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The Great Navy Birds of Lake Michigan
Over the past thirty-five years, a small team of explorers have surveyed the southern basin of Lake Michigan in search of World War II US Navy aircraft. The aircraft were lost during mishaps that occurred during an almost forgotten naval project which had trained thousands of aircraft carrier pilots between the years of 1942 through 1945.
Because the explorers became so proficient at locating and recovering the aircraft, the Director of the National Naval Aviation Museum engaged them in an effort to rescue dozens of aircraft for presentation to the American public. Today, these wonderful machines, which had been used by the Greatest Generation to preserve the world's freedom and liberty, are viewed by and touch the lives of millions of people each year.
As with all good things in life, it is the end result that is most known. The trials, troubles and effort to get there is almost always forgotten. This book tells the stories of how the exploration team succeeded through an odyssey within a realm no others have dared to enter.
Because the explorers became so proficient at locating and recovering the aircraft, the Director of the National Naval Aviation Museum engaged them in an effort to rescue dozens of aircraft for presentation to the American public. Today, these wonderful machines, which had been used by the Greatest Generation to preserve the world's freedom and liberty, are viewed by and touch the lives of millions of people each year.
As with all good things in life, it is the end result that is most known. The trials, troubles and effort to get there is almost always forgotten. This book tells the stories of how the exploration team succeeded through an odyssey within a realm no others have dared to enter.
- GenresHistory
160 pages, Paperback
Published August 26, 2019
1 person is currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Taras C. Lyssenko
1 book1 followerMr. Taras Lyssenko, works in Government Relations and Business Development promoting the advancement of scientific technologies that bring about better quality of and protect life within the realm of Defense, Energy, and Homeland Security. He is also widely known for the recovery and preservation of history that had been lost under water. The activities of Taras have led to the locating of hundreds of artifacts once lost underwater. These artifacts include World War II aircraft, ships dating back to the 1800s, including the only remaining UC Type World War I German Submarine (U-boat), and even the remnants of a forest that dates back over 8000 years. Taras personally is one of the leaders of the team that has recovered dozens of the aircraft on behalf of the National Naval Aviation Museum. Those aircraft are now on display in museums and airports across the United States. In order for that effort to have been and continue to be successful Taras has to raise substantial support through private funding. He does a significant number of presentations about the recovered aircraft in order to bring forth public awareness, understanding, and education about those machines of peace that were used by the “Greatest Generation” to preserve the world’s freedom and liberty during the World War II air war in the pacific.
Taras uses much of his free time for educational outreach efforts that promote and bring awareness of the vast potential for great scientific and exploration opportunities that the universe presents to our youth. He is an avid horseman and adventurer.
Taras uses much of his free time for educational outreach efforts that promote and bring awareness of the vast potential for great scientific and exploration opportunities that the universe presents to our youth. He is an avid horseman and adventurer.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 13, 2019
Taras Lyssenko is the “T” in A and T Recovery and his book is filled to the brim with the historical finds you’d expect and many you would not—all wonderful treasures released from their watery tomb. Taras tells the story in graceful, flowing yet direct prose of how the benefit corporation (a private entity which provided for the public good but without governmental agency red tape though they navigate those waters, as well) of how this band of people have been filling a void left achingly open by the U.S. Navy not preserving examples of its World War II aircraft. A and T recovers for the National Naval Aviation Museum, as well as other museums and entities, so that the preservers and conservators can work their magic to bring these treasures to public view.
But why?
The why is inspiring. They feel their mission is to honor our veterans as well as those who have fallen in their military service by releasing these aircraft from the submerged, dark and forgotten bottoms of water bodies—with Lake Michigan being their primary source. Lake Michigan because the U.S. Navy lost so many aircraft to training accidents of aircraft carrier pilots during World War II.
As it turns out, I’ve been chasing after Taras’s work for years seeing the recovered fighters and attack aircraft in several museums and a couple of airports. Wildcats, Hellcats, Dauntlesses and a rare Vindicator—all lost until A and T Recovery’s initiative and skill came to play.
Great Navy Birds is also the investigation into the human dimension of history as much as the aircraft themselves as Taras takes care to write of the pilots who flew the specific aircraft, including some who died cold and lonely deaths in them. Some of the stories are extraordinary such as the recovery of a Dauntless which flew in the Battle of Midway. Or, the solving of a mysterious disappearance of a man piloting a private aircraft over a lake in Alabama. A and T Recovery was able to solve that mystery by way of renav and plain smart thinking just as they have found the dozens of aircraft recovered with the work, thankfully, continuing.
Twenty-two chapters each have their own story of an aircraft which has been salvaged from being lost and forgotten. Taras tell their stories in a full-on style (it’s the only mode he has) that underscores his passion for this work. He seems to have only two throttle settings, as well, high speed cruise and emergency boost (or afterburner if you prefer a modern metaphor) so each chapter is to the point. This is not bedtime reading, there is too much excitement and drama for that, and readers will likely not require a warm cup of cocoa while enjoying Great Navy Birds. That is not Taras’s style and is refreshing. The tale of the Helldiver’s rescue was especially pleasing.
He also describes the dimension of working with complex bureacracies which have often obfuscated the work for their own ends it seems. It’s a lesson for many of us and underscores the honey badger (honey badgers make wolverines look pacifistic by comparison) focus of Taras and the firm.
In speaking with Taras he tantalizing describes how Avengers have been located not too mention a few Devastators, of which none are displayed in the world. So the work continues and in unexpected ways, as Davy Jones’s locker has many secrets. A World War I German Navy submarine has been located, a rare find on this side of the Atlantic Ocean and would be one of only two on exhibit in the world should an investor come forward. This was the most advanced weapon system of its day, far surpassing Allied submarine designs, and should be recovered! It would provide quite a legacy for such a person. Shipwrecks and even an 8000 year old relic forest have also been mapped and discovered with the book revealing one exciting story after another.
So…the work continues and Taras knows another book is in the ways because of this. The world has much to thank for his work as the WW II Navy aircraft displayed across the country have largely been brought to us by way of their work. For Taras as well as A and T Recovery we can only say, Charlie Mike.
The Great Navy Birds of Lake Michigan: The True Story of the Privateers of Lake Michigan and they Aircraft the Rescued will be published soon so pre-order, you will not be disappointed. Or he will likely be at Oshkosh 2019 and you might be able to get a copy there right from the author ;) I was able to read the book before release by invitation. My copy is on order :)
But why?
The why is inspiring. They feel their mission is to honor our veterans as well as those who have fallen in their military service by releasing these aircraft from the submerged, dark and forgotten bottoms of water bodies—with Lake Michigan being their primary source. Lake Michigan because the U.S. Navy lost so many aircraft to training accidents of aircraft carrier pilots during World War II.
As it turns out, I’ve been chasing after Taras’s work for years seeing the recovered fighters and attack aircraft in several museums and a couple of airports. Wildcats, Hellcats, Dauntlesses and a rare Vindicator—all lost until A and T Recovery’s initiative and skill came to play.
Great Navy Birds is also the investigation into the human dimension of history as much as the aircraft themselves as Taras takes care to write of the pilots who flew the specific aircraft, including some who died cold and lonely deaths in them. Some of the stories are extraordinary such as the recovery of a Dauntless which flew in the Battle of Midway. Or, the solving of a mysterious disappearance of a man piloting a private aircraft over a lake in Alabama. A and T Recovery was able to solve that mystery by way of renav and plain smart thinking just as they have found the dozens of aircraft recovered with the work, thankfully, continuing.
Twenty-two chapters each have their own story of an aircraft which has been salvaged from being lost and forgotten. Taras tell their stories in a full-on style (it’s the only mode he has) that underscores his passion for this work. He seems to have only two throttle settings, as well, high speed cruise and emergency boost (or afterburner if you prefer a modern metaphor) so each chapter is to the point. This is not bedtime reading, there is too much excitement and drama for that, and readers will likely not require a warm cup of cocoa while enjoying Great Navy Birds. That is not Taras’s style and is refreshing. The tale of the Helldiver’s rescue was especially pleasing.
He also describes the dimension of working with complex bureacracies which have often obfuscated the work for their own ends it seems. It’s a lesson for many of us and underscores the honey badger (honey badgers make wolverines look pacifistic by comparison) focus of Taras and the firm.
In speaking with Taras he tantalizing describes how Avengers have been located not too mention a few Devastators, of which none are displayed in the world. So the work continues and in unexpected ways, as Davy Jones’s locker has many secrets. A World War I German Navy submarine has been located, a rare find on this side of the Atlantic Ocean and would be one of only two on exhibit in the world should an investor come forward. This was the most advanced weapon system of its day, far surpassing Allied submarine designs, and should be recovered! It would provide quite a legacy for such a person. Shipwrecks and even an 8000 year old relic forest have also been mapped and discovered with the book revealing one exciting story after another.
So…the work continues and Taras knows another book is in the ways because of this. The world has much to thank for his work as the WW II Navy aircraft displayed across the country have largely been brought to us by way of their work. For Taras as well as A and T Recovery we can only say, Charlie Mike.
The Great Navy Birds of Lake Michigan: The True Story of the Privateers of Lake Michigan and they Aircraft the Rescued will be published soon so pre-order, you will not be disappointed. Or he will likely be at Oshkosh 2019 and you might be able to get a copy there right from the author ;) I was able to read the book before release by invitation. My copy is on order :)
August 26, 2019
The Great Navy Birds Of Lake Michigan, by Taras Lyssenko greatly appeals to my generation, the Millennials. This book has many amazing lessons that anyone could take away. One of the things this book reminded me of is that a lot of people my age do not know they can find significant pieces of history right in their backyard. For example, near my house, there's a bulldozer in our woods that was abandoned.. Many people have used it as a way to help navigate through the woods, for decades, not realizing it was likely abandoned there during World War II.
The book shows that people do not need to travel far from home to make a positive impact on the world, as Taras Lyssenko and Alan Olson have done. Also, it reminds us that we cannot just recover an important piece of history even for the right reasons., You have to follow certain guidelines and procedures, and have permission to salvage a piece of history. Additionally, the story of the Holocene Forest reminds millennials that you may find unrelated history that is just as important as the history you are looking for.
The book also reminds Generation Y that just because you find something, it does not mean it is yours. It also brings up another issue, when the owner is unable to locate an item, and you find it, who has rightful claim? Additionally, The Great Navy Birds Of Lake Michigan teaches us that there times when we must take a stand for what is right, no matter how scary it may be.
The Zebra and Quagga Mussels in Lake Michigan demonstrate to us that we need to be careful about what we bring into our native habitats. When I was young, I did not think bringing creatures into a different habitat could significantly harm the environment. Many creatures that are native to Lake Michigan have been negatively impacted by these mussels. The mussels have sped up the corrosion on the World War II aircraft, have caused severe damage to shipwrecks, and has brought economic harm to much of the Great Lakes region.
Generally, the criteria that is used to decide to recover aircraft are its rarity in the Navy’s collection, historical significance, condition, and whether or not there was a fatality involved in the accident. Availability of funding for recovery, restoration, and display are what make the final determination. For example, the “Birdcage” Corsair is a rare model of the Corsair -- there are only two in the world and this is the only one in the Northern Hemisphere. It met all the criteria needed to be recovered.
Finally and most importantly, the book tells us we need to teach the significance of history such as that of World War II. We need to preserve such history so we can better understand who we are as a people and where we came from. All of us should all have an understanding of the strifes and hardships our ancestors went through. Few planes have been recovered because few people know the significance of these aircraft. If more people knew how significant and important these World War II planes were and are, more would probably be recovered and preserved.
My hope is more Millennials will read The Great Navy Birds Of Lake Michigan. They will learn a lot about their government, their society, their history, and perhaps it will spark their creativity.
The book shows that people do not need to travel far from home to make a positive impact on the world, as Taras Lyssenko and Alan Olson have done. Also, it reminds us that we cannot just recover an important piece of history even for the right reasons., You have to follow certain guidelines and procedures, and have permission to salvage a piece of history. Additionally, the story of the Holocene Forest reminds millennials that you may find unrelated history that is just as important as the history you are looking for.
The book also reminds Generation Y that just because you find something, it does not mean it is yours. It also brings up another issue, when the owner is unable to locate an item, and you find it, who has rightful claim? Additionally, The Great Navy Birds Of Lake Michigan teaches us that there times when we must take a stand for what is right, no matter how scary it may be.
The Zebra and Quagga Mussels in Lake Michigan demonstrate to us that we need to be careful about what we bring into our native habitats. When I was young, I did not think bringing creatures into a different habitat could significantly harm the environment. Many creatures that are native to Lake Michigan have been negatively impacted by these mussels. The mussels have sped up the corrosion on the World War II aircraft, have caused severe damage to shipwrecks, and has brought economic harm to much of the Great Lakes region.
Generally, the criteria that is used to decide to recover aircraft are its rarity in the Navy’s collection, historical significance, condition, and whether or not there was a fatality involved in the accident. Availability of funding for recovery, restoration, and display are what make the final determination. For example, the “Birdcage” Corsair is a rare model of the Corsair -- there are only two in the world and this is the only one in the Northern Hemisphere. It met all the criteria needed to be recovered.
Finally and most importantly, the book tells us we need to teach the significance of history such as that of World War II. We need to preserve such history so we can better understand who we are as a people and where we came from. All of us should all have an understanding of the strifes and hardships our ancestors went through. Few planes have been recovered because few people know the significance of these aircraft. If more people knew how significant and important these World War II planes were and are, more would probably be recovered and preserved.
My hope is more Millennials will read The Great Navy Birds Of Lake Michigan. They will learn a lot about their government, their society, their history, and perhaps it will spark their creativity.
November 16, 2019
I became fascinated with the work of Taras Lyssenko and his team at A&T Recovery when I was working on my sailboat 20 years ago at a boat yard on the Chicago River and looked over and saw a WW2 aircraft being lifted onto shore with its US Navy markings still visible. For years I’ve wanted to know more about A&T Recovery and the whole “behind the scenes” story of a mission that I feel is very important. Taras Lyssenko’s magnificent book throws the doors wide open and shares everything I’ve been curious about, and more. From the organization’s beginnings to the excitement of discovery, to the recovery and restoration of the airplanes, to the incredible bureaucratic roadblocks the team has endured, and what the future holds ... it’s all here. Taras is a sharp, witty guy and his personality comes through in his writing. What is evident when you read this book is that the most important characters in this entire story—the reason this work has been undertaken—is us, the public who need to know about these airplanes and the “Greatest Generation” who flew them. Chock full of great anecdotal info and photos, this book is a treasure. Buy it, read it and attend one of Taras’ many presentations if you are able to. Meet the man and shake his hand. You’ll be happy you did.
November 13, 2019
Taras Lyssenko and his Team at A&T Recovery have spent the last 30 odd years recovering WWII aircraft from the cold bottom of southern Lake Michigan. How these aircraft got there is well told in the book, and along the way, they made other underwater discoveries of note. The perseverance and tenacity of A&T in dealing with the alphabet soup of military, federal, state, and local bureaucratic fiefdoms to allow these recoveries is a study in determination of the common man. The fruits of their toil are the magnificent WWII aircraft now found on display at O'Hare airport, Midway airport, numerous museums, and at least one Grumman F4F Widcat that now flies in modern skies. The book is not a technical work on the aircraft of WWII, how to recover artifacts from 200 foot depths, or aircraft restoration, the latter which was performed by other entities. It is an honestly written, well paced, highly enjoyable 160 page work with outstanding color photographs that pleasantly document a little-known fresh water treasure hunt and what it took to make it happen.
July 14, 2019
My book is not a telling of local history or the detailed study of aircraft. It is a micro study of American humanities. The theme centers around an objective to rescue, restore, and present once lost World War II U.S. Navy aircraft to the American and visiting world public. Although the task objective is of a historical nature what is explained is the entrepreneurship, the technological advancements, the federal and other government relations, the public relations, and the human interactions required to achieve success. It is the story of the triumph of many people working together as a unified force (e pluribus unum) in order to overcome any and every obstacle presented by other people.
October 24, 2019
An entertaining and educational book. A fascinating story of the team who discovered these lost historical aircraft from WWII and the obstacles they overcame to rescue these aircraft and painstakingly get them restored for public display. I have a greater appreciation for the plane on display at Chicago Midway Airport now that I know where it came from and what condition it was in when it was rescued. This is a story of a labor of love that embraces history, teamwork, perseverance and accomplishment. I learned so much about what took place on Lake Michigan during WWII and that there is even a WWI German Submarine at the bottom of the lake!! Who would know that!!!!
Very well done, great photos and stories.
Very well done, great photos and stories.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews