Who Can Hold the Sea

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

De: James D. Hornfischer

Narrado por: Christopher Newton, Sharon Hornfischer

A close-up, action-filled account of 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 and The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors

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

A landmark chronicle 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.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“James D. Hornfischer, the dean of American naval historians, has written a book of dizzying sweep and uncommon ambition. In this meticulously researched work, we see just how resolute and resourceful the United States Navy was in facing the hydra-headed threats of the Cold War.”—Hampton Sides, author of Ghost Soldiers

“Who Can Hold the Sea is the final masterpiece of the late, great, James D. Hornfischer, the finest naval historian of his time. A lucid, brilliant and very timely history of the U.S. Navy in the Cold War, this is the capstone to a truly heroic and dazzling career.”—Alex Kershaw, author of The Liberator

“This is a superb valedictory offering by one of the great storytellers of our time. In vivid and evocative prose, James D. Hornfischer offers a fully contextualized narrative of a defining era in world history. His sketches of the leading players bring them fully to life, and his coverage of the war in Korea is edge-of-your-seat gripping.”—Craig L. Symonds, author of World War II at Sea

“In his final volume, James D. Hornfischer brilliantly re-creates the panoramic story of the U.S. Navy in the first fourteen years after the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay. In his master hands, the whole range of novel military and political events, the epochal technological breakthroughs of nuclear power and ballistic missiles, and a long roster of important other stories fall in smoothly.”—Richard B. Frank, author of Tower of Skulls

“Who Can Hold the Sea is a perfect follow-on to James D. Hornfischer’s four superb standard-setting books on the U.S. Navy in the Pacific during World War II. It is well researched, superbly written, and insightful. The United States’ history is that of a maritime nation, and Hornfischer’s legacy is to have superbly told that story from the deckplate.”—General Mike Hagee, USMC (Ret), CEO, Admiral Nimitz Foundation

“This excellent naval history elucidates how the atomic bomb and nuclear power shaped the geopolitical rivalry between the U.S. and the Soviet Union . . . Hornfischer unearths fascinating anecdotes . . . . [and] enlivens the proceedings with sharp analysis and lucid prose. This impressively researched and thoroughly accessible account fires on all cylinders.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“With half a dozen accounts of the U.S. Navy under his belt, award-winning naval historian Hornfischer does not disappoint with his latest. . . . Hornfischer offers adept accounts of atomic tests and the Navy’s creation of a nuclear strike force. Readers will enjoy the history of the atomic submarine . . . An expert account for fans of military history.”—Kirkus Reviews

US Navy goes Nuclear

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

Fascinating history of the early cold war

From the end of WW2 the author paints the picture of the mighty super powers developing their place in new world order. Great details of the personalities who drove the politics and technology of this crucial era.

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!

Excellent

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

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

Historical Significance

Due to the breadth of the subject, a lot of background information concerning the other services issues needed to be included to understand the historical significance of all aspects of the US Navy. Hornfischer woven together a number of related
Issues to make this book useful for those interested in National Security and Defense.

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.

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.