Moored at Pier 86 in New York City—where some of the greatest ocean liners in history have docked—sits a ship with a storied past. The USS Intrepid, an Essex-class aircraft carrier from World War II, saw combat in the Pacific and helped turn the tide of the war. Today it houses the Intrepid Museum and is a top tourist attraction.
The Sailing of the Intrepid is a new book by Montel Williams and David Fisher that tells the story of one of the more interesting aspects of USS Intrepid’s long service career. It’s a story highlighting how teamwork, creativity, and out-of-the-box thinking can come together in remarkable ways.
Per the book’s description:
From twenty-two-year naval and marine veteran Montel Williams comes a page-turning history of how one World War II aircraft carrier’s crew defied all odds, redefining the very meaning of what it means to struggle, persevere and survive.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing’s Hanover Square Press for providing an advance copy of this book to read and review.
Book Summary
In January 1944, USS Intrepid—the United States’ newest aircraft carrier—embarked on its first combat mission under the command of Captain Thomas Sprague. As part of Task Force 58, the ship launched successful attacks on Japanese air and naval bases. However, Intrepid was seriously damaged on the night of February 17, when a Japanese torpedo plane struck. The carrier’s rudder was jammed at a 45-degree angle and only able to sail in circles.
Ordered to Pearl Harbor for repairs—some 3,300 miles away—the ship’s crew had quite a problem on their hands. Captain Sprague initially managed to navigate by alternating Intrepid’s engines, but increasingly winds and conditions made this unsustainable. Traveling through submarine-infested waters, the crew found themselves in a precarious position.
Necessity is the mother of invention, though, and Captain Sprague came up with a creative solution—rig a 3,000-square-foot canvas sail over Intrepid’s open forecastle. It worked. The crew was able to harness the wind and regain control of the ship. USS Intrepid arrived safely, and news of the first “square-rigged aircraft carrier” caused a sensation throughout the fleet. But it showed the resilience and ingenuity of Intrepid’s crew in the face of adversity.
My Thoughts
So first off, yes—that Montel Williams. In addition to being an award winning daytime talk show host, he served for 22 years in both the US Marine Corps and US Navy. Montel was the first Black Marine to be accepted into the officer training program at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He is uniquely qualified to tell this fascinating story.
With co-author David Fisher, Montel vividly recounts one of the most intriguing stories in the annals of World War II history. Captain Sprague’s decision to “sail” the Navy’s newest, most technologically advanced carrier brings back—even if temporarily—the Age of Sail. This is appropriate given that the original USS Intrepid was a ketch that served in the First Barbary War. It goes to show how studying the past can help us in the present day.
This book nicely covers the USS Intrepid’s building, commissioning, and wartime service. What’s more, it shows how many different people can come together and form an effective crew where teamwork thrives. It’s an exciting story that kept me engaged the whole time.
Conclusion
I enjoyed The Sailing of the Intrepid and highly recommend it. As with Phantom Fleet, it reads more like an adventure story than a history book. Captain Sprague and his crew really come to life in the narrative. Those who are interested in World War II, naval history, and ships in general will especially enjoy this book.
The Sailing of the Intrepid is more than just a story about a damaged ship making its way to safety—it’s a powerful example of leadership, resourcefulness, and the human spirit under pressure. Montel Williams and David Fisher bring this moment in history to life with vivid, gripping detail. The Sailing of the Intrepid is a compelling and memorable read that highlights how extraordinary things can happen when people come together to meet impossible challenges.
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