Dirk Pitt is a renowned adventurer, a blend of Indiana Jones, MacGyver and James Bond. He is tall (6'3") with craggy looks, dark wavy hair, and possessing a rangy build. His most striking features are his Opaline green eyes, which can be alluring or intimidating, as need be. Pitt has a commanding presence which combined with a quick, sly wit often infuriates those opposed to him. His comical banter with sidekick Al Giordino during stressful situations leaves the reader with little doubt that both are confident of their abilities. Some would consider Dirk the hero of the two and Al Giordino is the man behind him.
Dirk is the son of California Senator George Pitt. With a woman named Summer Moran, he has twin children: a son, Dirk Pitt, Jr., and a daughter, Summer Pitt. He has had a long-term relationship with Congresswoman Loren Smith, whom he eventually marries. He graduated from the United States Air Force Academy, and attained the rank of Major with lifelong best friend, Al Giordino. In the novel Flood Tide, it is mentioned that he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. In the novel “Pacific Vortex”, it is revealed that Pitt has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with two clusters, a Silver Star, a Purple Heart and many other commendations. Dirk is an accomplished pilot who is qualified to fly both fixed wing and rotary aircraft. His weapon of choice is a .45 Colt M1911 that he received from his father. His drink of choice is Tequila with salt and lime. He is often seen wearing an orange faced Doxa dive watch.
Dirk Pitt received a commendation for shooting down Admiral Sandecker's plane during the Vietnam War. The plane was carrying the Admiral and his staff to a remote base north of Da Nang. Unknown to them the base was overrun by the North Vietnamese and their radio was malfunctioning so they were unable to receive a warning. Pitt was flying nearby returning to his base from a bombing mission and was ordered to intercept and alert the...