Who Can Hold the Sea: The U.S. Navy in the Cold War 1945-1960

by James D. Hornfischer

A close-up, action-filled narrative about the crucial role the U.S. Navy played in the early years of the Cold War, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Fleet at Flood Tide

This landmark account of the U.S. Navy in the Cold War, Who Can Hold the Sea, combines narrative history with scenes of stirring adventure on--and under--the high seas. In 1945, at the end of World War II, the victorious Navy sends its sailors home and decommissions most of its warships. But this peaceful interlude is short-lived, as Stalin, America's former ally, makes aggressive moves in Europe and the Far East. Winston Churchill crystallizes the growing Communist threat by declaring the existence of the Iron Curtain, and the Truman Doctrine is set up to contain Communism by establishing U.S. military bases throughout the world.

Set against this background of increasing Cold War hostility, Who Can Hold the Sea paints the dramatic rise of the Navy's crucial postwar role in a series of exciting episodes:
- the tests of A-bombs dropped on warships at Bikini Island
- the growing science of undersea warfare and invention of sonar
- the Korean War as a deadly test of naval superiority
- the growth of the modern Navy with its dramatic game-changers: cruisers fitted with surface-to-air missiles, and the invention of the nuclear submarine
- lessons learned from the dramatic sinking of the submarine USS Cochino in the Norwegian Sea
- the USS Nautilus's dangerous, first-ever cruise underneath the North Pole

As in all of Hornfischer's work, the events unfold in riveting--and often surprising--detail. The story of the Cold War at sea is ultimately the story of America's victorious contest to protect the free world.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Military History, Military Fiction, War, Naval History, American History

480 pages, Hardcover

First published May 3, 2022

About the author

James D. Hornfischer was an American literary agent, author, and naval historian.
A one-time book editor at the publishing company HarperCollins in New York, Hornfischer was later president of Hornfischer Literary Management, a literary agency in Austin, Texas.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The story of the Cold War at sea is the story of the contest to secure the freedom of the world. During this time, the U.S. Navy carried, for the first time, a transoceanic mandate evidenced by its permanent deployment from forward overseas stations. In some areas of the world, U.S. fleets were based exclusively at sea, free entirely from dependence upon land. The state of affairs would have been alien and unimaginable to the navy of America’s founding, when naval officers and their men served only during time of conflict, returning to their farms and estates during peacetime. The aim of this book is to develop the story of this global institution as a protector of the national interest. It is a story of geopolitics in theory and practice. Beyond the intrigue of the U.S.-Soviet rivalry are stories of confrontation between fleets, bare-knuckled human strife over strategic concepts and war policy, and technological revolution and disruption, all of it the stuff of a sprawling, worldwide drama…”
- James D. Hornfischer, Who Can Hold the Sea: The U.S. Navy in the Cold War, 1945-1960

Who Can Hold the Sea is the final book written by James D. Hornfischer. According to a brief preface written by his wife, Sharon, he was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumor early in 2020.

On June 1, 2021, he passed away.

This fact is important, not just because Hornfischer was a talented writer taken too soon by a god-awful disease, but because this reality is ever-present. Reading this, I felt a lingering pall, created by the knowledge that every word was typed by a man facing his last days.

There are also qualitative issues that must be addressed. While Who Can Hold the Sea is entertaining and sporadically excellent, it is not on par with Hornfischer’s earlier titles. There are structural issues here that can be explained – and excused – because of his diagnosis. Still, it must be noted that this is an unfinished product – there are no endnotes, for instance – which itself is a consequence of an unfinished life.

***

The subject matter of Who Can Hold the Sea makes perfect sense for Hornfischer to engage. In his magnum opus, The Fleet at Flood Tide, he brilliantly covered the final year of the Pacific War, combining strategy, tactics, and narrative flair in an eminently satisfiable way.

Here, he picks up where he left off, with the Japanese defeated, and Admiral Halsey returning home for a celebratory parade. Having conquered Japan, the Navy faced a different threat: the slashing of its budget, the drawdown of its sailors, and the redefinition of its mission. Up to this point, America had a tradition of gearing up for war, then rapidly demobilizing. This looked like it would happen again.

Very soon, however, it became apparent that Joseph Stalin was not about to abide by any of the agreements he’d made in the last days of the Second World War. Moving aggressively to consolidate gains in Eastern Europe and Asia, Stalin positioned the Soviet Union as a counterweight to the United States, and an exporter of communism. In the west’s panicked responses to this emerging threat, the Navy found a new role for itself.

***

Unlike World War II, which unfolded as a series of campaigns and battles, and fits neatly into a history book, the Cold War is harder to encompass. It is a multilayered, multidisciplinary tale, featuring politics and diplomacy, propaganda, espionage, force projection, and outright warfare. All this occurred against the backdrop of the jet age, with nuclear submarines, ballistic missiles, and other technological advances drastically altering the contours of any future conflict.

It is clear that Hornfischer had great ambitions in trying to wrap his arms around all these different facets. Unfortunately – and understandably – he was not quite up to this task.

There is an inconsistent quality to Who Can Hold the Sea that reminds me of when my kids get hold of my Nikon camera, rapidly zooming in and out, in and out. One chapter might closely follow a single person – such as Secretary of Defense James Forrestal, in whom Hornfischer takes a particular interest – while another takes a macro view of the political situation. There are chapters that are sweeping in scope, discussing containment theory and the creation of a nuclear navy. Others have a tighter focus, with the Bikini Island atomic bomb tests, the loss of the submarine Cochino, and the invention of the Sidewinder missile presented in detail. There is also an extended sequence – comprising nine separate chapters – about the Korean War. Had Hornfischer fleshed this out more, it would have made a good standalone book.

The upshot of this telescoping is that Who Can Hold the Sea does not flow smoothly, leading to pacing problems. Furthermore, Hornfischer often raises an interesting point, only to leave it behind. I do not know about the state of the manuscript when Hornfischer died, but I feel like he never even made it to the first-draft stage. Some of the sections are so short, almost truncated, that they end mid-thought.

***

On the positive side, the individual ingredients are good, even if the ultimate meal is not up to the chef’s ordinary standards. Hornfischer isn’t entirely comfortable with geopolitics or international relations, but when he sticks to his beloved Navy, Who Can Hold the Sea crackles. His individual vignettes are top-notch, especially the aforementioned coverage of the Korean War. There are sinking vessels and dogfights and subs sailing beneath the North Pole, along with many other high-stakes adventures.

Additionally, though he does not get around to answering them, Hornfischer raises a lot of worthwhile questions. He discusses, for instance, whether the U.S. military should be unitary, or – as is presently the case – divided into separate branches, each squabbling for more money. It is also worth pondering the postwar drift into a massively expensive military machine, which consumes most of the federal budget.

In short, if I had picked this up knowing nothing about Hornfischer’s career, his abilities, and the barriers he faced in writing this, I would have been very pleased. It is imperfect, but gripping.

***

The truest truth we face in life is that it is never enough. No matter how many years, no matter how humble our ambitions, we simply will not complete all our projects. At the last breath, there will be places still unvisited, movies unwatched, songs unheard, and books unread. There will be one last joke we wanted to tell, one last person we wanted to see, one last hand we wanted to hold.

It would have been nice to say that this is Hornfischer’s crowning achievement. His final masterpiece. But it is not, and it would be condescending to pretend otherwise. When he was at his best, he was among the best in his chosen field. This is not him at his literary best.

Nonetheless, I like to think that in researching and writing Who Can Hold the Sea, Hornfischer took comfort in his passion for history, for storytelling, for ships, and the men who sailed them. Until the end, he did what he loved, and that is some consolation.

[PamG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who Can Hold the Sea – The U.S. Navy in the Cold War 1945-1960 by James D. Hornfischer is the first book that I have read by this author. The title describes what this non-fiction history book covers in the broad sense. However, it also gives insight into the people, politics, and policies of the times.

This history narrative has the added bonus of action above and below the sea. As World War II ends, sailors go home and warships are decommissioned. However, aggressive moves by Stalin in Europe and the Far East make this a short time of calm. George Kennan, the number two man for the United States in Moscow, sends a telegram describing the Soviet Union’s ambitions, pathology, and more. It helps to shape the Truman administration’s actions in light of this new geopolitical threat.

This book is not the dry text of typical histories. It is filled with facts, people, politics, policies, action, interactions, technological advances, and challenges. The author shows the many challenges faced by the United States and the U.S. Navy. The post war politics between the Army and the Navy was especially interesting. It’s something you don’t read about in traditional history books. The many challenges faced by the Navy were political, technical, and strategic. Additionally, if you think partisan activism and anger at the press is a recent phenomenon, you will know differently after you read this book.

Overall, this is a very readable, enlightening, and educational history of the U.S. Navy during the early days of the Cold War. At the end are several images of important political and military personnel during this period as well as an extensive bibliography, image credits, and index. I highly recommend this book to those interested in history, naval history, the early years of the Cold War, and geopolitics.

Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, Bantam provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for May 03, 2022.

[Porter Broyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exactly what it purports to be.

In the introduction, the author states that there are other books that do a better job at covering the political aspects of the early days of the cold war. He states that there are other books that cover the technical specs of the different types of ships, planes, and missle in a more comprehensive manner. He even states, that there are better books talking about the various military engagements in the early days of the Cold War. Finally, the introduction talks about how the ending may feel a little abrupt as the author passed away while writing the book.

But all of those perfectly describe this book.

If you want a solid introduction to the role the US Navy played after WWII and how it came to serve those roles then this book is a must read.

One can never go wrong reading a Hornfischer book.

This no exception. Very good, very interesting, and very thought provoking.

[William Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am pleased and honored to have been provided by Random House with an ARC of James D. Hornfischer's last work, written even as he succumbed to the illness which took him far too young. It is entitled "Who Can Hold the Sea: The U.S. Navy in the Cold War 1945-1960," and it is a fitting capstone to his distinguished body of work, well known to any of you interested in twentieth century naval history. Hornfischer is perhaps best known for the book which first introduced me to his canon, "The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors," but that is far from being his only contribution to his field of study. In "Who Can Hold the Sea" he departs from the taut battle narratives which have distinguished him and takes on the massive technogical, strategic, diplomatic and inter-service rivalries which dominated the growth and development of U.S. naval power in the period between 1945 and 1960. I left the book somewhat exhausted by its breadth and the clear depth of the author's understanding of his materials, but feeling a new appreciation for the men and women who shaped the the modern U.S. Navy. Most importantly, and I cannot stress this enough, both Harry Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower emerged from these pages as much more significant in their contributions and decision making as they presided over challenges ranging from the Korean War to the Suez Crisis and from the development of nuclear weapons and related naval developments, to include the new face of the American way of projecting power. This is must reading for anyone looking to understand the enormous changes in the U.S. Navy following World War II. It is a capstone to the legacy of excellence by which Hornfischer distinguished himself in both the depth of his research and the charm of his prose. There are few who are his equals.

[Boudewijn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive overview of the US Navy in the first part of the Cold War (1945-1960), starting from the demobilisation to the development of the ballistic Polaris missile fired from a submarine. The late James D. Hornfischer - an emotional preface to this book is provided by his daughter - delivers with the attention to detail and compelling narrative we have come to expect from him. All relevant topics are covered: the nuclear tests (Operation Crossroads), the post-WW2 transition, the gradual realisation of the crucial role of the Navy in the Cold War world, and the development of the nuclear submarine are all explored in detail.

[Nooilforpacifists · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would have been a Five Star book—had it been completed. Sadly, James Hornfischer was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor part way through the draft, in early 2020. He died in late 2021, having worked as long as he could, leaving a partial manuscript that ends abruptly—just like his life.

Hornfischer’s previous book, The Fleet at Flood Tide, is a masterpiece, albeit mis-titled. That volume looked well beyond the Navy to the battle on Saipan (I’ve been there), and to the decision to, and the dropping of, the atomic bomb. It will be remembered as the author’s best work.

“Who Can Hold the Sea” has a bold premise—to tell the Cold War from a sea power perspective. “Navies,” he says, “were irreplaceable as instruments of a sovereign. �� On a globe whose surface was 71 percent seawater, sea power is power itself.”

Beginning when the U.S. military’s mission “switched from crushing Japan to protecting her,” Hornfischer details the post-War II draw-down. Ending the war with almost 1,200 combatant ships, 41,000 aircraft, and 3.4 million personnel (plus 750,000 civilian employees) the Navy initially shed 1.5 million men a month. Most of the fleet was sold as scrap—perhaps half the battle wagons were mothballed under the mistaken impression that they could again be useful (save as targets at Bikini and similar). (A few were for off-shore bombardment in Korea, but never after that—they, too, wound up in the boneyard.)

The author dates the beginning of the Cold War not from Kennan’s famous February 1946 “Long Telegram” (over 5,000 words!), but rather from a Stalin speech two weeks before. There, in what was a pre-election rally, the Soviet leader blamed “the capitalist world” for the 20th Century’s wars:


“The war proved that the Soviet social system is a genuinely people’s system, which grew up from the ranks of the people and enjoys their powerful support… Now the issue is that the Soviet system has proved to be more viable and stable than the non-Soviet social system…a better form or organization of society.”



Ironic, given that the election days later had a 99 percent participation rate, and the Party’s candidates won 99.7 percent of the vote! Worse yet, Stalin bragged about Soviet industrial production, neglecting to mention that most of those jeeps and trucks were American-made, and American-shipped—at the cost of American lives and treasure.

Hornfischer gives far more sympathetic treatment than previous histories to Naval Secretary/Defense Secretary Forrestal, who is credited with incredible drive. The author also questions—so far as I am aware, baselessly—whether in fact Forrestal committed suicide.

Hornfischer spots similar drive in Hyman Rickover—“Radical technologies require conservative engineering”—although the author is nowhere near as sympathetic. He repeats that Rickover twice was passed over for command positions, and never in fact commanded anything, much less a submarine. “His battlefield of dominance was the Congregational briefing.” The author credits the Bureau of Naval Personnel, who is quoted as saying he felt the “little Jew,” who doubtlessly was roughly treated by his Academy classmates, had spunk and deserved the chance. A back-handed compliment, to be sure.

Perhaps the most original part of the book is Hornfischer’s treatment of the Korean War. Surprisingly kind to Commander in Chief, he quotes MacArthur as denying any animus toward the Marine Corps. (Right…) But Hornfischer emphasizes, over and over, that once the ChiComs crossed the Yalu, Korea was won by Marine and Naval Aviators flying integrated-team close air-support missions—a task the bomber-mad Air Force ignored.

The flyers even bailed out the Army, most notably Walton Walker’s Eighth Army after Walker gave his famous “stand or die” order. When Chinese armor units went off-road, barreling over land, catching U.S. troops napping, Navy and Marine piston and jet aircraft armed with napalm and rockets spotted and attrited them. At one point, Marine and Naval aircraft were credited with HALF of all enemy casualties in a month. (Giving the Air Force its due, only Air Force jets had a chance against Soviet pilots in “MIG alley.”)

Alas, the book trails off in Ike’s second term and doesn’t make it past Kennedy’s election. James Hornfischer will be mourned—if only for not completing this book. R.I.P.

[Ken Burkhalter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I expected an exposition of the Navy's exploits during the cold war. That is there, of course, but this estimable work stretches much further than an ocean swell. Hornfischer, long the dean of naval historians, took on the large challenge of charting the Navy's course over this period in parallel with political and geopolitical events of the time. It is a tour de force, a volume not to be missed, especially for those who did not live in the tension-filled times in view.

It is rich in detail and broad in scope. We learn about the U.S. military's ready reach for nuclear weapons as a standard tactic, for example, and come to thank Eisenhower for his steadying hand. Likewise, the Navy's role and influence during the Korean War, Suez Canal crisis, and post-war competition for the fate of Europe. The evolution and driving forces (and personality) behind the development of nuclear submarines receive specific attention. These are just a few examples of what the reader will find under the author's magnifying glass.

A pleasure to read and highly recommended to readers of naval history who want to place it in a larger perspective.

[Daniel Bratell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Who can Hold the Sea is James D. Hornfischer's last book. For many years he struggled with cancer and it finally got him while he was finishing this book about the US Navy post World War 2.

In the introduction and preface he and his wife try to lower the expectations saying that there just was not enough time to fully polish the book, but I still had high expectations.

The book is episodic, probably because it covers several decades. It starts with the WW2 peace after defeating Japan and Germany, when the US was struggling to figure out what to do with a massive military and countless fighting ships. Here the navy develops a way to store ships for future use, to mothball them. I guess while it was hard to see a use for the ships, just scrapping ships built at great expense months earlier was just too painful.

There is also a lot of politics because with a shrinking military there won’t be enough for everyone to do what they want. Bill Hailey, not the brightest of the admirals, but the one with most charisma, is therefore pushed to the front to convince the public and the politicians that the navy is very important for US security.

The book continues with the Korean war, development of naval based nuclear weapons, and nuclear engines as well as underwater missiles, along with the surrounding politics. The Truman doctrine and the Eisenhower doctrine.

The book is not polished. There are parts that should be written differently and there are parts that should be deleted and there are parts that should be fleshed out. There are areas that need more angles, and there are book sections that are disjoint. This doesn’t mean that it’s a terrible book, just that it’s not up to the quality I've come to expect from Hornfischer.

I would give this 2.5 stars, but I will round it down because it is not a 3 star book and I don’t want people to read it with that expectation. It's a collection of information about the events surrounding the US Navy in 1945-60, just as it says in the title. If this is an area that interests you, why not read this book, but there may be better books.

And if you are curious about the US navy and naval stories and haven't read anything before, read any of Hornfischer's other books, not this one.

[Adam Balshan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars [History]
(W: 3.35, U: 3.33, T: 3.33)
Exact rating: 3.34
#44 of 134 in genre

Hornfischer's last book, written as his days were failing.

Great coverage of the dawn of the nuclear age and of some geopolitics.

Despite its subtitle, he should have included at least some information about Soviet parallel capabilities or technological advances; we got only one tidbit when the Soviets recovered an unexploded Sidewinder missile (and thereafter copied the technology).

Written as an overview of the U.S. Navy perspective of 1945-1960, and not intended to duplicate the work of other, minute histories.

[Blazej · Rating 5 out of 5]

The late James D. Hornfischer made his name bringing the dramatic naval battles of World War II to life, crafting vivid accounts of surface warfare that read like thrillers while maintaining rigorous historical accuracy. His books excelled at depicting the visceral intensity of ship-to-ship combat, with crews facing enemy fire in broad daylight across the vast Pacific theater. The Cold War marked an interesting departure. Its naval confrontations were largely invisible, playing out in the shadows through submarine cat-and-mouse games, intelligence gathering, and shows of force rather than direct combat. This required Hornfischer to adapt his trademark action-packed narrative style to capture a different kind of tension - one built on strategic positioning, technological advances, and the constant threat of escalation rather than the adrenaline of actual battle.

Who Can Hold The Sea demonstrates that a true master at his craft can tackle any subject he chooses. It's another Hornfisher classic and it pains me greatly that we won't get any more.

[Bill Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Mr. HornFischer gives an excellent account on the Cold War area between the end of World War II and 1960. The birth of nuclear power and nuclear weapons are clearly discussed. Exceptional role played by the US Navy is emphasized. This gives a great account of what went on behind the scenes in the latter stages of the Truman administration and the Eisenhower administration, well worth reading.

[William Cabell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little too encyclopedic for me. However, there are some excellent narrative sections interspersed about the Bikini atomic tests, naval nuclear power, the first submarine polar transit, and a few other events.

[Ann Salisbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and full of details.

[Ezekiel Carsella · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking to learn about the Cold War and early nuclear engines at sea this is the book.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book, providing a history of the U.S. Navy in the immediate aftermath of World War II and the first decade of the Cold War. This was the author’s, noted Naval historian James Hornfischer, final work. Hornfischer explains the Navy’s transition from a massive power projection force in WWII to its Cold War roles of sea control and strategic deterrence. The technology advances, political battles, and maritime operations of this transition are explained in Hornfischer’s trademark story telling style. The Korean War figures rather prominently in the book, with Hornfischer presenting its combat operations in the same way he previously wrote about WWII’s Pacific campaigns. Hornfischer ably ties together a diverse set of stories, from White House deliberations to mundane sea voyages, as a single narrative about a Navy and it’s strategy undergoing great change. Unfortunately, the book lacks an analysis of these changes, both their internal factors and ultimate utility. A great book for anyone wanting to read stories of the U.S. Navy’s passage to the Jet, Missile, and Atomic Age. Highly recommended for anyone interested in early Cold War operations.

[Randall Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of the late author's. This is a great book, designed it appears to be the first in a series. The story is compelling, the research behind it exhaustive, the narrative exceptionally well-written - all hallmarks of Hornfischer's previous works. My only quibble, and even that is too strong a word, is that it ends rather abruptly.

My guess is that happened given the timing, near the author's passing and his wife's finishing up the manuscript as she describes briefly in her acknowledgments. Hard to blame somebody for rushing to finish a project when your life is quickly passing in front of you. So, don't take this as a criticism, nor a reason not to read this book; see it as a teaser to read this book and whatever comes next. My hope is that his family or his accolytes have the materials/outlines/research, etc., in hand to write the next volume about the US Navy in the Cold War from 1960-present.

Would have loved to see Hornfischer tackle the subject of US - Chinese navy competition in the 21st century, i.e., the "new" cold war. We'll have to leave that to other writers. The two I've read on that subject don't have

What an effort by a man looking at his own mortality! In the final chapter of his life, he gives us another detailed and easily-digestible volume of US naval history, full of interesting characters, strong analysis and well-defined and comprehensible technical details about ship, plane and naval weapon development, strategy and tactics after WW II through the start of the Kennedy administration.

I'll miss reading Hornfischer's books. Hope there are friends, fans, family, colleagues, associates, et al., who will take up his mantle and continue writing about these subjects for mass audiences.

I strongly belive Hornfischer's stature and reputation as a preeminent historian of the modern US Navy will grow as the years pass. I encourage all interested readers to devour this book and enjoy his final effort as I did.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Uncorrected eBook Proof

As World War II ended, peace was a fragile commodity as the Communist threat grew and Joseph Stalin moved aggressively to occupy eastern European states and to establish Soviet-aligned governments.

An absorbing, introspective, and detailed look at the United States Navy during the cold war with the Soviet Union. With air power rapidly becoming a primary focus for the military, there was a struggle for the Navy to remain relevant even as the decision-makers believed ships were obsolete.

Filled with intriguing facts and often little-known information, the author expertly weaves the challenges faced by military and civilian leaders in an emerging superpower struggle defined by strategy, a rapidly-growing technology, and diplomacy that directly affected the Navy during the cold war.

The battlefields were many . . . political, inter-service, technological, strategic . . . yet as the author details the challenges facing the United States Navy in the aftermath of World War II, readers will find the book eminently readable and informative.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, Bantam and NetGalley
#WhoCanHoldtheSea #NetGalley

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A parenthetical note first. The author of this book is one of the most well respected naval historians in the United States. He tragically passed away from cancer in 2021. It is a huge loss. Rest in Peace Mr. Hornfischer. This book is characteristically well written and interesting. It is a period of history that gets short shrift in my opinion and that was part of the allure of the book. There is a great deal of emphasis on the tensions between the Soviet Union and the United States which drove foreign policy and conflicts in our country for decades after WWII. This one is probably best suited for a true history buff but as a final book by a wonderful historian it certainly does credit to its author.

[Philip Bolger · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent military history of the Early Cold War and a fitting ending to Hornfischer's distinguished career as a military historian. While the work certainly carries biases of the author (He is not a fan of the US Air Force or Democrat politicians), these biases are also reflected in the profiles of the sources he has used, so I do not hold that against him.

If you want to understand the US Navy at a pivotal, transformational point in its history, this is an excellent read.

[Ionia · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Who Can Hold the Sea: The U.S. Navy in the Cold War 1945–1960" by James D. Hornfischer is a book that deeply resonated with me, as someone who has a bit of an obsession with war and war related books. What I loved about this book was its comprehensive and spellbinding account of a critical yet often overlooked period in naval history. Hornfischer's narrative seamlessly navigates the post-World War II era, exploring the challenges and transformations the U.S. Navy faced during the early Cold War years.

The book brilliantly captures the transition of the U.S. Navy from its zenith of power in 1945, through the bureaucratic battles in Washington D.C., to its pivotal role in the Korean War. I was particularly fascinated by the portrayal of key figures like James Forrestal, the first Secretary of Defense, and the brilliant but controversial Hyman Rickover, father of the Nuclear Navy. Hornfischer’s sympathetic portrayal of these figures adds a rich layer of depth to the narrative.

Another aspect that stood out for me was the detailed coverage of technological advancements such as the development of nuclear power in submarines and the Sidewinder missile. These innovations not only redefined naval warfare but also left a lasting impact on military strategy--fascinating topic to read about.

However, the book's conclusion feels somewhat abrupt, likely due to Hornfischer's untimely passing. May he be blessed. This unfinished aspect left me desiring more, a testament to the engaging nature of Hornfischer’s storytelling. It's a poignant reminder of the author's talent and his contribution to the field of naval history.

Overall, "Who Can Hold the Sea" is a compelling blend of military history and narrative artistry. It's a fitting tribute to Hornfischer's legacy, offering readers a unique insight into an era that shaped much of today's geopolitical landscape. For anyone interested in naval history or the intricacies of post-World War II military strategy, this book is a must-read.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided by NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why would someone be interested in reading a detailed history of naval operations the decade after WW II? Because, writes Hornfischer, “the geopolitics of the U.S. has been driven by maritime realities more than by any other force.” (214/6806) Much of the book deals with the rivalry between the U.S. Navy and the Soviet Union. It was only at sea, Hornfischer says, that the U.S. was superior to Moscow. (1900/6806)

This is a great book for history buffs but would also be of interest to those who want to understand the current relationships between major nations. Many of the nations currently allied in causes formed those alliances as a result of WW II. Hornfischer's description of the developing situation in the USSR after WW II sounds much like what is happening today. I now understand how the concept developed that the U.S. should be responsible for the security of all mankind, the force needed to secure the freedom of the world. (1578/6806)

Hornfischer writes well. What could be boring history is brought alive under his pen. I was caught up in his engaging account of the fire in the sub USS Cochino and the rescue action. The strange events around the death of Forrestal reads like a mystery novel. I had read about the testing of atomic bombs by Bikini but learned a great deal about how and why it was done. So much about radioactivity was unknown at the time great lengths were taken to understand its effects. We are taken through the Korean War, the Suez Canal crisis, the development of missiles, and the engaging trip of the USS Nautilus under the ice of the North Pole on its second attempt.

This book is well written and interesting. I appreciate the information contained, presented in a readable way.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Urey Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Often interesting - but often disjointed and rambling, fluctuating between anecdotal event narratives and broader influences and events. There are roughly three chapters devoted to the Marines in Korea - to on the Chosen Reservoir campaign. Two chapters on two submarines dispatched to the northern latitudes, one of which sunk after an onboard battery casualty. There is a short narrative off regarding the development of th Sidewinder missile. One chapter is titled Revolt of the Admirals - a seminal event in the aftermath of the defense unification act and the bitter inter-service fighting that ensued, not to mention the mistaken policies of the Truman Administration that gave impetus to it all...but you don't learn a lot about the revolt of the admirals. And on top of it all, the book could use the services of a meticulous proof reader! There are missing words, duplicated sentences, mistaken names used, and weird transitions in mid-thought ... for example, referring to a CNO by name but in the next sentence referring to another, then back to the first one with no transition for the reader or notice that one succeeded the other and the interim event mentioned occurred years after the topic in discussion. General O.P Smith USMC commanding the Marines at Chosin is described as joining regiments with MacArthur's... who of course was Supreme Commander located in Japan and not personally commanding any regiments in Korea anywhere near Smith's Marines. It is disruptive for the reader.

That said, the scattered historical moments selected and narrated by the author are interesting - the budget battles, the development of nuclear power and nuclear submarines, the Sidewinder, James Forrestal and the containment policy that evolved from George Kennan's "Long Memo"and more ... so worth reading, but not really what it is meant to be, I think.

[Tanner Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is very little about navies that I do not find fascinating. Jim Hornfischer's book "The Fleet at Flood Tide" was the match that lit that flame. I remember listening to the narrator describe the awesome might of the U.S. Navy toward the conclusion of the Second World War and wondering if the world would ever know such a power again. Since then, I have read a few more of his books and each has been superb. Unfortunately for all--but especially his family--Jim passed away from cancer before he could properly finish "Who Can Hold the Sea." His five-star style of writing, which carries the first two thirds of this book swiftly along, collapses toward the end. His trademark storytelling and insight all but disappear just as things start getting "good."

In my opinion, Bantam Books and Jim Hornfischer's estate should have accepted that this wasn't truly a history of the Cold War. It covers 1945-1955 in tremendous detail, but 1955-1960 are missing the same attention. They should have cut "in the Cold War" from the subtitle to more accurately market the excellent history told here. This is a great history of the evolution of the U.S. Navy after World War II. Jim Hornfischer gives the reader a fantastic insight into how the Navy rebuilt itself after decommissioning most of its 1,000+ ships in 1945-1946. The section on the Korean War was riveting through-and-through. As were the stories of how the Navy contributed to the rise of NATO, the Marshall Plan, SEATO, and other organizations.

I liked this book. I wish Jim had had the time to finish it.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like the title says, this is a history of the US Navy from 1945-1960. The rush to return all the sailors home, the increase of missions as the Cold War heated up, and the internal fights/scuffles over limited budgets.

Why I started this book: The US Navy Professional Reading List introduced me to Hornfischer with his titles of The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors: The Extraordinary World War II Story of the U.S. Navy's Finest Hour and The Fleet at Flood Tide: America at Total War in the Pacific, 1944-1945. I was thrilled that he had written another book and was so eager to start it.

Why I finished it: This whole book was so bittersweet because in the introduction, the reader is informed that Hornfischer knew that he was racing the clock and his illness with this book. His wife apologized that the ending was more abrupt than in his earlier works. Fascinating to see all the threads that Hornfischer traced and how they fit into the larger national and international dialog.

[Florence Buchholz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a monumental history of the United States Navy during a very dangerous and unsettling period. Before reading it I did not realize the volatility of world events and the danger to humanity posed by the continued development of nuclear weapons after the Second World War ended. I was shocked by how casually US military planners considered using so-called doomsday weapons in the Korean War, in Vietnam, and in practically any military standoff involving Soviet Russia. I am thankful that cooler heads prevailed. I now appreciate the steady leadership of President Eisenhower as never before.

This book went from a chapter of somwhat placid recitation of names and numbers to a heart rending submarine rescue under Arctic blizzard conditions that had me rapidly turning pages. I don't remember ever reading anything so dramatically mesmerizing before. Unfortunately, the event was a tragedy for some heroic sailors.

I had been unaware that the Korean War involved an invasion of Chinese troops, attacks by Soviet air support, or the heavy losses suffered by US Marines. Similarly, I didn't know that the US Navy had been involved in defending Taiwan territory under attack by mainland China.

I am grateful to the late author for this book, his last contribution of naval history which did so much to enlighten me. The ongoing development of powerful weapons of war gives me an uneasy feeling. I hope our present and future leaders have the wisdom to prevent their use.

[Brian Miracle · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Hornfischer masterfully covered the World War 2 naval war in the Pacific in his books Ship of Ghosts, Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors, Neptune’s Inferno, and The Fleet at Flood Tide. In the final book written before his tragic death from cancer, he covered the role of the US Navy from 1945-1960. Today, we see our fleet constantly deployed, often being the first force on the scene in a crisis. However, with the dawn of the atomic age, many questioned the necessity to even have a navy.

Cold War events quickly showed that a strong fleet was essential for protecting the interests of the US and its allies against encroaching communism. Hornfischer covers naval support during the Cold War, in Korea and the Middle East. The book culminates with the launch of the Polaris missile from a submarine, establishing the ballistic missile submarine as the new capital ship.

Hornfischer explains the political, economic, and military reasons that governed naval development and use. As he explains, he only covers to 1960, meaning other people would need to explore the later years of the Cold War.

James Hornfischer was the master of naval history for the last 20 years. Although I didn’t personally know him, I greatly enjoyed his books. Farewell, Jim. I and many others will miss him.

[Mark Luongo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The late author wrote another work that will help cement his legacy in the writing of United States Naval history, the Navy from the end of the Second World War, beginnings of the "Cold War" to "Polaris."
He addresses the numerous changes in technology that confronted the service as it navigated the post war, nuclear world as well as the strategy that would need to be developed to confront the Soviet Union around the globe. Not always easy as money and politics dictated as to what was going to done and not done. He credits the British with coming up with the fixes that allowed aircraft carriers to remain relevant and the naval officers like Arleigh Burke who didn't suffer from shortsightedness.
I liked the job he did on the Korean War with what worked and what didn't for naval aviation. Got to love those old Corsairs and Skyraiders for that close-in air support. And the story of the U.S.S. Nautilus from the keel up to its voyage to the North Pole. The groundbreaking work and doggedness of Hyman Rickover made it possible.
It is a shame that Mr. Hornfischer passed away and our loss that there will be no more books of his caliber. But we can hope. Fair winds and Following Seas to you, sir.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following Japan’s surrender, American ships took the several million soldiers and deactivating nearly 2,000 ships. However, by the end of the year, naval leaders confronted a battle, as Congress was considering a bill to unify the Navy and Army under a single leader. According to Congress, that would save money and increase efficiency but the Navy convinced Congress not to do that. The Navy’s admirals felt strongly they were the first line of defense for the United States. The Navy dwarfed all others and controlled the world’s sea lanes throughout the Cold War era to present day. I found out about how the atomic bomb and nuclear power shaped the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and Russia.

There is much more information about the Navy that the author tells. Until I read this book I had no idea how important the Navy was for our defense. I am so glad that I read this naval history book. I am confident that anyone in the military (present or retired) would enjoy reading this book. I think any adult would enjoy the book.

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own

[Robert Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is James Hornfischers last book, it makes me sad that this man who has written some of the best Naval history in my opinion that I have read has passed from us. His books took me to places only great writers can and make you feel you are part of the story. This book takes us back to the first 15 years of the Cold War, a place where the world was facing the Communist lie that only some understood. The beginning of that war had few who understood how to fight it without blowing up the planet. To most this was a time when weapons changed over night from horror to nightmarish forms that there use meant after there use would have no defined winners. Only a few understood there was only one place to hide a deterrence to war and that was under the sea. This is that story and the birth of the new Capital Ship that would not rule the waves, but the depths of the ocean. James Hornfischer has told a remarkable story as he always has done in his books… I did not want this book to end, for there is more to tell, some additional thirty years of the Cold War Story that needs to be told. But… this was an excellent start for another writer of James Hornfischers caliber… that writer has big shoes to fill.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with all of the late author's work, the prose is drum tight and almost compulsively readable. Notably among his work, this book reads as if it WERE written between 1945-1960. Not a single Soviet or Chinese source is quoted, much less a Korean, Vietnamese, or, for that matter, Japanese or East-European, or even a dockworker, enlisted rate, or stevedore. The Commies are EVIL and EXPANDING, the Admirals and Secretaries (except for Louis A. Johnson-- and, I mean, everyone hated that guy...) are stoic, firm, and ready to STOP AGGRESSION.

Not that even a lefty like me can totally discount elements of these conclusions even as they enjoy the beautiful prose. It's just that, unlike his WWII books, the lack of any real sense of historical contingency (he does thoughtfully note that the inability to directly negotiate with the PRC in 1950 was a root cause of the expansion of China in the Korean war... one wonders if it helps that he can conveniently blame a Democratic president for this?) means the very real case that Stalin and Mao were particularly odious dictators who did indeed need containment is lost to overstatement of the face-value Cold War case.