Holding the Line: The Naval Air Campaign In Korea

Naval and air power were crucial to the United Nations success in the Korean War, with USS Leyte (CV-32) operating off Korea for 93 continuous days to support the Marines. This paperback edition of Holding the Line chronicles the carrier war in Korea, focusing on front-line combat, technical development, and the broader strategic situation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 07 January 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The United Nations' success in the Korean War was significantly influenced by naval and air power, as it aimed to counterbalance the overwhelming Chinese advantage in manpower. The conflict, known as the "long hard slog," saw naval aviators strive to slow and cut off communist forces while supporting ground troops. One notable example was the USS Leyte (CV-32), which operated off the coast of Korea in the Sea of Japan for a record-breaking 93 consecutive days to support the Marines in their retreat from North Korea. The ship played a crucial role in the battles of the spring and summer of 1951, where the UN forces fought to the 38th Parallel.

Despite the changing nature of naval aviation with the introduction of jet aircraft, the United Nations was able to achieve its objectives in Korea. This paperback edition of "Holding the Line" chronicles the carrier war in Korea from the first day of the conflict to the last, focusing on front-line combat and the technical development of aircraft and shipboard operations. It also explores how these developments affected the broader strategic situation on the Korean Peninsula.

The Korean War was a watershed moment in naval aviation, as it marked the first time that jet aircraft were used in combat. The introduction of these advanced aircraft revolutionized the way wars were fought, allowing for faster and more maneuverable combat operations. The USS Leyte, for example, was equipped with jet engines, which enabled it to travel at speeds of over 350 miles per hour, making it a formidable asset in the battles of Korea.

In addition to the technological advancements, the Korean War also saw the development of new tactics and strategies in naval warfare. One of the most significant was the use of "air bridges," which were aircraft carriers that were used to transport troops and supplies to the front lines. These air bridges allowed the United Nations to maintain a constant supply of troops and equipment in the region, which was crucial in the battles of the spring and summer of 1951.

Another important development was the use of "air supremacy" tactics, which aimed to gain control of the airspace over the Korean Peninsula. This was achieved by the deployment of large numbers of fighter aircraft, which were used to intercept and destroy communist aircraft. The United Nations was able to maintain air supremacy over the region, which allowed it to launch air strikes on communist forces and support ground troops.

Despite the United Nations' success in the Korean War, the conflict also had a significant impact on the broader strategic situation in the region. The war led to the establishment of the United Nations Command, which was responsible for overseeing the peacekeeping the Korean Peninsula. The war also highlighted the need for the United Nations to maintain a strong presence in the region to prevent the spread of communism and to protect the interests of its member states.

In conclusion, naval and air power were crucial to the United Nations' success in the Korean War, as it sought to counterbalance the overwhelming Chinese advantage in manpower. The conflict saw the introduction of jet aircraft, new tactics and strategies, and the development of air bridges and air supremacy tactics. These developments had a significant impact on the broader strategic situation in the region, and they helped to establish the United Nations as a major player in international security.

Weight: 494g
Dimension: 153 x 233 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472831736