Battle StationsBattle Stations is a four-part series produced by NBC in conjunction with the U. S. Navy. It explores the state of the U. S. Navy in 1943, when events were hinting that the tide of World War II might be changing in favor of the Allies. The first two episodes use a combination of narration and dramatization to focus on the Battle of the Atlantic, as the U. S. Navy struggles to deal with the threat to domestic shipping posed by German U-Boats in Torpedo Alley off the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The last two episodes cover the development of naval aviation. Episode three follows the development of naval air power from the first experimental take-offs and landings on jerry-rigged "carriers"--often cruisers with improvised flight decks--to the design and construction dedicated aircraft carriers, as well as the development of the seaplane or "flying boat." Episode Four covers the exploits of the naval air arm in World War II, primarily in the Pacific Theater, with an emphasis on the human element. I recommend this as a worthwhile listen. Series description provided by Frank Bell. |