The Sixth Battle

Today in the geo-political world, this book is dated. However, if you are interested in wanting to read a good fictional story about naval warfare and the technology, strategy, and scenarios associated with any nation having to deal with the US Navy pre-eminance on the high seas, this book hits the nail squarely on the head. In addition, I found the characterization and action surrounding the South African land campaign (again, though outdated in terms of current geo-political realities) well done from a fictional, techno-thriller standpoint. But the true strength and weight of this novel is, as many reviewers have mentioned, in the naval warfare arena. Though geo-political realities have changed from the scenario presented here, most other nations that would serve as potential agressors to the US Navy on the high seas today are still grappling with the exact same issues presented in this tale. How do you nullify or take out a US carrier strike group? What would it take in terms of air powerr, submarines, surface combatants, etc.? This book covers in riveting detail the type of conventional weaponry and attack profiles that would have to be employed and defended against today just as they would have had to been employed 14 years ago...and that is because it is the same hard nut to crack. As to the one reviewer's comments about this being some kind of fluff fest and self congratulatory piece for the US Navy, I do not believe that reviewer really understands the typical US Navy veteran mind set. Without giving away too much of the plot or providing any spoilers...for the US Navy to suffer the kind of losses it does in Tillman's novel is in itself ample testimony to the contrary of such assertians. Anyhow, I would recommend this book to absolutely anyone interested in modern battle and strike at sea concepts, and for anyone wanting a good military techno-thriller read.

This book is a lost gem compared to any other in its genre,its descriptions of modern naval warfare put Clancy to shame.Its story line is similar to Larry Bonds "Cauldron" but places the emphasis on the action at sea but still carries the story of the land war very well. Why has he not written more books of this kind ?

This book is by far, the best Naval book I've read, followed by Red Storm Rising. The level of technological content and tactics is well to the liking of readers of Tom Clancy or Dale Brown. It contains suspense, action, anything you could ask for. This would make a great movie...IF they follow the book.

Starting with civil war in South Africa the novel draws American and Soviet Carrier forces into an enormous battle in the Indian Ocean East of Africa.The descriptions of Carrier Aviation, Soviet and American, are woven into brilliant panoramas of Naval wafare. A huge range of flight operations are described from aerial refuelling, ground attack, intercepts, anti - ship and more.

I've read this book right after I finished reading Tillman's "Warriors". He describes in a fascinating way a conflict between the Soviet Union and the United States off the coast of South Africa. If you like reading Tom Clancy, you have to read this book.