The Eternal Sea (1955)

In the heart of World War Two, U.S. Navy Captain John Madison Hoskins returns home on a brief respite, following two long years at sea. His stoic valor earns him command of the USS Hornet (CV-8) in 1942, but fate soon delivers daunting news: the Hornet has been sunk by the enemy forces. Without a ship, Hoskins finds himself reassigned as an instructor at Quonset Point, Rhode Island, his thirst for frontline action temporarily quelled. 1944 ushers in a new chapter for Hoskins as he's dispatched to the frontlines, entrusted with the USS Princeton (CVL-23), embroiled in the intensifying Philippine campaign. However, instead of assuming command, Hoskins is designated to aid the current Captain, William Buracker. The Navy's rationale: Buracker's familiarity with the on-going operations eclipses the time it would take Hoskins to acclimate. Despite the unexpected circumstances, Hoskins dutifully serves as the prospective commanding officer under Buracker's command. During the heat of battle, a Japanese dive-bomber critically damages the Princeton, igniting a deadly blaze that ravages the fuel and ammunition stores. Hoskins fights alongside the crew, battling the flames, but a catastrophic explosion claims his right foot. With the Princeton lost, Hoskins finds himself in a naval hospital in Philadelphia, a prosthetic foot his new reality. Undeterred, he fights to remain on active duty, persuading a Navy panel convened to retire him that he is not yet done serving. His journey takes an unexpected turn when he is given command of the newly built USS Princeton (CV-37). His grit and resilience earn him the affectionate nicknames of 'Uncle John' and 'Peg-Leg' from his comrades. Post-war, Hoskins ascends to Rear-Admiral and advocates for the integration of jet-fighters on aircraft-carriers. Despite initial hesitation, the Navy eventually embraces his revolutionary ideas, leading to his appointment as the head of the carrier division for aircraft operation at sea. As the Korean War erupts, Hoskins' vision of utilizing jets on aircraft-carriers proves invaluable. In 1951, despite being offered two significant assignments, Hoskins chooses to retire, dedicating his final years to coordinating logistics by air transport for all branches of service. His journey, a testament to courage, resilience, and innovation, forms the heart of "The Eternal Sea."

The Eternal Sea is a drama movie featuring Sterling Hayden.

It is possible to buy The Eternal Sea on Amazon Video and Apple TV.