Congo Crew is a well-paced novel by William C. Goodlett. The story centers on three African Americans sailors who are part of a crew on the merchant ship, USNS General Mitchell, under the command of the United Nations  that is moving troops from India and Malaysia to the Congo during the period of the overthrow of Patrice Lumumba in 1961. The port of call is Capetown, South Africa. One of the seaman, Chitown, becomes separated from his ship and finds temporary refuge in a shantytown among active resistance fighters. The personal ingenuity and courage of Chitown is essential to his survival.

The author bases some of his story on his experiences as a member of U.S. Navy. While serving in the Navy, Goodlett visited many of the ports described in the novel.