The Wackiest Ship in the Army is a 1960 comedy film directed by Richard Murphy. The film stars Jack Lemmon and Ricky Nelson, along with a supporting cast that includes John Lund, Chips Rafferty, and Joby Baker.
The plot centers around Lieutanant Rip Crandall (Lemmon), who is tasked with taking command of the USS Echo, a garbage scow that has been retrofitted with state-of-the-art surveillance equipment. The ship's crew is made up of misfits and ne'er-do-wells, including a cook who has never set foot on a ship, a former circus performer, and a sailor who is afraid of water.
Crandall is initially skeptical of his new command, but he soon realizes that the Echo has a top-secret mission: to land on a remote island in the South Pacific and monitor Japanese naval activity in the area. The mission is crucial to the success of an upcoming Allied invasion, and Crandall and his crew must do whatever it takes to complete it successfully.
As they sail towards their destination, the crew of the Echo encounters a series of obstacles, including rough seas, Japanese fighter planes, and an unexpected change in command. Through it all, Crandall and his ragtag crew must work together to complete their mission and save countless lives.
The Wackiest Ship in the Army is a lighthearted and often silly comedy, but it also has moments of tension and drama. Lemmon and Nelson are both charming in their roles, and the supporting cast provides plenty of laughs and memorable moments. The film was well-received by audiences and critics alike upon its release, and it remains a beloved classic of 1960s comedy cinema.