Symonds, Adrian USAFE in the 1980s

On the front line of the Cold War, during a decade that saw EastWest tensions and budgets rise considerably, the United States Air Forces in Europe reached the peak of their power during the 1980s. Not only did USAFE expand, but it introduced a generation of advanced new types, developed to counter perceived Soviet advances and often in light of Americas still recent, and often bitter, experiences in Vietnam. Eagles, Fighting Falcons and Warthogs joined the ranks in increasing numbers, supplementing still considerable numbers of older stalwarts like the mighty F-111 interdictors and the iconic Phantom, which lingered on in specialised reconnaissance and defence suppression roles. But it wasnt all fast jets; Ground Launched Cruise Missiles were introduced, plus a range of support types including tankers, transports and spy planes deployed from the Stateside Commands to support USAFE. Take a step inside the day-to-day operations of the USAFE in the 1980s.

"Eagles", "Fighting Falcons" and "Warthogs" joined a considerable number of older aircraft such as the mighty F-111 "Aardvark" and the legendary F-4 "Phantom", which continued to be used in special reconnaissance and air defence suppression roles. But it was not only fast jet fighters that joined the USAFE in the 1980s, but also ground-based cruise missiles and a range of support aircraft, including tankers, transports and reconnaissance aircraft. The book takes an illuminating look at the flying material and flight operations of the USAFE in the 1980s.