The Persian Gulf Incident — Bob Gabbert

When Jade Greenway returns her damaged spacecraft to Earth, she becomes a national hero, but she wants to return to her Navy roots and serve with Admiral Quincy, the man she has been in love with for years.
Admiral Quincy is Commander, Carrier Strike Group Three. He flies his flag on the USS Ronald Reagan, CVN-76 on duty with the Fifth Fleet in the Persian Gulf. He does not want Jade to serve with him, because tensions between Iran and the US are building, and he believes that war will break out at any moment.
Fearing for her safety, he prefers that she marry him and make their home, where she will wait safely for him. However, Jade is not the waiting type. She takes a reduction in rank to serve on the ship with him.
Conflict arises between Jade and Quincy, because she views Iran's war-making capability much more dangerously than he does. When Iran does attack, and the Reagan is badly damaged, Jade is forced to take command even though she is seriously wounded.
In the White House, President Dwyer's popularity with the American people is at an all-time low, because he sent troops back into Iraq. With the election for his second term approaching, he needs some event or someone to make a dramatic change in the Nation's perception of him, or else he can kiss a second term goodbye.
A chance meeting between Jade and Secretary of State Mitchell puts her name into play as a vice presidential candidate. Since Jade is seen as a national hero, the President's men see her as the dramatic boost he needs to win reelection.