Faded Wings is the story of search and rescue on the high seas and of the men and women who are routinely asked to risk everything to save those in peril. It chronicles the life of one man, LCDR Tom MacCalister, USCG, and his personal quest to battle demons in his life, both personal and professional, in order to complete one last mission. One last mission for MacCalister, one last flight, a flight that will spell the difference between life and death for two young people stranded at sea. Can MacCalister find the courage to save the two young people, or will the indifferent ocean claim them as victims? As Faded Wings tells MacCalister's story it also highlights the world's premier maritime search and rescue organization, the U.S. Coast Guard, it's people, it's equipment, it's procedures, it's successes, and it's failures. Anyone who has ever found themselves in awe of the shear power of the sea will find it fascinating to see the inner details of an ocean rescue, and will be spellbound by the courage of the men and women who answer the call of those in distress.

Elizabeth City is rich in legend and lore. The pirate Blackbeard was a frequent visitor to the area, selling his ill-gotten goods to a willing populace. The Wright brothers made Elizabeth City the first leg of their trips to Kitty Hawk, and they bought materials to build their flying machine from Kramer Brothers, a local lumberyard. Champion nine-ball player Luther "Wimpy" Lassiter was born and died here. Young "Beautiful Nell" Cropsey was murdered in 1901; her death is the town's most enduring mystery. Newspaperman W.O. Saunders, editor of the Independent, was known nationally after he walked down New York's Fifth Avenue in pajamas to protest uncomfortable work attire. Young Tamsen Donner, a member of the ill-fated Donner Party, was a teacher here in the 1830s. Fred Fearing's Rose Buddies welcomed boaters to Elizabeth City with homegrown roses and wine and cheese parties. He has entertained Walter Cronkite and Willard Scott, among other luminaries. These are just a few of the stories, mysteries, and legends of Elizabeth City's past and present.