Anyone
reviewing Navy history will doubtless encounter a few rogues and non-conformists.
Admiral Rickover comes to mind, of course. This book deals with (then) Commander
Charles Momsen who, despite red tape and regs, was able to research and develop
technique and apparatus still used today in underwater recovery.
The book chronicles the accident that placed the USS Squalus on the bottom
during a trial run on 23 May 1939. The boat went down in 240 feet of water
with its crew of 33. This successful use of a diving bell that has changed
very little since its inception is the high point of Momsen who finally made
Admiral, much to the chagrin of the brass.
I read this book about a week before the Russian sub was lost. It also made
me more aware of the dangers of the underwater service, especially since my
’03 was on a sub twice this summer. Thank goodness for Momsen’s
tenacity! A good read.
Neal
Thornton
Travis ’03, 10th Company