Surface at the Pole, James Calvert
Surface at the Pole, James Calvert
List: $19.99 | Sale: $13.99
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Surface at the Pole
The Extraordinary Voyages of the USS Skate

Author: James Calvert

Narrator: Tom Perkins

Unabridged: 7 hr 31 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 02/25/2020


Synopsis

On 17 March 1959, the USS Skate became the first submarine to surface at the North Pole.

Under the guidance of James Calvert this nuclear submarine had navigated through polar ice packs, braved atrociously cold conditions, and broken through layers of thick ice to arrive at their destination; the northernmost point of the world.

This mission, however, was not just about completing a seemingly impossibly feat of Arctic exploration. It also had huge implications for military strategy during the height of the Cold War. Now that submarines were able to travel under and break through the ice, it gave the US military the capability of being avoid detection under the ice while being able to launch their Polaris missiles from points far closer to the Soviet Union.

James Calvert's remarkable account of his two voyages to the Arctic with the USS Skate provides vivid insight into life in a nuclear submarine and how these men were able to complete this treacherous mission.

About James Calvert

James Calvert (1920-2009) Vice Admiral, USN (Ret.), one of the Navy's most decorated officers in World War II, was commander of the first nuclear-powered submarine to surface at the North Pole, and later the 46th superintendent of the United States Naval Academy. Admiral Calvert wrote four books, including Surface at the Pole: The Extraordinary Voyages of the USS Skate.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Gerry on July 18, 2021

Brilliant but be prepared for a cold read with most of the time spent under the ice! Having served two years in command of the USSS Trigger, James Calvert was summoned to Washington to meet Admiral Rickover. Ultimately the meeting resulted in Calvert being put in charge of the USS Skate, a nuclear su......more

Goodreads review by Jeff on September 13, 2014

The sub I was on (USS Queenfish) went to pole and did a marvelous job of mapping new territories, but it was the Skate and the Nautilus the paved the way. I wasn't on the Queenfish when it went to the pole, but I wish I would've been part of that history. I relive my days as a submariner and all the......more

Goodreads review by Patrick on May 19, 2020

Really interesting narrative describing the under the ice exploration of the polar cap. Makes me glad I wasn't aboard!!! It brought claustrophobic thoughts!!!!!! Well written interesting and informative!!!......more

Goodreads review by Kenneth on October 09, 2023

The one virtue that every man admires most is self control under all circumstances. My favorite quote from this book.......more

Goodreads review by Jerry J. Matson on May 10, 2020

Undeterred A voyage into a world completely unknown to most of mankind. The courage and tenacity they displayed should make all of us proud of those that serve our Country..........more