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Submerged: Life on a Fast Attack Submarine in the Last Days of the Cold War
First Prize Winner in Published NonFiction, WriterCon 2025!
The author graduates from an elite university and enters the submarine service in the mid-1980s when rhetoric between the US and USSR threatens to turn the Cold War hot. He encounters an unforgiving world where submarines hunt each other unseen and unheralded in the ocean depths and in which minor mistakes can result in catastrophe. On four classified missions to the Mediterranean Sea, the North Atlantic, the Barents Sea, and the North Pole, he gradually and painfully learns the trade of a nuclear submarine officer in a world few people know of and even fewer have experienced.
These missions exert a heavy personal toll. At sea, the submarine crew exercises total radio silence and the rescue buoy is welded fast to the hull, ensuring that their families will never know if a catastrophe occurs. During these missions, his young wife suffers a miscarriage and later gives birth via emergency C-section, all while the author is at sea and unaware. While she undergoes these trials alone, the sub conducts missions vital to the security of the United States. Far from home, in the unforgiving depths, they track adversary submarines in dangerous games of cat and mouse where a mistake could result in a collision, flooding, and death. A storm damages the sub on the way to the North Pole, jeopardizing the ability to surface through the ice. They finally do so, after weeks of transiting through underwater ice canyons of pressure ridges capable of rupturing the hull on impact. While under the ice the crew suffers a poison gas leak and has to find a hole to surface quickly or perish.
The main theme of the work is growth. As the author journeyed to the ends of the earth and the depths of the ocean, he also made a personal journey from a sniveling boy-man to an apex predator of the deep. Sub-themes are how men and women cope with adversity, and how when things are at their worst, people are at their best. It is a tribute to the human spirit, especially the men who sailed these ships, and the families who loved and supported them.
The author graduates from an elite university and enters the submarine service in the mid-1980s when rhetoric between the US and USSR threatens to turn the Cold War hot. He encounters an unforgiving world where submarines hunt each other unseen and unheralded in the ocean depths and in which minor mistakes can result in catastrophe. On four classified missions to the Mediterranean Sea, the North Atlantic, the Barents Sea, and the North Pole, he gradually and painfully learns the trade of a nuclear submarine officer in a world few people know of and even fewer have experienced.
These missions exert a heavy personal toll. At sea, the submarine crew exercises total radio silence and the rescue buoy is welded fast to the hull, ensuring that their families will never know if a catastrophe occurs. During these missions, his young wife suffers a miscarriage and later gives birth via emergency C-section, all while the author is at sea and unaware. While she undergoes these trials alone, the sub conducts missions vital to the security of the United States. Far from home, in the unforgiving depths, they track adversary submarines in dangerous games of cat and mouse where a mistake could result in a collision, flooding, and death. A storm damages the sub on the way to the North Pole, jeopardizing the ability to surface through the ice. They finally do so, after weeks of transiting through underwater ice canyons of pressure ridges capable of rupturing the hull on impact. While under the ice the crew suffers a poison gas leak and has to find a hole to surface quickly or perish.
The main theme of the work is growth. As the author journeyed to the ends of the earth and the depths of the ocean, he also made a personal journey from a sniveling boy-man to an apex predator of the deep. Sub-themes are how men and women cope with adversity, and how when things are at their worst, people are at their best. It is a tribute to the human spirit, especially the men who sailed these ships, and the families who loved and supported them.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 7, 2024
About the author
Henry Rausch
2 books18 followersHenry Rausch graduated from Stanford University and after earning a commission at Officer Candidate School reported to USS L Mendel Rivers (SSN-686) in August 1985. There he served as an Engineering Assistant, Communicator, and Sonar Officer. The ship conducted four classified missions for which they were awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation, two Navy Expeditionary Medals, and the Arctic Service Ribbon. After that tour he served as Weapons Officer onboard USS Sunfish (SSN-649) which conducted deployments in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean. He left active service and served in the Reserves, primarily in NATO Submarine Command and Control. He retired as a Commander in 2005 with 22 years of service and lives with his wife in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. He enjoys outdoor activities and flying small planes and has over 3800 hours of experience as a pilot in command. He can be reached at author@henryrausch.com
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 30, 2026
Full disclosure: I knew many of the stories collected in Submerged before they ever reached the page, so what follows is less a detached review than an appreciation of both the author and the book he has written.
Submerged vividly captures the Cold War struggle beneath the North Atlantic against the Soviets, while also portraying the quieter but no less punishing conflicts within a submarine’s crew. At the heart of that internal struggle was a rigid naval hierarchy that often treated senior officers as inherently superior to junior officers, and all officers as inherently superior to enlisted men. Those who embraced that ideology tended to pass its cruelties downward. Others absorbed the pressure from above while extending dignity to those below. Lt. Rausch was among the best of the latter. As the book makes clear, life as an independent-minded junior officer required navigating treacherous waters both outside the boat and within it, while meeting the physical demands of the mission and the emotional strain of command culture. Yet it was always a relief to know a watch would be spent with Mr. Rausch, whether in the Box running the engineering plant or in Sonar identifying acoustic signatures. He showed that authority need not come at the expense of humility or humanity.
He also possessed that rarer gift among officers and writers alike: the ability to make time disappear through narrative. His stories of climbing the forbidden slopes of Mount Ararat, of separating from his younger brother in Mexico during a mountain ascent, of navigating the San Juan Islands by canoe with nothing but a restaurant placemat as a map, made long hours underway feel shorter. That same gift animates Submerged. Rausch does not merely recount events; he draws the reader into them.
Hanoi Hank (read the book, the source of this nickname is indelible) has spent a lifetime honing the craft of storytelling, and Submerged is proof that he has mastered the art.
Submerged vividly captures the Cold War struggle beneath the North Atlantic against the Soviets, while also portraying the quieter but no less punishing conflicts within a submarine’s crew. At the heart of that internal struggle was a rigid naval hierarchy that often treated senior officers as inherently superior to junior officers, and all officers as inherently superior to enlisted men. Those who embraced that ideology tended to pass its cruelties downward. Others absorbed the pressure from above while extending dignity to those below. Lt. Rausch was among the best of the latter. As the book makes clear, life as an independent-minded junior officer required navigating treacherous waters both outside the boat and within it, while meeting the physical demands of the mission and the emotional strain of command culture. Yet it was always a relief to know a watch would be spent with Mr. Rausch, whether in the Box running the engineering plant or in Sonar identifying acoustic signatures. He showed that authority need not come at the expense of humility or humanity.
He also possessed that rarer gift among officers and writers alike: the ability to make time disappear through narrative. His stories of climbing the forbidden slopes of Mount Ararat, of separating from his younger brother in Mexico during a mountain ascent, of navigating the San Juan Islands by canoe with nothing but a restaurant placemat as a map, made long hours underway feel shorter. That same gift animates Submerged. Rausch does not merely recount events; he draws the reader into them.
Hanoi Hank (read the book, the source of this nickname is indelible) has spent a lifetime honing the craft of storytelling, and Submerged is proof that he has mastered the art.
November 15, 2025
As a Navy retiree (22 years), I've never lost interest in the submarine service. I found this book to be very educational from the standpoint of learning something about what young junior officers went through to become qualified submarine watch standers. It certainly wasn't easy. While that was interesting, I was hoping to read something about the missions they engaged in. I was privileged to provide direct support to SSN Special Missions in the Pacific in the 1980s, and I understand how precarious they could be. Yet, except for their North Pole deployment, the author never said anything about any of the missions his boat participated in. He implied they may have engaged in a mission to the Barents Sea but said not a word about it. I fully understand that those missions were very sensitive and highly classified, but after 30+ years, surely something could have been written about them. After all, much has been written at the unclassified level about some of those missions, i.e., "Blind Man's Bluff", which went into great detail. That's the only reason for 4 vice 5 stars. Highly recommended reading for anyone contemplating serving aboard fast attack boats.
January 25, 2026
I am an ex-submariner that served in the late 1970s early 1980s on a fast attack submarine as an enlisted nuclear plant operator. With this background, I can tell the difference between fiction and a true memoir. This book made me rethink how much harder an officer had to qualify both as being in charge during his watch of the reactor plant but also qualifying to drive the ship, including surfacing. It shed new light on the trials and challenges of the officers on board and CDR Rausch's style of writing is readable and realistic. Few in the civilian world know or even understand what the submarine forces' role was during the Cold War. This book is an excellent written account of a military branch of the service that does not gain much recognition for what we did and continue to do. I highly recommend it to anyone. We are known as the "Silent Service " for a reason...
October 2, 2025
Having retired within the last 10 years of the Submarine service myself, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While I retired enlisted vice officer, the trials, tribulations and events described woke memories of my time in the boats. The pace of the book and descriptions of "Shenanigans" and "Operations" made it hard to put down. Anybody who has not served on Subs may make light of some of the events, but to those that have earned the Dolphins will understand the camaraderie and environment immediately and have a connection that few understand. I would love to read more books that are written from the viewpoint of those who did not command, but made the mission possible.
February 5, 2026
This is an exceptional read! My dad was a submariner who rode boomers in the same era as the author (he was even stationed in Charleston; “41 for Freedom” days).
My early years were consumed by the nerd-dom of submarines. I watched the movies and memorized Jane’s Sea Power; and CDR Rausch made me feel like I had glimpsed into the past and lived some of those same experiences my dad must’ve had.
It’s a quick read and a truly honest, introspective, “coming of age” account of finding oneself in one of the most dangerous and impactful professions on the planet. Can’t recommend enough!
My early years were consumed by the nerd-dom of submarines. I watched the movies and memorized Jane’s Sea Power; and CDR Rausch made me feel like I had glimpsed into the past and lived some of those same experiences my dad must’ve had.
It’s a quick read and a truly honest, introspective, “coming of age” account of finding oneself in one of the most dangerous and impactful professions on the planet. Can’t recommend enough!
June 20, 2025
to work aboard these subs as WSAT team member atRiveting Insight Fast Attack Submarine Cold War Era
Used to work aboard these subs as WSAT team member at Pearl. Always wondered where they went and what they did once they departed. This book lifts the veil just a tiny bit - but creates a yearning for much more - revealing just a tip of the iceberg - fascinating as the adventure must have been!
Used to work aboard these subs as WSAT team member at Pearl. Always wondered where they went and what they did once they departed. This book lifts the veil just a tiny bit - but creates a yearning for much more - revealing just a tip of the iceberg - fascinating as the adventure must have been!
December 20, 2025
Surgeon Class
From one Surgeon Class Submariner to another, thank you for writing of your experiences while serving on a Cold War Workhorse! Your experiences brought back memories of my own service "aft of Frame 57"! From Groton to AUTEC, to St. Croix, to Port Everglades, to Port Canaveral! Thank you!
From one Surgeon Class Submariner to another, thank you for writing of your experiences while serving on a Cold War Workhorse! Your experiences brought back memories of my own service "aft of Frame 57"! From Groton to AUTEC, to St. Croix, to Port Everglades, to Port Canaveral! Thank you!
December 17, 2025
Lots of ‘personal’ sharing about life in the Navy and Submarine. Thanks Henry
Great stories of submarine life! I greatly appreciated you sharing all the personal thoughts and frank opinions of staff, friends and officers. I’ll be looking for your next book. Thanks for the book.
Great stories of submarine life! I greatly appreciated you sharing all the personal thoughts and frank opinions of staff, friends and officers. I’ll be looking for your next book. Thanks for the book.
March 28, 2026
Details of the day to day
I love books that provide the minutiae. Realizing only so much tech can be revealed, the book nevertheless, provides a real feeling of modern day submarine life.
I love books that provide the minutiae. Realizing only so much tech can be revealed, the book nevertheless, provides a real feeling of modern day submarine life.
June 20, 2025
Interesting read. About a long gone era.
December 21, 2025
great reality
Having served on diesel boats this really grabbed me. What a different experience this was. Felt good going back under the sea with such detail.well done.
Having served on diesel boats this really grabbed me. What a different experience this was. Felt good going back under the sea with such detail.well done.
August 15, 2025
This is a great read for a junior officer in any service! It’s a great read for any kid just out of college starting a new job. Unlikely that anyone outside of the military will be so challenged but at least they will learn that whatever their adversity is in their new job, it is nothing in comparison to what they in tough military positions deal with daily. There is much to learn in this book.
June 30, 2025
informative and enjoyable
A very good read that paints a clear and interesting description of the challenges involved in earning the dolphins. Never slow or boring and hard to put down. I enjoyed it very much…
A very good read that paints a clear and interesting description of the challenges involved in earning the dolphins. Never slow or boring and hard to put down. I enjoyed it very much…
November 9, 2025
Shipmates
As I reflect on my time in the Navy, it is the people I served with I most fondly remember. While I loved being an E-2c flight tech and loved flying and working on the flight deck, it is the friends you make while serving that I remember most. The author really makes that known throughout his story. Shipmate has a special meaning to those who served at sea. Great read.
As I reflect on my time in the Navy, it is the people I served with I most fondly remember. While I loved being an E-2c flight tech and loved flying and working on the flight deck, it is the friends you make while serving that I remember most. The author really makes that known throughout his story. Shipmate has a special meaning to those who served at sea. Great read.
August 29, 2025
Great read. Finished it too fast.
Excellent book. A succession of stories and events that alternated across captivating, tense, introspective, humorous and educational. Provided technical detail where needed to engage and explain, but always well defined so those of us perpetually on land can still understand and appreciate the narrative, add interest, and understand it at a slightly more advanced level.
Excellent book. A succession of stories and events that alternated across captivating, tense, introspective, humorous and educational. Provided technical detail where needed to engage and explain, but always well defined so those of us perpetually on land can still understand and appreciate the narrative, add interest, and understand it at a slightly more advanced level.
December 20, 2024
I loved the book. It was an education even for a boomer bubblehead like me, since I only heard about fast attack patrols and life styles. I felt like I was on the journey and the patrols with the author. I love the suspense, intrigue, history, science, the references and all the insane things US Navy Submariners did and do. All of these things were wrapped up in Hanks and Penelope’s story which really resonated with me. The qualifying and watch standing duties triggered memories I had not had in years. I still have dreams of being on patrol like illustrated in the book. Fantastic read!
October 28, 2025
I have an interest in learning about all things and this book hit the nail. I've toured subs and thought I knew a little, but this book shows me I knew nothing. What a great read! I really enjoyed this book.
November 3, 2025
Officer Emerges
I liked the fits and starts in this officer's development, the learning curve, and his introspection all in the context of being a husband and father.
I liked the fits and starts in this officer's development, the learning curve, and his introspection all in the context of being a husband and father.
April 6, 2025
"Been there, done that" is a phrase often heard and used. But this was a completely different point of view to read and Mr. Rausch's experience was very different from my own. My own path between joining USN and reporting to my submarine for duty was unusual, but from that point forward there is absolutely no comparison between this experience as a Junior Officer and mine as a Machinist's Mate (Nuclear).
The book's description is spot-on, and it exceeded expectations. It brought back some memories, and prompted some reflection on my own experiences. But perhaps most of all, the personal journey he shares with us during his transition from submarine officer non-qual to a senior watchstander - all the while shaped by the many experiences of US Submarine duty during the cold war- is exemplary. I strongly recommend this book.
The book's description is spot-on, and it exceeded expectations. It brought back some memories, and prompted some reflection on my own experiences. But perhaps most of all, the personal journey he shares with us during his transition from submarine officer non-qual to a senior watchstander - all the while shaped by the many experiences of US Submarine duty during the cold war- is exemplary. I strongly recommend this book.
August 5, 2025
This book disappointed me for the following.
1. It had a lot of profanity in it including taking the Lord Jesus Christ's name in vain.
2. It just wasn't that exciting. I was expecting to hear some cool stories about cold war tactics they had with Russian subs during the cold war. Instead we just got a bunch of sophomoric stories that only a 14 year old would find funny.
3. I came away from reading this book feeling very bad about the state of the US military. If all this was true, I had no idea that even the officers were such screw ups. I do not feel confident knowing they have the keys to nuclear missiles.
Overall, I would not recommend this book. It was a downer, sophomoric, and unbecoming of a US naval officer to write.
1. It had a lot of profanity in it including taking the Lord Jesus Christ's name in vain.
2. It just wasn't that exciting. I was expecting to hear some cool stories about cold war tactics they had with Russian subs during the cold war. Instead we just got a bunch of sophomoric stories that only a 14 year old would find funny.
3. I came away from reading this book feeling very bad about the state of the US military. If all this was true, I had no idea that even the officers were such screw ups. I do not feel confident knowing they have the keys to nuclear missiles.
Overall, I would not recommend this book. It was a downer, sophomoric, and unbecoming of a US naval officer to write.
October 10, 2025
A very good autobiography/work of military fiction. I never knew the job of a submarine crewman can be hardscrabble and interesting at the same time. The plot is about whether Henry is able to come home from the depths to see his lonely pregnant wife, who has to deal with worries about her spouse herself. It is written like a history book; a series of vivid sequences that entertain the reader while also serving as an educational experience. It was very fun to read.
The Blue-Nose Ceremony is so fascinatingly strange!
The Blue-Nose Ceremony is so fascinatingly strange!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2026
This is a good read with many insights into the life and times of a sub-mariner. He really gets across the privations and stresses of the job.
I am not sure if censors played any role in the book's publication, but I felt it could have been an even more engaging read with some further details of each mission - not a criticism just a hunger from me to know more.
An absorbing, enjoyable and engrossing read.
I am not sure if censors played any role in the book's publication, but I felt it could have been an even more engaging read with some further details of each mission - not a criticism just a hunger from me to know more.
An absorbing, enjoyable and engrossing read.
January 4, 2026
The real-life experiences our submarine crews give America
This author takes the reader to sea and undersea in true life terms.
Loved the patrol he takes us on to the North
Pole, thorough and interesting.
The personal sacrifice these patriots give to our country is moving to consider and be thankful for Thank God for the Submariners!
This author takes the reader to sea and undersea in true life terms.
Loved the patrol he takes us on to the North
Pole, thorough and interesting.
The personal sacrifice these patriots give to our country is moving to consider and be thankful for Thank God for the Submariners!
March 16, 2026
Excellent recap of what junior officers have to go through-- you come away impressed by how smart these guys are!
March 17, 2026
Awesome!!
I love this book..fascinating details about service on an attack sub in the Cold War. we'll worth reading! enjoy it!!
I love this book..fascinating details about service on an attack sub in the Cold War. we'll worth reading! enjoy it!!
April 14, 2026
I enjoyed the book but I got lost in the descriptions of the technical side of the management of a nuclear submarine.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews