Author Kenneth Ericksen’s New Book, “An American Destroyer: USS Hamner (DD-718),” Explores the Escapades and Daily Life Aboard a Former U.S. Navy Destroyer
New York, NY, February 23, 2023 –(CarryOnHarry.com)– Kenneth Ericksen, who was enlisted in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1956 and served in the Aleutian Islands before being transferred to the USS Hamner, was unable to complete his book before his death in 2021. But his work was not lost as Kenneth Ericksen bequeathed his manuscript to the USS Hamner DD-718 Association enabling the editor (and secretary of the association) to complete his new book, “An American Destroyer: USS Hamner (DD-718)”: a captivating overview of the titular Gearing-class destroyer naval ship and its incredible service to the U.S. Navy during its operation.
“I have asked myself many times over, what drives one in an endless effort to write this book? I never came up with an answer other than pride,” writes Ericksen. “In the beginning, I had no idea it would take so long, for had I realized how long, I may never have attempted to write the book. In essence, this book is the culmination of nearly thirty years of collecting information from her crew, Naval logs stored at the National Archives in College Park, Maryland, and documents and letters from Henry R. Hamner’s family. Without these, the book would not have been possible.
“Unlike the writing of most books which have a beginning, middle, and end, this book was compiled incrementally over numerous years as the data and photographs were made available to me. I created brochures with this information that were given out each year at reunions held by USS Hamner DD-718 Association since 1992.
“Naval combat ships such as Hamner were in essence weapon platforms employing a crew of young sailors, mostly under the age of twenty-two. During the Hamner’s life, thousands of sailors crossed her decks, but not one was killed during combat. However, some eleven sailors lost their lives in accidents.
“All that being said, this is the story of an American destroyer, USS Hamner (DD-718), and her service in major wars and as a training vessel during peacetime. It’s also the story of the men who served aboard and knew her well. I dedicate this book to those brave sailors.”
Published by Page Publishing, Kenneth Ericksen’s thrilling tale is inspired by the author’s time serving aboard the USS Hamner (DD-178) and is accessible to readers of all backgrounds who may know only little of day-to-day naval operations. Edited by Patricia Hathaway, who served the American Legion and Auxiliary for many years and has been an officer of the USS Hamner DD-718 Association for thirteen years, “An American Destroyer” helps to bring a vital piece of US Naval history to life to preserve her lasting legacy and the memories of her crews.
Readers who wish to experience this riveting work can purchase “An American Destroyer: USS Hamner (DD-718)” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.
For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.
About Page Publishing:
Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Page’s accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at www.pagepublishing.com.
Las Vegas, NV, October 21, 2025 –(CarryOnHarry.com)– Oscar nominated actor Mickey Rourke is still a challenge to work with on a movie set. 17 years after his Golden Globe winning performance in The Wrestler, the actor is still doing things his way.
Speaking to CYInterview, Mickey Rourke’s costar in the upcoming film, Devil’s Play, Gary Stretch, who is also one of the film’s producers and has a history with Mickey, said the actor completely changed the character he was supposed to play in the movie:
“The role was a great role and Mickey changed it a lot. And it was based on a true guy and there were some brilliant scenes in the movie that Mickey just erased and did his own thing, which in some ways I was mad about because it was so brilliantly written, the role. And then in other ways, I’m happy that Mickey did Mickey because he did a great job. But he completely changed it and, but it worked.”
Gary Stretch, a former boxing champion/actor/filmmaker, is among other things, known for the 2019 documentary film he directed on former UFC superstar Ronda Rousey, Through My Father’s Eyes. Mr. Stretch said Rourke’s role in Devil’s Play is his best work recently, but also noted that the actor had a couple of meltdowns while filming Devil’s Play:
“I think it’s the best I’ve seen Mickey in a while because he’s very real in the film. You know, he had a bit of a meltdown on the set a few times and he was a challenge, but, he, what I will say, is you know, Mickey has a lot of, a bad reputation. He worked really hard. He did his job really well and the only thing, it, was not 100 percent was that he completely changed the role, and so, but we trusted that he’s a great actor and we went with it and we made it work, so, it was great to work with him.”
Mr. Stretch, a powerhouse actor in his own right, is known for brilliant performances in Oliver Stone’s Alexander and the Shane Meadows film Deadman Shoes. He was joined for this CYInterview with his Devil’s Play co-star, Bulgarian acting superstar Dessy Tenekedjieva. You can watch him commenting on Mickey Rourke, starting at minute 17 of the video below:
The director Ben Charles Edwards, also stated that Mickey Rourke described his role in the Devil’s Play as “One of my most meaningful performances in the past two decades.”
Devil’s Play is slated for worldwide distribution by Buffalo 8 on December 19, via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and Verizon Fios/Vubiquity. It will be available via a pre-sales launch on Apple on December 5th.
Produced by Dessy Tenekedjieva of Black Sea Film and Nova Film the movie was shot across Bulgaria, Los Angeles, and London. It featured cinematography from Dennis Madden (Savage Flowers) who delivers masterful visual storytelling.
Learn more about the film here: www.devilsplaymovie.com
Bishop Jephthah Sotabinda’s Newly Released “Divine Verses Volume 2” is a Compelling Collection of Spiritual Messages Offering Divine Insight and Guidance
New York, NY, October 20, 2025 –(CarryOnHarry.com)– “Divine Verses Volume 2: Verses of Truth and Wisdom”: a spiritually rich continuation of divine teachings. “Divine Verses Volume 2: Verses of Truth and Wisdom” is the creation of published author, Bishop Jephthah Sotabinda, a poet, songwriter, and naturopath, dedicated foremost to serving as a messenger of Jesus Christ. From his adolescent years, he explored literary arts through children’s books, poems, and songs, but following his divine calling, he has focused on recording messages from God in his writings, known as Divine Verses.
Bishop Jephthah shares, “The verse-styled publication of the messages of the Lord Jesus Christ continues with volume 2 of the Divine Verses. This volume 2 is a sequel to the first and previous publication of the Divine Verses. As the holy spirit of God continues to impart the messenger of the Lord Jesus Christ, Bishop Jephthah, with the needed godly knowledge, another publication of the Divine Verses has to be born. Like the first and previous publication, this volume is also a thorough portrayal of pure divine truths and wisdom, as it brings absolute clarity on all kinds of truths, be it truths about life, love, or God. But the ultimate truth, which is the truth about God and his Son, Lord Jesus Christ, is the main foundation of the book because it is the highest truth in existence. For the reason that the Lord Jesus is desirous to see that everyone attains salvation, he continues to pass on his messages of truth to his messenger so that those who pay heed to them can be saved.”
Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Bishop Jephthah Sotabinda’s new book inspires readers to deepen their understanding of God’s truth.
Consumers can purchase “Divine Verses Volume 2: Verses of Truth and Wisdom” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.
For additional information or inquiries about “Divine Verses Volume 2: Verses of Truth and Wisdom”, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
