What is the theme in The Caine Mutiny by Herman Wouk?

Authority is at the heart of this book. As a moral tract for the 1950s, The Caine Mutiny suggests that a strong authority is all-important for safeguarding the nation. Keith, for both his father and himself, turns down his first vocation-a fun, independent life of playing the piano-to fight for his country. This enables him to become a man in his own mind. His training allows him to put aside his own fear and concerns to take command when Keefer places the ship and its men in danger.