Big Cat Diary: The Last Year of the Jaguar with 6 Squadron RAF - Hardcover

Sullivan, Wing Commander John

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0955724708 ISBN 13: 9780955724701

Publisher: John Sullivan, 2008

Synopsis

This book was conceived as a personal gift by the last Commanding Officer of an RAF Jaguar Squadron, to the personnel of Number 6 Squadron as a record, primarily through pictures, of their achievements in the final year of the Jaguars service. Now available more widely, this book nevertheless remains a very personal, and thus unique, perspective on the closing of a chapter in RAF history; the retirement from service of the Jaguar after 33 years of stalwart performance on the front-line of the RAF as a ground attack fighter. The Jaguar is a very photogenic aeroplane, with a complementary blend of businesslike angles and shapely curves and this book follows the Jaguar, and the personnel who supported her, through training in the UK and detachments overseas. The Jaguar was never more at home than when flying fast and low, and many of the images in this book were donated by the legions of aviation enthusiasts who had ample opportunity to capture her in her element. The performance of the Squadron in its last year remained strong to the very end, testament to the dedication of the Jaguar Force personnel and their Jaguar Spirit. Enveloped in the cloak of Jaguar Force Excellence, they deserve the highest praise for their energy, commitment and loyalty. This book is principally about them and for them, but also for all with an interest in aviation, or excellence, to enjoy.

About this title

About the Author

Wing Commander John Sullivan joined the RAF in 1986 and was posted to the Buccaneer in 1989. In 1990, at the age of 23, he saw active service as the youngest allied combat pilot of the Persian Gulf conflict. In 1994 he transferred to the single-seat Jaguar; this posting entailed 3 tours of duty flying over Bosnia at the height of the Balkans crisis. In 1997 John graduated from the Jaguar Qualified Weapons Instructor course and then became an instructor pilot with the Jaguar Operational Conversion Unit at RAF Lossiemouth. Promoted to Squadron Leader in 1998, he joined the Typhoon Project Team, with responsibility for all cockpit development and Man Machine Interface issues. John was promoted to the rank of Wing Commander and appeared in the January 2004 New Years Operational Honours List, having been awarded an MBE for his operational record. On 1 April 2006, he assumed command of 6 Squadron, and oversaw its relocation to RAF Coningsby and immediate immersion in a sustained and challenging detachment programme to many countries, including Oman, Cyprus, Jordan and the UAE. He has amassed over 3500 jet hours, including over 2000 hours Jaguar and 1100 hours Buccaneer and is now posted to the Air Warfare Centre at RAF Waddington.

About this edition

• Publisher: John Sullivan
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0955724708
• ISBN 13: 9780955724701
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 96