Charles Hood, Frank Hood
Description
Sub Tales 5 isthe fifth and final volume of the Sub Tales collection of US submarine history books by Charles and Frank Hood. It caps off the series w
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ith another generous serving of original stories and veteran insights covering the gamut of submarine operations. Like its predecessors, Sub Tales 5 seeks to both entertain and educate the reader about not only important milestones in submarine history but also ordinary moments experienced by submarine sailors as they go about their daily work.
For this book, the input of hundreds of submarine veterans was solicited to include their perspectives on several chapters covering topics of interest. These include the art of perfecting the submarine prank (requiring two chapters based on the sheer number of contributions), the meaning of Christmas celebrations while on patrol, the importance of music in decompressing and maintaining one’s sanity, and memories of many “close calls” that could have ended in tragedy. Former submarine sailors also weigh in on the importance of improvisation while underway and augment the chapter on submarine waste removal with dozens of recollections both humorous and macabre.
Elsewhere in Sub Tales 5, you’ll find chapters about World War II that celebrate the valor of the crew of the USS Grenadier, the patriotism of a single Navy couple who personified the exemplary qualities of the “Greatest Generation,”andthe tenacity of a priest stationed at Pearl Harbor to see his dream of a submarine chapel realized. Stories of profound tragedy aboard the USS Ulysses S. Grant and the USS Henry Clay are also included to remind readers of the fundamentally dangerous nature of the work performed by the members of the US Submarine Force—and the deep bonds that bind these sailors together long after their service years have been completed.
On the lighter side, you’ll find other chapters to enjoy: a deep dive into the making of the classic submarine movie Run Silent Run Deep; a primer on the key naval chokepoints around the globe and their relevance to submarines, both past and present; a travelogue of the United States detailing the various monuments erected to honor the Lost 52 submarines of World War II; and a nostalgic slice of Americana detailing the training and public relations tour of the Great Lakes by the USS Sablefish in 1961.
Other chapters delve into more fascinating slices of US Submarine Force history: a profile of the only US president to have qualified in submarines; a salute to the steward’s mate position and its evolution over the decades; a two-part compendium of stories about the fabled “Rickover interview” required by all nuclear boat candidates to surmount; and a humorous look at the creative artwork often left on other vessels by submariners--usually without authorization!
Containing more than 400 photos and illustrations and spanning 716 printed pages, Sub Tales 5 will hold your attention for many hours. Our books have gained popularity because they contain thoughtful, accurate, and discreet accounts of life under the sea that answer the elusive question: “What’s it like to serve on a submarine?” Alongwith its companion volumes, Sub Tales 5 strives to answer that question from myriad angles.
The Sub Tales series and our other four submarine books are paeans to the fighting spirit of submariners everywhere. In this spirit, we have capitalized on our popularity to endorse important submarine-related charities with the profits gained from our book sales. Through August 2024, we have donated over $56,000 of our book royalties to these causes. Our books are available exclusively through amazon.com, and you can read more about our offerings at our website: subtales.com. Follow us on Facebook at “Poopie Suits and Cowboy Boots.” Thank you for your interest.
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