The Caine Mutiny was written by Herman Wouk in 1951 and describes the events leading up to, and following a fictional mutiny aboard the USS Caine during the final months of World War 2.  The Caine was an old World War 1 era warship that had reached the end of its useful life.  However, when World War 2 broke out, the demand for naval warships increased and the Caine was pressed into duty as a minesweeper.  The ship itself was relatively small and had minimal firepower.  Its primary war time functions were support roles, such as mine sweeping and target towing.

The Caine was commanded by Lieutenant Commander Phillip Queeg, a career navy officer.  In addition to Queeg, the main characters in this book were Second Officer Tom Keefer, Lt. Steve Maryck, defense attorney Lt. Greenwald, Helmsman Stillwell, Ensign Willie Keith and May Wynn, Keith’s love interest.  The story is told from the point of view of Willie Keith, a junior officer serving aboard the Caine.      

Keith joins the crew of the Caine just as Queeg takes command.  Keith initially believes that Queeg is a practical and efficient officer, the type of sailor that is badly needed aboard the Caine.  However, a series of mishaps were created by poor decisions and leadership by Queeg.  Additionally, the captain twice orders the ship to retreat under fire, abandoning key duties during battle.  The Keith and the rest of the officers quickly lose all respect for Captain Queeg. 

As the story progresses, Queeg not only shows cowardice under fire, but incompetence as well.  He is also tyrannical and dishonest.  The crew moves closer to the edge until finally, during a typhoon, Queeg cracks under pressure.  Maryk, with the concurrence of Keith, relieves Queeg of his command and leads the Caine to safety.

The court-martial of Maryk and Keith follows.  Defense attorney, Lt. Greenwald examines Queeg on the witness stand.  Greenwald’s questioning was very aggressive and Queeg collapses under the pressure.  He seems stressed, confused and unable to handle the situation.  Queeg’s performance on the witness stand was so bad that the jury became sympathetic to the defendants.  Ultimately, the jury acquits both Maryk and Keith.  After the trial, Maryk and Queeg are transferred to obscure positions in the navy.  Keith is returned to the Caine, where he is eventually promoted to captain.  Keith performs well as captain and even receives a medal for his actions in battle.  After the war, Keith takes the ship to New Jersey, where the Caine is to  be decommissioned.  Keith serves as the last captain of the USS Caine.

In 1954, “The Caine Mutiny” was adapted to cinema.  The film of the same name starred Humphrey Bogart as Captain Queeg.  This is an entertaining story and the book is a very quick read.  It is one of Herman Wouk’s finest works.