James C. GoodallThe US Navy's Fast-Attack Submarines, Vol. 2: Seawolf Class SSN-21-Virginia Class SSN-774: Seawolf Class (SSN-21) and Virginia Class (SSN-774)

This is a very interesting, compelling and amazing technical insight into the United States Navy Seawolf and Virginia-class fast attack submarines (SSNs). What makes this American publication amazing is the depth of photographic coverage; there is nothing comparable in the public domain for any Royal Navy or other NATO submarines. Not even the inappropriately titled Astute Class Nuclear Submarine 2010 to date - Owner’s Workshop Manual comes close to matching the depth of coverage in the book under review.It is through the numerous full-colour photographs that this book excels! From construction through to weapons systems, and almost everything in between, this reference book sets a standard for a photographic book on a current, modern warship. The only understandable omissions are those that are classified, such as the reactor compartment, etc. The quality of the photographs - most taken in 2017 - is excellent; only a very few are over-exposed, but not even these detract from the overall quality. The quality of the photographs is matched by the design, layout and paper of the book itself.The content itself is not restricted to ‘mere‘ technical details, but includes numerous photographs of submarines in service and of the crews themselves, and how the latter inter-act with their environment. In some respects, the strong human element within the book is one of its strengths because it puts these highly technical and specialised warships into a broader context, for without the crews, these submarines are useless! However, it surprises this reviewer that these modern, highly advanced submarines still rely on ‘hot bunking’ for some junior enlisted personnel. The only privacy on a submarine is one’s bunk (or rack in USN parlance), yet sharing means a sailor doesn’t even ‘enjoy’ that. With the Astute and Vanguard classes having overcome the need for ‘hot bunking’, why has the USN allowed the designers of their latest submarines to rely on ‘hot bunking’ to accommodate some of the crew? Considering the excessive work-load of USN enlisted personnel compared to their counter-parts in other NATO navies, I would suggest that this could be a morale issue, especially on long patrols. Recent inquiries into USN mishaps in recent years have identified that lack of sleep and time for recreation, amongst other issues, impacts significantly on performance, and therefore on the operational effectiveness of a submarine (or other warship).I have given this book four stars because there are a number of errors which suggest the publisher has been somewhat lax in the editorial department; viz, a few typos errors and one or two misplaced captions. Also, some of the computer-generated illustrations could have been reproduced clearer, with more detailed captions. The technical ‘data sheets’ for each class is limited and could have been enhanced with information from such sources as The United States Naval Institute Guide The Ships and Aircraft of the U.S. Fleet, or from works by Norman Friedman.An unfortunate omission is the lack of an index.Within obvious security constraints It would have enhanced the outstanding photography if more detailed line illustrations showing both the exteriors and internal layouts had been included. The inclusion of such line illustrations would have confirmed this book as the ultimate visual reference book in these two classes of submarines.It wouldn’t surprise this reviewer if this book is used, directly or otherwise, as a recruitment tool by the USN for its submarine service!All-in-all this book is a credit to the author, the publisher and the United States Navy. It is a high quality production. The USN in particular must be given credit, for without their support this book could never have been published. It can only be hoped that comparable books will follow on some of the principal USN surface ships, and even an SSBN. Maybe the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) might be persuaded to allow similar access to the Royal Navy’s submarines and surface vessels - but I very much doubt it judging by how extremely unco-operative the MoD can be when it comes to providing authors, illustrators and photographers with access to information, even if resulting publications help promote and support British armed services.For a visual reference book on two of the USN’s most up-to-date attack submarines, this has to be the ultimate book on the subject! It is outstanding!(Edit: I’d originally given this four stars because of some of the above caveats. However, on reconsideration, this book genuinely deserves five stars regardless of any minor errors or typos, etc. This is simply because as a naval photographic reference book on two single submarine classes, the overall quality outweighs any minor criticisms.)

The pictures are second to none. Very informative book. Highly recommended.

Bought this for my grandson and he praises the content and pictures.

Credo non sia possibile dire o fotografare di più su tali unità, senza svelare segreti industriali-militari. Eccellente.

Eigentlich genau so ein guter Bildband wie der Vorgänger über Die Los Angeles Klasse.Bin wie schon erwähnt nicht unbedingt Fan amerikanischer U-Boote,aber dieses Buch ist sehr gut.

Same review of the LOS ANGELES Class SSN's. Companion volume. Recommend buying both books.