Naval Air Weapons Meet 1956-1959

NAVA 1
By Angelo Romano
Model Publishing, ©2004
ISBN 88-89392-00-2
Softbound, 104 Pages

Reviewed by Chris Banyai-Riepl

This book focuses on a subject that has never been covered before, to the best of my knowledge. The Naval Air Weapons Meet began in 1956 and was an annual competition between Navy and Marine units from both coasts. Originally held at MCAS El Centro, by 1959 the location shifted to MCAAS Yuma where there was more room for the participants. For some reason, most likely budgetary, 1959 was the last year the Naval Air Weapons Meet was held. For all four of these meets, though, William L. Swisher took part and managed to take extensive photos of the participants. This book is a pictorial history based heavily on Swisher's photos.

The book is separated into sections that detail each year's meet, with a list of participating units and the winners for each year. Included in each year is a reprint of the Naval Aviation News report of each meet, providing some excellent background information. Following each introduction to the annual meets comes sections broken down by units. Each squadron has its lineage presented, as well as aircraft types used, extending to present day. Also listed are the team members that participated that year.

What makes this book truly superlative, though, are the photos of William Swisher. These are high quality color photos of late-1950s Naval aviation, and the publishers have gone to great lengths to make sure they are printed in the best possible manner. This means that many of the photos are presented as full-page images. Aircraft covered include just about everything the Navy was flying during those years, including Skyrays, Crusaders, Skyhawks, Furies, Skyraiders, Demons, and Skywarriors, among others. While most of these are in gull gray and white, there are a few photos of glossy sea blue aircraft, as well as several photos of the target towing aircraft.

This is an outstanding book that is bound to become very popular with modelers of US Navy aircraft. One thing is for sure, I am now wishing Tamiya would come out with a nice 1/72 FJ-3 and FJ-4 Fury kit, as well as a Demon. Wishful thinking, I know, but it sure would be nice. If you have any interest in early Navy jet aviation, this is a must-have book. For ordering information, check out the Model Publishing website.