21st Century U.S. Air Power by Nicholas A. Veronico and Jim Dunn. MBI Publishing Company (http://www.motorbooks.com), Galtier Plaza, Suite 200, 380 Jackson Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101, 2004, 176 pages, $29.95 (hardcover).

What is airpower? According to 50 Questions Every Airman Can Answer, a 1999 US Air Force pamphlet, “airpower is the fundamental ability to use aircraft to create military and political effects. . . . It is military power that maneuvers through the air while performing its mission.” Although slightly dated, that basic definition still applies. Fortunately for airpower enthusiasts, many books focus on military aviation. Veronico and Dunn’s 21st Century U.S. Air Power appeared in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and the need for improved homeland security in the air and elsewhere. The authors profile the various technologically advanced aircraft that protect US skies.

The book’s main sections deal with the air forces of the Air Force, Navy/Marine Corps, Army, and Coast Guard. For good measure, it also throws in military demonstration teams. Three appendices cover bomb types, missiles, and aerial victory credits from 1981 to the present. Even though the last appendix goes back almost two decades into the twentieth century, it helps support the case that US airpower remains the dominant force around.

Veronico and Dunn effectively describe the wide variety of military aircraft types by providing short histories, significant capabilities, and sidebar highlights (similar to what appears in the annual almanac issue of Air Force Magazine). They also list active, Guard, and Reserve units to which the aircraft are assigned and detail unit nicknames, tail numbers, and locations. Over 200 color photographs, some of them of exceptional quality, accompany the text.

In its attempt to cover the military gamut, the book makes a few notable errors and omits some information. For example, the authors state that the US Navy operates eight aircraft carriers and is constructing two more—all nuclear. However, they fail to mention the two conventionally powered carriers in the inventory. Furthermore, they mention that the new V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft will soon replace most rotary-wing helicopters but do not include even one photograph of the “future of assault warfare” destined for the Navy, Marines, and special operations forces.

Overall, 21st Century U.S. Airpower contains interesting facts and quality photos. For readers who can never get quite enough of military airpower, it complements a number of other works.

Dr. Frank P. Donnini
Newport News, Virginia

Disclaimer

The conclusions and opinions expressed in this document are those of the author cultivated in the freedom of expression, academic environment of Air University. They do not reflect the official position of the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, the United States Air Force or the Air University.