The Vision of a Man Named Nimitz – The American Submarine Story in the 20th Century

Arguably one of the most influential American Submariners that ever lived was Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. As a young man, he was significantly influenced by his German-born paternal grandfather, Charles Henry Nimitz, a former seaman in the German Merchant Marine, who taught him, “The Sea – like life itself – is a stern taskmaster. The […]

How low can you go? (an unclassified accounting of the term Test Depth)

Test Depth Note: No classified material is contained in this unofficial story about submarines and the place in the ocean we call “Test Depth”. Every time someone hears that I served on submarines, one of the first questions that is always asked is “How deep can you go?” My answer is always the same: Not […]

MEN AGAINST ICE – ALL HANDS January 1947 USS Sennet SS 408 and Operation Highjump

In 1947, the United States Navy was the predominant Navy in the entire world. The buildup of American naval forces during the Second World War resulted in an excess of ships when the war was finally brought to a conclusion. The quiet revolution that came to be known as the Cold War was just beginning […]

Tribute to a WW2 and Cold War Warrior – USS Sennet SS 408 (2019 Reunion Information included)

Every once in a while, a request comes across my desk that I just can’t say no to. Submarine reunions are one of my favorite past times since I know that the men who gather (and their ever faithful ever suffering wives) are going to get a chance to relive some of their younger […]

The Long Way Home

The Long Way Home This is a clipping from a ship’s newspaper (USS Von Steuben) that was dated June 23rd, 1919. The clipping described some of the details of the AEF being shipped home. This year is also the 100 year anniversary of the American Legion founding and both events are tied together. Over a […]

USS Ohio 2019 Reunion Information – Hurry up or you will be dink!

USS OHIO Reunion Updated Information as of June 26, 2019 Mac USS OHIO Reunion August 13-15, 2019 Host Hotel Fairfield Inn & Suites, Bremerton Wa. email John T. Moore for Registration forms or more information at 726_Reunion_19@pobox.com VERY IMPORTANT If you want to attend the reunion and participate in a submarine tour – John […]

The Other Nautilus and Simon Lake’s Dream of Under Ice Travel

Blue Nose In my time on board submarines, I traveled many places around the world. But traveling under the ice to the North Pole remains one of my most elusive goals. The sheer adventure of the trip appeals to me as a submariner and I am indeed envious of anyone who has safely navigated through […]

What’s in a name? : USS Clamagore SS 343

What’s in a name? : USS Clamagore SS 343 It’s been hard the last few years seeing the struggle of the Clamagore. There are so few submarines from her era still afloat and even the thought of losing one is hard for those of us who know their place in history. These articles are from […]

USS John C. Calhoun – Keeping the Peace

The ballistic missile submarine John C. Calhoun was launched on June 22nd 1963 at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Newport News, Virginia. By September of 1964, she would take her place in the ever growing fleet of submarines that had been sought after by the Navy for over a decade. These vessels […]

USS Bowfin – The Pearl Harbor Avenger and Patrol Number Five

USS Bowfin – The Pearl Harbor Avenger and Patrol Number Five When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, the great surface fleet that was the mainstay of America’s naval arm was badly battered. Laying in the mud and waters of Pearl Harbor, these great ships were suddenly ejected from the immediate battle plan and a new […]