Sunset Recovery

By William S Phillips

Where is the nearest carrier? This is often the first question that comes from a President when a crisis erupts overseas. A powerful instrument of diplomacy and military might - the Navy carrier battle group has been the reaction-force-of-choice since World War II for the United States. Collectors - both naval and aviation - all react in a similar fashion when William S. Phillips' turns his painters eye on these seagoing airfields. All eight of his previous fine art editions featuring carriers have Sold Out at the Publisher and are now only available on the secondary market.

Here are William Phillips' own words to describe his passion for the almighty aircraft carrier:

"An aircraft carrier is exciting beyond belief. It is the tip of the sword and it operates that way. It is dangerous and exciting. Nothing is static. Their size is phenomenal and the sense of mission and camaraderie from the engine room to the flight crew is inspiring. For the rest of my life, I will always jump at the chance to get on one whenever I can. In the late 1970s I had the chance to deploy on the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) out of San Diego. But this scene could be anywhere in the world because sunsets are universal at sea. Coming on board a carrier is tough no matter what time of day it is. But I have to tell you, landing in any kind of daylight beats coming aboard before absolute dark. They call flight operations at this time Pink Ops. The CAP aircraft, both coming in and going out, are early versions of the F-14," explains Phillips.

This edition is signed and numbered by the artist, with 200 prints. 18 inches x 24 inches

This print is also available in a beautiful over-sized Giclee in the "Masterworks Edition" at 28 inches x 37 inches.