Topgun: An American Story by Dan Pedersen - Alberto R


Almost everyone is familiar with the U.S. Navy's Top Gun program, thanks to the movie of the same name released over 30 years ago. About a cool pilot flying cool planes, however, the author's personal story is connected with the program's establishment as a graduate school for naval aviators.

Dan Pedersen, a young man in the 1950s, enlisted in the Navy, specializing in aviation engine maintenance. He later got the opportunity to attend the Naval Aviation Cadet program, leading to an officer's commission and the freedom to fly. His dedication to the Navy and flying took a toll on his personal life, causing him to lose the love of his life due to extended separations for training and deployments.

The book follows a chronological format, following Pedersen's various phases and deployments. His first deployment was with squadron VF(AW)-3* based in San Diego California, where he would be flying the F-4D Skyray. After 5 years of flying the F-4D, he reported to VF-121 to receive training to fly the F-3H Demon where he embarked on an 8-month trip on the USS Hancock. He then transferred from the F-3H to the F-4 Phantom II where he deployed with VF-92 to the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1968.

The air war in Vietnam faced challenges due to restrictive rules of engagement (R.O.E.). The book highlights the frustrations, losses, and low morale among American pilots. In late 1968, Pedersen received orders to establish the Top Gun program more formally known as the "Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program". Which was a program that took the Navy's best pilots to be trained in advanced fighter maneuvers. This program transformed the air war's dynamics in Vietnam.

After commanding Top Gun, Pedersen went on to lead the aircraft carrier USS Ranger off Yankee Station. He also played a role in rescuing Vietnamese "boat people" after the U.S. pulled out of Vietnam and South Vietnam fell to Communism.

Following his military career and a divorce, Pedersen reconnected with his lost love Mary Beth, and married her. Now in his eighties, he reflects on what could have been if military micromanagement hadn't plagued the early days of the air war in Vietnam.

This memoir provides insights into significant events, incidents, and programs that shaped Pedersen's life and career. It's well-written and includes a glossary for those unfamiliar with military terms.

The final chapter critiques the military's complete reliance on the F-35 multi-role fighter despite cost overruns and reliability issues, emphasizing technology over simplicity and the pilot.

Overall the book is a great read and I highly recommend it to those interested in military aviation. I certainly enjoyed the book and if you read it I hope you do too. I will give this book a 9/10 very well-written book.

*V stands for fixed wing, F stands for fighter, and AW stands for all-weather

Comments

  1. Lucas BraunSeptember 15, 2023 at 6:20 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Lucas BraunSeptember 15, 2023 at 6:31 AM

    Very good blog is this the book that the movie top gun was based off? or was it by chance that the movie and the book had the same name?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alberto R.September 18, 2023 at 1:14 PM

      The book is an autobiography about his experience in the Topgun program.

      Delete
  3. Yuto InoueSeptember 15, 2023 at 7:47 AM

    Hi Alberto. Nice book review. I could tell how the movie and the book was very different from each other. Also I like how you specify the different aircrafts that Dan Pedersen flew in. Reading that part got me interested on seeing the different aircrafts and learning about them. I think I would like to read it sometime.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ian MSeptember 17, 2023 at 11:34 AM

    Hey Alberto, my dad showed me the Top Gun movies not too long ago and I remember liking them for the action and cool aircraft, but not really thinking too much about the plot. Although now that I think about it, the concept kinda interested me. So I think I might check this book out! Good review.

    ReplyDelete
  5. MateoSeptember 25, 2023 at 11:25 AM

    Hey Alberto, I just watched the new-ish top gun movie and really enjoyed it. I think I'll check this book out sometime. Nice job!

    ReplyDelete

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