Crazy Ivan: A True Story of Submarine Espionage Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is an exasperating book. Author Craig Reed gives the reader just enough details to keep him on the hook, then glosses over other incidents and examples from his career that would have made this book a much bettter read. Rather than tell the whole story, he cuts seeminly at random from anecdote to anecdote.
Towards the end of the book, Reed has left the Navy after an "incident" he was "inadvertently drawn into, which resulted in Captain's mast [discipline]...one that I was eventually cleared of." Well, what happened, Craig? First you've left the Navy, and one chapter later, you're back in, on a better boat, on another spy mission -- what happened in the interim? It's this sort of material that would have given the reader a better look at Navy life, instead of one painted with broad brush strokes.
For a more balanced and far more readable look at submarine life, I recommend Andrew Karam's "Rig Ship for Ultra-Quiet." Reed may be a brave and patriotic Navy diver, but he still could have benefited from a better editor.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Crazy Ivan: A True Story of Submarine Espionage

No other U.S. Navy Diver, photographer or spy has taken pictures of any Soviet submarine from as close proximity as did W. Craig Reed of the Soviet Victor III that almost ended his life. CRAZY IVAN chronicles this true story and reveals intimate details about near-death underwater espionage missions once classified at the highest levels of Top Secret..."When I enlisted...I had no idea I would become a Navy Diver assigned to nuclear fast attack submarines conducting underwater espionage operations with U.S. Navy SEAL teams. I had no idea that I would accidentally become embroiled in a Top Secret Codeword program that would take me 400 feet down into the black, cold waters just off the coast of Soviet Russia, where sophisticated listening devices were strapped to a Soviet communications cable.I also had no idea that I would be called upon to take close-proximity espionage pictures of the Soviet's most lethal attack boat, resulting in one of the Cold War's most devastating collisions between a U.S. and Soviet submarine. A never before revealed accident that nearly cost the lives of 130 sailors."

Click here for more information about Crazy Ivan: A True Story of Submarine Espionage

Read More...

To Be a U.S. Navy SEAL Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you're a SEAL fan and have read The Warrior Elite then this is a great companion to the book. It's not a book you read though - this one's all photos and a bit of text. The pictures of SEAL training are the best, actually, I know of NO OTHER book that has as many pics of BUD/S training. You see all the pics of what Dick Couch wrote about in Warrior Elite. Funny thing is that you see the guys from that BUD/S class because their names are written on their clothes but the author makes absolutely no mention of the people in the photos.
Another reviewer said the pics were "old and outdated." What?! They're all the pics that were NOT used in Couch's book and are from one of the latest BUD/S classes, the class that Couch wrote about. Couch's Warrior Elite isn't a picture book - this one is and it's great.

Click Here to see more reviews about: To Be a U.S. Navy SEAL

This is an introduction into what it really means to be a U.S. Navy SEAL in today's U.S. Navy-in the sea, in the air, and on the land. The U.S. Navy's elite specialists are among the most highly trained forces capable of undertaking dangerous missions into enemy territory. Hollenbeck takes you through the relentless twenty-five week training, including "hell" week, when soldiers are put through five days of training with fewer than 4 hours of sleep.About the Author and Photographer:Cliff Hollenbeck and Dick Couch followed SEAL Class 228 through months of rigorous training. Their words and photos are one of the most accurate portrayals of this demanding program ever put into print.

Get 35% OFF

Click here for more information about To Be a U.S. Navy SEAL

Read More...

Seawolves: First Choice Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I thought that this book by Dan Kelly was about as close to real as could be told. I was a doorgunner with the Seawolves at the same time as Dan, however, at a different detachment. His experiences, although different, brought back similar experieces that I had gone through. The baptism of fire in earning Combat Aircrew wings was similar throughout each Seawolf detachment. The spirit that embodied the Navy Seawolves was living thing no matter in what detachment you served. Our one mission, as far as the pilots and gunners were concerned was to not leave any comrads on the ground or in trouble. Our history, as detailed in Dan's book, bears this action out. As I read it, I got goose bumps and very emotional just thinking about the past. A very good read.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Seawolves: First Choice

They called themselves Seawolves . . .The men of SEALs, PBRs, and SF called them saviors . . . Created in 1967, the HAL-3 helicopter squadron--aka Seawolves--provided quick-reaction close air support to SEALs, PBR River Rats, and Special Forces advisers and their troops. During the five years of the unit's existence, the seven detachments of Seawolves amassed stunning statistics: 78,000 missions, 8,200 enemy kills, 8,700 sampans sunk, and 9,500 structures destroyed. These 200 men collected a total of 17,339 medals.This is the story of one of those men. . . .Taking enemy fire while braced against the rocket pod of a Huey gunship and shooting an M-60 freehand in 110 mph winds was just part of Dan Kelly's job in Vietnam. As a gunner in the all-volunteer Seawolves, he served with distinction until three bullets bought him a trip home. Here is his amazing story of the Seawolves--a harrowing tale of unsung heroism and undaunted courage in combat.

Click here for more information about Seawolves: First Choice

Read More...

Navy Seal Physical Fitness Guide Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First off this book is not a "how to" manual with carefully laid out programs. It does have some suggestions on how to build up running distance but don't expect much more. What you can look forward to is a great basic reference for exercises and related inuries and their treatment. Very basic. If you read it carefully you'll find valuable information and it will point you in the right direction in terms of specialized training (basics of plyometrics, weight training, importance of stretching etc), but you'll need to get some other books on these subjects to fill in the gaps. This is not something for a complete beginner.
If you are new to working out consider Stew Smiths'Maximum Fitness or The Complete Guide to Navy SEAL Fitness, you will not be disappointed, both excellent books. From beginner to advanced you can't go wrong, you will have to adapt the plans in the books to your own level though. In response to those who may say the workouts are too difficult or take too much time; what did you expect from guys who operate at the level of elite athletes and are paid to keep themselves in top condition? Like I said, adapt to your own level and strive to improve!
Actually I bought The Navy Seal Workout by Mark DeLisle way before I ever came across these other books and consider it OK but not great. It's a thin book padded with pictures but DeLisles' pyramiding scheme for chin ups is excellent and it has good upper body workout plans but no lower body(leg)workouts.
After working out for many years I considered myself in good shape in terms of strength and endurance, these books proved how wrong I was.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Navy Seal Physical Fitness Guide

Written by some of the most knowledgeable fitness specialists, medical doctors and physiologists around, this guide covers anything and everything there is about physical training and achieving super results. The Navy SEAL Physical Fitness Guide features over 300 tables and figures. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Click here for more information about Navy Seal Physical Fitness Guide

Read More...

Someone Like Me: An Unlikely Story of Challenge and Triumph Over Cerebral Palsy Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I know it may not be fair for me to rate this book. After all, John and I have been friends since middle school. I have told John's story many times to my students as a way to show them that they can overcome seemingly insurmountable barriers. John now tells his story in "Someone Like Me." I can attest to the fact that this book is an honest portrayal of the most incredible person I have ever known. I am sure that you will find his story inspirational.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Someone Like Me: An Unlikely Story of Challenge and Triumph Over Cerebral Palsy

As a child, John Quinn had a dream of a naval career despite his affliction with cerebral palsy.After failing the physical exam, he underwent painful, self applied physical therapy for one year then successfully passed a second exam. He kept his cerebral palsy a secret from the record- keepers and medical authorities for 20 years. He hada distinguished and highly decorated career despite the pain he endured to appear normal.He served on board destroyers, a battleship, two aircraft carriers and functioned as an administrator for a Seal unit. The outside world also impacted on him further aggravating his CP when he was challenged by alcoholism and excessive grief caused by the suicide of a brother. With help, John Quinn triumphed over both, as he did the painful cerebral palsy.

Get 25% OFF

Click here for more information about Someone Like Me: An Unlikely Story of Challenge and Triumph Over Cerebral Palsy

Read More...

The U.S. Navy SEAL Guide to Fitness and Nutrition Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a great fitness book. It was written by Navy doctors working for Special Warfare teams (SEALS). The book is thick because it is actually two books in one: the SEAL fitness book + the nutrition book. What I found in the book was great scientific information that a layperson can understand, without all the hype and fluff and self-promotion you find in most fitness books. If you want to know how to lift weights, for example, what the % or RMI is, oxygen uptake, and heart rate and aerobic guidelines, as well as BMI inforamation, and information on biking, swimming, lifting, plyometrics, etc., get this book. This book is better than almost all the other fitness books I have seen in that it is almost 100% science, and 0 % hype. Don't let the "SEAL" thing scare you off, either: this book is for everyone.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The U.S. Navy SEAL Guide to Fitness and Nutrition

Developed for Navy SEAL trainees to help them meet the rigorous demands of the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) community, this comprehensive guide covers all the basics of physical well being as well as advice for the specific challenges encountered in extreme conditions and mission-related activities. Topics covered include calculating energy expenditure; definitions, functions, and daily allowances of carbohydrates, fats, and protein; nutritional considerations for endurance and strength training activities; active recovery from injury; cardio-respiratory conditioning; appropriate gear for running and swimming for fitness; exercising in extreme and adverse weather; and more. Compiled by physicians and physiologists chosen for their knowledge of the NSW and SEAL community, this manual is a unique resource for anyone wanting to improve his or her health, strength, and endurance.

Click here for more information about The U.S. Navy SEAL Guide to Fitness and Nutrition

Read More...

Tommy- The Saving of a U.S. Navy SEAL Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This ia great book to read. Once I pick up the book, I can not put it down until I finished it. I would recommend this book to everyone. It show no matter what situation you are born, GOD has a purpose for your life.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Tommy- The Saving of a U.S. Navy SEAL

In "Tommy-The Saving of a U.S. Navy SEAL" the reader will be drawn into the human drama from the very beginning. When eight-year-old Tommy's lifeless body sinks to the pitch-dark bottom of his watery grave, an amazing paradox is set in motion. Join first-time author, Tom Bracken, on the adventure of a lifetime. A true story told with humor and acumen by the one who lived it. Discover the role that water played in the saving of Tommy, a U.S. Navy SEAL.

Get 22% OFF

Click here for more information about Tommy- The Saving of a U.S. Navy SEAL

Read More...