MWSA Book Review

Naval Forces Under the Sea

Authors:  Compiled by The U.S. Naval Academy and the Office of Naval Research

Publisher:  Best Publishing Company

Reviewer: Bill McDonald – President of the MWSA

A History of Underwater Technology, Special Warfare, Science, and Submarine search and rescue

In the spring of 2001 there was a symposium sponsored by the U.S. Naval Academy and the Office of Naval Research held at Alumni Hall at the Academy. The biggest and brightest “stars” dealing with the Navy’s underwater world were all gathered there. Their purpose was to address and highlight significant developments in science and technology related to diving, special warfare, and submarine search and rescue. This event was an historical happening. Those who were privileged enough to attend it, experienced what was the equivalent of the Navy’s own underwater version of “Woodstock!"

There were keynote addresses and exhibits to the delight and education of those who were there. I was personally unable to attend this myself and being an old SCUBA instructor and history buff, I really felt that I had missed out on something very special. Now through the efforts of both sponsors of that event and The Best Publishing Company, the public can now read all the major keynote addresses and get photos and charts and drawings of some of the exhibits. All of the major elements of that symposium are now in a book simply called: “Navy Forces Under the Sea – A Look back, A Look Ahead.” Truly one of the best volumes of information of its kind in the world! There are no other books like this with so many experts adding their remarks, comments, and visions to the fabric of this Naval History book.

This book is easy to read and is presented with a great assortment of color layouts, photos, and drawings. A must read for anyone going into this field or anyone who is a true Navy history buff. This is the “Bible” of underwater history as related to the U.S. Navy. It makes for fascinating reading. This book is given the MWSA’s Highest Book Rating of FIVE STARS!