Francis J Partel, Jr

Francis J. Partel, Jr., better known as Frank, says he “was educated at Columbia University and in the Gulf of Tonkin with the United States Navy.” Serving in USS Ticonderoga, Attack Carrier 14, as...view moreFrancis J. Partel, Jr., better known as Frank, says he “was educated at Columbia University and in the Gulf of Tonkin with the United States Navy.” Serving in USS Ticonderoga, Attack Carrier 14, as a junior officer, he simultaneously held down assignments as Office of the Deck, as a Combat Information Center Watch Officer, and as one of the ship’s two Strike Controllers to gain a rich and unique perspective of aircraft carrier operations during the Vietnam War. His perspective spans from the surface ships that screen the formation, to the oilers, ammunition and stores ships which replenish the task group, to the squadrons which courageously flew the missions to deliver ordnance on the target. Given the specialization of skills and the complexity of carrier organization in the modern navy, and later as a civilian pilot, few writers of modern naval fiction have had the experience to write with Mr. Partel’s authority and authenticity on the subject.view less