Robert W Duncan

The Home Log Robert W Duncan

Carl Millard enlisted in the Navy just prior to Pearl Harbor, and received his orders to report to Mustin Field to begin flight training. Since the Navy suddenly had a dire need for pilots, his training was rapid and intense. This novel follows Carl's training as he advances from the early N3N biplane trainers to the F6F AND F4U, through instrument flying, certification with all naval planes, carrier training, and final preparation and training for the invasion of the Japanese mainland. At Naval bases in Florida primarily, he instructed new pilots, refresher checks and training in new techniques and tactics for pilots returning from the Pacific Theater, especially night and instrument flying. For the pilot instructors stationed in Florida, the ongoing routine was night patrols, with a high rate of losses, along the coasts scouting for German Submarines that threatened shipping routes. Amid frequent transfers and time away from base, Carl meets Laurie, and they navagate a relationship and later marriage, despite the uncertainties of transfers, assignments, and the grief of losses of friends. Rich first-hand detail flying various WWII navy planes. Including N3N, STEARMAN, SNJ, PBY, OS2U, SBD, F4F, F6F, F4U and others. [In Air Facts, Mail section, March 1944]. "In my opinion it ["The Black Sheep at Night"] is the most touching training story of the war. Couldn't he write a book?" -- Tom Mathews. Flight instructor. Air force Training Detachment, Palo Alto Airport Inc., King City, California. [Regarding "Grow Old With Me" in Combat Crew: Oct. 1980]. "The following article last appeared in Combat Crew in September 1972. It has been printed in numerous safety publications and tells one of the most eloquent safety stories we've come across in a long time. See if you don't agree." -- Editor. [Regarding submission of Grow Old Along With Me]"I have seldom read a safety story that was written with greater clarity, wit and polish. -- Richard L. Anderson, Major USAF, Chief, Safety Publications Branch Office of the Inspector General