|
Where is the nearest carrier?
is often the first question from a President when a crisis erupts
overseas. A powerful instrument of diplomacy and military might,
the Navy’s carrier battle group has been the United State’s
reaction-force-of-choice since World War II.
Collectors, naval and aviation enthusiasts all react in a similar
fashion when William S. Phillips turns his painter’s eye
on these seagoing airfields. All eight of his previous Fine Art
Editions featuring carriers have Sold Out at the Publisher and
are only available on the secondary market.
“An aircraft carrier is
exciting beyond belief,” beams Phillips. “It’s
the tip of the sword and it operates that way. It’s dangerous
and it’s exciting. Nothing is static. Their size is phenomenal.
The sense of mission and camaraderie from the engine room to
the flight crews is inspiring. For the rest of my life, I’ll
jump at the chance to get on one whenever I can.”
“In the late 1970s, I had the chance to deploy on the USS
Kitty Hawk (CV 63) out of San Diego, but this scene could be
anywhere in the world because sunsets are universal at sea. Coming
on board a carrier is tough no matter what time of day it is.
But I’ll tell you, landing in any kind of daylight beats
coming aboard before absolute dark. They call flight operations
at this time “Pink Ops.” The CAP aircraft, both coming
in and going out, are early versions of the F-14.” |