Purpose of Evasion

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

For technical information about the F-111 bomber, and the raid on Libya, I am indebted to the 27th Tactical Fighter Wing at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, and especially to the following U.S. Air Force personnel: Major Richard E. Brown, who has logged in excess of 4,000 hours at the controls of F-111s, more than any other aviator; Master Sergeant Gregory Weigl, crew chief; and Technical Sergeant Rhett Blevins, weapons specialist — all of whom at one time or another served with F-111 squadrons based in England.

I would also like to thank Major Ronald Fuchs and Captain Marie K. Yancey of the Air Force Public Affairs Division for directing me to the above-mentioned experts.

Furthermore, with regard to submarine sequences, it is important to acknowledge the extremely high level of technical literature published by the U.S. Naval Institute, as well as the counsel of those experts whose request for anonymity must be honored.

Along with my thanks, I offer apologies to all for technical embellishments or errata that were dictated by the drama and the need to blend fact with fiction.