Fighting Her Father's War: The FIghting Tomcats

by M. L. Maki

“Knight Flight, this is Major Curtis. Who am I talking to?”

  “You’re talking to Lt. Samantha Hunt, US Navy. How’d your boys do yesterday?”

  “Since when does the Navy let women serve? Is this a joke?”

  “This is not a joke. Observe the aircraft on your wing. By the way, your welcome for this morning.”

  “What type of aircraft?” asks Curtis.

  “These are F-14 Tomcats.”

  “Never heard of it, Grumman?”

  “It sure is.”

  Another voice breaks in, “Navy aircraft, this is Commander United States Army Forces Far East. State your name, rank, unit name and number.”

  “Sir, I am Samantha Leigh Hunt, Lieutenant, US Navy, Black Knight Squadron, VF-154, sir.”

  General McArthur replies, “Lieutenant Hunt, you and your flight are to land at Manila, immediately.”

  “My apologies, sir, we are unable to land at Manila. Their airfield is unsuitable for our aircraft. We are carrier based.”

  Gandhi tells Puck, “Admiral Ren is coming on line. He’ll have and E-2 in position to relay soon. We’re supposed to keep them talking. Oh, and do not agree that we are under their command.” Puck relays the information to Spike.

  “Sir, my commander will be on the line in a few minutes. May I please ask your name?”

  “You’re speaking with General Douglas McArthur, Lieutenant. Who is your commander?”

  “Admiral Richard Ren, US Navy, Commander Battle Group 72, sir.”

  “Never heard of him, and I’ve never heard of that group. I would have certainly heard of him. Who is his reporting senior?”

  “We serve under Admiral Nimitz, sir.”

  “The Admiral would not send a unit to help me yesterday, what made him change his mind?”

  “Can’t say, sir.” Matching the speed of the P-40s, the flight is now back together flying at 25,ooo feet at 350 knots. The ‘14s flying with their wings forward.

  Gandhi says, “We are to do one low level fly by over Manila and the General’s headquarters, then continue our mission. We’ll swing west and descent due east.

  Admiral Ren comes on the line, “Lieutenant Hunt, thank you. This is Admiral Ren, Commander Battle Group 72. Who am I speaking with?”

  “This is General Douglas McArthur. What is your rank, Admiral?”

  “Rear Admiral, General. Please understand, General, we do not have the fuel to remain long and I need to report to Admiral Nimitz soon. I’m glad we had the chance to render aid and hope you can make a successful stand against the Japanese from here. I have authorized a couple more strikes today, then we leave.”

  Gandhi says, “Time to make a flyby, folks. Immelmann, and shift to diamond formation. Hotpants right, Spike left, and Thud behind and below. Execute.”

  “What aircraft carrier are you flying from?” asks McArther.

  The pilots in the P-40s watch as the Tomcats just lift up, climbing 2000 feet in seconds as they execute the Immelmann. “The Gold Eagle, General. I know it is new to you,” replies Ren.

  At the top of the Immelmann, Gandhi says, “Rotate,” and they roll upright.

  “Thank you for your assistance, Admiral. It is appreciated. How long has the Navy allowed women to fly?”

  Gandhi, “Spike, Thud, barrel roll over us and come to right chevron as we dive. Execute.” Spike pulls up, rolls and comes down on Hot Pants right wing. Thud pulls up, rolls and comes down on Spike right wing just as Swede start the dive toward the city below. Gandhi says, “Brakes out,” as they accelerate in the dive.

  Ren answers, “That one is kind of complicated. I’ll just say it was a very wise decision. We have several successful female pilots. The one you just talked to made 14 kills this morning.”

  Puck says, “Shit, Spike, we’re double aces.”

  McArthur asks, “When did you graduate from the Naval Academy, Admiral?”

  Gandhi says, “Shift back to diamond formation as we pull out at 500 feet. Thud, you are high, behind. Then we’ll settle down to 200 feet. As we pass over the field, I want a 360-degree right roll, and we’ll climb out at 80 degrees on four different headings. We’ll climb east, Hot Pants north, Spike south, and Thud west. Speedy, you’ll have to call the break. We top out at 5000 feet, with 200 feet altitude separation as we cross. We’ll be at 4600 feet, Hot Pants at 4800 feet, Spike at 5000 feet, and Thud at 5200 feet. We’ll then form up south and continue climbing out, going back into a diamond.”

  They all reply, “Roger.”

  Ren says, “Another complicated question. Where are my aircraft?”

  McArthur steps out on the patio overlooking the airfield, the radio still in his hand, “They are diving toward the city very fast. I cannot hear them.”

  Ren says, “Because they are traveling at the speed of sound.”

  “They are in a diamond…MY GOD!” The ‘14s execute the roll and climb out as planned. Swede’s plane going nearly vertical over the headquarters building making the entire complex shake. As he hears the sound over the radio, Ren says, “Welcome to the new way to wage war, General.”

  “What aircraft was that?”

  “That, General, was the F-14 Tomcat, the best interceptor and fighter in the world.”

  CHAPTER 19

  KNIGHT FLIGHT 3, OVER LUZON, 1047, 22 DECEMBER, 1941

  Knight Flight 3 is back in formation and south bound, continuing on mission. On radio, Speedy says, “That was so cool. We rocked Manila Bay. In our time, we’d get in so much trouble for that.”

  Gandhi replies, “War changes everything, Speedy. Let’s stay focused on the mission, my man. It’s time to make the left turn.”

  On intercom, Spike says, “Puck, I just talked to General McArthur.”

  “I know. Are you okay? You don’t want his autograph, do you?”

  “No, Puck. I just hope I didn’t screw it up too bad.”

  “I don’t think you did badly. He seemed to be a little nicer than I thought he’d be.”

  “Yeah, Puck, how do you feel about what we did this morning?”

  “How do I feel? I feel that your flying was amazing. I think we’re coordinating better. We can smooth things out some still.”

  “Yeah, we did pretty well. I know we were saving a lot of people, but I’ve never killed anyone before.”

  “You did well, Samantha. We did what we had to do. It was our job, but I can understand your regrets. I can even understand it if you feel sick. It’s a normal response.”

  “I do feel a little sick. Are you okay, Puck?”

  “Yeah, I’m okay.”

  Their flight continues uninterrupted. On the north bound leg, Gandhi calls, Ghost Rider, this is Knight Flight 3 requesting a tank for 100 miles south of assembly point Whiskey.” The E-2C Hawkeye radio operator replies, “Roger, Knight Flight 3, Arco 2 and 3 are being dispatched. Contact them on 19 decimal 7 at angels 25.”

  “Roger, 19 decimal 7 at 25, Knight Flight out.”

  GQ says, “Gandhi, we have enough fuel to make it. Are you close?”

  “Do you have enough fuel after 10 minutes of combat? Just being prepared.”

  ON THE FLIGHT DECK, 1122, 22 DECEMBER, 1941

  LCDR Carleton is climbing into the cockpit of his repaired F-14, when CDR Holtz puts a hand on his back. Book hops down, as Holtz asks, “Book, are you okay? You had a close call.”

  Book says, “Yes, sir, I’m fine. Just a bit of bad luck, that’s all. I need to get back out there. No way, those two are going to win.”

  “I’ve got the results back from intel. Spike has fourteen kills and Hot Pants has six. How have you done?

  “Fourteen kills? How is it those bit…those b…, those two manage to line up every stupid pilot Japan has in front of their guns?”

  “I don’t know, Book. Maybe they’re actually good pilots.”

  Book shakes his head, “No way, just dumb luck.”

  “We’ll dumb or not, I’ll take luck any day. Don’t go out there and do something stupid, okay?”


  “I won’t boss. I know I’m a better pilot, that’s all. And I’m going to prove it.”

  “That’s what I mean. Focus on the mission. You have nothing to prove.”

  “You don’t think I can do it? You’re on the side of the, um, those girls. Ain’t now way I’m gonna wear a pink ribbon. You’ll see.” Book climbs into his jet.

  ABOVE LINGAYEN GULF, 1150, 22 DECEMBER, 1941

  “Do you think they’ll let us blow up more ships? There isn’t anything else out here,” asks Puck.

  “Probably,” replies Spike. “Wonder how they’re doing down there? Do you know about Corregidor?”

  “Yeah, I know. If we can hold PI, everything changes.” On radio, “Hey, brother Gandhi, can we kill some Japanese ships? There are nine destroyers just sitting there.”

  Gandhi replies, “I’ll check with higher. How did you blow up those others with just guns?”

  Speedy says, “Target their torpedo launchers. The long lance torpedo used liquid oxygen.”

  “Okay, I’ll check.” He comes back after a minute, “They say only two AIM-7s each. Puck, Speedy, show us how it’s done and we’ll follow you in.”

  “Roger that, Gandhi.” On radio, “Ready, Spike?” The two fighters dive toward the destroyers, descending to 10,000 feet and accelerating to 800 knots. They approach in a diving curve that puts them side on to the destroyers. Jinking to avoid the ack-ack coming from the ships, they line up on the torpedo launchers amidships. Puck says, “I have a good target. We have tone, one missile.” On radio, “Fox 1,” as Spike fires the missile.

  A moment later, Speedy says, “Fox 1, Fox 1,” and two more missiles fly toward the destroyers.

  “New target, tone,” says Puck, then on radio, “Fox 1.” Spike fires.

  All missiles hit, but only two hit torpedoes. The AIM07 does a lot of damage, but is clearly not mortal, unless the torpedoes are hit. Spike turns in, on the deck, and lines up on the first destroyer where her missile hit aft of the torpedo launcher. At three quarters of a mile, she fires a quick burst, and the torpedoes explode as she climbs out.

  JAPANES DESTROYER AMAGIRI

  Michio Inoue watches in horror as the cursed planes fly toward them. He’s standing his post on the forward port side of a type 26, 25mm anti-aircraft gun. “When the American’s come close enough…just let them get close,” he thinks. While still miles away, he sees smoke coming from behind them and thinks they’ve been hit by the larger caliber guns already firing. He realizes his error when a rocket flies toward the destroyer Fubuki, ahead of them. The first explosion seems not too bad, then a second later there’s a second explosion which blows the guts out of the Fubuki. The ship lifts from the water and crashes down, split in two, as the fire ball grows.

  Commander Kazuo Tsukino on the bridge of the Amagiri orders the helm hard over, trying to miss the wreck of the Fubuki. Then, to the stern, the Nokaze blows up. Michio looks back, then looks through his sights. He sees two more rockets leave the jets that are nearly in range. He orders his gun crew, “give me rounds,” as he starts firing. The rockets rush down and hit Karukaya and Arashi, and they blow up. He can feel the heat from the fire ball that is Arashi.

  As the aircraft close, he sees the sparkling of gun fire. Desperate, he fires his gun, but in seconds they are out of range. “One rocket each? How could it be?” he thinks. Then he sees through the pillars of smoke and flame two more planes. He holds down the fire paddle, pouring rounds at the diving planes. Then he sees more rockets. Fire balls erupt on Hamakaze and Makinami, and then on Oboru and Sagiri. He realizes, as the Americans fly away, that their ship is alone. All the other destroyers , save his, are gone. He hopes he has at least damaged the aircraft that killed so many of his fellow sailors.

  He hears his commander, “Petty Officer Inoue, cease fire. They are out of range.”

  He shouts back, “The Americans are demons.”

  “We must attend to our mission. It falls on us.”

  NORTH EAST OF LUZON, 1215, 22 DECEMBER, 1941

  After the attack on the destroyers, they head for the refueling point. On radio, “Knight Flight 3, this is Arco 2 standing by to give you guys a drink. Refueling course is 015 at angels 25, speed is 420 knots. Just step up to the bar and we’ll buy you a round. Drogue is out.”

  Gandhi says, “Okay, flight, call your numbers.” After they’ve all reported their fuel weight, Gandhi says, “Knight 309 has 8 decimal 2. Thud, Hot Pants, you’re first. Can you get us to 9k, Arco?”

  Lt. Fred ‘Piper’ McCrimmon, flying Arco 2 says, “Sure thing, Knights, we can get you all to 9 decimal 5, but don’t ask us to do the windows.”

  Gandhi replies, “Much obliged, Arco.” Thud lines up on Arco 3 and Hot Pants behind Arco 2. Flying well behind, Swede and Spike wait their turn, then take their place.

  KNIGHT 224, APPROACHING ASSEMBLY POINT ZULU, 1225, 22 DECEMBER, 1941

  Book us seething as they climb toward Zulu, “Packs, ain’t no way those bitches going to beat our score. Can you believe this shit? Fourteen kills.”

  Pack says, “Let’s just keep our head in the fight man. Focus on the kill in front of us.”

  “That’s the thing, it’s like the sky is swept clean of Japanese. There’s nothing to kill.”

  Then thy hear, “All units, Ghost Rider 207, raid warning west. I have multiple bandits coming out of Taiwan.”

  Book says, “YES! Ask for a steer, Packs.”

  “Ghost Rider, Knight 224, give me a steer toward the bandits.”

  “Knight 224, Ghost Rider, come to 294 and climb to angels 35.”

  “Roger, Ghost Rider.”

  Bo-Bo is a few miles behind them and they hear, “Knight 467, Ghost Rider, steer 308 and climb to angels 35 to join your wingman.”

  “Roger, 308 to 25,” replies ENS Chris ‘Klutz’ Brandt, Bo-Bo’s RIO.

  “Felix Flight 3, Ghost Rider, steer 315 and climb to angels 35.”

  “Felix 3, roger.”

  “All units, Ghost Rider 207, be advised, raid one out of Taiwan is one hundred, say again 1,0,0, in bound at angels 30.”

  Book says, “Shit, Packs, it’s a target rich environment. Hell, yeah! And we’re the first in.”

  They hear combat control on the Vinson say, “Diamond Flight 2, Gold Eagle, discard air to ground and make your course 310 to intercept.” LCDR Sean ‘Lobster’ Fitzgerald, XO of VFA-146, Blue Diamonds flying at Zulu says, “Roger, Gold Eagle. Okay, boys, hang onto the bombs until we are well clear of Zulu. There are aircraft below us, full military in loose deuce.”

  SOUTH OF ASSEMBLY POINT WHISKEY

  Well to the east and south, Swede and Spike are just finishing refueling when they hear the raid warning. Puck says, “Thanks for the drink.”

  “No problem, Knight 211. Exit low and slow.” Spike eases the throttles back releasing the drogue, inverts and pulls away.

  Gandhi says, “Got all we’re taking. There’s Japs to fight.”

  Arco 2 says, “Good hunting, Knight 309. Stab one for us, release slow and low.” Swede throttles back, inverts in a snap roll down.

  Gandhi calls out, “Ghost Rider, Knight Flight 3, tanked and needing a steer.”

  “Roger, Knight Flight 3, Ghost Rider, come to course 268 and make your altitude 35.”

  KNIGHT 224, CLOSING THE ENEMY, 1242, 22 DECEMBER, 1941

  “Knight 224, Ghost Rider, the lead elements are twenty miles to your front, illuminate and engage.”

  Pack says, “Roger, Ghost Rider, tallyho.” Then, on intercom, “Shit, there’s a lot of them, and they’re moving around a lot.”

  Book says, “Lock on, I don’t want complaints. We fire missiles, then follow them in for gun attacks.”

  On radio, ENS Wally ‘Nob’ Nelson, RIO for Knight 626, asks, “Sir, we have Hornets. Felix and Knight 3 are inbound. Do we engage or wait for support?”

  Book says on intercom, “Fuck no! These kills are ours. Tell them to get busy.”

  Packs says, “We engage gentleman.”

&
nbsp; Packs and Nob call out, “Fox 1,” as they close to 10 miles. Book says, “Tell Ghost Rider to keep Swede’s crew in reserve, okay?”

  Packs says, “Yes, sir,” then, “Ghost Rider, Knight 224, recommend keeping Knight Flight 3 in reserve. They are probably short on fuel.”

  “Knight 224, Ghost Rider, understand.”

  From Strike control on the Vinson, “Knight Flight 3, Gold Eagle, mark fuel state and load out.”

  Gandhi says, “Each unit of Knight Flight 3 has approximately 9 decimal 4 and a full load minus two sparrows.”

  “Knight Flight 3, Gold Eagle, we are sending Arco 4 and 5 to fill you up. Meet them at 50 miles west of our position and stand by for leakers.”

  Knight Flight 2 start reporting kills as about half of their missiles hit. Book finds himself head to head with a Zero in a high speed game of chicken. As they close, he sees flashes from the wings as the Zero opens fire. Book inverts and dives without firing a shot. As he rolls upright and starts to climb, a Zero passes front of him, climbing and showing its white belly. He takes a quick shot and hits the fuel tank. He has to climb at 9 g’s to avoid the explosion. He fails to warn Packs, who passes out.

  As Packs comes to, “Warn me, man. Damn Where is B0-Bo?”

  It’s Bo-Bo’s job to find us.” A Zero crosses again, and he fires, missing.

  KNIGHT 467

  ‘Bo-Bo’ Bolen is 1000 feet below his wingman trying to avoid a collision. He’s been taking potshots at passing Zeros and he hits one, and it explodes. “Klutz, where’s Book?”

  “I dunno, man. They’re everywhere.”

  “Find him, Klutz, we gotta cover him.”

  Lt. Sean ‘Lobster’ Fitzgerald says, “Tallyho, we’re in the fight. Guns only, gentlemen. We have friendlies in there,” and the six Hornets join the fray. The Tomcat folks love to disparage the Hornet because of its short legs, slower top speed, and smaller payload, but it’s a very agile fighter. In a gun fight, agility matters.

  Bo-Bo says, “Hold on,” as he pulls up and spins to miss a Zero. He finds another in front of him and fires, taking off the left wing at the root.