From the Prairie to the Pacific - (Paperback)

About the Book

A remarkable memoir by a farm boy from N. Dakota who flew missions over Vietnam, became "Boss" of the Blue Angels, and later commanded USS Constellation. Detail, honesty, insight, and loads of fun!

Book Synopsis

From the Prairie to the Pacific is the story of one man's journey from rural North Dakota to the cockpits of U.S. Navy jet fighters and ultimately Captain of a flagship aircraft carrier. Gil Rud flew combat missions over Vietnam in A-7 Corsair II aircraft before taking command of his own squadron. His success as a Naval aviator led to the ultimate reward - "Boss" of the world-famous Blue Angels aerobatic display team, overseeing their successful transition to the F/A-18 Hornet. Gil Rud reflects on his experiences and emotions as a husband and father as well as a pilot and an "officer and a gentleman." His stories of triumph and tragedy, from nights on the flight deck to nights on the town and the loss of close friends, reveal deep feelings, great insight and a wonderful sense of humor, as well as meticulous attention to detail.

Review Quotes

"...a remarkable memoir that chronicles the journey of a young man from rural North Dakota to the cockpits of Navy jets and eventually to the bridge of the carrier, USS Constellation. Gil has also managed to capture the essence of the Naval Aviator during one of the most transitional times in the history of the United States Navy. With superb attention to detail, he takes the reader through three tumultuous decades of peace, war and stunning technological advances...

From the Prairie to the Pacific is an intimate conversation between two friends over a beer."

-John F. Schork, Capt. (U.S.N. Ret.)

Author of more than 10 novels and former A-6 Intruder pilot

"From Vietnam combat to the Blue Angels to commanding America's Flagship, Captain Gil Rud has lived life to the full, a life of rollicking fun and increased responsibility. You'll laugh at his antics in college, flight school, and combat squadrons and ponder lessons in human nature and the treatment of others he offers in each chapter. This fun book is honest, insightful, and unforgettable... strap in!"

-Kevin Miller

Author of the Raven One trilogy

"From farm boy to naval aviator to Blue Angel and carrier captain, Gil Rud's life is a fun, funny, moving, and exciting adventure! A must-read!"

-Nicholas A. Veronico

Author of Hidden Warbirds: The Epic Stories of Finding,

Recovering, and Rebuilding WWII's Lost Aircraft