100 Fathoms Below

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This book began with a conversation. Several years ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing the late John Piña Craven, a former chief scientist for the US Navy’s Special Projects Office, whose many accomplishments include helping recover a missing hydrogen bomb and locating a sunken nuclear submarine. He is also rumored to have played a pivotal role in Project Azorian, a clandestine operation to raise a Soviet submarine that sank 1,500 miles north of the Hawaiian Islands—thus changing his job description from scientist to spy. John told me a great deal about what can go right on a submarine… and what can go wrong.

I found myself a bit lost as I began work on this novel. Other than a tourist sub named Atlantis, and the Finding Nemo ride at Disneyland, I had never actually set foot on a submarine. Fortunately, I knew a few people who had. Gerald Shealey, who served on SSN-709, helped me a lot. He’s also a good friend, even if he is a Golden State fan. Adam Bozarth, who served on Ohio-class boomers, helped as well. So did Karrin Peterson, who knows the navy and is a fine editor to boot. I also learned a thing or two from Harvey Hughes, who worked on 688s from the outside, as a navy deep-sea diver. Alex Baker built me a detailed scale model of a 688. Having that model on my desk helped me keep everything in perspective.

I want to thank editor Michael Carr and the dedicated team at Blackstone Publishing for turning this manuscript into a novel. I also thank my wife, Brooke, for putting up with this project, which took a lot longer than most of my other books.

Most of all, I want to thank the men and women—yes, as of 2016, women serve on US subs—who serve our nation in the “Silent Service.” These are not only America’s best and brightest; they’re our bravest too. Thank you for living 18-hour days 100 fathoms below to keep us all safe.

Nicholas Kaufmann wishes to thank Steven L. Kent, Richard Curtis, Michael Carr, and the amazing crew at Blackstone Publishing. Also, deepest thanks to Alexa Antopol for her continuing love and support.