In England in 1940, shipyard worker Joe Maddison felt depressed and past his prime because he was too old to serve in World War II. Shocked when his wife leaves him for a sailor, Joe and his friend Harry decide they need a new challenge and volunteer to join the Home Guard which is headed by local pharmacist Mr. Simpson. This decision will lead Joe on a journey of self-discovery, involving lessons in friendship, bravery, and love.

Traces the building of boats, from the first dugout to the latest submarines and steamships, describing new principles incorporated into the vessels to improve navigation and safety.

Presents the extraordinary story of the Newport News Shipbuilding yard in Virginia and its thirty thousand employees and shipyard workers who battle layoffs, the elements, impossible deadlines, extraordinary pressure, workplace dangers, and a pandemic to build the U.S. Navy's newest and most powerful aircraft carrier.