"Hook Code: USN/USMC Tail Code Markings, 1963-1994"
By Patrick Martin, self published 1994.

Approx: $25.00  
262 pages illustrated with about 400 b&w photos; color covers.

The world of aircraft tailcodes is complicated at best and incomprehensible at worst.  While the USAF generally keeps things relatively constant, the Navy issue is confused by constant changing of airwings and ships.  Pat Martin has put a great deal of work into this book to help clear things up for the enthusiast.  

Opening pages include a glossary of abbreviations, and explanation of how each section is arranged and a history of different units.  There is also a paint scheme section explaining the changing paint schemes.

The main body of the book is broken down into three basic sections.  First is a listing by tail code.  There are two subsections to this; by letter-letter section (ie AB) , then number-letter (ie 6G (See closeup below)), finally a section by unit.  All sections detail which aircraft types were flown during what period of time.  The unit section does this plus shows the changing tail codes as air wings are changed.

It is a superb reference book that I have used a great deal to try to decipher photos and research paint schemes for model aircraft.  Highly recommended along with Pat's other two books on USAF Tail codes and Canadian AF aircraft and camouflage.

.For additional info, contact:
Martin Slides
PO Box 896
Port Roberts, WA 98281-0896

Scott Van Aken