Eyes of the Fleet Over Vietnam

This military study of the air war in Vietnam offers a vividly detailed examination of the critical role played by unarmed photo recon aircraft. While photo reconnaissance was a critical factor in the Vietnam War, its methods and operations remained a classified secret for many years. In Eyes of the Fleet Over Vietnam, veteran and historian Kenneth V. Jack sheds light on the subject by examining the role of the unarmed supersonic RF-8A/G photo-Crusader throughout the war, as well as the part played by its F-8 and F-4 escort fighters. The historical narrative is brought to life through vivid first-hand details of dangerous missions over Laos and North Vietnam. Jack pieces together a detailed chronology of photo recon in the Vietnam War between 1964 and 1972, describing all types of missions, including several Crusader vs. MiG dogfights and multiple RF-8 shootdowns with their associated, dramatic rescues. The narrative focuses on Navy Photo Squadron VFP-63, but also dedicates chapters to VFP-62 and Marine VMCJ-1.