The First Team - Pacific Naval Air Combat from Pearl Harbor to Midway

Author: John Lundstrom
Publisher: Naval Instatute MD
Edition: First
Cover: Hardcover w/Dust Cover
ISBN: 0-87021-189-7
Pacific

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Synopsis: John Lundstrom's masterful analysis of early Pacific naval aviation represents one of the most detailed examinations of carrier-based air combat during the crucial first six months of America's involvement in World War II. The title "First Team" refers to the elite group of naval aviators who bore the burden of defending American interests in the Pacific while the United States mobilized its full industrial and military potential for global warfare. Lundstrom's narrative combines operational history with biographical detail, examining how a relatively small number of highly trained pilots conducted operations that determined the course of the Pacific War during its most critical phase. The work begins with the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, analyzing the tactical lessons learned from Japan's devastating carrier-based assault while examining how surviving American naval aviation units began adapting to wartime conditions. The author provides comprehensive analysis of the aircraft and personnel available to the U.S. Navy during this crucial period, examining both the capabilities and limitations of equipment like the F4F Wildcat fighter and SBD Dauntless dive bomber that would bear the burden of early Pacific operations. Lundstrom documents the evolution of American carrier aviation tactics, showing how pilots learned through combat experience to counter the initial advantages enjoyed by Japanese naval aviators who had refined their skills during years of warfare in China. The narrative includes detailed examination of early carrier raids against Japanese-held islands, analyzing how these operations provided valuable experience while demonstrating American determination to maintain offensive operations despite limited resources. Central to the work is the detailed reconstruction of major naval air battles including the Coral Sea engagement, where American and Japanese carriers fought the first battle in naval history conducted entirely by aircraft without surface ships making direct contact. The author provides unprecedented detail about individual pilot experiences, examining how naval aviators coped with the technical challenges of carrier operations while facing highly skilled Japanese opponents flying superior aircraft. Lundstrom's analysis extends beyond tactical operations to examine the strategic implications of early Pacific air combat, showing how American performance during this period influenced both Japanese strategic planning and American industrial production priorities. The work documents the gradual improvement in American tactics, training, and equipment that began to shift the balance of naval air power during the spring of 1942. The narrative culminates with detailed analysis of the Battle of Midway, examining how lessons learned during the preceding six months contributed to the decisive American victory that marked the turning point of Pacific naval warfare. Throughout, Lundstrom maintains focus on the human dimension of naval aviation, documenting the courage, skill, and sacrifice of pilots who flew obsolete aircraft against superior numbers while their nation mobilized for global conflict. This definitive account serves as both operational history and tribute to the naval aviators whose performance during the Pacific War's most critical phase prevented Japanese domination of the Pacific Ocean.

The First Team - Pacific Naval Air Combat from Pearl Harbor to Midway, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.