Coffee On The Wing Beam: Memories of the P2V Neptune

Flight Journal, Dec 2003 by DeGroat, Robert S

Coffee On The Wing: Beam: Memories of the P2V Neptune by Capt. Brian McGulness VSNR (Ret.); Knights of the Red Branch Press, P.O. Box 296, Clearlake, WA 98235-0296; 138 pages; illustrated; $11.95 (plus $3 S&H).

One of the fascinating aspects of the Vietnam War is that there continue to be surprises. While certain aspects of that conflict have been well documented, others have had little or no coverage. An example of this is the operational use of the Lockheed P2V Neptune. It was a dedicated U.S. Navy design for a land-based, long-range patrol bomber that could fly missions that last longer than 12 hours. Scant information has been written about its use in Southeast Asia; one of their own, however, now remedies that.

Former Neptune pilot Brian McGuiness has written a tribute to those who flew that aircraft during the Vietnam War, in particular, and the Cold War era in general. It is not surprising that his experiences lie at the core of this very readable book. We learn that flying combat patrols varied from being mundane to terrifying. McGuiness participated early on in Operation Market Time, in which the object was to track and destroy the enemy shipping used in gun-running operations. It was dangerous work because the ships were usually armed. It was a cat-and-mouse game with dire consequences for the loser.

McGuiness clearly fills a gap in our knowledge of the Navy's responsibilities for combat patrol in Vietnam. This book is the real deal-right down to the perfect, very appropriate title. Read the book to find out why. I recommend it.