The Imperial Japanese Navy was a pioneer in naval aviation, having commissioned the world's first carrier, which was used against the US fleet at Pearl Harbor. The Americans followed suit, initiating huge aircraft carrier development programs. As the Pacific war escalated into the largest naval conflict in history, the role of the carrier became the linchpin of American and Japanese naval strategy as these rival vessels found themselves locked in a struggle for dominance of this critical theater of war. This book provides an analysis of the variety of weaponry available to the rival carriers, including the powerful shipborne guns and embarked aircraft. Study the design and development of these revolutionary ships, discover the pioneering tactics that were used to ensure victory and "live" the experiences of the rival airmen and gun crews as they battled for victory in a duel of skill, tenacity and guts.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Osprey's USN-IJN Carriers 'Duel' Scores a Direct Hit!:
Thus far my exposure to Osprey 'Duel' titles has been minimal; two titles. I rate my experience as one miss (P-51 vs. FW 190) and one hit (Firefly vs. Tiger). Mark Stille's volume on U. S. and Japanese carriers however is definitely another hit and stands as an example of what the series can/should be. Stille reviews the history and development of U.S. and Japanese carriers from their early beginnings, culminating in the four crucial engagements in 1942. His book is almost a primer on the subject,... more info
Clear, Concise, Insightful:
Before 1942, US naval doctrine was dominated by the battleship. After Japan's Pearl Harbor air raid, the US Navy was forced to rely primarily on carrier operations. Mark Stille's "USN Carriers vs IJN Carriers: The Pacific 1942" is a concise, clearly written analysis of these naval forces and their operations. In "Design and Development", Cmdr Stille presents the carrier doctrine, design, and construction used by the US Navy and IJN. Both navies realized that destroying the enemy's aircraft... more info
An Excellent Look into the Dynamics of Carrier Warfare:
The epic duel in the Pacific Ocean in 1942 between the carriers of the Imperial Japanese Navy's Kido Butai (Mobile Force) and the carriers of the United States Navy makes for dramatic history and this story is told with great verve and insight by Commander (ret.) Mark Stille. USN Carriers vs IJN Carriers is the sixth volume in Osprey's new Duel series and readers need not fear that this is a repackaging of material from other Campaign and New Vanguard series titles. Rather, this volume provides a fresh look... more info
