{"product_id":"mercury-buoyant-paperback","title":"Mercury Buoyant - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003eby \u003cb\u003eVince Augelli\u003c\/b\u003e (Author)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"An extraordinary story of service before self, love, and manifest patriotism for all the right reasons.\" -Rear Admiral John Watkins, US Navy (Ret.)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWould we enjoy life afloat? Sure. Would we also hate it? Undoubtedly.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the wake of the Cold War, the US Navy is moving into the digital age, navigating the shift from traditional radio circuits and older technologies. Rip \"Mercury\" Albrecht is smart, cynical, and stubbornly unmotivated. After joining the Navy for tuition money, Rip finds himself trapped by his own competence, his accidental knack for leadership repeatedly resulting in extended service. Yet, as he struggles with the grueling realities of life afloat, Rip undergoes an unexpected transformation, developing into a capable officer and ruffling more than a few feathers along the way. His journey through this rapidly changing environment is shaped by complex relationships, including a romance with a woman strong enough to challenge his cynicism. But just as his long-awaited orders to civilian life finally arrive, the horrific events of September 11, 2001, redefine his world and prompt a change of heart. Handed his walking papers just as he finally finds his purpose, Rip must fight the very Navy he once tried to escape to get back to sea-and keep Mercury buoyant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n            \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Pages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 302\u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.68 x 9 x 6 IN\u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublication Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e October 13, 2026\u003c\/div\u003e\n            ","brand":"BooksCloud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49988926308507,"sku":"9798897472970","price":30.16,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0774\/4602\/1275\/files\/uaWrsW-s7p9798897472970.webp?v=1793336207","url":"https:\/\/www.statesideqm.com\/products\/mercury-buoyant-paperback","provider":"Stateside Quartermaster, Ltd.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}