Submarines

On a bit of a submarine kick since running into the Civil War/Jules Verne link.

(Previous entries here and here). Here is a collection of training manuals for the standard Fleet Submarine of 1940's vintage. These are Diesel/Electric boats. Amazing resource -- imagine being in one of these while you are under attack, the lights go out and you still know where each control is and what it does. The level of training is amazing.

I have had the pleasure of touring a few WW-II vintage boats, taking tourist sub rides and working with two small research submarines while in college -- I have the highest regard for the people who drive these boats. At my last job, we hired a consultant for a specific project. He was a retired Nuclear Submarine Captain and one of the smartest people I have ever met. One of the quietest too but when he wanted something, it got done. One of the reasons he was hired... (one of the parties outside the company was 'difficult')