David @dirtylittlefokker it's MY turn to be surprised: you've never seen "Flight of the Intruder?" Not only is it a great movie, it is the beginning book of a great series of books featuring the primary character, Jake Grafton. It follows his rise in rank and command and his Naval career. Stephen Coonts is the author and Mr. Coonts tells a pretty good story with plenty of realism and knowledge of equipment, having been an A6 pilot in Viet Nam and an A6 instructor. I highly recommend the movie AND the books. Here are the books in their suggested reading order. I haven't read the last 3 or 4. They're not all Hollyweird - though many SHOULD be!
Jake Grafton Series
Note: The list below represents Stephen Coonts' suggested reading order.[5]
Title Publication Date ISBN Notes
1 Flight of the Intruder 1986 0-87021-200-1 filmed in 1991
2 The Intruders 1994 1-59114-128-1
3 Final Flight 1988 0-385-24555-6
4 The Minotaur 1989 0-440-20742-8
5 Under Siege 1990 0-671-72229-8
6 The Red Horseman 1993 0-671-74887-4
7 Cuba 1999 0-312-20521-X Also featuring Tommy Carmellini
8 Hong Kong 2000 0-312-25339-7 Also featuring Tommy Carmellini
9 America 2001 0-312-25341-9 Also featuring Tommy Carmellini
10 Liberty 2003 0-312-28361-X Also featuring Tommy Carmellini
Great idea, Greg!