The Cruise Book

25 October 2023 marked the fortieth anniversary of Operation Urgent Fury–the liberation of the island of Grenada. The Cruise Book commemorates the heroics of those who participated. The current–day narrative follows the Marines and sailors of the Twenty–Second Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), who deploy on the inaugural voyage of the USS John P. Giguere (a fictional navy ship), named after Major John "Pat" Giguere who sacrificed his life so that others could live. The Cruise Book represents a running commentary of Marine aviator Major, Michael Mitchell, as his squadron, VMM–261 (the successor to HMM–261 that fought during Urgent Fury), embarks on the maiden voyage of the USS John P. Giguere as part of the Twenty–Second Marine Expeditionary Unit. Mitchell's account follows the MEU across the Mediterranean, through the Suez Canal, and into the Gulf of Aden, where the Marines are called into action. Much of the background is drawn from firsthand accounts by Urgent Fury participants and family who are brought together and give testimony during the christening ceremony of our fictional ship. The accompanying story reflects current geopolitical conditions, up–to–date military tactics, equipment, and force structure with many parallels to the events of October 1983.

-- J.L. Graham