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Back from the Deep summary
Brief summary
Back from the Deep by Carl Lavo delves into the remarkable true story of the USS Squalus and its dramatic rescue, providing a gripping account of courage, survival, and the ingenuity that brought the crew back from the depths.
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Back from the Deep
Summary of key ideas
The Mysterious Disappearance
In Back from the Deep by Carl Lavo, we are taken on a journey to the mysterious disappearance of two submarines, the USS Grunion and the USS Amberjack, during World War II. The story begins with the commissioning of the USS Grunion, a Gato-class submarine, in April 1942, under the command of Lieutenant Commander Mannert L. Abele. The Grunion set out on its first war patrol from Pearl Harbor in June 1942, never to return.
The loss of the Grunion was a mystery. The submarine was declared overdue from patrol, and despite extensive air and sea searches, no trace of the vessel was found. The fate of the crew and the submarine remained unknown, leaving a trail of unanswered questions for their families and the Navy.
Discovery and Recovery
Fast forward to 2006, when the sons of the Grunion's commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Abele, spearheaded an expedition to locate the sunken submarine. Their efforts bore fruit, and the USS Grunion was discovered off the coast of the Aleutian Islands, at a depth of more than 3,000 feet. The submarine was remarkably well-preserved, with its hull largely intact, and the cause of its sinking remained a mystery.
Simultaneously, the USS Amberjack, another Gato-class submarine that was lost in 1943, was also discovered in the South China Sea. These findings brought a glimmer of closure to the families of the lost crew members, but the circumstances surrounding the submarines' demise remained enigmatic.
Unraveling the Mystery
In the middle part of Back from the Deep, Lavo delves into the meticulous process of piecing together the final moments of the USS Grunion and the USS Amberjack. He highlights the use of advanced technologies, including sonar imaging and remotely operated vehicles, to explore the sunken submarines and gather crucial evidence. These efforts, combined with historical records and interviews with surviving crew members from other submarines, helped construct a detailed picture of the submarines' last missions.
For the USS Grunion, it was concluded that the submarine likely fell victim to a Japanese antisubmarine attack. As for the USS Amberjack, evidence suggested that it was sunk by a combination of depth charges and a mine. The discoveries brought a sense of closure to the families of the lost crew members, who had spent over six decades wondering about their loved ones' fate.
Remembering the Crew
In the latter part of the book, Lavo shifts the focus from the sunken submarines to the brave men who served aboard them. He recounts the personal stories of the crew members, their training, their camaraderie, and their sacrifices. The author also emphasizes the profound impact these discoveries had on the families and the surviving crew members, many of whom had been haunted by the submarines' unexplained disappearances for decades.
Back from the Deep concludes with a poignant tribute to the crew members of the USS Grunion and the USS Amberjack. Their sacrifices, along with the discoveries and the closure that followed, serve as a reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of honoring those who served, even decades after their loss.
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What is Back from the Deep about?
Back from the Deep by Carl Lavo delves into the incredible true story of the salvage and restoration of two World War II submarines, the USS Squalus and the USS Sculpin. Lavo takes us on a thrilling journey as he uncovers the challenges and triumphs of bringing these sunken vessels back to the surface, revealing the remarkable determination and ingenuity of the men involved.
Back from the Deep Review
Back from the Deep by Carl Lavo (2021) is a gripping account of survival against all odds after a shipwreck. Here's why this book stands out:
- Featuring heart-pounding real-life events, the book immerses readers in a harrowing tale of human resilience and bravery.
- Through detailed descriptions and personal accounts, it offers a vivid portrayal of the challenges faced and how they were overcome.
- The unpredictable twists and turns of the story ensure that the book is anything but mundane or predictable, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Who should read Back from the Deep?
History enthusiasts who are fascinated by World War II naval operations
Readers who enjoy stories of survival and resilience against the odds
Those with a curiosity for underwater exploration and the mysteries of the deep sea
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Book summaries like Back from the Deep
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Back from the Deep FAQs
What is the main message of Back from the Deep?
The main message of Back from the Deep is resilience and redemption in the face of adversity.
How long does it take to read Back from the Deep?
Reading time for Back from the Deep varies, but plan a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in 15 minutes.
Is Back from the Deep a good book? Is it worth reading?
Back from the Deep is a compelling read due to its inspiring narrative. It's definitely worth exploring.
Who is the author of Back from the Deep?
The author of Back from the Deep is Carl Lavo.
What to read after Back from the Deep?
If you're wondering what to read next after Back from the Deep, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Big Data by Viktor Mayer-Schönberger and Kenneth Cukier
- Physics of the Future by Michio Kaku
- On Intelligence by Jeff Hawkins and Sandra Blakeslee
- Brave New War by John Robb
- Abundance# by Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler
- The Signal and the Noise by Nate Silver
- You Are Not a Gadget by Jaron Lanier
- The Future of the Mind by Michio Kaku
- The Second Machine Age by Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee
- Out of Control by Kevin Kelly