Photo: Crewmen of the Grayback at Pearl Harbor, circa
1960.
For Further Reading -- Books about
the Regulus era
Regulus: The Forgotten Weapon. Turner Publishing, 1996. Author:
David Stumpf, Ph.D.
A definitive history of the Regulus I and Regulus II, David Stumpf's
book details the development of the missiles, the deployment of the Regulus
I and the use of Regulus II airframes as target drones. Attention is given
on an individual basis to the submarines, cruisers and aircraft carriers
which launched the Regulus. Based on dozens of interviews with significant
participants in the program, The Forgotten Weapon presents a painstakingly
detailed portrait of the Regulus era. Click on the graphic to buy a copy.
Growler and Grayback: Two of A Kind. Graphic Enterprises of Marblehead,
1996. Author: David Stumpf, Ph.D.
A short history of two of the mightiest diesel submarines to ever prowl
the ocean, this book also contains summary histories of the Regulus I and
II. It also includes photographs not featured in Stumpf's other book. Click
on the graphic for more information.
The Cold Warriors. Graphic enterprises of Marblehead.1997. Author:
Seafarer.
A fictionalized account of life aboard the USS Halibut during the Regulus
deployment era, The Cold Warriors is perhaps the best
account we'll ever have of life aboard the Navy's only nuclear powered
guided missile submarine. While some of the story deviates from the historical
record -- drama is emphasized over historical accuracy -- this book is
a really enjoyable read. What was life like aboard Halibut in 1962? The
Cold Warriors puts you right there. Click on the graphic for more information.
Up From the Deep. Graphic Enterprises of Marblehead. 1998. Author:
Robert Harmuth.
Robert Harmuth's tribute to his fellow Regulus submariners, Up From
the Deep recounts the difficulty of life aboard the diesel Regulus boats.
It also paints an intriguing portrait of the submarine Navy circa 1960.
Written in an easy style, Up From the Deep mixes fictionalized accounts
with historical asides, and presents vivid images of sweat, blood, and
relentless snorkeling. The author also takes pride in recounting some of
the best pranks of the Regulus era. When life was that tough, a sense of
humor obviously helped! Buy it from the Submarine
Store or click on the graphic to go to Amazon.com
Spy Sub. Penguin books.1996. Author: Roger Dunham.
Roger Dunham's book details some of the black operations of the USS
Halibut -- or the Viperfish, as it is called in the text. While some of
the content of the book now seems dated -- Blind Man's Bluff spilled
the beans and most of the details that this book only hints at -- Spy Sub's
tale is still interesting. The psychological aspects of serving aboard
a submarine which is conducting espionage in the middle of the Cold War
are dealt with, as is the obvious question: how do you keep yourself from
going crazy while locked in an atomic powered steel tube for months at
a time? Click on the graphic to buy it!
Blind Man's Bluff: The Untold Story of American Submarine Espionage.
Public Affairs. Sherry Sontag and Christopher Drew with Annette Lawrence
Drew.
A book that needs no introduction, BMB presents stunning revelations
about the Cold War activities of the U.S. submarine fleet. From the early
disasters of Cochino to the triumphs of Halibut and Whitey Mack, this is
the must read book about the submarine service. Based on painstaking research,
dozens of interviews and presenting information never before discussed
in public, BMB provides clarity and gives a voice to the Silent Service.
The Regulus era is mentioned in passing; and of course a great deal of
time is spent describing the post-Regulus career of Halibut. Buy it from
our friends at the Submarine
Store (use the link at the bottom of the page!) For a limited time,
they even have SIGNED copies! Or click on the graphic to go to Amazon.com.
The Silent War. Simon and Schuster. Author: John Peña
Craven.
A fascinating recount of a career spent in the ultra-silent part of
the silent service, John Craven's book is an essential read for anyone
who couldn't put down BMB and was disappointed when it was over.
Interesting revelations aside, it is hard not to be charmed by the style
of this book and its author, who comes across not just as some arrogant
spook but as a real person -- and Renaissance man. Craven's intelligence,
thoughtfulness, and his insight into some of the critical events and decision-making
of the last half century of submarining is intriguing and makes this a
rewarding read. Click on the graphic to buy it!
More Submarine Books --
The Silent Service From WWII to the
Cold War and Beyond!
Looking for historic submarine footage
for your documentary or commercial production? --
We have one of the largest collections
of 16mm submarine films in private hands. It's the history of the Silent
Service From WWII to the Cold War and Beyond! Rare footage of DSRVs, Polaris
SSBNs, the Regulus boats, USS Halibut, the Jennifer Project, U.S. Navy
Seal ops aboard USS Grayback, USS Growler in WWII, and much, much more!
Contact us for more information and rate sheet.
Legal Notice: This web page and all of its
contents, including text and photographs, and the name "Regulus: The
First Nuclear Missile Submarines" are copyright 2001-2002 by DSSNS
Productions. All rights reserved. None of the contents of this page may
be reproduced, reused, published, altered, sold or modified without express
permission.