Sub Tales: Stories That Seldom Surface

As the son of a career Navy man who served primarily on battleships and cruisers, I grew up with some exposure to the “skimmers” of the Navy. Submarines, though, were the mysterious side of the Navy from my perspective, so when I read “Poopie Suits and Cowboy Boots” a couple of years ago, I found it a fascinating look into the life of a submariner, from their period of training up through their period of service aboard one of these metallic denizens of the deep. When “Sub Tales” was released, I looked forward to reading about some of the true stories and events that have taken place throughout the history of submarines in the American navy. The stories are the product of hours of painstaking research on the part of the authors, searching through archival news coverage, as well as first-hand accounts from submarine veterans who were actually present at the time of their occurrence, and who could offer on-the-scene perspectives that one wouldn’t get from other sources. As I have pored over each chapter, I have learned so many things I never knew – the evolution of submarines over the decades, the interesting story behind the launch of the first nuclear-powered sub, the unusual baseball game that was played at the North Pole by the crew of the USS Seadragon in the summer of 1960, and due to the position of the field and the bases in relation to the time zones, balls were able to be hit into the next day! Other more moving events, such as the loss of the USS F-4 in 1915, and the heroic efforts to recover the sub and her doomed crew, literally brought a lump to my throat while reading. I learned about the amazing efforts of the USS Scamp in 1987 to rescue the crew of a freighter that had foundered during a raging nor’easter in the North Atlantic sea, forcing the crew to abandon ship, made even more noteworthy by the fact that it took place on the Scamp’s final patrol before decommissioning. So many great stories in this book, written so that even a landlubber like I can understand, thanks to the thorough explanations in laymen’s terms of anything that might be unfamiliar. If you have ever been interested in learning about some of the more fascinating events throughout the history of the U.S. submarine program, as well as about many of the notable individuals and personalities behind it, “Sub Tales” is the book for you. Making it even better is knowing that all proceeds from the sale are donated to the Scholarship Fund of the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.!

Loved this reading. I spent 20 years in the Sub Force, albeit on the Polaris Missile Subs - but when you go out and "Dive The Boat" - then it doesn't matter if it's a Polaris Missile Sub OR a Fast Attack. One year on the USS Grampus SS-523 diesel boat; then after Nuclear Power School I was on the USS Theodore Roosevelt SSBN-600(B) for 7 years (out of Holy Loch, Scotland), and then the USS Thomas A. Edison SSBN-610(G) for 5 years (out of Pearl). 7 years on Roosevelt because I extended my sea tour for 2 years to fill a "Critical Billet" as EWS (Engineering Watch Supervisor) - normally filled by an E-7 or E-8 (I was an E-6 - made E-7 on following Shore Duty at Saratoga Springs), before getting stationed finally in Pearl Harbor. Then was my 5-year tour on Edison (where I made E-8), followed by 1.5 years as Supervisor of the Nuclear Repair Shop (10D) in Pearl and finally retiring. Would definitely do it all over again - Loved the Sub Force.

I am a retired submariner. This book was very well written and the stories are outstanding. If you wondered about life on a submarine and the things we do, buy it! This life is not for everyone.

Great stories, gives an insight into the world and sailors of submarines. Awesome stories but one reference that got under my craw was comparing military soldiers to sports figures as heroes. Other than that very entertaining so far (1/2 way done).

After reading this book it brought back many memories long forgotten on the Angler SSK 240.Wayne M McCarthy TM2 SS

Sub Tales is another truly fantastic book by the authors of Poopie Suits and Cowboy Boots. As I read story after story from submariners that exhibited grace and level headedness under pressure I couldn't help but be impressed with those that volunteer their time, often thanklessly, so that the rest of us can rest securely under the blanket of freedom they help provide. This book is a paean to these warriors. We will never be able to fully appreciate the depth of sacrifice these individuals made because the very nature of their service precludes us from knowing the full measure of it. Sub Tales is deftly woven, engaging, and very much a page turner. I highly recommend it to anyone that is interested in the exploits of the extraordinary volunteers to the "silent service".

Am former Polaris boomer A-Div who enjoyed the book. Its not meant to be technically perfect in terms of accuracy...especially since many of the stories conveyed are from 50-60 years ago. I am grateful for the guys with whom I worked alongside...many of whom became life-long friends.

Enjoyed the book, learned several interesting tidbits about the early years and agree with the authenticity of the stories from my time in the 80's and 90's.