Operation Golden Dawn
Page 32
“All right, Jon, but we need to talk about this next drill.” Hunsucker’s small eyes went steely and Ward felt a slight shiver climb up his spine. “I think we’ll have an opportunity to see what you and Spadefish can do, all right.”
Joe Glass stepped through the door that connected the captain's stateroom with his own, separated only by a head that both men shared.
"Excuse me, Skipper. We've spun down the Tomahawk in tube two. Request permission to back haul it from tube two and load an exercise ADCAP. We need the exercise fish in the tube for the torpedo shoot this afternoon."
Ward glanced in Hunsucker’s direction. The senior captain could tell them to never mind, to wait for word from Pearl Harbor that the test was still a “go.” Hunsucker nodded his agreement that the crew could proceed getting ready, assuming an affirmative from the Pacific submarine command in Hawaii.
"XO, back haul the Tomahawk in tube two and reload with an exercise ADCAP torpedo,” Jonathan Ward ordered, then glanced back at the senior captain. There was something about the expression on the man’s face that bothered him. He had a sudden thought. “And Joe, stick around for a few minutes. I want you to listen to the briefing for this next drill"
Glass didn’t hesitate. He squeezed into a seat at the little settee.
Hunsucker began talking.
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Acknowledgments
As with any work, there are people who volunteered their time and expertise to help me write this book. My frequent co-author, Don Keith, and old friend, Jack Gobbell, are largely responsible for introducing me to the fascinating idea of story-telling. They are both far better at it than I am, but I thank them for the lessons they have taught me.
Two other old friends helped with advice in areas that I have more limited experience. Dr. Denny Vidmar, CAPT USN MC (ret) provided key advice for the medical parts of the text, particularly with Jon Hunter’s mystery malady and in dealing with Red Dog Jones’ injuries. CAPT Duncan Smith, USNR, was invaluable in getting the SEAL team tactics and weapons right. I could handle describing submarining and SEALs on submarines from personal experience, but once they left the hatch, I was dependent on Duncan’s experience.
Last, and certainly not least, I have to thank my wife, Penny, who has patiently lived with this consuming passion. She has diligently (and sometimes persistently) been my chief proofreader and copy editor, as well as toughest critic.
Any success that this story might enjoy is largely due to their efforts. Any mistakes and shortfalls are entirely my responsibility.
About the Author
Commander George Wallace USN (ret.) served in the US Navy for twenty-two years as an officer on nuclear submarines. After receiving his commission through Naval ROTC at The Ohio State University, he served on two of Admiral Rickover's famous "Forty One for Freedom", the USS JOHN ADAMS (SSBN 620) and the USS WOODROW WILSON (SSBN 624). Commander Wallace served as Executive Officer on the Sturgeon class nuclear attack submarine USS SPADEFISH (SSN 668). Spadefish and all her sister-ships were de-commissioned during the downsizings that occurred in the 1990's. Reflections on the passing of such capable “boats” inspired his first novel, the National Best Seller, Final Bearing, co-authored with Don Keith. Their second novel, Firing Point, is in production as a major motion picture.
Commander Wallace commanded the Los Angeles class nuclear attack submarine USS HOUSTON (SSN 713) from February 1990 to August 1992. During this tour of duty, he worked extensively with the SEAL community developing SEAL/submarine tactics. Under his command, the Houston was awarded the CIA Meritorious Unit Citation.
Commander Wallace and his wife Penny live in Alexandria, Virginia.