The Eternal Sea

Captain John Hoskins returns home on a seven-hour leave to be with his wife Sue and their children. He receives news that the aircraft carrier USS Hornet has been sunk at the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, a loss that keeps him from fighting in the war. He is reassigned as an instructor at Quonset Point, Rhode Island, bringing him closer to home but far from active combat.

After teaching some of the Navy's top students, Hoskins is named commander of the aircraft carrier USS Princeton (CVL-23). The current commander, Capt. William Buracker, remains in command during the Second Philippine Campaign, so Hoskins prepares to lead a carrier once more. This appointment marks his return to frontline leadership, albeit on a lighter carrier.

During the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the Princeton is crippled and unable to continue defending the fleet. Buracker orders her to be scuttled to prevent capture. Hoskins is wounded; his leg is severely damaged and later amputated to save his life.

Hoskins is transferred to a hospital ship after his injuries. There he meets Zuggy, another amputee who is being honorably discharged. He phones his wife to tell her he is okay, joking that he has 'cured' his athlete's foot.

After landing at San Francisco, Hoskins flies home to Philadelphia to be with his family. His disability makes him eligible for retirement with the automatic rank of rear admiral, but he pushes to command the new Essex-class carrier Princeton (CV-37) being built nearby.

Vice-Admiral Semple explains that naval code does not force a disabled officer to retire. He resolves to prove his fitness by taking command of the new Princeton and overseeing her construction. He climbs around the scaffolding daily, determined to influence the carrier's design and readiness.

One day he slips from the scaffolding and breaks his false leg, leaving him unable to walk without crutches. Two days later he attends his review meeting without crutches and argues he is fit to serve. Semple tries to persuade him to retire, and the board tells him their decision will take time.

On the launch day of the Princeton, Hoskins is unexpectedly named her commander. In his speech he vows to avenge the loss of the earlier Princeton and to lead the new ship to victory.

Hoskins takes Zuggy as his assistant and begins planning to land jets on the carrier using catapults and stronger arresting wires. He pushes for operational concepts that will let jets operate safely from a carrier.

After the war, Hoskins advocates for jet aircraft on carriers and demonstrates their capabilities in San Diego. One jet crashes due to mechanical failure, but the demonstration convinces the Navy of the viability of jets operating from carriers.

Assigned to the carrier division for aircraft operation at sea, Hoskins joins Admiral Struble of the 7th Fleet. Senior naval officers witness the first demonstration of jets landing on an aircraft carrier, with Hoskins and another pilot performing a brief aerobatic display before landing.

Impressed by his leadership, Hoskins is given command of the 7th Fleet. The Korean War begins soon after, and the crew grows fond of him, nicknaming him Uncle John.

After celebrating his wedding anniversary with Sue, Hoskins is offered two important jobs that would advance his career but would take him away from active duty. He is moved by wounded soldiers returning from the Korean front and resolves to show they can still lead an active life. He declines both jobs and asks to be put in charge of the Pacific Division of the Air Transport Service, becoming a leading advocate for disabled veterans.

He tells his wife Sue 'just one more job' and remains committed to serving in some capacity. He continues to champion disabled veterans in his new role.