USS Shiloh

The USS Shiloh is the name of the aircraft carrier that supports the A-6 naval air squadron to which Jake belongs.

A-6A Intruder

The A-6A Intruder is a naval fighter bomber that Jake pilots, named in the book's title.

Gulf of Tonkin

The Gulf of Tonkin, off North Vietnam, is where the USS Shiloh is located during much of the novel.

Subic Bay

Subic Bay in the Philippines is also the name of a U.S. naval station that adjoins another naval station called Cubi Point. The sailors go there for leave and sometimes for new equipment or supplies.

Tailhook Bar

The Tailhook Bar, in a downstairs portion of the officers' club at Cubi Point Naval Station, is where the men ride a mock cockpit down a rail, making bets over who can avoid being dunked by the contraption into a stagnant pond.

Olongapo City