Power Shift: The Transition to Nuclear Power in the U.S. ... (ISBN 0595385745)

A surface weenie's review:
Power Shift was a surprise for me. The interviewing skills and the access to all of the Players was something that no one but a dedicated, influential, ex-submariner could pull off. No journalist with a PhD. could achieve this goal. There is an intrinsic need to have that depth of understanding that only comes from being a member of that exclusive brotherhood of overachievers, aptly called The Silent Service. Moreover, Dan demonstrates this notion by spending years pursuing his goal of telling the intimate story of the Cold War transition from our WWII diesel submarines to the present day nuclear submarines. Power Shift is an amazing piece of documentary writing, with more than enough humor to make it fun to read.

Submariner's View:
As a submarine officer from 1963 to 1977, I personally witnessed the transition to nuclear power that Dan Gillcrist describes. I also knew several of the individuals that he interviewed for the book, so the book had a special meaning to me. Navy veterans will particularly enjoy it, while non-veterans can learn a good deal from it. I thought Dan Gillcrist did a fine job of presenting this unique story. The book is well written and the subject matter was treated fairly and objectively, particularly his treatment of Admiral Rickover. Rickover had many enemies and many admirers. In this area, the book was well balanced in pointing out the good along with the bad.

That's How it Was:
An intriguing book. The author collects interviews from the key players in a Navy transition at least as significant as that from sail to steam. (I was on active duty as a submarine medical officer during this entire period and observed the transition from the periphery.) The transition was not accomplished without cost. Some outstanding people were left standing in the station as the train roared by and for some the reason seemed no more than spite. Careers were made and careers were spoiled. Having said that, in retrospect it seems impossible that the transition could have been accomplished in any other way by any other people. A book well worth reading.

From One Who Was There:
Dan's book is unique in presenting a picture, and understanding, of the submarine culture. As somebody who started as "George" on a diesel and ended up commanding a Polaris boat, I found the entire book "alive" with life as I knew it. I, too, wish that the book had been longer - but it is always nice when the author leaves you wanting more. "BZ" Dan!

Funny and candid, but not a useful reference.:
This is a collection of relatively unpolished interviews with a few interesting people who were involved in the shift from diesel boats to nuclear power. Don't expect great amounts of detail, or even any editing, for that matter.