One Hell of a Shipmate

This collection of sea stories is a fictional work based on actual events in the U.S. Navy during the Cold War. The setting is the fictitious heavy cruiser Beaverton, based in Long Beach, California. It’s the summer of 1956 - a time, unlike today. For example, today a single DUI will end a naval officer’s career.

The book has an understated timelessness. Anyone interested in a fictional exploration of military seafaring life will enjoy this book. Ryan brings his settings to life, adding layers of flavor to the work.  Readers will undoubtedly find the book full of riches well worth revisiting and appreciate its wide and expansive storytelling canvas.

T. Matt Ryan’s skill for depicting setting is outstanding quality. The book hops from one far-flung locale to another and does an excellent job of capturing a time and place in global history without ever seeming dated. –Jason Hillenburg, Reprospace Editorial Reviews™

“One Hell of a Shipmate’ is a rollicking good read. If you ever wanted to get into the mind of a military man on leave, this is for you.  With the knowledge of an insider, Mr. Ryan pulls no punches in revealing the joys and tribulations of navy life, fast and witty, with no nerve untouched, or untickled.”. –Robert V. Schumacher, PhD