5.0 out of 5 stars What a fun read!
Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2023
McKenna’s story telling is such a joy. He shares his history and experience with humor and precision. Those who have not been fortunate enough to experience carrier life will thoroughly enjoy the vicarious journey and those who have that personal Navy history won’t be able to put this down. Laughter, chuckles, and a bit of heartbreak for the friendships lost along the way. A must read for all!
5.0 out of 5 stars What an incredible read!
Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2023
I enjoyed this book as much as the Tom Clancy series. I had a very similar career path from AOCS in Pensacola, USN Pilot Training Command, Flying the E2C Hawkeye including a tour in the RAG as an instructor. I served with Bill Tyson in the RAG and yes we did do barrel rolls in the E2 with a select group of our students. I was so lucky to fly the E2 for 17 of my 21 years in the Navy! What a great book.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great insight to the challenges of Naval Aviation!
Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2023
Landing an airplane on a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier is one of the most demanding tasks in the flying business. Precisely planting an E2C Hawkeye--a twin-turboprop aircraft sporting a massive radome on its back--adds yet another level of difficulty. Steve McKenna's excellent book takes the reader into an Hawkeye cockpit to vicariously experience the challenges of catapult launches and landings within a deck area about the size of an NBA basketball court. Even grizzled pilots with a thick log book will gain a deep appreciation for the courage and professionalism of Hawkeye aircrews.
In "Fair Winds, Following Seas, and a Few Bolters," Stephen McKenna gives us not simply his memoir but a prescription for all on living life to the fullest. It is the story of a young man, a “little rough around the edges” but with a desire to make something of his life. McKenna’s life lessons learned in his years in the Navy and laid bare in his candid prose will help readers steer their own steady course and make the necessary corrections for the ups and downs encountered whether in military or civilian life.
~ Rona Simmons, author of The Other Veterans of World War II: Stories From Behind the Front Lines and A Gathering of Men
Honest and compelling - A must READ!
Steve McKenna’s autobiography is an in-depth look at what hard work and determination can get you. He takes you on a journey that is both relatable and informative. His time as a naval aviator is uniquely crafted with true insight into the operations and mindset of navy life. The fearless writing will draw you in and give you a glimpse at Steve's passions, dreams, successes, and failures. If you are looking for a well-told story with an honest backbone and plenty of prose look no further.
~ Brent Ladd Loefke, author of the thrilling Codi Sanders series
The inspiring story of a US Navy Carrier Pilot’s life,
. . . Truly lived as a “Daring Adventure.”
I have yet to read a more honest portrait of an American Patriot.
~ Bob Dorgan, USN Veteran, author of SEA PAY An Enlisted Man’s Naval Adventure
Fascinating, educational, and a fun read. Clyde pulls the veil on Naval Aviation while offering a candid and uplifting call for us to be the best humans we can be.
~ Galen D. Peterson, author of Strike Hard and Expect No Mercy, A Tank Platoon Leader in Iraq
The challenging and very dangerous Naval aviation skill of flying off and landing on an aircraft carrier and guiding aircraft through that harrowing aerial maneuver falls to a very limited number of people. The number is very small because so few people could ever begin to qualify for such a difficult role. To its great credit, the US Navy has evolved a very demanding path over the years for those few who would even want to qualify for this unique military skill. Steve McKenna was one of those who doggedly and successfully pursued that long and arduous path, and he writes a balanced and engaging account of his experiences in his book, ‘Fair Winds, Following Seas, and a Few Bolters.’ His story is revealing of all the difficult and challenging steps he had to take along that path to reach his goal, and is told with humor, honesty, and conviction. Steve strengthens his story with sub-themes of camaraderie, life at sea during long and tedious cruises, and a strong dose of patriotism. It is a Navy story that needs to be told, and Steve does it with skill and an obvious and deserved pride in the U.S. Navy and of the time he spent in that service.
No one could live such harrowing life experiences without some concluding observations and life lessons, and Steve McKenna does not fail to do so. He provides hard won insights into human nature and wisdom gleaned from his years of flying and guiding aircraft under the most trying conditions.
This book rates a ‘Bravo Zulo’ and needs to be read by military folks of all ages, stripes and backgrounds.
~ Col. Joseph R. Tedeschi, US Army (Retired), author of A Rock in the Clouds A Life Revisited
“Life is a cruel teacher; it gives the test first then teaches the lesson.” With simple honesty and engaging prose, Steve’s book reminds us of the success possible when one builds upon those lessons.
~ David Busse (Busman) Commander, USN (Retired)
The men and women who shape their lives around the craft of landing airplanes on pitching flight decks are a rare bunch indeed. In “Fair Winds, Following Seas, and a Few Bolters,” Steve gives the reader a wonderfully intimate and surprisingly transparent view into the world of naval aviation.
Reading the detailed narrative centered around the most formidable years of his young life and mine, brought back many fond memories not only of our shared squadron life as Black Eagles, but also my own experience of earning those coveted wings of gold.
Steve’s craft is not only that of flying carrier-based aircraft, but also of telling the story in a way that brings the reader into the moment. He faithfully conveys a sense of the sacrifice, discipline, and intensity with which naval aviation must be approached.
Steve’s transparency humbly demonstrates that the most demanding hardships of life can be overcome. Further, throughout the book, he highlights how the very set of values that made our nation great also armed him for a successful season in naval aviation, and life thereafter.
Flying on and off carriers is exciting, rewarding, often treacherous, and never boring. It is intolerant of mediocrity. Steve’s book conveys naval aviation for what it is—a crucible through which few men and women pass, and having passed, are better for it.
~ Curtis G. Phillips (Otis), Citation X Captain, Captain USN (Retired)
I am honored to offer a comment on Steve’s written biography. I first met Steve when he was recruited to Gibson Dunn, where both he and I practiced trial advocacy for the clients of Gibson, Dunn. Throughout that time, I was impressed by Steve’s skill, obvious care and his devotion to the practice of law. I then later followed Steve after he joined the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission where he continued to practice trial advocacy, this time on the behalf of investors. He did so competently and with the same skill and devotion that I had seen at Gibson, Dunn. The people of this nation benefited greatly from his sense of duty and his skill.
It was not until I read Fair Winds that I developed a greater sense of the person Steve is and a full appreciation of the devotion he brought to the service of his country as a naval pilot in the years prior to our meeting. His biography is easily readable and profoundly candid, covering both landings and “bolters” during his life and career. It allows the reader to experience the thorough, rigorous training naval pilots receive both on land and at sea, and offers the reader the experience of terror, challenge, and accomplishment that accompany any naval pilot’s life on-board a carrier such as the Constellation and the Independence. I completely agree with Steve’s comment that the flight deck of an aircraft carrier has to be one of the most dangerous places on earth and I have to admit that I am still uncertain how E-2 aircraft manage to become airborne.
The intensity of Steve’s experience as a naval pilot and his devotion to duty are reflected in the strength of the friendships he formed in the service. Those friendships clearly endure and are merited. It has been my pleasure to know Steve, Patricia and their wonderful family. They have much to celebrate with pride and this book will provide helpful guidance to the values Steve holds dear and his courage in working to achieve them.
~ George Curtis, Retired Partner at Gibson Dunn and former co-director of Enforcement at the US Securities and Exchange Commission
From ward rooms to ready rooms, training flights to combat sorties, Steve McKenna gives you an exciting look into the lives of the seldom explored E2-C Hawkeye crews. Only someone who has lived the life of a carrier based pilot can give you insight like this. Steve is that writer. He's "been there and done that" in spades. A great read for sailors and non-sailors alike.
~ Clay E. Novak, Lt.Col. US Army (Retired), author of Keep Moving, Keep Shooting
The courage of honesty, like the kind written in these pages, is an inspiration which never wanes. Reading Clyde’s stories and musings evoked fond feelings for lifetime buds, and shipmates we didn’t get to bring home. His words put the “who” in those of us who were 14-week wonders, climbing that mountain and then earning a set of the coveted golden wings. Rising from humble beginnings, we accepted the grind associated with “the pursuit of happiness;” because we were taught that nothing of value is free.
We were adventurers, like those riding the tall wooden ships of yesteryear. But above all we were patriots, steeled in the values of God and country, who believed that our “American Dream” was worth fighting for! Clyde and I being born the same day in 1962 often referred to each other as brothers of different mothers, Brother thanks for telling the story, It’s a good Story! and thanks for leaving in the fun parts! As I recall, that first exhilarating trap and cat shot were life changing. In that moment, WE were all unlimited.
~ Spike Long, Captain USN (Retired)
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