Here is a review
of the first publication by Reid Air Publications - a firm founded by Jake
Melampy - a prominent and well-traveled photographer. The book is titled The
Viper Story Part 1: F-16s of the Air National Guard, and features
photographs by Jake and other photographers covering every ANG unit that
has operated the F-16 variant.
The softcover book consists
of 247 pages printed on heavy gloss paper with each US state listed
alphabetically. Instead of listing the states and units, I have supplied a
photograph of the table of contents page - as you can see, the list of
operators is extensive. There is a 2-page history of the F-16 included. At
the beginning of each state's section, the state flag and its ANG history
is detailed including very recent and near future changes. Detailed
captions are under each photograph, and a very handy serial number index
is at the back of the book listing what page each jet appears on.
The photographs are
top-notch and cover a variety of markings each unit's jets wore, and the
different variants operated. Many are from units and airframes that have
not existed for quite some time. And, as many F-16 units will be losing
their jets in the near future, this publication captures an important part
of history.
Collectively,
Air National Guard F-16s have worn the most colorful and varied markings,
and this publication showcases these aircraft beautifully.
Very special thanks to Jake
for the review sample.
This book can be purchased
through the Reid
Air Publications site.
Ken
Click on
images below to see larger images
|