is Linda’s second “deployment” with me, and, as with my other shipmates, it is an honor and privilege to serve alongside a true professional. Linda, well done!
The genius of Jeff Edwards and his micro publishing labels Stealth Books (and the newly-launched Braveship Books) was not completely evident to me when I joined his stable of authors. An outstanding and accomplished writer, Jeff saw the possibilities of the digital revolution where an independent author could succeed while writing the book he or she wants. If you like naval genre fiction, Jeff’s USS Towers trilogy is a must, and readers of military action adventure and cutting edge science fiction should check out the offerings of Braveship Books and Stealth Books. Both imprints specialize in smart books for smart readers.
My family, led by Terry, has been supportive of my hours of solitary toil spent writing and editing. This is the same love and devotion she gave me during my years in uniform, allowing me to serve as I did. Without question Terry and spouses like her that kept the home fires burning served/serve our country and society. To paraphrase another noted naval aviation novelist, where do we get such women?
Military leaders seek responsibility and take ownership. Flaws found in Declared Hostile are 100 % my responsibility.
CAPT Kevin Miller USN (Ret.)
Summer 2016
Glossary of Jargon and Acronyms
1MC — ship’s public address system
5MC — flight deck loudspeaker system
20mm — Twenty millimeter cannon round, the size of an FA-18 and CIWS bullet, also known as “twenty mike-mike.”
AAA — Anti-Aircraft-Artillery; Pronounced “Triple-A.”
Afterburner — FA-18 engine setting that provides extra power by igniting raw fuel creating a controlled overpressure. Also known as “burner,” “blower,” “max,” or “light the cans.”
Air Boss — Officer in Primary Flight Control (ship’s control tower) responsible for aircraft operations on deck out to five miles from ship.
AMRAAM — Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AIM-120)
AMV — Aviación Militar Nacional Bolivariana de Venezuela (current name of the Venezuelan Air Force).
Angels — altitude in thousands of feet. “Angels six” = 6,000 feet
ARG — Amphibious Ready Group
ATFLIR — Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared. IR targeting sensor placed on fuselage mounted missile station.
AWACS — Airborne Warning and Control System; aka E-3 Sentry aircraft
Bandit — confirmed enemy airborne contact; also known as ‘“hostile.”
Bingo — emergency fuel state divert from ship to shore base.
Bogey