A suspense-filled real-life drama perfect for veterans and fans of military dramas alike, the author interweaves her memories as a Navy pilot’s wife with the tale of what happened to her husband’s crew after having to ditch their crippled plane in stormy North Pacific waters during the Cold War.
Alfa Foxtrot 586, a P-3 Orion turboprop, was conducting a sensitive Cold War mission off the Kamchatka Peninsula on October 26, 1978, when a propeller malfunction turned into four engine fires and the pilot—Loreen Grigsby’s husband, Jerry—was forced to ditch into remote, mountainous seas churned by a frigid North Pacific storm. The aircraft sank within ninety seconds, taking one of the three rafts with it—which left thirteen men to huddle together in the remaining two rafts, the smaller of which soon began to leak.
Told from Loreen’s perspective as a navy wife at home as well as through the eyes of the men who survived the disaster, All Eternity Lies Before Me weaves a gripping tale of struggle, uncertainty, grief, and heroism. It shares Loreen’s terror as she receives notifications about her husband’s crew’s desperate battle against wind, seas, and biting cold. It details the ad hoc search and rescue mission, a valiant effort to rescue the men before time runs out. And, tragically, it tells how a young Navy wife becomes a widow and single mom.
But Jerry’s death is not the end of Loreen’s story—and in the years following his loss, she discovers resilience, strength, and even new love with one of the accident survivors, Matt Gibbons. As she begins her journey toward a brighter future, she’s inspired by the camaraderie and brotherhood forged between the survivors and their rescuers—and ultimately, the long-term lessons learned by all involved become part of the lasting legacy of this event.
Industry Reviews
“. . . well-paced and effectively presents enough details to give readers context while avoiding excessive military jargon . . . Unlike many books about military operations gone wrong, this book goes far beyond the initial tragedy to tackle the realities of people grappling with grief and loss.”—Kirkus Review
“. . . a detailed account that brings the reader into the increasing tension and heroics of the crew of Alfa Foxtrot 586. Loreen Gibbons masterfully captures the dedication and resilience of Navy families."—CDR Everett Alvarez, USN (Ret.) First U.S. Navy Vietnam POW, CEO Alvarez IT LLC, author of Chained Eagle and Code of Conduct
"A breathtaking memoir that honors the extraordinary strength and resilience of military spouses. Gibbons’ story will stay with you for eternity."—Julie Tully, author of Dispatches from The Cowgirl
"A gripping personal account that shines a light on the heroics of servicemen and their families. A testament to love, grit, and resilience."—RADM Kyle Cozad, USN (Ret.) Former Chief of Naval Education and Training, CEO of the National Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, author of Relentless Positivity
“. . . a riveting and heart-wrenching story of family, love, loyalty, courage, and great heroism. While the story details a tragic event, it also presents an uplifting account of humanity and decency.
Loreen Gibbons has written a brave and beautiful book.”—Mary Tillman, Gold Star mother of NFL Star and Army Ranger Pat Tillman, author of Boots on the Ground By Dusk: My Tribute to Pat Tillman
"A compelling narrative that blends tragedy, love, and remembrance. Gibbons’ story is an inspiring testament to the power of love and the strength of the human spirit."—Dennis N.T. Perkins, PhD, author of Leading at The Edge and Into the Storm
" Americans honor and appreciate military rescue stories. Most involve actions necessary to overcome a determined enemy. But sometimes that enemy can be Mother Nature herself. A powerful and expansive narrative that reminds us of the resilience and sacrifice of military families. Bravo Zulu!"— Darrel Whitcomb, COL USAF (Ret.), author of The Rescue of Bat 21 and Combat Search and Rescue in Desert Storm
“I think the story and the story-telling are brilliant.”—Andrew C. A. Jampoler, CAPT USN (Ret), naval historian, author of Adak: The Rescue of Alfa Foxtrot 586
"A real page turner that highlights the heroic actions of the flight crew . . . and the aftermath of the tragedy. Gibbons takes the reader behind the scenes of her life as a Naval aviator's wife- the stress, the dangers, the sleepless nights, and ultimately her worst fears realized. A great read!"—Vicki Cody, author of Fly Safe: Letters from the Gulf War and Reflections from Back Hom
