This Man’s Navy

At the Lakehurst naval base, Ned Trumpet's reputation for tall stories pushes him to find someone who can impersonate his fictional son. He spots the need for a convincing stand-in and begins plotting the deception. The setup marks the start of a dangerous ruse that will shape the men’s fates.

Trumpet meets Jess Weaver, a disabled young man; an operation to fix his legs is arranged to make him a plausible substitute. Weaver's condition becomes a key reason he can pass as Trump's son. The plan now hinges on his willingness to go along with the deception.

Weaver agrees to participate in the ruse and begins training to assume the role. He soon earns his Navy wings and a commission as an ensign, proving capable despite his disability. The unlikely partnership between the two men starts to take real form.

During a submarine patrol, Trumpet launches an attack without orders, believing bold action is needed. Weaver's bomb misses, and the submarine returns fire, striking the airship. Trumpet takes control and sinks the submarine, changing the mission’s outcome.

Weaver appears before a court-martial for disobeying orders, but Trumpet steps in to shoulder responsibility for the action. The decision preserves Weaver’s career and preserves the ruse’s credibility. The sacrifice tightens their bond under fire.

Weaver receives the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions during the incident and proudly accepts the honor. He then hands the ribbon to his 'father,' the man who protected him during the crisis. The gesture deepens their unconventional father-son dynamic.

Weaver leaves Lakehurst to begin formal flight training at NAS Pensacola, stepping into legitimate naval aviation. The training marks a transition from deception to a real career in flight. His skills begin to blossom in the demanding environment.

After completing training, Weaver transfers to Ferry Command, taking on routes that deliver aircraft across theaters. The assignment broadens his experience beyond combat patrols. He faces new challenges on long ferry flights.

Back at Lakehurst, Trumpet is grounded for six months as punishment for his earlier disobedience. He accepts the downtime, knowing it will affect his career trajectory. The break isolates him from the front but keeps his eye on future missions.

Only three months into his grounding, Trumpet is reassigned to help establish a new lighter-than-air base in Chittagong, Bay of Bengal. The assignment places him far from the Lakehurst scene and into the war’s demanding theater. His leadership will be crucial to building the base.

While on a ferry assignment in Burma, Weaver’s aircraft crashes in Japanese-occupied territory. Hearing the news, Trumpet launches a daring rescue mission from the Chittagong base. The rescue sets off a chain of dramatic events behind enemy lines.

Trumpet and his crew retrieve three survivors, but one is found dead. As they lift off, three Japanese fighters attack the airship. The blimp is punctured and helium is lost, forcing urgent, desperate steps.

With altitude slipping away, Trumpet and Shannon bail out by parachute to safety. Allied P-38 Lightnings arrive to secure the rescue and bring them home. The mission ends in a hard-won triumph against heavy odds.

Trumpet and Shannon return to their base in triumph after the perilous mission. Weaver declares that he will return to the lighter-than-air service at Lakehurst to reunite with his 'father.' The unlikely bond survives the war’s crucible.