First African American to Command An Aircraft Carrier

Praise

Ric Murphy’s award-winning book, Rear Admiral Larry Chambers, USN: First African American to Command an Aircraft Carrier received widespread acclaim from military historians, veterans, and reviewers nationwide.

The national magazine of the Vietnam Veterans of America, VVA Veteran, published a highly favorable review of the book. Reviewer Bob Wartman praised Murphy’s work, noting that it tells “the powerful story of Larry Chambers’ climb to the top,” while placing his achievements within the broader context of military, social, and global history. Wartman concluded by recommending the book to readers interested in military history, social history, or simply an outstanding biography.

The book also received high praise from Military Review, the professional journal of the United States Army. Reviewers highlighted Murphy’s compelling account of retired Lawrence Chambers, whose leadership during Operation Frequent Wind became one of the most remarkable episodes of the Vietnam War. As commander of the USS Midway, Chambers made the courageous and controversial decision to push millions of dollars of military equipment overboard to clear the flight deck and save the lives of South Vietnamese refugees arriving in a small civilian aircraft.

The review commended Murphy for portraying not only Chambers’ groundbreaking achievement as the first African American to command a U.S. aircraft carrier, but also the personal experiences, challenges, and values that shaped him into an exceptional leader. Through this powerful biography, Murphy captures a story of courage, compassion, and decisive leadership at one of the most dramatic moments of the Vietnam War.

– Bob Wartman
Vietnam Veterans Magazine