Deadly Blue: Battle Stories of the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command - Tapa dura

Acting as a bridge between special ops ground troops and lethal air power, CAS demands a skill set unparalleled even among the most elite military forces. But just as important is the mindset, dedication, and daring of a very special brand of Airman.

Military enthusiasts, history buffs, and readers inspired by stories of exceptional bravery and patriotism will all be drawn to the heroes of Deadly Blue, the Air Force Special Operations Command that orchestrates and executes these critical missions.

“These are stories of personal triumph and loss. War is nothing if not personal, and we are always mindful that our most valuable resources are the men and women who take an oath to support and defend with honor, who make the mission possible with skill, strength, tenacity and determination.”

— from the Foreword by Lt. Gen. Michael W. Wooley, USAF, retired, former AFSOC commander

Military success depends not just on strategies and equipment, but also on people. Deadly Blue offers, for the first time, an intimate look at the people behind CAS—Close Air Support. Their work is both delicate and deadly, their actions rooted in months of planning and executed with split-second timing.

Acting as a bridge between special ops ground troops and lethal air power, CAS demands a skill set uncommon even among the most elite military forces. But just as important is the mindset, the focus, the dedication, and the sheer brilliance of a very special brand of Airman. They include:

· “First on the ground” forces such as elite weather and conditions teams, and the advance crews that create airfields and landing strips—from nothing

· The combat controllers that coordinated airstrikes and support during the hunt for Osama bin Laden in Tora Bora

· Special tactics teams working with Joint Special Operations Task Forces

· And many more

Packed in equal measure with detailed accounts and stories of exceptional bravery, professionalism, and patriotism, Deadly Blue presents the American military at its best, and American fighters at their finest.