John Thach (D21)

John "Jimmy" Thach is a United States Naval Aviator; instructor, fighter and test pilot with an established reputation as an expert in aerial gunnery. With a tactical mind, he inspires confidence and has prepared many young Ensigns for the new kind of air combat that modern fighters have brought about. He's smart and a collegiate sort, but with natural authority... in no part because he's a bit older than the latest crop of Naval Aviators and because he is a sharp pilot.

A Lieutenant promoted to Lieutenant Commander and given command of his own 'Fighting' squadron during the arrival, Thach was ordered to prepare his group of fighters to defend United States airspace from arriving Colonials... who in the first encounters with Navy fighters had surprised and jumped a couple of flights. His Squadron is considered one of the hardest worked flights in the Navy, with the best gunners going round... all in the short time he's been their Skipper.

Quotes
"Deflection; let your shot lead your target and the enemy will catch up with your fire don't you worry."

- Assigned as an Instructor

"Whatever they claim, they've got the better plane for now. So we have to have the better pilots. Brains, aim, courage will close the performance gap enough for us to show 'em a thing or two. Know the hand your dealt and don't try to overplay it, be confident in what you and your bird will do and have the skill to make it count when you press the trigger. They won't give you too many chances."

- Assigned Squadron Leader, speaking about Colonial flyers

"Hey fellas, gather around- I want to run through this maneuvre [I've] been thinking about..."

- Assigned Squadron Leader, introducing formations and tactics...

Plane
At the time of the arrival Jimmy Thach flies an F2A-2, it has a better engine and propellor but higher loaded weight and still lacks pilot armour, self-sealing tanks.