From the Prairie to the Pacific

<p><em>From the Prairie to the Pacific</em> 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 <em>Blue Angel</em>s 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.</p><p><br></p>