Stoofdriver's Journal: USS Hornet Far East Cruise 1965

A raw, firsthand account of life aboard the USS Hornet during the 1965 Far East cruise — written by Lt. Mike Ray, US Navy pilot with VS-35, who flew in an active combat zone and lived to tell the story with honesty, humor, and heart.

This is not a sanitized history. It's a personal journal from a young naval aviator pushed to his limits, forged by the relentless operating tempo of carrier life at sea. A tribute to the shipmates, the missions, and the memories that never fade.

What's Inside

• Carrier life at sea — the daily reality of operating from a US Navy aircraft carrier
• Combat zone operations — firsthand accounts of flying in an active theater
• Squadron camaraderie — the bonds forged under pressure with VS-35 shipmates
• Personal reflection — a veteran pilot's look back at youth, service, and sacrifice

Perfect For

• US Navy veterans and military history enthusiasts
• Carrier aviation and naval aviation history buffs
• Families honoring a loved one's service era
• Readers who love authentic first-person military memoirs

Available as an instant digital download. A meaningful read — and a meaningful gift.