The Sailing of the Intrepid

PRE-ORDER FOR MAY 20, 2025

The Sailing of the Intrepid by Montel Williams

A Riveting True WWII Survival Story by Naval Veteran and TV Host Montel Williams
One ship. One impossible voyage. One crew's battle to survive against all odds.

In The Sailing of the Intrepid, Montel Williams, a 22-year U.S. Navy and Marine Corps veteran, delivers a powerful, meticulously researched account of one of the most remarkable survival stories of World War II—the perilous journey of the USS Intrepid and the ingenuity of the men who refused to give up.

1944. The aircraft carrier USS Intrepid embarks on its first combat mission in the Pacific—only to be struck by a Japanese torpedo, leaving its rudder jammed at a 45-degree angle. The ship could only sail in circles while under threat of enemy attack and worsening seas.

Abandoned by its task force, the crew faced a harrowing 3,300-mile journey back to Pearl Harbor. With conventional steering impossible, survival seemed out of reach—until a quick-thinking sailor devised a daring plan: to rig a massive 3,000-square-foot sail atop the ship to help steer it home.

What followed was an unbelievable display of seamanship, courage, and resourcefulness—a forgotten chapter of American naval history brought vividly to life by a voice who understands the stakes of service and sacrifice.

⚓ Perfect for fans of Tom Clavin, Alex Kershaw, and Bob Drury
⚓ A must-read WWII naval history featuring shipboard innovation and human resilience
⚓ An inspiring military story of teamwork, survival, and leadership under pressure

Format: Hardcover 
Genre: Military History, World War II Nonfiction, Naval History
Topics: USS Intrepid, WWII Pacific Theater, Naval Survival Stories, American Heroism
Audience: History buffs, veterans, military families, and readers of action-packed nonfiction

✨ The Sailing of the Intrepid is an unforgettable testament to the power of courage, grit, and ingenuity in the face of impossible odds—and a long-overdue tribute to the crew who made it home when all hope seemed lost.