United States Navy Aviation Centennial 1911-2011

Author: Chris Banyai-Riepl
Publisher: Alga Publishing
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 60

As far as I know, this is the first book released on the US Navy's centennial celebration that occurred in  San Diego, CA, 11 & 12 February 2011.  This event was the first time that all aircraft painted especially for the centennial were at the same place, at the same time.

The United States Navy decided they were going to paint up some of their modern aircraft, in prior-year schemes.  They started with the first paint scheme for US Navy aircraft, back in 1911, which really wasn't a paint "scheme".  Instead, the aircraft were left in their "natural state", which basically was just Clear Doped Linen.  Because of that, the US Navy painted their first special scheme – a helicopter – in a tan that is to represent a Clear Doped Linen.  The Navy went through their paint schemes from throughout time and painted one aircraft in their older schemes.  So you have an EA-6B painted in intermediate blue and gray, for example, from 1941.  The other years are also represented on other aircraft.

Chris was able to attend the event as part of the media.  This meant he had access to the aircraft – up close – prior to the rest of the crowds attending the multi-day event.  Using his credentials he was able to take plenty of photographs of these freshly painted aircraft with either hardly anyone around – or no one around at all.  This means most photos are uncluttered and you're able to see all aspects of the aircraft.  Photos are printed large and the colors are spectacular.

In addition to the photos on the ground, there is a section towards the back of the book on the actual air show – not only the specially painted and marked aircraft flying, but others flying as well.

If as a modeler you're searching for the best reference to build your model in these Centennial markings, this book is a must.  If you're looking for a good "coffee table reference" to have something with "pretty pictures" of these aircraft, then you need this book.  All in all this is an excellent book where the format really complements the photographs provided.  One thing this book is not, is an up-close, detail photo book showing items such as landing gear and/or cockpits.  That's beyond the scope of the book and you'll have to look elsewhere if you want that type of information.

All in all an excellent reference for the specially painted aircraft taking part in the US Navy's Centennial celebration.

My thanks to Alga Publishing for providing a copy of the book to review.