Aces In Action Journal

19 August 1812 - USS Constitution met HMS Guerriere in open battle off Nova Scotia. At the time, the Royal Navy dominated the seas, and British Captain James Dacre reportedly predicted he would defeat the American frigate within forty-five minutes. Instead, within half an hour of the engagement,…

This artwork depicts the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) as she appeared in the late 1970s, showcasing her imposing presence as a conventionally powered supercarrier. At this time, Kitty Hawk was a vital asset in the U.S. Navy, participating in Cold War operations and maintaining a strong presence in the…

25 February 1944 - the crew of Dottie G , a B-17G-10-DL Flying Fortress from the 92nd Bomb Group, 325th Squadron, faced a critical choice: push forward with a crippled aircraft across enemy territory—or divert toward uncertain internment in neutral Switzerland. Their decision would make history.…

When the F-14 Tomcat made its fleet debut in the early 1970s, it represented a generational leap in naval aviation. Armed with twin engines, variable-sweep wings, and the long-range Phoenix missile system, it was purpose-built to intercept Soviet bombers at standoff range. But before it could…

In the early hours of June 22 , 2025, over 125 U.S. military aircraft took part in a coordinated operation codenamed Midnight Hammer . The mission focused on three high-priority nuclear facilities in Iran—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. At the center of the strike were seven B-2 Spirit stealth bombers…

Super Skater - Blackbird Breakaway By Craig Tinder | Aces In Action 17 June 1970 - Maj Buddy Brown and Maj Mort Jarvis were flying a test mission in SR-71A “Super Skater, ” tail number 61-7970 . Their goal was to evaluate newly updated electronic jammers across the Eglin Test Range over the Gulf of…

Memphis Awaits the Belle: The Moment That United a Country By Craig Tinder | Aces In Action 19 June 1943 - the Memphis Belle lifted off from Washington, D.C.—not headed into combat this time, but toward something entirely different: home. After completing 25 dangerous bombing missions over Europe…

This Fine Art Print by Artist Craig Tinder depicts Kurt Knispel's legendary King Tiger tank, featuring a rare fragment of an 8.8cm KwK 43 shell casing fired by the 503rd Heavy Panzer Battalion during the Battle of Seelow Heights in 1945. The Story Behind the Print: November 1944 - Kurt Knispel,…

A Hero’s Triumph: Ira “Ike” Kepford’s Legendary Mission on February 19, 1944 February 19, 1944, etched itself into the annals of aviation history with a mission that showcased the bravery, skill, and determination of Ira “Ike” Kepford, the highest scoring ace of Fighting Squadron 17 (VF-17). On…