Black Lion One: Topgun Trailblazer Capt. John Monroe Hawk Smith in Command of Vf-213 Auten Donald E.

This historical biography of John Monroe "Hawk" Smith, Navy fighter pilot, is a gripping account of valor, sacrifice, and adventure during one of the most tumultuous periods in carrier aviation.Hawk, having completed a stunning tour as commanding officer of TOPGUN, received orders to a frontline F-14 Tomcat squadron--VF-213, the "Black Lions."Hawk joined the Black Lions prior to their March 1979 deployment. But Hawk was a man who did not shy away from a challenge.Soon, the Lions would have opportunities to show their colors. Several critical factors portended to a most arduous workup period and deployment--there were issues lurking.

These included the first-ever Fighter Derby at NAS Miramar, California--the "World Cup" for naval fighter squadrons, and Constant Peg, a highly classified "Black Program" that exposed aircrews to the capabilities