Zoomies, Subs and Zeros

by Charles A. Lockwood

The exploits of the Submarine Rescue League, which had the job of picking up American flyers shot down while attacking objectives in the Pacific.

‘In writing this book, the authors had a triple purpose.

First, to write the superbly human history of the Submarine Lifeguard League while those who participated in its creation and in its splendid work are still among us to tell that story. It is a chapter of Naval and Air Force operations in the Pacific that richly deserves preservation.

Second, to convey to submariners whose vessels took part in the saving of the lives of hundreds of Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps men an essential picture of the overall scope of their activities; as well as to give aviators whose lives were saved by submarines—and their families—a view of the far-flung operations established for snatching airmen from Japs as well as from death at sea.

There remains one more reason for the writing of this book and, perhaps, it is, after all, the most namely, to impress upon those who have a voice in such matters at defense and Congressional levels that with new long-range planes and nuclear powered submarines, the lifesaving know-how acquired by submarine and air commanders through bitter and time-consuming experiences should be preserved for future generations of submariners and airmen.’-Author’s Preface.

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1956

About the author

Lockwood was an officer in the United States Navy. His tenure as commander of the US submarine force in the Pacific theater of operations greatly increased that force's effectiveness in the Second World War.

Lockwood retired from the Navy in 1947 after a Stint as Naval Inspector General. In his retirement, he wrote several books about submarines, including his own experiences.

Reviews

[Thomas B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well detailed account of sub/aviation cooperation

It’s heads that personal touch as it plays out the names of the pilots recovered and the submariner’s involved. Great reading.

[William Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read about the rescue service that was provided by the US Navy submarines in the Pacific during WWII. It is amazing to think of the family lineages existing today in the offspring of these rescued flyers.

This special rescue service saved many downed pilots at great risk to the crew of the submarine which would have to surface to take the flyers aboard.

Just incredible!