Preview
  • From the Prairie to the Pacific

  • A Blue Angel's Story
  • By: Gil Rud
  • Narrated by: Capt. USN (Ret.) Gil Rud
  • Length: 14 hrs and 36 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (12 ratings)

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From the Prairie to the Pacific

By: Gil Rud
Narrated by: Capt. USN (Ret.) Gil Rud
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Publisher's summary

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.

©2022 Gil Rud (P)2022 Gil Rud
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What listeners say about From the Prairie to the Pacific

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Great Naval aviation book

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was actually there when he flew over the Statue of Liberty for the anniversary.

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Captain Rud

My husband and I had the pleasure of meeting Captain Rud and touring the aircraft carrier Constellation in San Diego. Our son and Ryan Rud, a charming young man,were college room mates at the time. It was a pleasure reading about the amazing life and service of Captain Rud. From the Prarie to the Pacific is an informative oral history.

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Authentic autobiography by Key Blue Angels Leader

An honest, insightful and enjoyable account of a North Dakota farm boy who through timing, luck, skill, and common sense intelligence had a consequential Naval Career, including Leader of the World Famous Flight Demonstration Team, The Blue Angels. I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in aviation, the Navy/Military and flight demonstration teams. You will gain a rare, honest insight into how things really work and how things really get done. Bravo Zulu Captain Rud!!!

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Great story from the horses mouth

This book was amazing! Loved hearing the story of this amazing man’s life. What it was like to be a naval aviator during Vietnam and transitioning to the blue angels. It was made even better by the fact it was read by the author. Well worth the read. I found my self taking the long road just to listen to more of this book.

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A great listen

A great story told well by a true patriot. if you like flying and stories of pushing limits then this story is for you.

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A Compilation of a great Naval Career

Very well articulated! A lot of the stories recalled by the author I can pin point on my own Naval timeline. He was my skipper on the Constellation. His recollection of names, places, and events triggered a sense of pride that I have not felt in a long time.

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