MWSA Review

Lt. Col. Isaac Lee’s Hangar 4 offers an unflinching, deeply personal account of the Global War on Terror through the eyes of a CH-53 pilot. As a historical narrative, it provides a stark look at the critical role heavy hauler helicopters played in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Afghanistan. Lee’s firsthand experience as a pilot lends authenticity to the story, with realistic dialogue and meticulously accurate military doctrine that grounds the reader in the high-stakes reality of combat missions. Filled with beautifully descriptive prose and authentic dialogue, one can almost smell the jet fuel exhaust and pungent saltiness of Marines in need of a shower. The salty language common to Marines and the vivid depiction of sweating it out in the cockpit under a 110-degree heat in low-light night flying dodging haboobs add layers of realism to the narrative through technically and culturally accurate accounts.

The protagonist's addiction to the adrenaline of combat and subsequent problem drinking, common in Marine culture, are explored with a raw honesty that is both compelling and unsettling. Through detailed accounts of specific missions, such as sweating under the “chicken plate” while evading surface-to-air missile pings with only three machine guns to defend the nearly 100-foot-long helicopter crawling along at under 200 mph, Lee reveals how the allure of war can consume even the most disciplined warriors. War can leave you numb to the danger and death.

The book's tone shifts from action-packed to somber as it delves into the psychological toll of repeated deployments, shedding light on the invisible wounds carried by those who serve on the front lines. Alongside these gripping combat narratives, Lee chronicles his growth as a coach’s son and baseball star in west Texas to a pilot and leader of Marines, from flying white-knuckle entry-level syllabus as a co-pilot to commanding a combined unit. His love for being with his Marines and fostering their growth, coupled with a fierce desire to bring every one of them home, stands out as a central theme. As so many memories are linked with music, as a nice immersive touch, a playlist designed to set a mood for each chapter is also offered by the author.

Equally poignant is the portrayal of the impact these deployments have on the pilot’s family. His wife’s quiet resilience and his son and daughter’s struggles with their father’s absence and dopamine addiction paint a heartbreaking picture of a family caught in the crossfire of duty and personal sacrifice. Lee's courage to deal with PTSD and seek therapy, driven by his desire to show up "as the best version of himself" for his Marines and family, is a testament to his character. It is not just a tribute to the valor of helicopter pilots; it is a powerful reminder of the enduring human costs of war, offering readers a sobering perspective on the sacrifices made by military families. This book made the reviewer proud to be a Marine, and Col. Lee sums up the Marine Corps experience perfectly with a line in the final chapter: “The greatest gift that the Marine Corps gives is the honor of being in the presence of other Marines” (p 367). Lee gives the reader a glimpse into that world in a few hundred pages that is at once satisfying, inspiring, hopeful and leaves the reader grateful that Marines carry the weight to keep America free.

Review by Shawn R. Frost (June 2024)

 

Author's Synopsis

The best of the best... Risk taker. Son. Badass. Husband. Combat Aviator. Father.

From Officer Candidates School to squadron Commanding Officer, Isaac G. Lee, Lieutenant Colonel, USMC (Ret.), reached the finish line at HANGAR 4 on MCAS Miramar at the conclusion of seven deployments during his two decades of service. In this memoir, he shares the lessons, the rewards, the losses, and ultimately, the personal cost.

Isaac pushed every boundary he encountered as a combat aviator, repeatedly testing his own mettle under harsh wartime conditions. He sets a high standard in HANGAR 4 with his candid accounting of a transformative journey that took place while he endeavored to balance life in the squadron, in the cockpit, in war zones, and at home.

Combat defines every warfighter, along with episodes of survivor's guilt, emotional numbness, and lingering grief. Personal reckoning occurs in the aftermath of war.

Truth triumphs. Once a Marine, Always a Marine.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—Memoir/Biography

Number of Pages: 366

Word Count: 119,545