Marking the centennial of naval aviation, WSRE will broadcast the new two-part documentary Angle of Attack beginning November 1. Angle of Attack chronicles the 100-year history of U.S. naval aviation — from wobbly gliders and the first shipboard landing in 1911 to modern supersonic jets and unmanned aerial vehicles. Part 1 airs on Tuesday, November 1 at 7 p.m. The program’s conclusion will air Tuesday, November 8 at 7 p.m.
Angle of Attack encompasses a century of technological, strategic and social advancements in naval aviation, from the first wobbly gliders to modern supersonic jets, to racial integration and the introduction of women in combat. To tell this story, the film deftly interweaves archival footage, interviews with historical and military experts, contemporary footage of cutting-edge aircraft and insights from today’s “Top Gun” fighter pilots. In addition, Angle of Attack also pays tribute to naval aviation’s visionaries, pioneers and risk-taking aviators, past and present.
Angle of Attack begins and ends with the next generation of pilots working to hone their skills, in all kinds of weather, day and night, to land a jet safely on an aircraft carrier in the middle of the ocean. This death-defying feat, first achieved in 1911 by Eugene Ely, cleared the path for the development of a powerful new tool for ensuring both the safety and security of the nation and peacekeeping.
Despite being viewed by some over the years as impractical, extravagant or obsolete, naval aviation has struggled to remain relevant in the face of competing technologies — the nuclear bomb and automation — and even budget pressures. In the face of these threats, naval aviation changed the face of America’s wars — from its heyday in the Pacific Theater during World War II, and later, Korea and Vietnam, to its rediscovered utility for reconnaissance during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Angle of Attack then follows the progress of naval aviation, from the age of nuclear terror to the asymmetrical warfare, including the long, difficult ground wars still taking place in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Interviewees include: Vice Admiral Jerry Miller, USN (Ret); Admiral James L. Holloway III, USN (Ret); Vice Admiral Allen Myers; Captain Anthony Barnes USN (Ret); Capt. Mark Brooks; veteran military analyst and co-author John Gresham and naval and aviation expert Norman Polmar.
As “Presenting Sponsor” of Centennial of Naval Aviation Foundation events, Boeing has underwritten the two-hour public television documentary presented by American Public Television and produced by The Documentary Group.
The program’s timely broadcast coincides with Veterans Day and naval aviation’s centennial celebration, which culminates locally with the season-closing Homecoming Air Show of the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels.
For more information, visit WSRE’s program schedule at www.wsre.org.
