Pacifica Military History Free Sample Chapters.pmd

Free Sample Chapters 413
Although we had done most of our briefings the day before, Mac
Wordell, one of VF-41’s senior pilots, went over all the details once
again. Our mission was not complicated—a combat air patrol (CAP)
over the invasion forces at Fedala. We were to keep Vichy airplanes
away. During the briefing I reviewed my chartboard to make sure that I
had all the information I needed—ship’s position, patrol position, radio
frequencies, and so on.
Information on the current situation ashore was very sketchy. There
was much confusion about the progress of the landings, which had begun
a few hours before, and, unbelievably, it was still not known whether or
not the French would oppose the invasion.
After the briefing we all sat in the ready room putting on a brave
front and making inane small talk. Nevertheless, nearly every one of us
sneaked away to the head more than once to take a nervous pee.
As scheduled, VF-9 launched at 0610, and VF-41 shortly thereafter.
I listened as they rumbled down the flight deck just above our heads,
envious that they were getting airborne first. It was much better to be
flying than sitting around and sweating it out. It wasn’t until they were
en route to their targets, at about 0640, that VF-9 and VF-41 were given
the signal “Play Ball.” This meant that the French had not laid down
their arms and that the invasion force was being opposed. Hearing this,
the knots in our stomachs cinched a little tighter.
After the first two launches were complete, the deck was respotted
with new airplanes, and we were given our airplane assignments. The
planes were assigned to the pilots in each division in the same order in
which they were spotted, or parked, on the flight deck. This kept the
divisions together and helped make the rendezvous after takeoff much
easier.
At about 0700 we were ordered to man our planes. I strapped on my
heavy .45-caliber pistol, put on my cloth helmet (with earphones
incorporated into the sides), and donned my Mae West life jacket. Last,
I grabbed my chartboard and filed out of the ready room with the rest of
the pilots.
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