A History of USAFE

The European-based squadrons of the United States Air Force have been the single largest contributor to military stability in this theatre. With Eastern Europe's political alliances being reshaped, A History of USAFE is a unique guide for the concerned European.
In this book, Dutch author Cees Steijger reviews the history of American military aviation in Europe and the Mediterranean from the days of the famous volunteer `Lafayette' Squadron in the First World War to today's massive deployment of F-15 Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons, A-10 Thunderbolt Ils, their supporting reconnaissance, in-flight refuelling and supply craft, electronic warfare machines and all their associated paraphernalia. He discusses not just aircraft, weapons systems, electronic and photographic technology, but also their uses in various crises over the years, with dramatic insights into incidents from World War II through the Berlin Airlift and the Yom Kippur War to the bombing of Tripoli. He shows how both theatre needs and means have changed over the years, how well the rapid reinforcement theory has worked in practice, and especially the transformation undergone since its inception by the USAFE. NATO is poised for change and this book is an invaluable source book for an informed analysis of the "Yankee" presence in Europe.
The training of regular USAFE units and their reinforcements from the Air National Guard and the US Air Force Reserve are also examined in depth, for training is the keynote to success and exercises are made as realistic as possible to give pilots and aircrew as much experience of different situations as possible.
With its wealth of photographs and informative panels on related subjects of interest, this book is a fascinating guide to the United States Air Force — Europe which will appeal to more people than just dedicated aircraft enthusiasts.


by Cees Steijger
Published by Airlife 1991 1st edition. 180pp profusely illustrated in colour and b&w, index, appendix. 22x30 near fine, including d/j.






Note:
"Long" descriptions, where shown, may have been taken from the book's dust jacket notes, and as such are relevant to the date of publication (e.g. any references to "previously unpublished photographs" etc.) and not the present.