Sub Tales 3 is the third entry in the "Sub Tales" series and the sixth book written by authors and brothers Charles and Frank Hood. The Hoods have established a niche in the storytelling of exploits both famous and obscure in the captivating history of the US Submarine Force. Sub Tales 3 comprises 18 original lengthy stories that cover a wide variety of topics, historical figures, and eras. From tales of heroism and courage under duress to more lighthearted discussions about the Silent Service, Sub Tales 3 is crammed full of interesting details that are sure to please the submarine veteran or enthusiast. Accompanying the stories—many told from the first-hand perspective with the assistance of dozens of submariners who experienced the action themselves—are more than 425 photos, maps, and diagrams to enhance the reader’s progress and comprehension. Each of the visual entries is carefully captioned to provide even more intriguing details about the chapter topics.
You’ll ride with the legendary submarine captains Howard Gilmore and Whitey Mack. You’ll circumnavigate the globe with the men of the USS Gudgeon and the USS Archerfish. You’ll stand alongside the pharmacist’s mate tending to the medical problems of his fellow World War II submariners. You’ll learn about the taming of the atom to create the first atomic bomb and then come to understand how one man’s vision of the peaceful use of nuclear power came to transform the US Navy. You’ll take detailed looks at the operations of the second US nuclear submarine, the USS Seawolf, learn about the amazing career of the man largely responsible for the rescue chamber that saved submariners aboard the USS Squalus in 1939 and go aboard the NR-1—the unique mini-sub that combed the ocean depths.
Sub Tales 3 contains several heart-pounding tales of men skirting death aboard submarines; not all episodes ended well, but the brave actions of those who stayed at their posts or found novel ways to mitigate disaster will inspire you. Witness the improbable rescue of airmen from the Western Pacific Ocean during a typhoon in 1972. Marvel at the fortitude of the single sailor who sacrificed his life to save the entire boat during an explosion in port in 1960. You’ll find out why the US Navy built partial submarines in the Idaho desert, and why both a weapon named “SUBROC” and a scientific principle called “natural circulation” gained popularity in submarine circles. These treasures, and many others, await your discovery. Along with the first two volumes of the trilogy, Sub Tales and More Sub Tales, and the follow-up entry published in 2023, Sub Tales 4, this 722-page book will entertain, enlighten, and occasionally astound you. There are so many wonderful stories of the US Submarine Force to tell—and none of our stories betray any oaths of secrecy.
Other books in the collection include Poopie Suits and Cowboy Boots and the three-volume retrospective The Silent Service Remembers--all exclusively available on Amazon in both printed and e-book formats.
Of note, the Hoods donated the first $50,000 gained from the sales of their books entirely to the Charitable Foundation of the US Submarine Veterans, Inc., a philanthropic effort to give back to the submarine community at large. Their books are intended as a collective homage to the valor of the men (and now women) who “wear the dolphins.”
Thank you for your continued support of our endeavors, and we look forward to sharing more stories down the road.
Charles Hood is the medical director of the radiology department at Laurens County Hospital in Upstate South Carolina. A graduate of the University of South Carolina and Wake Forest University, he has 30 years of physician experience in the specialty of Diagnostic Radiology. For his contribution to submarine history and philanthropy, Charles was awarded the Robert Link National Commander’s Award in 2020. He lives with his wife Anita on Lake Murray near Columbia, South Carolina. Charles enjoys writing, family history, hiking near his hometown of Pickens, reading (especially American history), and guitar.
Full disclosure - I'm an associate editor of this book, mainly contributing with regards to nuclear reactor design and operations as well as general editing. None of the stories are mine.
That said, Sub Tales 3 (which, as implied, is the third volume) contains many fascinating submarine-related stories. I think a lot of the non-submariner community gets their impression of military submarines from movies like Hunt For Red October, Das Boot, Run Silent Run Deep and Crimson Tide, among others. With this book, you'll read about real submarines and real submarine history. Even with my background on subs, I had no idea about a lot of what is written here.
Considering the unusual situation on a submarine It’s encouraging to see the extraordinary efforts to select people in an all volunteer service and encouraging the high lever of training and readiness in this service.
Every chapter is unique and stands alone. Stories of bravery, sacrifice and fun. Even if uouve never sailed on a boat, you will start to understand this world after finishing this volume..