Keeping the Peace: VMFA-251 during the Cold War

The book covers the history of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron Two Fifty One from its reactivation into the Marine Air Reserves in July 1946 through the end of 1991. The period was marked by a series of deployments and exercises stretching from Korea to the Mediterranean to Norway in case war with the Soviet Union became a reality.

"Steve Dixon’s history of 251 should be required reading by any Marine who wants to be a squadron commander and a copy ought to go with the colors at a change of command. It reveals the evolution and strength of the USMC Air–Ground Team and is an exceptional story about all the Marines who surround folks who live in flight suits.” — LtCol. Joe “Leper” Mavretic USMC (Ret), Commander of VMFA-251 1973–75.

"This work has obviously been extensively researched and it is written in an engaging style that really captures the sense of time and place. Once again, Steve Dixon has produced a comprehensive slice of VMFA-251’s history." - Neil A. Cummings, GySgt. USMC, VMFA-251 from 1976-1981.

"Well researched. Well written. Steven Dixon actually flew* in this squadron, has a passion for its history, and does a masterful job in following their exploits, trials, and triumphs from their World War II and Korean War records and on through, and to the end of, the Cold War." - The Journal of the Air Force Historical Foundation (link to full review, page 136 of document.) *Note: I did not fly with the squadron. I was an aviation electrician.

"Overall, Dixon’s book is informative when it comes to not only a fighter attack squadron’s role in military operations, but also how the pilots served in protecting the United States during the Cold War." - Chad Shelley, PhD [ Complete Review ]

"Dixon offers limited but basically detailed descriptions of the times and specific experiences of this hard-working unit of dedicated aviation Marines." - Cmdr. Peter Mersky, USNR (Ret.) [ Complete Review ]

Contents: Chapter One: A Recap of World War II - Chapter Two: Reactivation - Chapter Three: The Korean War - Chapter Four: Keeping the Peace - Chapter Five: The Jet Age Begins - Chapter Six: The Phantom Years - Chapter Seven: The Fall of the Iron Curtain - Notes - Appendices - Index

The book is available through several online publishers in various formats.

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