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Super Nuke! A Memoir about Life as a Nuclear Submariner and the Contributions of a "Super Nuke" - The USS Ray (SSN653) Toward Winning the Cold War
"Charles Jett has written an entertaining and factual memoir of an important time and series of events in the history of the cold war. He has succeeded in telling the unclassified story of the journey taken by an extraordinary group of men who built the first operational "Super Nuke" and effectively shared what they developed with others in the entire US nuclear submarine force. He created the SSN Pre Deployment training program, consolidated developments made on the Ray to create the highly useful Geographic Plot (Geo Plot) and wrote the tactical doctrine for the SSN based electronic intelligence collection system, AN/WLR-6. Well done, Charlie. I am proud to have had you as a shipmate." Albert L. Kelln Rear Admiral, United States Navy (Ret.) Former Commanding Officer and Plank Owner USS RAY (SSN 653) - The original "Super Nuke" "Charlie Jett succeeds in providing an unclassified account of what it was like to be a nuclear qualified submariner who had the unique experience of building and serving aboard the first operational "Super Nuke" - the most modern fast attack nuclear submarine designed specifically to face the Soviet Navy during the Cold War. He describes the contributions of the commissioning crew in developing sonar techniques and operational tactics and how these lessons were ultimately and effectively communicated to later "Super Nukes." Charlie provided the initial idea and was instrumental in establishing and implementing a new concept of training which significantly improved the operational readiness of the nuclear attack submarine force. He created the "Geographic Plot" to improve operational safety and wrote the tactical doctrine for a new and sophisticated nuclear attack submarine electronic intelligence gathering system. "Super Nuke" is a good read for those who have an interest in life as a submarine officer and how these marvelous machines and their crews contributed to winning the Cold War." The Honorable Joh
310 pages, Hardcover
Published April 7, 2016
112 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 6, 2017
As a former submariner, I really enjoyed this. But I mostly enjoyed it because it was a memoir written by a plank owner of my old boat, the USS Ray. Charles Jett was on the boat as it was being built, and it was commissioned in 1966. I didn't serve on the Ray until 1973-1975, so he was a bit before my time. But at the same time it was really enjoyable to read about some of the significant contributions the Ray made in the cause of the Cold War. And the photo on the cover is the same one that hangs in my study.
July 17, 2017
Good read
The thing that made this book exceptional for me was that it occurred during the same time that I was in Subs. So the places and events were very real for me. One thing that was missing for me in the dialogue was that reactor operator's were not really explained as far as their place in the command structure. When Admiral Rickover rode our boat during shake down, he called the typical engineer of the watch died scenario. On our boat it would not be the machinery watch supervisor but the reactor operator that would take over and run the drill. The machinery watch supervisors abilities were still needed in the engine room. One other thing I don't think was emphasized is that if an officer gave you a command concerning operation of equipment related to the reactor plant, an operator could refuse the command, if you felt it was in error. The idea being that everyone had a responsibility to do the right thing and that Admiral Rickover would support that decision if you were right. This premise was something that only the nukes could rely on regardless of rank or rate. Don't know how it is since Admiral Rickover is no longer there. However, don't let these comments keep you from reading this book. It's exceptionally fun to read and you can learn a thing or two.
The thing that made this book exceptional for me was that it occurred during the same time that I was in Subs. So the places and events were very real for me. One thing that was missing for me in the dialogue was that reactor operator's were not really explained as far as their place in the command structure. When Admiral Rickover rode our boat during shake down, he called the typical engineer of the watch died scenario. On our boat it would not be the machinery watch supervisor but the reactor operator that would take over and run the drill. The machinery watch supervisors abilities were still needed in the engine room. One other thing I don't think was emphasized is that if an officer gave you a command concerning operation of equipment related to the reactor plant, an operator could refuse the command, if you felt it was in error. The idea being that everyone had a responsibility to do the right thing and that Admiral Rickover would support that decision if you were right. This premise was something that only the nukes could rely on regardless of rank or rate. Don't know how it is since Admiral Rickover is no longer there. However, don't let these comments keep you from reading this book. It's exceptionally fun to read and you can learn a thing or two.
May 30, 2025
"Super Nuke" was the first operational 637-class submarine specifically built to counter the Soviet threat.
Charles had an unpleasant experience aboard a surface ship in the open ocean—he was frequently seasick. This discomfort strongly influenced his service selection decision: he would choose anything but a surface ship. When the time came, his top preference was Nuclear Power, specifically submarines.
To qualify, the author underwent a pressure chamber test designed to evaluate claustrophobia. He also introduced readers to key terminology that every midshipman should know. The first phase of training for officers assigned to nuclear-powered vessels is Nuclear Power School. After completing prototype training, the author attended the Naval Submarine School. Read this book to know more.
This book offers readers a deep understanding of submarines, nuclear reactors, significant historical events, and the process of building a "Super Nuke." It provides valuable insights for those aspiring to become nuclear-qualified submarine officers. The details shared in this book gave me a sneak peak into the life of submarine officers. Go ahead with this memoir. It will.stay on my mind for a long time.
Charles had an unpleasant experience aboard a surface ship in the open ocean—he was frequently seasick. This discomfort strongly influenced his service selection decision: he would choose anything but a surface ship. When the time came, his top preference was Nuclear Power, specifically submarines.
To qualify, the author underwent a pressure chamber test designed to evaluate claustrophobia. He also introduced readers to key terminology that every midshipman should know. The first phase of training for officers assigned to nuclear-powered vessels is Nuclear Power School. After completing prototype training, the author attended the Naval Submarine School. Read this book to know more.
This book offers readers a deep understanding of submarines, nuclear reactors, significant historical events, and the process of building a "Super Nuke." It provides valuable insights for those aspiring to become nuclear-qualified submarine officers. The details shared in this book gave me a sneak peak into the life of submarine officers. Go ahead with this memoir. It will.stay on my mind for a long time.
May 28, 2018
Great book
This book should be in the bookshelf alongside the Bluejackets’ manual for all submariners. It was a refresher for me, I was one of the fourteen enlisted in the nuke class in 1956.I am a plank owner on SSN 579 & SSBN 630, so the sea trials brought back memories . My last cup of coffee in the U. S. NAVY was with
Admiral Wilkinson, after more than two years on his staff .
ENCS(SS)
This book should be in the bookshelf alongside the Bluejackets’ manual for all submariners. It was a refresher for me, I was one of the fourteen enlisted in the nuke class in 1956.I am a plank owner on SSN 579 & SSBN 630, so the sea trials brought back memories . My last cup of coffee in the U. S. NAVY was with
Admiral Wilkinson, after more than two years on his staff .
ENCS(SS)
April 21, 2021
Served with honor
A good officer who served with distinction on a nuclear attack sub and contributed in a way to refine our ability to detect quiet enemy subs. Written from a point of view of an officer, he gives credit not only to his superiors, but to the talents of the enlisted men serving under him. It’s a good example of leadership balancing the mission objectives with the safety of the crew.
A good officer who served with distinction on a nuclear attack sub and contributed in a way to refine our ability to detect quiet enemy subs. Written from a point of view of an officer, he gives credit not only to his superiors, but to the talents of the enlisted men serving under him. It’s a good example of leadership balancing the mission objectives with the safety of the crew.
February 1, 2024
As a technical memoir, this was very well done and brought a deeper understanding of the process for building and manning a fast attack submarine. The downside of this work was the use of a "virtual voice" as the reader. For the most part, it was not a problem, but there were moments when it tried to pronounce acronyms or read the credit line for an inset photo. It's just a little confusing as you listen. In all, it was a good "read."
March 16, 2021
Great description of nuclear fission and control
The author gives a great elementary description of the generation of nuclear energy and its conversion of heat to steam . You could teach an elementary course on physics and thermodynamics from the appendix of this well written book
The author gives a great elementary description of the generation of nuclear energy and its conversion of heat to steam . You could teach an elementary course on physics and thermodynamics from the appendix of this well written book
June 15, 2017
Submariner
Now I have a better understanding of how a nuclear sub works. And the dedication of the personnel aboard their boats. Now when I watch a submarine movie I will enjoy it more because of the knowledge I obtained from reading Lt Jett's book. Thanks
Now I have a better understanding of how a nuclear sub works. And the dedication of the personnel aboard their boats. Now when I watch a submarine movie I will enjoy it more because of the knowledge I obtained from reading Lt Jett's book. Thanks
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2018
Good read
Great book. Easy to relate from one bubblehead to another. Recommend to anyone who wants to learn about the submarine service or the silent service as it is commonly known
Great book. Easy to relate from one bubblehead to another. Recommend to anyone who wants to learn about the submarine service or the silent service as it is commonly known
October 7, 2020
Nice General Description, Appendix Is Useful
While the body is an interesting memoir of submarine operations, the author was more involved in the reactor end and it shows. The appendix describing how a submarine reactor operates is more interesting than the main body of the text.
While the body is an interesting memoir of submarine operations, the author was more involved in the reactor end and it shows. The appendix describing how a submarine reactor operates is more interesting than the main body of the text.
November 18, 2019
Very interesting to learn about nuclear submarines and the experience of becoming an officer in the Navy.
September 6, 2021
Nothing happens….
I guess the suthor vouldnt tell all but he told next to nothing about the missions of our super nuke submarines. Ptetty much z eorthless read.
I guess the suthor vouldnt tell all but he told next to nothing about the missions of our super nuke submarines. Ptetty much z eorthless read.
August 26, 2016
Review:
It’s an honor to read a first hand account from an esteemed Naval Officer, and for that fact itself I would like to extend my gratitude to the author and the publishers to allow me a glimpse of this book.
The books is a smart and factual account of one of the largest military force of thenpresent world. The scenario might/ might not be different cutrently, but the presence itself holds its grain of truth. The book talks about the life that is shared by naval officer on board, months away from their families without any source of information or communication. I am pretty sure it’s not just the navy but the other branches of military thatgoes through the same mixed emotiona of patriotism and hardships, but since the book is a documentation of the naval life it is easier to focus on that. Being an officer himself, the author was beautifully able to bring out the same feeling in the few lines that are often quoted as the Law of the Navy:
When a ship that is tired returneth –
With signs of the sea showing plain,
Men put her in dock for a season.
And her speed she reneweth again.
So shall ye if per chance ye grow weary,
In the uttermost part of the sea,
Pray for leave for the good of the service.
As much and as oft as it need be!
There is no plot line here; it’s a first hand narration of experiences and for this very reason the book is a personal journey that the readers can take and enjoy. Being a nuclear submarine that is tasked to carry out tactical and logistical analysis, it is expected to have language and terminologies that are military and tough to understand. Being an ex-Naval Officer and a tactical trainer, the author has brilliantly explained the world of submarine in the most simplest way which a layman (especially someone who is far removed from the world of military) can understand. For this reason alone, I would recommend the book more. The entertainment and information factors are completely gold.
From the writing style, it is clearly evident that Mr. Jett is not a professional writer. Some people might find it distracting, but I found it more personal, thereby living upto its genre.
My opinion: Definitely recommending it loud and clear!! No other words required.
My rating: 5 out of 5
My favorite quote:
We thought about the young men on that submarine, officers and enlisted men, who were fellow submariners like us. They were doing their job for their own country and were using the same sort of training and skills that we were using. We had great respect for them; we weren’t “enemies”– we never fired a shot at one another — but we were adversaries of sorts. Each ofbus was tasked to do a mission whose objectives were similar, but focused on the specific interests of our own countries.
It’s an honor to read a first hand account from an esteemed Naval Officer, and for that fact itself I would like to extend my gratitude to the author and the publishers to allow me a glimpse of this book.
The books is a smart and factual account of one of the largest military force of thenpresent world. The scenario might/ might not be different cutrently, but the presence itself holds its grain of truth. The book talks about the life that is shared by naval officer on board, months away from their families without any source of information or communication. I am pretty sure it’s not just the navy but the other branches of military thatgoes through the same mixed emotiona of patriotism and hardships, but since the book is a documentation of the naval life it is easier to focus on that. Being an officer himself, the author was beautifully able to bring out the same feeling in the few lines that are often quoted as the Law of the Navy:
When a ship that is tired returneth –
With signs of the sea showing plain,
Men put her in dock for a season.
And her speed she reneweth again.
So shall ye if per chance ye grow weary,
In the uttermost part of the sea,
Pray for leave for the good of the service.
As much and as oft as it need be!
There is no plot line here; it’s a first hand narration of experiences and for this very reason the book is a personal journey that the readers can take and enjoy. Being a nuclear submarine that is tasked to carry out tactical and logistical analysis, it is expected to have language and terminologies that are military and tough to understand. Being an ex-Naval Officer and a tactical trainer, the author has brilliantly explained the world of submarine in the most simplest way which a layman (especially someone who is far removed from the world of military) can understand. For this reason alone, I would recommend the book more. The entertainment and information factors are completely gold.
From the writing style, it is clearly evident that Mr. Jett is not a professional writer. Some people might find it distracting, but I found it more personal, thereby living upto its genre.
My opinion: Definitely recommending it loud and clear!! No other words required.
My rating: 5 out of 5
My favorite quote:
We thought about the young men on that submarine, officers and enlisted men, who were fellow submariners like us. They were doing their job for their own country and were using the same sort of training and skills that we were using. We had great respect for them; we weren’t “enemies”– we never fired a shot at one another — but we were adversaries of sorts. Each ofbus was tasked to do a mission whose objectives were similar, but focused on the specific interests of our own countries.
May 24, 2016
A well written memoir with interesting anecdotes about the social interactions of the times.
The tales of dating in the sixties and playing bridge and attending sing-alongs at the Officer's Club brought back memories from the times before social media and the electronic age.
Having served on this particular submarine (the USS Ray SSN 653), I found this story of the ship's beginnings to be quite interesting.
Things that submarine sailors take as a matter-of-fact had to be learned at some time and the story of some their beginnings is here.
I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone who has served on a submarine.
As advertised - it is an unclassified memoir. It is not a tell-all, this is what we do on missions, kind of book.
The tales of dating in the sixties and playing bridge and attending sing-alongs at the Officer's Club brought back memories from the times before social media and the electronic age.
Having served on this particular submarine (the USS Ray SSN 653), I found this story of the ship's beginnings to be quite interesting.
Things that submarine sailors take as a matter-of-fact had to be learned at some time and the story of some their beginnings is here.
I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone who has served on a submarine.
As advertised - it is an unclassified memoir. It is not a tell-all, this is what we do on missions, kind of book.
October 2, 2016
I enjoyed it
Was not as exciting as I expected. More of book about technical details than operational ones. All in all, a decent quick read.
Was not as exciting as I expected. More of book about technical details than operational ones. All in all, a decent quick read.
March 12, 2021
Well written book, informative and brought me back a little with
the deployment adventures. I am a Retired Submariner 688 Los Angeles class and Trident class with a few deployments.
the deployment adventures. I am a Retired Submariner 688 Los Angeles class and Trident class with a few deployments.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews