Making a Submarine Officer

A Story of the USS San Francisco (SSN 711)

De: Alex Fleming

Narrado por: John N Gully

From October 2002 to September 2005, the crew of the USS San Francisco (SSN 711), a nuclear fast-attack submarine, took an incredible and gut-wrenching journey through three homeports, two missions vital to national security, two dry-dockings, dozens of leaders, and the worst submerged grounding in the history of the US Navy that did not result in the loss of the vessel.

The author's journey as a young Naval Officer took him through the best and worst of these times, and his story carries lessons for military officers, leaders, and managers everywhere.

©2011 Alexander Fleming (P)2017 Alexander Fleming

Must Read for those Entering the Military

I'd encourage anyone entering the military to read this book, not just would-be submarine officers. Any enlistee should consider what it takes to advance in rate and rank, what type of commitment they should make toward studying, qualifications they must accomplish, and how distractions on the shore can derail them. Fleming owns his missteps and shows how he overcame them. There's plenty of gold in here about leadership, management, and teamwork. - Darren Sapp, Author of Fire on the Flight Deck

The overall dynamics of a JO on a new boat.

I really enjoyed this book. It was detailed enough not to overwhelm the listener and gave really good insight of what is like for a new JO on a new boat. The relationship dynamics between the crew members. The relentless drilling and the mental / physical demands of these sailors. Just a good book.

Second perspective

I served on board from Jan 2003 until August of 2007. The author does an excellent job framing the personal journey through the trials and tribulations facing every crew member from arrival up to the collision and the resultant activities and surface transit. I feel it's important to note that the authors perspective during the collision are as one of the few members of ship's force ashore for that deployment. In NO way does that detract from the story or his vital and selfless contribution during those most difficult times. I bring it up because it is a mercy for me. The events of that day are some of the most personal and painful memories that I continue to struggle with. While I was aware of this work for years, it took a concerted effort to relive those days of my past life. I found myself laughing more than crying. This authors perspective can provide a valuable tool for an aspiring naval officer. His honest assessment of his failings and achievements provide a window into the growth that was apparent within everyone during those events, and may guide future naval leadership on less arduous courses. An excellent read.

Virtual View of the Dolphins

I'm former Navy. I can attest to the fact that this book is not a neatly packaged sterile view of sub ops. This is an honest, gritty, reflective account from a Jr. Officer. I was enlisted, so it was really interesting to see things through his eyes. His anxiety at doubting his ability to meet standards and become the sailor he was required to be is something that every sailor at every level feels to one degree or another. One thing I would encourage you to get from this book is that the U.S. Navy has nearly impossible standards, but they provide you with *every* tool you need to meet them. They're adept at making us more than we could otherwise be. Fleming's account of this dynamic was so descriptive that I had nightmares while reading this book. Falling asleep on watch, forgetting to wear my cover outdoors, getting quals and standing before boards. 23 years later, this book brought back a lot of good and bad memories.. and some of the pressure. Thanks Fleming, well done Sir. God Bless our United States Navy and the men of the 711.