Joseph F. Kilkenny

I was introduced to Giampaolo 'Giampi' Agostinelli in the spring of 2000 while working as the Deputy Air Wing Commander, under Capt 'Brick' Nelson. Since that time Giampi and I have become very good friends.
I was even more fortunate to take over from 'Brick' as CAG, just prior to our deployment on the USS Harry S. Truman on her maiden venture. Giampi got to fly with us from the Truman flight deck in the Persian Gulf and experience first-hand what it truly means to be an honorary United States Naval Aviator. His phenomenal photographs in this publication capture first-hand the thrill, grace and power of flying from one of our newest capital ships off the line.
However, in my opinion, the most important aspect Giampi has captured in these pages is not only the splendor of these magnificent and intriguing machines, but the dedication of our aviators, men and women, that fly them day and night, good and bad weather, to support and defend freedom.
Additionally, and equally important, is how Giampi illustrates a photographic dedication to our magnificent sailors that keep these aircraft, some of them as much as 25 years old, fully
combat capable and ready for us to fly into harm's way - all day and every day.
He also clearly depicts the importance of the air wing and carrier team. Without the carrier we have no platform to carry the fight to the enemy. The USS Harry S. Truman did a superb job in getting CVW-3 to the fight for four months straight, working long hours, in extreme atmospheric conditions, with unwavering professionalism and dedication.
So, sit back, enjoy this masterpiece and experience first-hand the world of carrier aviation from the camera of Giampi.
Giampi, thanks for your work. And thanks also to all those that made this fantastic publication
possible. Without your tenacity it would not have been possible.
CVW-3, USS Harry S. Truman and all fans and proponents of defending freedom, forward deployed from the sea, thank you for capturing
another page of Naval Aviation history.
Ciao!

Joseph F. 'Killer' Kilkenny
Captain, USN
Commander, Carrier Air Wing Three
September 2000-July 2001