As in previous years, the list of notable naval books for 2012 was compiled, refined, and ultimately decided by a number of people, all of whom are widely recognized for their knowledge of matters pertaining to the sea services. Because the list is subjective and may cause some disagreement, the individuals will remain anonymous. Their contributions are nevertheless recognized and most appreciated.
Only books published in the previous calendar year are included, restricted to a maximum of 20. The basic criterion for selection is that books must contribute to the edification of naval professionals in some meaningful way. In many cases, these works do so by expanding our knowledge of a certain subject; or they may serve as stimuli for discussion and debate. Occasionally a book appears that contributes by inspiration or shedding light on our basic understanding of who and what we are. Standard reference and professional works such as Janes’ Fighting Ships and the Watch Officer’s Guide are not included. Obviously these books are notable, but for readers of this list, mentioning them annually would be not only redundant but also unnecessary.
The books appear in alphabetical order by title, thereby avoiding any perceptions of hierarchical ranking or favoritism. Because the Naval Institute is first and foremost an open forum, we welcome the disagreements these selections will likely stimulate.
The Admirals: Nimitz, Halsey, Leahy, and King: The 5-Star Admirals Who Won the War at Sea by Walter R. Borneman (Little, Brown)
Award-winning historian Walter Borneman focuses on the only four individuals to wear five stars as fleet admirals in the U.S. Navy. While William Leahy, Ernest King, Chester Nimitz, and William Halsey shared this distinction and certainly had many other things in common (especially key roles in World War II), much about them made them unique and therefore excellent subjects for a biography of this type. As fate would have it, these men not only played key roles in history, they knew one other and in different situations were rivals or friends, sometimes both. Borneman’s treatment of them is balanced, informative, and enticingly presented; his book stands well among the many successful works that focus on the greatest sea war of all time.
(For a full review, see January 2013 Naval History.)
America’s Black Sea Fleet: The U.S. Navy Amidst War and Revolution, 1919–1923 by Robert Shenk (Naval Institute Press)
Delving into a little-known aspect of U.S. naval history, Robert Shenk draws on many previously unexplored sources to provide a thorough, engaging study of the Navy’s involvement in a distant part of the world that is not often associated with the United States or its maritime services. Contrasting the party-like atmosphere enjoyed by sailors on shore leave with the horrific events (including massacres and famine) that occurred in that part of the world in the aftermath of World War I, Shenk recreates a time and place largely unknown to all but historians. Although the dramatic events are shrouded by the cobwebs of history, some of the players (Allen Dulles, William Leahy, and Thomas Kinkaid, for example) are familiar for the subsequent roles they played in other major events. Noted historian David Winkler calls this “an instant candidate for the CNO’s recommended reading list,” and C. Herbert Gilliland (author of Voyage to a Thousand Cares) credits Shenk with bringing “to life a time and place for which ‘colorful’ is too pale a word.”
The CIA’s Greatest Covert Operation: Inside the Daring Mission to Recover a Nuclear-Armed Soviet Sub by David H. Sharp (University Press of Kansas)
Hailed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers as the 20th century’s greatest marine engineering feat, “Project Azorian” was also highly successful as a Cold War covert action. If that were not enough high drama, the operation involved the eccentric and enigmatic tycoon Howard Hughes. Recovering a lost Soviet submarine was a worthy espionage endeavor but also risked a dangerous confrontation with the Soviet Union at a time when the line between hot and cold war was fine and tenuous. Already ably documented, this latest account has the advantage of being written by the project’s Director of Recovery Systems, bringing to life some of the key players and providing insight that only a participant can offer.
(For a full review, see October 2012 Proceedings.)
Commander: The Life and Exploits of Britain’s Greatest Frigate Captain by Stephen Taylor (W. W. Norton)
Stephen Taylor’s biography of Edward Pellew fills a void in age-of-sail literature by bringing to life one of the Royal Navy’s more important and engagingly human commanders. Among many other laurels, Pellew was captain of the legendary Indefatigable, and his success story is enhanced by his unlikely origins and by the powerful enemies he made. Pellew served as both model and participant in the iconic Hornblower (C. S. Forester) and Jack Aubry (Patrick O’Brian) novels and is now the centerpiece in an important non-fiction work.
(For a full review, see March 2013 Naval History.)
Drift: The Unmooring of American Military Power by Rachel Maddow (Crown)
In Drift, cited by the Washington Post as one of the “50 Notable Works of Nonfiction for 2012,” well-known television personality Rachel Maddow effectively moves from pixels to paper by writing an attention-getting treatise that has garnered immense praise from diverse quarters and provides much food for thought. Contending that militarily America has drifted away from its original ideals, Maddow makes a compelling case that is impressively constructed and very readable. Reviewing the period from Vietnam to Afghanistan, she explores the rise of executive authority, the trend toward outsourcing many military functions to the private sector, the growing disparity in numbers between those who serve and those who don’t, and a number of other relevant topics. NBC’s Tom Brokaw describes Drift as “a long overdue and provocative examination of the abuses, excesses and just plain foolish elements in our national security systems,” and Roger Ailes of Fox News writes, “Rachel Maddow makes valid arguments that our country has been drifting towards questionable wars, draining our resources, without sufficient input and time. People who like Rachel will love the book. People who don’t will get angry, but aggressive debate is good for America. Drift is a book worth reading.”
(For a full review, see March 2013 Proceedings.)
Enterprise: America’s Fightingest Ship and the Men Who Helped Win World War II by Barrett Tillman (Simon and Schuster)
Nicknamed “the fightingest ship in the U.S. Navy” for very good reasons, the USS Enterprise (CV-6) is one of those ships that stand out in a proud pantheon of seagoing combatants. She sank a Japanese submarine just three days after Pearl Harbor, participated in the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo in the earliest days of the war, played vital roles at Midway and Guadalcanal, and continued combat operations through the last days of the war. Telling statistics are that she is credited with destroying 71 enemy ships and 911 aircraft, and 41 men who served in her during her relatively brief service life subsequently had ships named after them. Barrett Tillman, one of our foremost aviation writers, recounts this impressive story through the eyes of the men who stood the watches, flew from her flight deck, planned operations and strategy from her flag spaces, and kept her fighting through nearly four years of combat. Sadly, the “Big E” was cut up for scrap when her days of glory were over, but Tillman has preserved an important part of her for posterity in the pages of this excellent book. Both author and subject deserve much credit.
(For a full review, see September 2012 Naval History.)
Front Burner: Al Qaeda’s Attack on the USS Cole by Kirk Lippold (Public Affairs)
Commander Lippold was the commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG-67) when she was attacked and nearly sunk by al Qaeda terrorists in Yemen a year before 9/11. His account is up close and personal, presenting a unique perspective on an extraordinary event. There is undisguised emotion in these pages, the lion’s share focused on the bravery and sacrifice of his crew, which makes an important historical event a human drama as well. Kirkus Reviews describes it as “the last outrage before 9/11 which should have galvanized our leaders but didn’t,” and HistoryNet calls this book “an earnestly told tale of bravery and determination” in which Lippold’s “pride in his crew is palpable.”
(For a full review, see March 2013 Proceedings.)
The Generals: American Military Command from World War II to Today by Thomas E. Ricks (Penguin)
With his typical “pull-no-punches” approach, renowned writer-analyst Tom Ricks surveys American generalship from World War II to the present, concluding that a lot has changed over that period, and much of it not good. His thesis is summed up well in a quote from an Army colonel uttered during the recent Iraq War: “As matters stand now, a private who loses a rifle suffers far greater consequences than a general who loses a war.” Ricks points out that during World War II, generals were frequently relieved from their commands when unable to produce satisfactory results; and then he contrasts that with current practices. He explores the reasons for this radical difference and offers some possible solutions that will resonate with many, worry others, and hopefully serve as the catalyst to some meaningful discussions and favorable changes.
(For a full review, see January 2013 Proceedings.)
Hell in the Pacific: A Marine Rifleman’s Journey From Guadalcanal to Peleliu by Jim McEnery and Bill Sloan (Simon and Schuster)
Master of the combat narrative Bill Sloan teams with Jim McEnery to record the latter’s experiences as a Marine in World War II. The result is a gripping account that Kirkus describes as “a thoroughly satisfying account of war in the South Pacific packed with fireworks, tragedy and horseplay.” McEnery’s unit—made famous by the renowned HBO mini-series The Pacific—saw action in some of the bloodiest battles of the war, including Guadalcanal, Cape Gloucester, and Peleliu, and McEnery’s memories of those clashes are vividly preserved by Sloan’s talented pen.
(For a full review, see November 2012 Proceedings.)
In Full Glory Reflected: Discovering the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake by Ralph E. Eshelman and Burton K. Kummerow (Maryland Historical Society)
Much of the all-but-forgotten War of 1812 took place in the Chesapeake region. Not least was the heroic, strategically important American stand at Baltimore’s Fort McHenry, which led Francis Scott Key to pen the words that would later become the lyrics to the national anthem. This stunningly illustrated account effectively records those important events and, as an added attraction, serves as a guide for those who want to explore the actual sites by traveling the so-called “Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail.”
(For a full review, see March 2013 Naval History.)
Intrepid Sailors: The Legacy of Preble’s Boys and the Tripoli Campaign by Chipp Reid (Naval Institute Press)
Award-winning journalist Chipp Reid uses his considerable skills to review a period in U.S. history when courage and audacity were abundant and served as compensation for the small size and fledgling status of the nation’s Navy. With a cast of characters that includes the likes of Edward Preble, Stephen Decatur, and Thomas Macdonough, this is a story that tempts the usage of such terms as “swashbuckling.” Among Reid’s accomplishments is his ability to blend the actions of many of the key figures with their own words, providing added insight into their character as well as explaining their motivations and subsequent actions. Despite many other extant works on this period, impeccable research, excellent writing, and a real sense of drama make Intrepid Sailors a welcome addition.
In the Shadow of Greatness: Voices of Leadership, Sacrifice, and Service from America’s Longest War by the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2002, Joshua Welle, John Ennis, Katherine Kranz, and Graham Plaster (Naval Institute Press)
When a young Navy lieutenant showed up at the offices of the Naval Institute and said he and his classmates wanted to write this book, the editors were skeptical that they could pull it off. But not only did the authors succeed in what seemed like an impossible task, they also managed to deliver a truly unique book that has been acclaimed by the likes of Tom Brokaw (“a must read for all Americans”) and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen (“thank you for sharing your stories and opening America’s eyes to the challenges faced by your generation, which in my view really is the next ‘greatest generation’”). In his foreword, David Gergen explains that these young men and women “were members of the first class to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy after al Qaeda struck the United States,” and that they “soon became known as the ‘9/11 generation.’” As newly commissioned officers in the Navy and Marine Corps, they “scattered far and wide” (as directed by the lyrics of their alma mater) to the distant corners of the globe and, for the next decade, met the new challenges and made the sacrifices mandated by a new world order. This refreshingly different book is both edifying and uplifting (and proves that acquisitions editors are not always right).
(For a full review, see September 2012 Proceedings.)
The Long Walk: A Story of War and the Life That Follows by Brian Castner (Doubleday)
A visit to Amazon.com reveals a long scroll of rave reviews that make it clear this is not your typical memoir. A story about soldiers involved in explosive ordnance disposal is likely to be a gripping read even without the added values found in this one. Beginning his account with the words “The first thing you should know about me is that I’m crazy,” Brian Castner opens a narrative gauntlet that promises powerful intimacy, and he delivers. As much about what happens after multiple tours in the Middle East as it is about what it is like to go work each day in a job that includes facing death almost routinely, this is not escapist reading. Although no one will ever find an effective algorithm for accurately measuring the costs of war, this book takes us a step closer.
(For a full review, see February 2013 Proceedings.)
A Man and His Ship: America’s Greatest Naval Architect and His Quest to Build the SS United States by Steven Ujifusa (Simon and Schuster)
Although his origins made his achievement seem unlikely (he suffered from debilitating shyness and a lack of formal training), William Francis Gibbs overcame many obstacles to become America’s foremost naval architect in the middle decades of the 20th century. His crowning accomplishment was the SS United States, a luxury liner considered by many to be the ultimate in ocean-going passenger transport. Steven Ujifusa deftly tells the story of this man, the ship he built, and the long-gone era that allowed both to flourish.
(For a full review, see February 2013 Proceedings.)
No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission That Killed Osama Bin Laden by Mark Owen with Kevin Maurer (Dutton)
This book is controversial. The authors and publisher failed to clear it through the Department of Defense to ensure no classified information was being revealed, and the primary author, writing under a pseudonym, broke the tradition of silence regarding SEAL missions. It is notable as a first-hand account of one of the most dramatic military missions in this young century. “Owen” was a member of the special-forces team that killed Osama bin Laden, and his moment-by-moment account of that harrowing mission is both revealing and riveting. He provides an enticing, close-up look at SEAL operations in general and a great historic moment specifically.
Pirate Alley: Commanding Task Force 151 off Somalia by Rear Admiral Terry McKnight, U.S. Navy (Retired) and Michael Hirsh (Naval Institute Press)
Although written by a participant (the overall commander, no less), this is more than a memoir. Admiral McKnight has incorporated his first-hand experience into a serious study of an international problem with wide-reaching ramifications. While the word “pirate” conjures romantic images from days of yore, the problem is truly modern and a long way from Disney attractions and Johnny Depp movies. Costing billions each year and jeopardizing the crews of merchant vessels and the owners of private craft, today’s piracy is too significant to ignore, yet very difficult to eradicate. In his foreword, NBC’s Jim Miklaszewski acknowledges that McKnight “pulls no punches” and has provided “a straightforward, honest account of the daunting challenges, bureaucratic hang-ups, and tough choices facing the international community in combating piracy.” McKnight’s observations, insights, and urged countermeasures make this a worthwhile read.
(For a full review, see January 2013 Proceedings.)
Those Who Have Borne the Battle: A History of America’s Wars and Those Who Fought Them by James Wright (Public Affairs)
Historian and Marine veteran James Wright explores the complex—sometimes inexplicable—relationship between this nation and the men and women who defend it. Ranging from the Revolutionary War to today, this intriguing work serves as a comprehensive history, an introspective examination, and a challenge for future improvement. Dr. John Nagl (Minerva Professor at the U.S. Naval Academy) describes it as “empathetic, informed by [the author’s] personal knowledge of the sacrifices and joys of military service, and deeply compelling.”
(For a full review, see December 2012 Proceedings.)
Undefeated: America’s Heroic Fight for Bataan and Corregidor by Bill Sloan (Simon and Schuster)
This is the powerful story of Americans who fought the Japanese for four long months of intense combat in the Philippines during the earliest days of World War II, then continued to resist—despite great hardships—for three years following their capture. As further testament to their resilience, more than 30 of these men provided the exclusive interviews upon which this book is based. Their stories, coupled with Bill Sloan’s writing talents, make this a compelling read that prompted Publisher’s Weekly to opine: “Sloan demonstrates that if captivity is a state of being, defeat is only a state of mind.”
(For a full review, see April 2012 Proceedings.)
USS Monitor: A Historic Ship Completes Its Final Voyage by John D. Broadwater (Texas A&M University Press)
Less than nine moths after making history and forever changing naval warfare by engaging the CSS Virginia in the world’s first clash of ironclads at Hampton Roads, the USS Monitor succumbed to an even more powerful enemy as she sank in heavy seas, taking 16 of her crew to the bottom. Her location was unknown for more than 100 years, but in 1973 she was found, and in 1995 was partially recovered. This well-illustrated account tells the full story of that recovery and the subsequent management and protection of her artifacts. Written by a man who played a key role in these operations, this book will likely become a classic of maritime archaeology.
(For a full review, see January 2013 Naval History.)
Zumwalt: The Life and Times of Admiral Elmo Russell “Bud” Zumwalt, Jr. by Larry Berman (Harper)
Larry Berman took on a daunting challenge in writing about the polarizing admiral who shook the Navy to its core in the 1970s. Writing about so controversial a figure guarantees that an author is likely to alienate at least half his audience no matter how he portrays his subject. Admiral Elmo Zumwalt is one of those people who was (and still is, among those old enough to remember) seen as either heroic or heretic, because of his controversial leadership at a time when sweeping changes—some natural, others instigated by Zumwalt—were under way. Promoted over the heads of many senior to him, Zumwalt had enemies the day he took office. But his subsequent policies, often communicated through “Z-grams” that many contended violated the chain of command, brought him the most anathema, as well as a great deal of ultimate respect. Once described as the “relief valve” that the Navy sorely needed to release the pressure built over decades of so-called “chicken regs,” Zumwalt was sometimes seen as disruptive, interloping, even destructive. Despite the lightning-rod aspects of his subject, Berman’s worthwhile biography of this important naval figure has garnered favorable reviews and will likely reinvigorate some of the discussions and passions of the past.
(For a full review, see January 2013 Naval History.)