I would also like to thank Commander Dave Pine, USN, Commanding Officer, and the officers and sailors of VF-31, the Tomcatters, and the F-14D squadron aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, who treated me like a member of the squadron during my visit there. I am also grateful to Captain J.J. Quinn, USN, and the men and women of the USS Abraham Lincoln for allowing me the run of the ship and helping me remember what carrier life is like.

I am also greatly indebted to the fine men and women of the 16th Special Operations Wing of the United States Air Force at Hurlburt Field, Florida, and in particular those in the 20th Special Operations Squadron who fly the MH-53J Pave Low III helicopters, and the 4th Special Operations Squadron who fly the AC-130U Spooky. Their advice and assistance were invaluable.