Londonderry Farewell: Captain Tom McKeown USN, co-author John Fraim. An informative story about the situation in Northern Ireland at the time Captain Tom McKeown was sent there. It was so interesting, and well written, that I found myself staying up to finish reading it in three evenings.
BARBARA
Online Review
The Captain did a wonderful job struggling through a very sensitive situation. As a former sailor stationed in Londonderry for 3 years I found this book to be filled with nostalgic descriptions of the base and city. I had no idea that there was so much involved in closing the base, and that Captain McKeown was the first Irish Catholic Commanding Officer. His insight to the inner workings of base closures made the book far more interesting. Also I didn’t know his true feelings about the closure. Coupled with the “troubles” and the marriage troubles, the Captain did a wonderful job struggling through a very sensitive situation with both. The book is a great read particular to those of us who were stationed there and the wonderful people of Derry.
GORDY
Online Review
A fascinating story about the year in the life of a courageous Navy Captain as he attempts to keep his base safe in the middle of the Irish Troubles of the mid-70s. We are taken into the northern Irish town of Londonderry (Derry) and the closing of one of the last Navy Communications Stations in Europe. Captain Tom McKeown must walk a thin line between running a base and managing his marriage. In some ways, it is a story about a family that decides to stay together even in a dangerous place. The climax at the end of the book delivers in spades. Highly recommended.
STEPHANIE
Online Review
Great book written by the professional who live the story. This is a story that needed to be told. The “troubles” of Northern Ireland were a tragedy for all sides. Captain McKeown was there and this is history of that time spoken with authority and integrity at its best.
F104 PILOT
Online Review
Excellent read and narrative about the closing of our US Naval Communication Station in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Great Job Captain! As many of us made good friends there…we were often warned to stay away from certain areas at times…due to a planned IED or other operations by both sides…the IRA, UVF and so on….
MIKE
Online Review
Insightful and charming. This heartfelt account of a little-known slice of naval history is not only enlightening, but is told by author Tom McKeown with a good measure of charm and human insight.
CALIFORNIA READER
Online Review
Great Book. One of the best books I’ve read.
DEBRA
Online Review
Interesting read! I was stationed in Londonderry at the US Navy Base. I left just before Captain McKeown took over. This book gave me the opportunity to know what happened after I left. Some events were of a surprise and others not so much. I was fond of the Captain that I served under and there were some tense times under his command. There also were a couple of Sailors that did not make it out alive not directly due to the Troubles but to their troubles. I have been back to Londonderry a couple of times since the base’s closing and I too think of it as “The town I loved so well.”
TRUDY
Online Review
I really enjoyed reading your article about your time in Derry. I also was stationed there from 1969-1971, and must say it was the best duty in over 20 years! Thank you for your service!
MIKE L.
Tom, that was one of the best books I have ever read. It was real, anticipatory for what was going to happen next, and it showed the love for your family time and time again.It also showed your like for Guiness and Jameson.
You must have enjoyed the golf courses over in Ireland and Scotland.
I loved all the descriptions of the Officers and civilians in the book. They sound like good folks.
Thanks again for a GREAT story. I can recommend this book to anyone. My wife wants to read it next.
BILL K.