Who Can Hold the Sea

The U.S. Navy in the Cold War 1945-1960

By: James D. Hornfischer

Narrated by: Christopher Newton, Sharon Hornfischer

Length: 17 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

A close-up, action-filled narrative about the crucial role the U.S. Navy played in the early years of the Cold War, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Fleet at Flood Tide

“A lucid, fast-moving and fitting finale to [Hornfischer’s] career.”—The Wall Street Journal

This landmark account of the U.S. Navy in the Cold War, Who Can Hold the Sea combines narrative history with scenes of stirring adventure on—and under—the high seas. In 1945, at the end of World War II, the victorious Navy sends its sailors home and decommissions most of its warships. But this peaceful interlude is short-lived, as Stalin, America’s former ally, makes aggressive moves in Europe and the Far East. Winston Churchill crystallizes the growing Communist threat by declaring the existence of “the Iron Curtain,” and the Truman Doctrine is set up to contain Communism by establishing U.S. military bases throughout the world.

Set against this background of increasing Cold War hostility, Who Can Hold the Sea paints the dramatic rise of the Navy’s crucial postwar role in a series of exciting episodes that include the controversial tests of the A-bombs that were dropped on warships at Bikini Island; the invention of sonar and the developing science of undersea warfare; the Navy’s leading part in key battles of the Korean War; the dramatic sinking of the submarine USS Cochino in the Norwegian Sea; the invention of the nuclear submarine and the dangerous, first-ever cruise of the USS Nautilus under the North Pole; and the growth of the modern Navy with technological breakthroughs such as massive aircraft carriers, and cruisers fitted with surface-to-air missiles.

As in all of Hornfischer’s works, the events unfold in riveting detail. The story of the Cold War at sea is ultimately the story of America’s victorious contest to protect the free world.

©2022 James D. Hornfischer (P)2022 Random House Audio

US Navy goes Nuclear

A great telling of the events after WW2 and the wins, losses, errors made by our leaders!

Goodbye James

James Hornfischer was a great researcher and compelling writer, documenting the extreme bravery of the US Navy sailors who were instrumental in defeating the Japanese in the Pacific. The battle of Guadalcanal was especially riveting. I miss you James.

Great coverage that is appreciated

I enjoyed the coverage of a key period that established US and allied Navy norms that set up the balance of the Twentieth Century. Thank you for this contribution!

A fitting career conclusion

As usual, the Hirnfudhrr name said I would read or listen to this production. I bought itce as rly send was writing. When ever I heard his wife speak my mouth dropped.

SPECTACULAR HISTORY BY A TRULY GREAT WRITER

As an avid reader of naval history, I can not say enough in praise of this book. Everyone interested in naval affairs, in the history of freedom, and in the history of the USA will love this book. God bless Jim Hornfischer.

Excellent

Just as engaging as his previous works, this one is worth your time. Highly recommended.

Excellent topic on an era still current to most of us

I am glad I was able to take a deep dive into the beginnings of the Cold War from the US Navy perspective through the pages of this book. Thank you, Mr. Hornfischer, for your talented writing. You are greatly missed.

Very accurate!

I served as a sonar technician from 1965 to 1971 on a tin can during the Cold War and Vietnam in the Atlantic and Mediterranean

Having lived through Subs it brings back memories.

The early parts of the book were before my time. But I was a qualified nuclear submarine Machinist Mate and ships diver. Much of what we did day to day was brought into greater focus with the broader perspective of the geopolitical view. America has a great and proud heritage of standing for Freedoms around the world. Sadly today's children know little to nothing of the great sacrifices paid for the Freedoms they take for granted. May we never forget!

I learned so much

Rest In Peace. James.
This book taught me so much of that time and I can understand what is currently going on regard to China and Russia. A must listen book.