Big Red: The Three-Month Voyage of a Trident Nuclear Submarine

Rating:
Summary: Now This is Reality
Review: After reading this book I may never be able to read another underwater fiction novel again. The book actually reads like a novel, with many characters contributing to the outcome of the book, with the difference being that this story is ongoing.

The points made in the book for the continuance of these deterrent patrols is a strong one. I am sure there are people who actually believe that the world is a great big happy place now and these submarines are an anachronism at best. And to those people I would say, read this book, see what is going on and sleep well.

However, and you knew there just had to be a "however", I have just one criticism of the book. Or to be precise, the way some of the crew members are described. It is almost a reverse prejudice, a sort of "look how much we entrust to these people" kind of thing. What I mean by this is that when Mr. Waller is describing crew members, he invariably tells of them being tall, dark haired, whatever. But when a Black crewmember is described, Mr. Waller goes out of his way to point out that this is a Black person he is talking about. Almost as if to say, "see, they are here and we do give them important jobs." I have actually noticed this sort of thing in other books, and it just seems to leap off the page at me when I see it.

Aside from this, the book is excellent and I would rate it a "go out and buy" type of book. You will not be dissappointed.

Rating:
Summary: Now This is Reality
Review: After reading this book I may never be able to read another underwater fiction novel again. The book actually reads like a novel, with many characters contributing to the outcome of the book, with the difference being that this story is ongoing.

The points made in the book for the continuance of these deterrent patrols is a strong one. I am sure there are people who actually believe that the world is a great big happy place now and these submarines are an anachronism at best. And to those people I would say, read this book, see what is going on and sleep well.

However, and you knew there just had to be a "however", I have just one criticism of the book. Or to be precise, the way some of the crew members are described. It is almost a reverse prejudice, a sort of "look how much we entrust to these people" kind of thing. What I mean by this is that when Mr. Waller is describing crew members, he invariably tells of them being tall, dark haired, whatever. But when a Black crewmember is described, Mr. Waller goes out of his way to point out that this is a Black person he is talking about. Almost as if to say, "see, they are here and we do give them important jobs." I have actually noticed this sort of thing in other books, and it just seems to leap off the page at me when I see it.

Aside from this, the book is excellent and I would rate it a "go out and buy" type of book. You will not be dissappointed.

Rating:
Summary: As close as you'll get to being there...
Review: As a former submariner on U.S. fast attack submarines, I was skeptical as to how accurate this book could be.

I was hooked before the end of the first chapter -- in fact, I was blown out of the water, pardon the pun.

The author must have not only gotten immense cooperation from the navy, but also from many of the sailors. The level of candor in this book is unparalleled.

The book started to read like a glowing review of submarines, where no one was less than 100% gung-ho navy. But you soon start to see some of the attitudes of real people -- not everyone is happy in their job, many people become exhausted, lonely, and scared -- it's not all medals and photo opportunities.

I can't wait to have my family and friends read this book -- it discusses the life I had lived in subs in detail and clarity that I could never hope to achieve -- you won't get a more accurate picture without signing on the dotted line.


Rating:
Summary: BIG RED
Review: I am a veteran of 22 years and 17 FBM submarine patrols including 5 years onboard a diesel submarine. What made me throw the book in the garbage can was when the author starts to praise the unique intellengence of a sailor because the individual achived the rank of E-7 or Cheif Petty Officer. That is far from the truth. There are many E-6 Petty Officers in the Submarine Service that have more brains and knowledge than the E-7 that they work for. The only reason an E-7 has so much power is because he is constantly protecting the back side of the other group of ELITE individuals called OFFICERS. It is the Officers that have made the Navy a corrupt branch of the Armed Forces. I work for the United States Army and from what I have seen and experienced the Navy should take lessons from the Army on how to treat individuals with the rank of E-1 thru E-6. I would never let my son join the Navy. It is corrupt. I am quite sure the Navy had a lot to say as to how the book was written and what went into it. It is a sad case when the author stooped so low in writting this book. I regret that I served 22 years in the Navy.

Rating:
Summary: wow
Review: I finished this book wanting to read more. As I read the part about the simulated launch of the missiles, I was chilled to the bone about what would happen if they had to be launched for real. I have a better apreciation of the Navy, especially its submarine service, because now I know that it is in excellent hands.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting Reading about an Atypical Assignment
Review: The modern U.S. nucelar Navy owes its roots to Hyman Rickover, and from what is described in Big Red, he would undoubtedly be proud of what goes on today. This story of a patrol in the USS Nebraska, an Ohio class ballistic missile submarine, is unusual in its level of access that the author was granted to chart the course of a patrol through its sailors and officers.

The U.S. Navy is rare in that its crews, especially on the "boomers," will sail for months underwater and still have few problems while at sea. The book does a credible job at describing the feelings of the men being away froh home and everyday things, as well as noting what goes on back home with their families.

The inevitable drills, maintenance issues and daily life aboard these submarines are described, as are the hopes of the men aboard that their mission never comes to pass. Big Red is a thoughtful account, but could use a little more revision in some of its facts and details. This is not meant to slam the book, since there are very few out there describing the silent service of today so thoroughly, but is just a general criticism.

As an interesting and informative work about the world of many of our young people in an elite, all-volunteer undersea world at work, this book deserves a spot on the submarine fan's library shelf.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting Reading about an Atypical Assignment
Review: The modern U.S. nucelar Navy owes its roots to Hyman Rickover, and from what is described in Big Red, he would undoubtedly be proud of what goes on today. This story of a patrol in the USS Nebraska, an Ohio class ballistic missile submarine, is unusual in its level of access that the author was granted to chart the course of a patrol through its sailors and officers.

The U.S. Navy is rare in that its crews, especially on the "boomers," will sail for months underwater and still have few problems while at sea. The book does a credible job at describing the feelings of the men being away froh home and everyday things, as well as noting what goes on back home with their families.

The inevitable drills, maintenance issues and daily life aboard these submarines are described, as are the hopes of the men aboard that their mission never comes to pass. Big Red is a thoughtful account, but could use a little more revision in some of its facts and details. This is not meant to slam the book, since there are very few out there describing the silent service of today so thoroughly, but is just a general criticism.

As an interesting and informative work about the world of many of our young people in an elite, all-volunteer undersea world at work, this book deserves a spot on the submarine fan's library shelf.

Rating:
Summary: Let's hope we never need them........
Review: The USS Nebraska is one of the best submarines out there. It is almost constatly on duty, sailing underwater for months at a time, its crew at the ready to launch a horrific death upon whomever the President of the United States tells them to. This is the story of how they do what they do, and how they cope with life in cramped quarters, no natural sunlight, 18 hour days rather than 24 and the pride these men take in doing their job.

Waller spends little time trying to editorialize what the men of the USS Nebraska do while underway, rather he lets them tell their stories through interviews and stories. By using this no nonsense approach Waller allows the men speak for themselves and let you look into a world very few outsiders have ever been able to peer into. I felt honored just to have read Big Red and I hope I never have to have the crew do their job.