Cold War Command: The Dramatic Story of a Nuclear Submariner

by Richard Woodman, Dan Conley

The part played in the Cold War by the Royal Navy’s submarines still retains a great degree of mystery and, in the traditions of the ‘Silent Service,’ remains largely shrouded in secrecy. Cold War Command brings us as close as is possible to the realities of commanding nuclear hunter-killer submarines, routinely tasked to hunt out and covertly follow Soviet submarines in order to destroy them should there be any outbreak of hostilities.

Dan Conley takes the reader through his early career in diesel submarines, prior to his transition to the complex and very demanding three-dimensional world of operating nuclear submarines; he describes the Royal Navy’s shortcomings in ship and weapons procurement and delivers many insights into the procurement failures which led to the effective bankrupting of the Defense budget in the first decade of the 21st century. In command of the hunter killer submarines Courageous and Valient in the 1980s, he achieved exceptional success against Soviet submarines at the height of the Cold War. He was also involved in the initial deployment of the Trident nuclear weapon system, and divulges hitherto un-revealed facets of nuclear weapons strategy and policy during this period.

This gripping read takes you onboard a nuclear submarine and into the depths of the ocean, and relays the excitement and apprehensions experienced by British submariners confronted by a massive Soviet Navy.

Genres: Nonfiction, Military Fiction, War

427 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2014

About the author

Captain Richard Martin Woodman was an English novelist and naval historian who retired in 1997 from a 37-year nautical career, mainly working for Trinity House, to write full-time.

Reviews

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strong focus on the technological aspects of British Cold War submarine warfare preparations, platforms and operations provided in a strictly professional narrative.

[George W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rarely have I seen a “been there, done that” book that comes across as authentic as Cold War Command. Having commanded three nuclear submarines, I know exactly what was said and left unsaid for security concerns that will last well into the future. As we enter a new period of strained relations with Russia, I am certain the underwater minuet will start again, if it ever really stopped. Reading Conley’s autobiography particular the at sea periods and especially when in command of HMS Valiant, “the Black Pig”, will give the reader a true insight not only into what happened, but what made exceptional success possible in the Royal Navy’s oldest home grown nuclear submarine.
Throughout Dan Conley emphasizes “the team” whether it was as a junior member or the commanding officer. The team is always what is successful and the intelligent leader will lavish praise when due and make the necessary changes when the team needs new players for success. The writing of this book was a team effort, the hidden hand of Richard Woodman, just as critical to its excellence as the story’s portrayal. But it is the story that is Dan Conley’s and it is his journey to command and beyond that makes this book fascinating.
I highly recommend Cold War Command to the reading public, for command of an SSN is the closest thing this planet has to compare with command of a starship in the series and movies of Star Trek. Dan Conley would have been a superb Captain James T. Kirk of the starship Enterprise.
G. William Weatherly
Author: Sheppard of the Argonne

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting look into the career of a Royal Navy Submariner and some brilliant leadership at his various postings at sea and ashore during some very difficult technological and geo-politically charged times. Even if his methods and well documented points made him unpopular with the establishment, he rightly stayed the course.

[Pete · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting and informative look at the British submarine service which often gets ignored when Cold War events are discussed. The author pulls no punches here, frequently pointing out deficiencies and problems that had to be dealt with by submarine crews.

[Dave Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

It doesn't have a 'dramatic story' at all, in fact I'd go so far as to say Dan Conley has created the perfect written interpretation of 'paint drying.'
From the title you could be drawn in to thinking there would be lots of interesting details about spying on/keeping tabs on the Russians, but the majority of the content isn't about this at all.

[Jon Bray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting read; couldn't put it down!

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting take on the Royal Navy and submarine warfare written by a UK Sub captain and an author. You definitely get a sense of the difficulties of command of these weapons, and some of their capabilities. But also just how hard they are are to operate and use.