We all know Montel Williams as the host of his long-running eponymous talk show. In 1996, he received a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host. Quite a few of us also know that Montel had an impressive career in the military for 22 years and has written nine books. His latest book, The Sailing of the Intrepid: The Incredible Wartime Voyage of the Navy’s Iconic Aircraft Carrier, is a thoughtful, stunningly researched account of the threat and survival of this famed ship.
In an engrossing, suspenseful narrative, Montel Williams and his co-author, David Fisher, write of the courage and ingenuity of the crew on the 3,300-mile voyage to Pearl Harbor. A reader does not need to be a fan of military fiction and nonfiction to be a fan of this new addition — on a topic that is full of surprises and not familiar to many.
The Q&A below with Montel Williams offers his insights:
We know you have an impressive military background — 22 years of military service in the Navy and Marine Corps and three awards. Can you tell us how this experience influenced your life?
My 22 years of service in the Navy and Marine Corps profoundly influenced who I am today. It instilled in me the values of discipline, perseverance and leadership while igniting a deep respect for teamwork and innovation. The military challenges you to not only adapt to adversity but to thrive in it. My time in service also allowed me to witness firsthand the remarkable resilience and ingenuity of individuals working together, which continues to inspire me in endeavors like writing The Sailing of the Intrepid.
Your latest book, The Sailing of the Intrepid, is now out. It reports how the ship was struck by a Japanese torpedo on its first combat voyage in 1944. With the grit, determination and ingenuity of the captain and crew, the ship survived. What sparked your interest in the history of the Intrepid?
The USS Intrepid carries a legacy of courage and innovation that captivated me from the moment I learned about the torpedo strike and the crew’s extraordinary response. Their ability to think creatively under pressure and work as a cohesive unit to save their ship and themselves is a testament to human perseverance. This wasn’t just a historical event for me; it was a vivid lesson in grit and determination. Their story deserved a voice, and I felt honored to tell it.
Your book is smooth, accessible reading. Clearly, a great deal of research went into the project. Did you enjoy this aspect of writing and how did you conduct the research?
The research process was incredibly rewarding, though demanding. Collaborating with my co-author David Fisher, who is an exceptional researcher and storyteller, was invaluable. Together, we combed through historical archives, ship logs, firsthand accounts, and interviews to bring authenticity to the narrative. I particularly enjoyed uncovering the finer details that brought the crew’s bravery to life. Knowing that this story could inspire others made every late night worth it.
There are heroes in the story — including Captain Thomas Sprague, Philip Reynolds and Richard Kenna Gaines. How was it writing about them and their achievements?
Writing about Captain Thomas Sprague, Philip Reynolds, Richard Kenna Gaines and others was both humbling and energizing. These were real people who faced unimaginable challenges with courage and ingenuity. Capturing their humanity while honoring their heroism was a delicate balance, but their stories moved me deeply. It’s a privilege to help ensure their contributions are remembered and celebrated.
At times, the book is like reading a fast-paced novel. For example, the tension ramps up when Captain Sprague, desperate to get control of his ship, finds the Intrepid on a collision course with the Essex, with Captain Ralph Ofstie, a colleague of Captain Sprague’s, in charge. In your opinion, what would have happened had the two ships collided?
A collision between the Intrepid and the Essex could have been catastrophic for both vessels, putting countless lives at greater risk. Not only would it have compounded the already dire circumstances the Intrepid faced, but it could have also jeopardized the larger mission of the U.S. Navy. Captain Sprague’s ability to avoid that disaster was a critical moment of leadership, showing how quick thinking and calm under pressure can avert even greater challenges.
What was the most surprising discovery you made while working on this book?
The most surprising discovery was learning about the creativity and resourcefulness of the crew. Engineering a 3,000-square-foot sail to stabilize and steer a damaged aircraft carrier was nothing short of brilliant. It was a solution born out of necessity, executed by individuals determined to overcome the odds. It’s a vivid reminder of what people are capable of when they refuse to give up. This story is more than a historical account; it’s a blueprint for resilience and ingenuity.
About the Authors:
Montel Williams, LCDR USN Ret., served as a Marine and as a highly decorated naval officer for nearly 22 years and remains actively involved in various military causes. He is a distinguished member of the Fisher House Foundation Board of Trustees. Montel Williams is best known as the host of the Emmy-nominated daytime talk show, The Montel Williams Show. He currently hosts Military Makeover with Montel and Military Makeover Operation Career on Lifetime.
David Fisher is the author of more than 20 New York Times bestsellers. He lives in New York with his wife, Laura.
Publish Date: 5/20/2025
Page Count: 304 pages
Publisher: Hanover Square Press
ISBN: 9781335081032