New Books from Squadron Signal

Squadron Signal Publications has announced two new books in their "In Action" series.

M48A3 in Vietnam in Action
by David Doyle

Publishers Description: The M48 Patton tank was the most prominent U.S. tank during the Vietnam War years of the 1960-1970s. U.S. Marines, who arrived in Vietnam with M48A3s in March 1965, were the first American forces to bring tanks to Vietnam. Close behind was the U.S. Army, with its Patton's in October 1965. Beginning in July 1971 the US began supplying M48A3 tanks to the South Vietnamese Army in line with the commitment to the Vietnamization of the war. Although the 52-ton Patton was received with some skepticism when introduced, the M48 possessed features that proved well adapted to combat conditions in Southeast Asia. The thick armor of the M48 protected crewmen from Viet Cong mines, and the vehicle’s sheer mass enabled it to force its way through thick jungle vegetation. Illustrated with 109 photos, plus color profiles and detailed line drawings.

 
M50A1 Ontos Detail in Action
by David Doyle

USS Iowa Escapes Scrapping

The battleship USS Iowa which is anchored at Suisun Bay in California will be spared from the scrap heap.

The U.S. Maritime Administration this week agreed to remove most of the decrepit collection of military vessels dating back to World War II.

The gray and rust-red ships, some with their hulls flaked with peeling paint, are anchored in rows in Suisun Bay, a shallow estuary between San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

Studies by the administration have suggested the old warships have dumped more than 20 tons of copper, lead, zinc and other metals into the estuary, a critical habitat for a number of endangered species.

The USS Iowa won't become a museum or tourist attraction yet. The Defense Department plans to keep the battleship in storage in case the ship needs to be brought back into active service.
 

F-4U Corsair and F/A-18 Super Hornet

Miramar, California: An F/A-18 Super Hornet flies beside a World War II-era F-4U Corsair Bearcat during the Legacy Flight at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show. The annual show is the final event of Fleet Week San Diego. October 2008. (U.S. Navy photo by Jose Lopez, Jr.)

USS Enterprise Resupply

The guided-missile frigate USS Taylor (FFG 50), Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE6) and nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) conduct a connected replenishment (CONREP).

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Atlantic Ocean (March 2006) -- The guided-missile frigate USS Taylor (FFG 50), Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE6) and nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) conduct a connected replenishment (CONREP) and vertical replenishment (VERTREP). Enterprise and embarked Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) are currently underway Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). [U.S. Navy Photograph by Rob Gaston.]

U.S. Navy Legacy Flight

A F-14D Tomcat, F4U Corsair and F/A-18C Hornet fly in formation during the U.S. Navy Legacy Flight at the 2004 "In Pursuit of Liberty," Naval Air Station Oceana Air Show. The air show, held Sept. 24-26, showcased civilian and military aircraft from the Nation's armed forces, which provided many flight demonstrations and static displays. (Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., 2004: U.S. Navy Photo by Daniel J. McLain)

F/A-18C Hornet

GULF OF OMAN (Feb. 2010): An F/A-18C Hornet piloted by Cmdr. Benjamin Hewlett, prospective commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, launches from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) prior to the squadron's change of command ceremony. VFA 131 is embarked aboard Dwight D. Eisenhower for six-month deployment as a part of the on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Chad R. Erdmann) DOWNLOAD HIGH RESOLUTION

GULF OF OMAN (Feb. 2010): Cmdr. Thomas Bush, commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, executes a high-speed fly-by in an F/A-18C Hornet over the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) during a change of command ceremony. Bush was relieved by Cmdr. Benjamin Hewlett. Dwight D. Eisenhower is conducting a scheduled six-month deployment as a part of the on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Chad R. Erdmann) DOWNLOAD HIGH-RESOLUTION

65th Anniversary of Iwo Jima

Veterans and military leaders gathered February 19 at the National Museum of the Marine Corps to remember the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima.



Joseph D'Ambrose, a Marine Corps veteran of the Battle of Iwo Jima 65 years ago, recalls his experience at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Virginia.