TRIAL: ORDEAL OF THE USS ENTERPRISE, 14 JANUARY 1969, by Michael Joe Carlin.

Reviewed by Admiral J.L. Holloway III, USN (Ret.), CO USS ENTERPRISE 1965-67, CNO 1974-78.

Trial is a remarkable book, virtually unique in its genre. It is a painstakingly detailed account of a major maritime disaster, factual and yet grimly gripping. Well it should be, as the author, Michael J. Carlin, was the Crew Leader of Crew 2 of the Purple Shirts in the flightdeck gang of the ENTERPRISE. On that fateful day he was in the thick of the conflagration, and his image can be seen in one of his book's photographs as a member of a hose team confronting a shattering explosion of fuel and ammunition on the ENTERPRISE's flight deck. Carlin has not identified himself in his book as one of the heroes of the story, and although he may lose some kudos by his modesty by writing the book in the third person, he has been able to attain a level of objectivity that truly transcends the limitations of a simple eyewitness account. Carlin writes well. His style is suited to the clear reporting of events, and he has an easy way of explaining the technical aspects of aviation equipment and flightdeck operations.

This is an important book about a epochal event in the history of modern nuclear carriers. Aside from showing that no matter how much training goes into the preparation of a carrier crew for combat operations (and the ENTERPRISE crew was solidly trained and well led), disaster can strike from the most unforeseen causes. But most importantly, the calamity demonstrated the toughness of the modern nuclear aircraft carrier. In spite of the fire in which more than a dozen major caliber bombs exploded on the flight deck, the grim carnage was contained and the ship was not put out of action.

It is an unnerving story, but it tells what can happen when things go wrong when we are dealing with ammunition and fuel on a carrier flight deck. In spite of the graphic depictions of what it's really like in the inferno, the book ends on an upbeat note by showing that through the personal courage and sacrifice of dedicated sailors, the damage was limited and the ship was saved.

Carlin's book should be required reading for all prospective carrier CO's, XO's and Flight Deck Officers, and it should be on the reading list for the appropriate courses in the Naval Air Training Command and the Fleet Training Groups.

This is a book too, for the serious student of naval history, particularly those who have served aboard warships and operated from aircraft carriers. Michael J. Carlin has given us a story that is sobering, inspiring, and fascinating to read.

J.L. Holloway III
Admiral, U.S. Navy (Retired)

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