Tommy Ferrell

When I joined the United States Navy in 1984 at the age of 17, no one would have anticipated the adventures that awaited me! In my book, "GAME CHANGER: The Cruise that Changed Everything," you can read my story of the game-changing 1985-86 Med/IO deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga during the apex of the Cold War. Working as an Operations Specialist in the ship's Combat Information Center and on the Bridge, gave me a front row seat to the tactical and operational details of the events surrounding the Saratoga's historic deployment. These events included the apprehension of the terrorists who hijacked the Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro, killing a handicapped American-Jewish passenger Leon Klinghoffer. Afterward, the USS Saratoga served as the Flag Ship of a three-carrier battle group against the Libyan Navy, a proxy of the Soviet Union. This enormous display and application of firepower in the largest sea battle since World War Two was a major factor in the ascendancy of American power and prestige leading to the decline of the Soviet Union in the latter half of the 1980s.

Beyond the larger drama of that time period, I was part of a Christ-centered spiritual awakening movement onboard the ship that was marked by over 100 sailors being baptized in the Jordan River during a Haifa, Israel port of call. The impact of this spiritual awakening movement resulted in my pursuit of theological education and service in Christian ministry. Subsequent leadership positions included serving as the Director of Evangelism & Missions Growth Team ofthe South Carolina Baptist Convention, and Senior Pastor of Briarlake Church in Decatur, Georgia.

One of the highlights of my life has been the recent opportunity to reconnect with my former Commanding Officer on the Saratoga - Vice Admiral Jerry L. Unruh, USN (ret). Vice Admiral Unruh made significant contributions to Game Changer, including never before released material relevant to the history making 1985-86 cruise of the Saratoga. Prior to commanding the Saratoga, our Skipper commanded the Navy's prestigious TOP GUN Fighter Weapon's School. After leaving Saratoga in 1986, the Admiral's duties would include the command of the US Navy's 3rd Fleet - formerly commanded by Admiral Bull Halsey, of WW2 fame. It has been a great pleasure and challenge to record the significant happenings related to my time on the Saratoga. To reconnect with my former CO, and to receive the Admiral's endorsement and guidance in writing the book has been a tremendous blessing!