From the Prairie to the Pacific: A Blue Angel's Story

by Gil Rud, Gar Wright (Foreword)

From the Prairie to the Pacific is the story of one man's journey from rural North Dakota to the cockpits of U.S. Navy jet fighters and ultimately Captain of a flagship aircraft carrier. Gil Rud flew combat missions over Vietnam in A-7 Corsair II aircraft before taking command of his own squadron. His success as a Naval aviator led to the ultimate reward – "Boss" of the world-famous Blue Angels aerobatic display team, overseeing their successful transition to the F/A-18 Hornet. Gil Rud reflects on his experiences and emotions as a husband and father as well as a pilot and an "officer and a gentleman." His stories of triumph and tragedy, from nights on the flight deck to nights on the town and the loss of close friends, reveal deep feelings, great insight and a wonderful sense of humor, as well as meticulous attention to detail.

533 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2022

Reviews

[Chad Manske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gil Rud’s memoir, “From the Prairie to the Pacific: A Blue Angel’s Story,” is a literary afterburner that launches the reader from the frosty fields of rural North Dakota straight into the adrenaline-charged cockpit of U.S. Navy jets—and, eventually, into the rarefied blue skies commanded by the Blue Angels. This isn’t just another military recollection; it’s part adventure, part family saga, and all heart. Rud, once the “Boss” of the Blue Angels, pulls back the curtains on the jaw-dropping flight demos, but what truly distinguishes his account is the sense of humanity, camaraderie, and humility that courses through every page. Blending humor and poignancy, Rud guides you through the intensity of combat missions over Vietnam, the thrill and pressure of flying inverted mere feet from fellow aviators, and the unlikely journey of a North Dakota farm boy to the heights of aviation prestige. But don’t expect dry, technical jargon—or narrow machismo. Rud offers up family stories as vivid as his flight logs, detailing the endless moves, trials, and triumphs of Navy life. His reflections on fatherhood, marriage, and the bittersweet losses that pepper a life in the service are as deft as his high-G turns. Plus, Rud’s storytelling is peppered with memorable details about Navy “small world” moments and the squadron’s demanding, behind-the-scenes realities that Blue Angels fans rarely glimpse. Especially compelling are the chapters on the Blue Angels’ transition to the F/A-18 Hornet—Rud writes with the authority of a leader and the wonder of a fan, balancing the technical and the personal in an irresistible dance. Supporting photographs and a breezy, conversational writing style make you feel like you’re sharing a post-flight drink with Gil himself. If you crave a memoir soaring with humor, humility, and hair-raising tales (with the bonus of a few life lessons along the way), this book is a must-read. Strap in—you’re in for one heck of a ride.

[David Crawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Career, What a Life, What a Story ... I met the author in San Diego in 2016 where we were both serving as volunteer docents on the USS Midway Museum aircraft carrier. I wish I had known some of the stories in his memoir when I chatted with him over a couple of beers one evening in the world-famous aviators’ I-Bar at NAS North Island. Gil did a great job of writing the book. He is a gifted entertaining storyteller and, OH MY, what a story he tells. He calls himself the luckiest guy in the world for the life and career he has experienced, but I say he is responsible himself for making it all happen. He proudly points out that his practical farm-boy thinking got him out of more than a few potential disasters along the way. I highly recommend this outstanding book for current or former naval aviators and for anyone who wants to learn about this specialized military career path and what it means to be “carrier-qualed.” - David B. Crawley, M.D. – Author of “Steep Turn: A Physician's Journey From Clinic to Cockpit” and “A Mile of String: A Boy's Recollection of His Midwest Childhood.”

[Dave Ayres · Rating 5 out of 5]

He’s right. He has to be the luckiest man on Earth. Vaya con Dios!

Gil Rud has experienced enough accomplishments for three careers. I got tired keeping up with his successes. But he earned everything he achieved. Great read!

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! What a life he had. Great memoir of a life of service in the Navy. Proud to know this man in person and hear his stories first hand. Wish more veteran's would write down their memories.