Poopie Suits & Cowboy Boots: Tales of a Submarine Officer During the Height of the Cold War, now in its fifth edition since 2017, has earned a popular place in modern submarine literature for its engaging style and pacing. Set in the throes of the Cold War during the Nixon administration, the story follows the journey of Frank Hood through training and eventual deployment as a junior officer aboard a fast-attack submarine (USS Seahorse [SSN-669]) based out of Charleston, South Carolina. 

Thousands of copies have been sold and read, and the reviews have been very positive overall. The main gripes about earlier versions regarded some of the errors in recall of some of the details of submarine operation. We have taken steps to address these legitimate complaints and proudly announce this new version. This fifth and final edition has been extensively updated and expanded. 

Based in large part on feedback from more than a hundred submarine veterans, certain technical explanations have been corrected in some areas (e.g., electrical and propulsion systems) and expanded in others (e.g., layout of the control room, battery operation). A number of small historical corrections have been made in the discussions about prototype training and nuclear reactors, and the entire discussion of how a submarine generates nuclear power has been rewritten with improved clarity. Also, both the glossary of submarine terms and the photographic gallery have been significantly expanded by more than 25 percent. 

The new photos include a brand-new original schematic diagram of the control room of the Seahorse to aid in comprehension of the expanded submarine “walk-through” in chapter eight. Elsewhere, small errors related to years or hull numbers have been corrected, and additional small historical details have been added in many places to enhance the reading experience. A new interlude story (“Nautical Rules of the Road”) has replaced the former entry about the collision of the USS Tullibee; that story now appears in our book More Sub Tales. 

The final product is our best effort yet in telling Frank’s compelling coming-of-age story during the contentious 1960s. While biographical in form, Frank’s story serves as a scaffolding of sorts to allow detailed side explorations of the basics of US submarine history; fundamental submarine systems such as sonar, propulsion, diving, weapons, and periscope functions; the intense training and repetition required to gain qualification in submarines; and the colorful traditions of the US Navy. 

The book is replete with dozens of funny stories as well. It’s an enjoyable story that not only informs the reader of all things submarine-related, but also includes a number of cultural references that made life during that turbulent period both difficult and memorable.

We have striven to write this book in a way that appeals to both the career navy man/woman and the interested civilian. You will learn a lot about the Silent Service, and our hope is that you also come away with a great deal of respect for the men and missions that continue to this day with no fanfare and little public awareness.